Best Running Shoes with Maximum Cushioning – Shoe Guide Spring 2025

Do your legs want softness with every step? Maybe you train longer than the average runner, run with a heavier load, or just want to feel like you’re floating off the ground? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this selection, you will find running shoes that combine maximum cushioning with exceptional comfort – ideal for those who want to protect their joints, enjoy long workouts, and get the most out of running. Check out what the manufacturers have in store for you!

Who is it for?

These are the absolute top cushioning models in the world of everyday running shoes. They include only the flagship models of each brand, specifically designed to provide maximum comfort and protection. These are especially recommended for runners who:

• have a high body weight, which can be up to 100 kilograms
• run the longest distances, with distances over 20 kilometers being standard for them
• look for shoes that are perfect for running on hard surfaces
• are looking for maximum comfort and softness underfoot.

Technical data comparison

Running Shoe Models Overview

adidas Ultraboost 5x

The Ultraboost 5X, the softest running shoe from adidas, has been completely redesigned compared to its predecessor. The main redesign is to the sole, which still uses the lightweight Boost Light foam. However, the amount of foam has been increased, resulting in a significantly higher level of softness, especially under the forefoot. In addition, the foam offers decent resiliency and responsiveness. Another benefit is the sock-like woven Primeknit upper that conforms to the foot for a perfect wrap.

• Stack height: 39/29 mm
• Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 275 g men’s, 237 g women’s
• Regular price: 180 EUR

Asics Gel-Nimbus 27

The most cushioned and safest Asics running shoe. In 2025, it gained another 2 millimeters of foam, which further improves its very high level of cushioning. It is a shoe with a lot of FF Blast+ ECO foam, a PureGEL element under the heel and a very high level of softness under the foot. It is still a strong candidate for the title of “most comfortable shoe ever”. In addition, the construction is not very “clumsy”, it retains some flexibility, but don’t be fooled into thinking that this is a dynamic running shoe. It is a tool for easy and dignified running.

• Stack height: 43,5/35,5 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 305 g men’s, 265 g women’s
• Regular price: 200 EUR

Brooks Glycerin 21

For years, the Glycerin has been the most cushioned shoe in the Brooks lineup. Its midsole is made of DNA Loft v3 foam, a nitrogen-doped foam. This gas is responsible for the foam’s characteristic spongy structure and very high softness. A slightly lower midsole than the competition, a wide base and a stiffened heel counter make this one of the more stable “hovercrafts” on the market. The classic technical mesh upper is filled with a lot of foam and softness, making it very comfortable and roomy. This model is for people who are looking for something very soft and classic at the same time.

• Stack height: 34/24 mm
• Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 278g men’s, 249 g women’s
• Regular price: 180 EUR

Brooks Glycerin Max

If the classic Brooks Glycerin isn’t enough for you, it’s time for the Glycerin Max! This model takes comfort to a new level – a higher midsole and innovative dual-density foam construction make it softer than any Brooks model before it. In addition, the rounded profile under the front of the shoe makes it a typical “hovercraft,” but faster runs are quite comfortable in it. Not only does it provide excellent cushioning, but it also has a dynamic rebound that is rare in such a highly cushioned shoe.

• Stack height: 45/39 mm
• Drop: 6 mm
• Weight: 298g men’s, 270 g women’s
• Regular price: 200 EUR

Diadora Atomo Star

A limousine made in Italy. The only shoe in the set made in Europe, in Italy. Completely changed from its predecessor V7000. The most striking feature is the very large and very soft ANIMA N2 foam platform. Not only does it provide maximum cushioning, but it also offers a lot of softness underfoot. Even fans of “hovercrafts” will be surprised. It also offers decent stability, although with this softness you can feel a slight “floating” effect from side to side. The Atomo Star is an underrated but valuable player in this segment of running shoes.

• Stack height: 40/34 mm
• Drop: 6mm men’s, 5 mm women’s
• Weight: 275 g men’s, 215 g women’s
• Regular price: 190 EUR

Hoka Bondi 9

Hoka Bondi could not be left out. It is the softest everyday running shoe from a brand that is synonymous with maximalism. A shoe with lots of foam underfoot for cushioning and safety. In addition, the sole has a slightly rockered shape for easy rolling from heel to toe. There is also a model where the foot “falls” a little into the midsole, thanks to which the sole keeps the foot firmly in place. Finally, there is a shoe with a 4mm drop, which is the difference between the stack (the height of the heel and metatarsus) and the toe. This means that the foot is positioned more naturally in the shoe and there is more cushioning under the forefoot.

• Stack height: 43/38 mm
• Drop: 4 mm
• Weight: 306 g men’s, 252 g women’s
• Regular price: 180 EUR

Mizuno Wave Sky 8

The largest “Hummer” in Mizuno’s lineup, designated by the “Wave” symbol, does not include a traditional plate in its construction, but relies on two layers of soft foams – Mizuno Enerzy NXT and Mizuno Enerzy – stacked on top of each other in a wave pattern. This arrangement has been slightly modified. The new edition also features a higher midsole, which is 41mm at the heel and 33mm at the forefoot for exceptionally soft and comfortable cushioning. In addition, the upper is more flexible, softer and more comfortable than the previous version.

• Stack height: 42/34 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 275 g men’s, 230 g women’s
• Regular price: 190 EUR

New Balance More v15

The king of cushioning in the world of New Balance! It has a record amount of FreshFoamX foam in the midsole for the highest level of cushioning. The ideal companion for easy runs on hard surfaces, pavement and gravel. Designed for maximalist runners and runners weighing over 100kg. It is not the lightest, but in the “hovercraft” category, comfort is the most important thing and this model offers it in abundance!

• Stack height: 44/40 mm
• Drop: 4 mm
• Weight: 313 g men’s, 244 g women’s
• Regular price: 170 EUR

New Balance 1080 v14

The second of the maximum cushioned New Balance running shoes. Made from the brand’s exceptionally soft foam, Fresh Foam X. This is an extremely soft material that offers a perfect balance between responsiveness and softness, while providing effective shock absorption. Despite the significant amount of cushioning, the construction of the shoe makes it very stable and secure. An additional advantage is the extremely soft upper material, which offers pleasant wrapping and comfort at the highest level. An excellent shoe for those who value comfort and safety in everyday running.

• Stack height: 38/32 mm
• Drop: 6 mm
• Weight: 298 g men’s, 236 g women’s
• Regular price: 190 EUR

Nike Invincible 3

Definitely Nike’s softest running shoe. Many runners consider this to be the softest running shoe on the market. The midsole is made out of the softest yet springy ZoomX foam, which gives a very soft, almost sinking feeling underfoot and a bit of springiness. The only downside is the stability, which is not great here and the shoe tends to “float” sideways a bit. There is also plenty of room for the toes, although this is not a shoe for people with wide feet, as the area around the laces and heel is quite narrow and can hold the foot.

• Stack heighty: 40/31 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 310 g men’s, 258 g women’s
• Regular price: 190 EUR

On Cloudmonster 2

As the name suggests, it is a shoe with monstrous cushioning and one of two models (along with the Cloudeclipse) from the Swiss brand in the highly cushioned running shoe category. It is very flexible and soft. This is thanks to the specially arranged holes in the midsole and the very soft foam itself, which together make it pleasantly smooth from the very first steps. It also has an original look, attention to detail and a lot of space inside. If you are looking for a shoe with a lot of space inside, you will appreciate this “monstrous” interior.

• Stack height: 35/29 mm
• Drop: 6 mm
• Weight: 295 g men’s, 230 g women’s
• Regular price: 190 EUR

Puma Magmax Nitro

The Magmax Nitro is Puma’s most advanced running shoe in terms of cushioning. Made with innovative Nitrofoam enriched with nitrogen, it offers exceptional responsiveness and dynamics rarely found in shoes with such impressive cushioning. This model features a massive construction – the midsole is 46 millimeters thick at the heel, making it the tallest shoe in this comparison. This construction provides exceptional comfort and protection while running. The Magmax Nitro is the perfect choice for fans of maximalism in both cushioning and style.

• Stack height: 46/38 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 290 g men’s, 230 g women’s
• Regular price: 190 EUR

Saucony Triumph 22

If you are looking for running shoes with maximum cushioning, the Saucony Triumph is the right choice. It is characterized by a combination of high cushioning and not too bad dynamics. This is thanks to both the responsive foam and the lightweight profile. The result is a shoe that cushions the rear part of the foot while offering a considerable amount of dynamics in the front part. This is a model of running shoe that can be particularly enjoyable for lighter runners who are looking for shoes that not only provide maximum cushioning, but also allow them to maintain a fast pace without “slowing down” their movement.

• Stack height: 37/27 mm
• Drop: 10 mm
• Weight: 286 g men’s, 250 g women’s
• Regular price: 190 EUR

Salomon Aero Glide 3

The Salomon brand, known mainly for trail running equipment, has recently started offering running shoes for urban running. The Aero Glide 3 is the most cushioned of these, based on a large amount of EnergyFOAM EVO foam. This makes it exceptionally cushioned, while still maintaining a certain dynamic. It also has a seamless upper construction and a soft tongue combined with sensiFIT technology. It’s worth trying on and evaluating for yourself!

• Stack height: 40/32 mm
• Drop: 8 mm
• Weight: 245 g men’s, 205 g women’s
• Regular price: 160 EUR