7 Best Comfortable Running Shoes in 2025

We crowned Brooks Glycerin 22 as the top comfortable running shoe because literally, it’s the most cushioned Glycerin we’ve set our foot on. We sank into its delightful midsole that feels protective and supportive for any distance or footstrike. As the cherry on top, its upper is delightfully breathable while its outsole received our lab's seal of approval for longevity.

We felt relaxed running in this pair as we measured a substantial 38.5/28.2 mm stack, providing excellent impact protection. The midsole features a soft 17.3 HA layer mostly in the forefoot for comfort, and a firmer 24.4 HA layer in the midfoot and heel for stability. We ran without counting the miles because of the shoe's unparalleled comfort and support.

The breathable and plush upper was truly a breath of fresh air. Our smoke test confirms it’s one of the most breathable trainers we tested when it earned the perfect 5/5 score.

While the cushioning ensures comfort for miles, the outsole ensures it can survive several training blocks. With an above-average 84.0 HC durometer measurement and minimal damage against our Dremel (0.5 mm vs. 1.0 mm average), it erased any concerns we had with durability.

However, those who equate comfort with a natural ride may be disappointed with Glycerin 22’s noticeably stiffer build than previous versions. Those who prefer highly flexible shoes should try other options.

Our lab and field tests agree: Novablast 5 belongs to the cream of the crop, deserving the best daily trainer title among the most comfortable running shoes. Its light feel and generous cushioning are so delightful with a springy sensation to take us to any pace and distance we want.

Our feet are spoiled with uber-plush foam! We feel great from short to long distances and on slower to quicker paces with the peppy midsole. In the lab, we pressed our durometer into its cushion and it emerged 38.4% softer than average. Not only is it plush, but rises to an above-average stack height of 40.9/33.5 mm! Our feet felt protected no matter where we landed.

Despite its monstrous build, it gives us a sense of sure-footedness since the height is offset by a vast 122.3/97.6 mm platform. Its wide, and therefore stable, midsole keeps our feet from toppling over while having a bouncy run.

Novablast 5 feels surprisingly light at 9.0 oz (254g), even if it didn’t look that way. On average, daily trainers weigh 9.7 oz (274g). Adding to the fluid feeling is the unresisting midsole, which our bend test confirms to be 32.2% more flexible than average.

What didn’t feel so airy was the mesh upper. With a subpar breathability score of 3/5, it lacks the maximum ventilation needed for hot and humid summer runs.

The ASICS Megablast gave us the extra edge to power through our fastest and farthest runs without sacrificing comfort and agility. It’s amazing how exceptionally smooth yet electrifying the ride was in its lightweight package, making it our ultimate comfortable racer in the lab.

Every time we put our foot down, the midsole would return vibrant energy immediately. This kept our momentum strong and encouraged a higher cadence—all leading to a faster pace with less effort. Its unmatched responsiveness translated into high energy return scores of 73.0% in the heel and 73.8% in the forefoot.

It was delightful to run with a lighter shoe at only 7.8 oz (218g) vs. the 9.3 oz (265g) average. We’re amazed at how it kept its weight to a minimum despite the maximum cushioning. 

Rising to a jaw-dropping 45.1/35.2 mm, Megablast is packed with leg-saving comfort. It has a shock-absorbing capacity that blew us away, returning 160 SA in the rear and 144 SA in the front. Any harshness of the ground is completely erased underfoot.

With its 9.9 mm drop, Megablast’s transitions will feel more seamless for rear strikers. Mid-to-forefoot runners should look for mid-drop racers to suit their running style.

The ASICS Gel Kayano 32 exceeds the traditional stability shoe by proving that comfort and stability can blend. Our runs remain relaxed because the shoe takes care of adaptive support, superb impact protection, and unwavering traction. Even our lab results validate the surefootedness we experienced.

This model features the highly innovative 4D Guidance System—a soft foam positioned under the heel for custom support, adjusting as we use the shoe further. What also ensures each stride remains stable is the vast landing base, which our caliper confirms is a wide 119.8/97.2 mm. That’s 5.5/6.5 mm above average!

It’s amazing how we felt in control even on wet streets. In our traction test, the ASICSGRIP rubber returned one of the highest ratings we’ve seen: at 0.84, it’s 82.6% gripper than average!

Topping off the ultimate comfortable experience is the plush FF Blast+ ECO foam. With an impressive 39.9 mm heel height and the PureGEL inside it, each landing feels pillowy without any trace of impact. Our shock absorption confirms its cozy sensation with a high rating of 133 SA.

Despite its luxurious comfort and effective support features, the Gel Kayano 32 is on the heavier side at 10.4 oz (295g), which may not suit those seeking a lightweight option.

Topo finally steps into the max-cushioned category, and in our experience, the Atmos is a strong first effort. We found it delivers a stable, well-balanced ride with the brand’s signature anatomical toebox and moderate drop—perfect for midfoot and forefoot strikers. However, its energy return lags behind top-tier competitors, and the outsole design raises some durability concerns. That said, we think this is a promising start for Topo in the high-stack daily trainer space, with room for refinement.

The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 took our runs to new heights, literally with its generous cushioning and figuratively with its unmatched comfort. It offers freedom of movement in a lightweight package, which all leads to lasting comfort. Its leg-saving foam stood out in our lab assessments, making it our comfortable running shoe with the best shock absorption.

As soon as we put on the shoes, we knew they prioritized taking care of our legs and helping them recover. Neo Vista 2 is packed with abundant cushioning, skyrocketing to a stack height of 46.0/37.5 mm, the forefoot alone being taller than the average 34.8 mm heel stack in our lab. 

Testing for shock absorption, the heel returned 170 SA and the forefoot 137 SA. Comparing these figures to the average, Neo Vista 2 reduces the impact of road running by 31.8% and 29.2%, respectively. The effect is felt with every step, multiplied by how many strides we take during our runs—it really makes a huge difference!

Despite its thick stack, it keeps the ride smooth and easy. It weighs only 9.3 oz (264g) and maintains a flexibility rating 11.2% above average in our bend test. These elements create a soothing experience that boosts comfort for long hours of wear.

However, its ultra-soft midsole lacks support for those with pronation issues. Runners seeking stability won’t find that here.

The Adidas Ultraboost 5X delivers the revamp this series needed, combining weight reduction, a premium-knit upper, and unmatched durability. In our lab tests, we found it retains its iconic DNA while addressing past flaws, making it more runner-focused while remaining great as a casual sneaker.