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If you’re a regular runner, chances are you’ve noticed that cushioned running shoes have been making strides — and for good reason. While speed-oriented racers may gravitate toward lighter, more minimalist shoes, high-cushion models cater to runners craving a smooth and forgiving ride.
With extra thick midsoles designed to absorb impact, these running shoes offer a soft buffer between you and the pavement. The result? A comfortable and supportive experience that reduces strain on your body, making them ideal for longer, slower runs or recovery days when you want to go easy on your joints.
Ready to take your cushioning to the max? Here are our favourite pairs at a glance, or keep scrolling for our full reviews.
What to look for in a cushioned running shoe
How we test
The best cushioned running shoes were selected by e-commerce editor and chief gear tester Ali Ball, based on her personal expertise and feedback from the wider RW editorial team and wear tests. These shoes earned high praise from us for their excellent padding and strong running performance wherever we wore them, be it road or trail, workouts or races, marathons or short tempo runs.
Why trust us?
Runner’s World UK has been vetting and reviewing running gear and tech since 1983. Our essential recommendations are selected based on data and insights gathered by our editors and wider testing team, who put the latest and greatest running shoes and gear through their paces day in and day out. Every shoe we test meets the same criteria before it ends up in one of our reviews and nobody else contributes to our decision-making process, especially not the brands we’ve picked.
The best max-cushioned shoes in 2025
Pros
- Soft yet firm ride
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- Durable
Cons
- You're after plush-level cushioning
| Weight | 230g (W), 280g (M) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 30mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm |
| Cushioning | Max |
> Read our full On Cloudmonster review
Arguably one of our favourite shoes that Swiss brand On Running has released, the Cloudmonster is one of the brand’s most max-cushioned running shoe that offers serious bounce on both long runs and harder sessions.
With a 30mm heel height, they’re not quite as chunky as the Hoka Bondi 8 (below), but they’re a hell of a lot lighter – and firmer, meaning they offer pretty great energy return. The firmness comes from the Speedboard – a plastic plate that acts as a stabilising element to the larger midsole and also helps produce a solid platform for push-off, giving the shoe a reassuring sense of propulsion. In fact, they're an ideal beginner's running shoe if you're looking for comfort combined with responsiveness, that offers versatility across almost every kind of run.
The Cloudmonster 2 launched early this year but we had a few gripes with the fit. That's why we continue to rate the original version over the latest model. Plus, it's £10 cheaper.
Pros
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- Stable ride
- More secure, breathable upper than previous model
- Comfortable over long distances
Cons
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| Weight | 310g (M), 258g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 40mm (heel), 31mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 9mm |
| Cushioning | Plush |
> Read our full Nike Invincible 3 review
The Invincible 3 is Nike’s most cushioned road running shoe and features Nike ZoomX cushioning and higher foam heights (37mm heel stack). Compared with other highly cushioned shoes, though, which can feel very soft and comfy but lack energy return, there is an abundance of responsiveness that offers runners a feeling of 'pop' when running in the shoe.
These shoes really are at best when used for easy running all the way up to some tempo work. They’d be ideal for marathons too (and beyond), if your aim is to finish rather than race for the line with your heart jumping out of your chest.
Pros
- Oversized heel absorbs impact
- Supple midsole
- Pillowy soft ride for recovery runs
Cons
- Heavy
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| Weight | 252g |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39mm (heel), 35mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 4mm |
| Cushioning | Plush |
These marshmallow-like plush running shoes are the epitome of the maximalist trend – and ideal for easy runs and recovery sessions.
With a heel stack of 39mm, the Bondi 8 is a heavily stacked shoe. But it has an upturned shape that helps to take the edge off each touch-down — helpful when you’re plodding along with heavier legs than usual. At the same time, Hoka switched to a lighter, softer cushion than it used in the Bondi 7, further enhancing the plushness of an already luxurious shoe.
There is a tradeoff here: at 307g for a men's and 252g for a women's, the Bondi 8 is a heavy shoe. The height and heft won’t go unnoticed, but that’s okay on a recovery run.
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New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5
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- Bouncy ride
- Very stable
- Plenty of room in the toe box
Cons
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- Heavy
| Weight | 310g (UK 8.5) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 44mm (heel), 40mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 4mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
> Read our full New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5 review
With a total stack height of 44mm/40mm, the More v5 is up there with some of the chunkiest running shoes on the market. The midsole foam has changed slightly from the v4 to the v5, upgrading from standard Fresh Foam to Fresh Foam X — the same used in the 1080 v13. This creates a step-in that feels very soft, bordering on plush, and delivers plenty of bounce on the move.
However, bouncy doesn't necessarily translate to responsive. Don't expect much versatility from the More v5 — this chunky boy is very much made for recovery pace and not much else. Our tester found the shoe worked best for distances up to 16 kilometres/10 miles, ran at an easy pace. That said, taller or bigger runners may get more out of that big stack of foam than some lighter runners may, as the foam compresses more and in-turn you'll get more energy return from it. It's not loads, but it certainly helps alter the overall ride feel of the shoe.
Stability is also excellent for such a max-cushioned shoe. That huge slab of foam is supported by a very wide base, while the subtle rocker geometry contributes to a smooth ride. You've also got a soft, borderline plush upper, which holds the foot in place well, despite the lack of overlays.
If you're looking for a truly max-cushioned, plush, can't-feel-the-ground trainer for short to moderate plods, you're going to love the the More v5. If you're after your next do-it-all daily trainer, however, consider a different option.
Pros
- More versatile than v25
- Plenty of cushioning underfoot
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Cons
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| Weight | 305g (M), 262g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 42mm (heel), 34mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Cushioning | Soft yet firm |
> Read our full Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 review
The Gel-Nimbus is one of Asics’ bestselling and longest-standing shoes, and the staple, cushioned, daily trainer of choice for many.
The latest iteration launched in January 2024 and the update is a lot more paired back than the last. There's a new engineered knit upper and tweaked lacing system for an improved lockdown, but the knitted, gusseted tongue remains the same, and that heel collar is just as plush and padded as before.
The midsole has been revamped slightly from the v25, with the FF Blast Plus cushioning upgraded to a new Eco formula. The result is a slightly firmer ride than the plushness of the previous iteration, which gives the Gel-Nimbus a newfound versatility for some tempo work.
That being said, there's still plenty of cushioning underfoot. This, combined with a more comfortable upper, improved lockdown and better grip on wet and slippy roads, makes the Gel-Nimbus 26 a quality daily trainer that will appeal to beginners and experienced runners alike.
Pros
- Good looking
- Fantastic lockdown
- Soft underfoot
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Cons
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- Plush cushioning can run hot
| Weight | 302g (M), 279g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 38mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Type | Stability |
> Read our full Saucony Hurricane 24 review
Saucony's max-cushioned stability shoe returned from its hiatus this year — with a big transformation that impressed our editors. It features a new dual density midsole foam, combining the brand's soft and bouncy PWRUN PB underfoot with the firmer and more responsive PRWRUN below that. The result is plush, fairly responsive cushioning that feels soft underfoot without being too squishy. While it isn't the most aggressive shoe in terms of responsiveness, it still provides a decent amount of energy return, making it versatile enough for easy recovery days to moderate tempo runs. It's not responsive enough for speedier efforts, however, and there's no getting away from the fact that it's a pretty heavy shoe. That said, this seems to be a reasonable trade-off for the stability and cushioning provided.
On that, stability now comes in the form of Saucony’s CenterPath Technology, which ditches traditional medial posts in favour of less obtrusive guidance. That includes a broader platform, higher sidewalls, an asymmetric profile and a rocker shape that guides the stride from impact to toe-off. It's subtle but effective.
All in all, Saucony has managed to create a max-cushioned shoe that offers robust stability without any of the bulk or rigidity that typically comes with it.
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Pros
- Plenty of cushioning
- Soft but firm for a responsive ride
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- Versatile
- Grippy outsole
Cons
- Heavy
| Weight | 303g (UK 8.5) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 46mm (heel)/38mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Type | Max-cushioned/neutral/road |
> Read our full Puma MagMax Nitro review
If you thought the Fresh Foam X More was stacked, enter the PumaMagMax Nitro. A giant 46mm (!) wedge of foam rests between you and the ground, supported by one of the widest platforms going. A stretchy, fully gusseted knit tongue sits comfortable against the top of the foot, while an engineered mesh upper holds the foot securely in place, with a PWRTAPE overlay supporting the medial side. It's subtle and not at all intrusive, adding to the overall stability and support the shoe provides.
In fact, contrary to its appearance, the MagMax doesn't feel at all clunky. On the run, it feels bouncy and smooth, with lots of cushioning for tired legs, but enough firmness that you can pick up the pace if needed. In testing, we found ourselves leaning towards the MagMax for recovery runs, long runs and the odd bit of tempo. It’s not that it can’t handle faster efforts — it’s more that we prefer something lighter for the speedier stuff, and the MagMax is a pretty heavy shoe, coming it at 303g in a UK size 8.5.
For those seeking a stable, max-cushioned trainer that can tackle mileage comfortably, it's an impressive option.
Pros
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- Soft and breathable upper
- Premium feel
- Nimble
Cons
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| Weight | 290g (UK 8.5) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 38mm (heel), 30mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8mm |
> Read our full Adidas Supernova Prima review
The Prima joined Adidas' Supernova family of running shoes in June 2024 and is ‘inspired by – and built for – the most driven everyday runners’, according to the brand. Building on the foundations of the Supernova Rise daily trainer, it’s packed with more Dreamstrike+ foam than any other Adidas running shoe so far. That includes an extra 4mm of foam under the ball of the foot, amplifying the cushioning from heel to toe.
The step-in feel from the Prima is plush, the heel counter is extremely cushioned and pillowy, and the upper — a traditional engineered mesh — feels soft yet breathable. Together, these elements help to create a really dialled in and connected fit.
Transitions feel smooth and effortless, too, and it's very much one of those trainers you don't think much about once it's on your foot. Our only gripe is that the Dreamstrike+ foam is perhaps still lacking some of that energy return to give you a final boost at the end of a run. However, if you're looking for a shoe to tackle the majority of your miles – particularly easy runs or steady, longer efforts – the Adidas Supernova Prima is a strong choice.
