7 Best Comfortable Running Shoes in 2024

We crowned Brooks Glycerin 21 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, natural, and supportive for any pace and distance. As the cherry on top, its Roadtack Rubber received our lab's seal of approval for longevity. 

We felt relaxed running in this pair as we measured a substantial 37.2 mm heel stack, providing exceptional cushioning from the first mile to the last. Its DNA Loft v3 foam at 20.4 HA offers a well-balanced ride that combines bounce with stability. We ran without counting the miles because of the shoe's unparalleled comfort and support.

The extensive platform, which we measured at 117.2/100.0 mm, also stabilized our landings. It’s impressive how surefooted we felt without feeling any stiffness from the shoe. As our bend test reveals, it’s even 25.7% more flexible than average, making it versatile and comfortable for prolonged wear.

While the cushioning ensures comfort for miles, the Roadtack Rubber outsole ensures it can survive several training blocks. With an above-average 84.9 HC durometer measurement and minimal damage against our Dremel, it erased any concerns we had with durability.

However, the upper’s focus on comfort sacrificed a well-ventilated experience. Those who prioritize breathability for warm weather should explore alternatives.

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 Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 gave us the extra edge to power through our fastest and farthest runs without sacrificing comfort and stability. It’s amazing how exceptionally smooth yet electrifying the ride was, making it our ultimate comfortable racer in the lab.

Every time we put our foot down, the shoe would return vibrant energy immediately through the carbon plate’s Speedroll technology. This kept our momentum strong and encouraged a higher cadence—all leading to a faster pace with less effort. In the lab, we couldn’t resist checking with our 90° bend test and this shoe resisted with a force 137.5% greater than average, translating to unmatched responsiveness in our runs. 

It was delightful to run with a lighter shoe at only 7.8 oz (220g) vs. the 9.4 oz (265g) average. We’re amazed at how it kept its weight to a minimum despite the maximum cushioning. Rising to 38.1/28.6 mm, EP4 is packed with comfort. Slicing the shoe in half unveils the reason behind its unique ride: a top 18.5 HA soft and springy layer and a slightly firmer 22.0 HA base layer for added stability.

With its 9.5 mm drop, EP4’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 31 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 a pleasantly natural feel. Even our lab validates the surefootedness we experienced.

This model features the highly innovative 4D Guidance System GuideRails technology—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 122.1/97.6 mm. That’s 8.3/7.1 mm above average!

It’s amazing how steady the ride feels without the stiffness. The flexible midsole boosts comfort and allows us to move without restriction. True enough, it emerged 14.4% more flexible than average.

Topping off the ultimate comfortable experience is the plush FF Blast+ foam. With an impressive 39.3 mm heel height and the PureGEL inside it, each landing feels pillowy without any trace of impact. Pushing our durometer into the foam reveals it’s 26.8% softer than average, making our feet feel at home.

Despite its luxurious comfort and effective support features, the Gel Kayano 31 is on the heavier side at 10.4 oz (295g), which may not suit those seeking a lightweight option.

Those of us with wide feet found our ultimate comfort shoe: the Saucony Triumph 22. Miles of running and hours of lab tests confirm its premium PWRRUN PB midsole is beyond compare, seamlessly blending a responsive, protective, yet surefooted ride. Both the accommodating fit and plush cushioning feel very forgiving on foot.

Given its roomy toebox and stretchy upper, our feet had extra room to breathe. Our toes could splay freely upon landing, with a wide 102.3 mm toebox and a spacious 79.8 mm big toe area. On top of this, we measured the platform to be a wide 120.1/98.2 mm, generating smooth and confident landings vs. the 113.8/90.5 mm average. These subtle features contribute to our stability without being too pronounced.

At its core, we unveiled a divine cushion that’s both springy and plush to the touch. Our durometer confirms it’s 14.2% softer than average, keeping our muscles well-protected against impact. Adding to its comfort is the thick foam that separates our feet from the ground, measuring a massive 38.6/28.9 mm.

However, its comfort shines in cool weather. With a subpar breathability rating of 3/5, we cannot recommend this shoe to runners in warmer climates.

We found our ultimate comfortable shoe for the trails in the form of ASICS Trabuco Max 3. It delivers exceptional cushioning and unmatched comfort in our runs without compromising stability. Our lab results confirm the plush FF Blast+ foam is a high-mileage enthusiast’s dream, with subtle support features as the cherry on top.

Max 3’s traction leaves no room for doubt as it exhibits a forceful hold on various trails we tested. It features 4.0 mm lugs that give us extra control on inclined trails. In addition, the midsole has sidewalls for subtle guidance to avoid unwanted movements and a rocker geometry to encourage smooth forward movements. We’re really impressed with this maximalist’s stability.

Moving on to its main source of comfort: the thick slab of foam absorbed much of the beating of long miles. We couldn’t ask for more plushness with its superior combination of height and softness. Our lab numbers confirm one of the highest we’ve recorded at 42.4/33.9 mm, while the foam emerged 29.3% softer than average. No matter where we land, we’re met with cushioning that erases any harshness of the ground.

Unfortunately, the jacquard mesh upper lacks ventilation for warmer seasons, receiving a low 2/5 breathability score in the lab. Those who prioritize airflow should bid Trabuco Max 3 goodbye.

Based on our runs and lab tests, Axon 3 is a versatile daily trainer that highlights comfort and durability. What seals the deal is it's a solid performer for only $100 vs. the $130 average of its counterparts. As a light, cushioned, and high-quality trainer, it's our top comfortable budget shoe.

The ride feels smooth with the thick cushion, which our durometer shows is 18.3 HA, 22.5% softer than average. It's highly comfortable for burning daily mileage. Its above-average stack dampens landing impact, especially in the forefoot which stands 3.2 mm taller than average.

Adding to the comfort is its lightness on foot. For a cushioned shoe, we’re surprised it’s only 8.6 oz (244g) vs. the 9.4 oz (266g) average of road-running shoes. This makes it easier for us to pick up the pace when we want to.

Axon 3 provides us with a long-lasting and grippy outsole. Our caliper shows its 3.9 mm Carbon Rubber is 21.9% thicker than average, while our durometer shows a slightly above-average hardness to balance grip and sturdiness. Putting it against our relentless Dremel, Axon 3 surpassed the average, showing Saucony’s efforts to ensure durability.

We found that the shoe is quite stiff, both torsionally and longitudinally, for a daily trainer. Those who prioritize flexibility should check other options.