7 Best Comfortable Running Shoes in 2024

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
7 Best Comfortable Running Shoes in 2024
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When it comes to running shoes, comfort is king. Whether you’re a high mileage, daily runner, or weekend warrior, we all want that running shoe that delivers great comfort while running.

Whatever your running preferences or racing requirements, there are hundreds of “comfortable” models out there from various brands. Choosing the right one can be confusing and time-consuming.

To guide you in your search for the most comfortable running shoes, we’ve handpicked the models that deliver that “aahhh, this-is-it” sensation during our hands-on (or should we say feet-on) testing. We ranked each pair of shoes we recommend on this list on overall value, road or trail performance, budget-friendliness, and the most popular options.

Of course, these top picks also earned high scores based on our rigorous testing in three areas such as overall fit, cushioning, and, yes, comfort.

How we test running shoes

With years of running under our belts and numerous hours of testing thousands of running shoes, we can definitely say that we know a lot about comfortable running shoes. In this list, we’ve highlighted the models based on the following selection process:

  • We buy all the shoes with our own money to avoid bias and brand loyalty.
  • We cut each shoe into pieces in our lab. We weigh and measure 30+ parameters of its essential parts, from cushioning, breathability, stability, and many more.
  • We log at least 30 to 40 miles of running on each pair in various training and racing conditions.

Best comfortable running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • More cushioning
  • Built-like-a-tank outsole
  • Spacious toebox
  • Ideal for long runs
  • Lighter than predecessor
  • Comfortable fit
  • Great stability
  • Supercritical midsole

Cons

  • Slightly warm
  • Minor price hike
  • Rigid heel counter
Full review of Brooks Glycerin 21

Best daily training running shoes for comfort

ASICS Novablast 4
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

Our lab and field tests agree - Novablast 4 belongs to the cream of the crop, deserving the best daily trainer title among the most comfortable running shoes. It oozes delightful comfort and enough spring to take us to any distance we want and at any pace.

Our feet are spoiled with plush foam! We feel great from short to long distances and even on slower to quicker paces with the peppy FF Blast+ ECO foam. In the lab, we pressed into its cushion using a durometer and it emerged 28.7% softer than average. Not only is it soft, but rises to an above-average stack height of 39.2/30.2 mm! Our feet are protected no matter where we land.

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

Novablast 4 feels surprisingly light at 9.1 oz (259g), even if it didn’t look that way. On average, daily trainers weigh 9.8 oz (279g). Adding to the fluid feeling is the unresisting midsole, which our bend test confirms to be 13.5% more flexible than average.

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

Pros

  • Enhanced outsole offering better grip and durability
  • Improved upper comfort with premium materials
  • Upgraded tongue padding
  • Exceptional value at just $140
  • More cushion than ever before
  • Accommodates a wide range of foot sizes
  • The most stable Novablast yet
  • Retains most of its fun and energetic ride

Cons

  • Not the best for hot summer runs
  • Outsole still lacks grip in wet conditions
  • Minor weight increase compared to v3
Full review of ASICS Novablast 4

Best comfortable running shoes for race

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Durable upper and outsole
  • Spacious upper fit
  • Enhanced midsole comfort
  • Great value at $225 for a supershoe
  • Versatile across all paces
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • More stable than ever

Cons

  • Slightly heavier than v3
  • Less suited for forefoot strikers
  • Competitors may feel quicker
Full review of Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

Best comfortable stability running shoes

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Excellent stability
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Good breathability
  • Comfortable and roomy upper
  • Great for easy paces
  • Maximalist cushioning
  • A bit lighter than v30
  • Plush FF Blast+ foam

Cons

  • Big and clunky
  • Not versatile at all
  • Outsole needs improvements
Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 31

Best comfortable running shoes for wide feet

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Premium cozy upper
  • Bouncy, propulsive midsole
  • Excels at easy or moderate long runs
  • Roomy toebox
  • Solid durability
  • Great for heel strikers
  • Tons of cushioning
  • Fairly priced for its features

Cons

  • A bit clunky
  • Lacks breathability
  • Increased stiffness
Full review of Saucony Triumph 22

Best comfortable trail running shoes

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Enhanced durability
  • Exceptional plush cushioning
  • Ideal for winter runs
  • Ultra distance-ready
  • Surprisingly stable
  • Reliable grip
  • Spacious upper

Cons

  • Reduced breathability
  • Increased weight
  • Slight price increase
Full review of ASICS Trabuco Max 3

Best budget comfortable running shoes

Saucony Axon 3
86
Good!

What makes it the best?

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.

Pros

  • Incredible value at only $100
  • Significant weight reduction from version 2
  • Impressively cushioned with PWRRUN foam
  • Fantastic durability
  • Suitable for quicker paces
  • Excellent as a daily workhorse
  • Lovely upper
  • Works for short and long runs

Cons

  • Probably too stiff for very relaxed runs
  • Slightly narrower forefoot than before
Full review of Saucony Axon 3

What makes a running shoe comfortable 

In most cases, running shoes are considered comfortable when they have: 

  1. Soft cushioning
  2. A lot of cushioning, basically no ground feel 
  3. A lot of padding (tongue, heel)
  4. Toebox that does not cramp the toes 

We will cover each of these features below. 

Soft shoes = comfy shoes 

The softness of running shoes is measured with a durometer. We cut the shoes in half and stick the durometer needle into the foam. Lower numbers on the durometer mean it’s a softer foam, while the larger number mean it’s a firmer foam. 

softness-midsole-durometer-shore-a.jpg
Measuring the softness of the midsole with a shore A durometer

For comfortable running shoes, we recommend midsoles that scored 25 on Shore A durometer or less. 

Soft foam and firm foam on the curb test

However, the experienced level of softness can be changed to a certain degree with a thick, soft insole. 

Measuring the thickness of the insole

So, if you’re not satisfied with the softness level of your shoe, you can try swapping the insole. Or simply look for softer shoes immediately by looking at our lab data before buying the shoe. 

As we can see from the table above, the best-rated comfy shoes are very soft and have very thick insoles. The trouble here is that some shoes can be very soft but not that responsive. The faster you run, the more responsive you want your shoes to be. If this is the case, we highly recommend reading our Guide on running shoe foams, where we go into the smallest details on foam types, features, pros, and cons. 

Feel the foam, not the ground 

The foam can be soft but if there’s only a few millimeters of it, you will feel the ground, every little pebble or debris, and this can cause premature fatigue. This is why we recommend at least 30mm at the heel for a comfortable experience in running shoes

forefoot-heel-height-measurement.jpg
Forefoot and heel stack height measurements on a shoe cut in half

In our shoe lab, we cut the shoes in half to be able to accurately measure the stack heights. This cutting-in-half process allows us to honor the guidelines from WorldAthletics. Fortunately, most of the shoes on the market do have more than 30mm at the heel. 

We can’t talk about stack heights without mentioning the heel to toe drop. Heel drop is the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot. Beginners and most runners are OK with a 8-12mm drop.

However, it’s important to understand that lower heel drop and zero drop utilize the foot muscles, Achilles, and calves more than the high drop, which focuses on the thighs and hip muscles. This is especially important if you have a certain muscle weakness or injury; different heel drops could aggravate it. If you’re new to this topic, please take a look at our Ultimate guide on heel-to-toe drop

Padding in comfortable running shoes

We don’t enjoy the softness underfoot only, but all around. And that means many runners prefer having a padded tongue, padded heel, maybe even a knit upper. 

Measuring the thickness of the tongue in RunRepeat lab

The thicker the tongue, the lower the possibility of a lace bite. Lace bite happens when you tighten the laces but the tongue is too thin so you feel all the pressure on your instep. 

thin-vs-thick-tongue-thickness-running-shoes.jpg
Very thin (left) vs a very padded tongue (right)

The downside of having a very thick tongue is that your sock could accumulate sweat underneath it. 

thin-vs-thick-heel-counter.jpg
Thin, pliable heel (left) vs. a stiff and padded one with an internal plastic heel counter (right)

Most often, race shoes have minimal or no padding because they are trying to shed any excess weight. In daily trainers and especially in stability shoes we see a lot of padding and layers that enhance comfort. When it comes to the heel, their purpose is also to stabilize the heel. 

knit-vs-mesh-microscope-view.jpg
Knit and mesh upper under the microscope

While not padding per se, the knit upper feels padded and is much softer than the mesh upper. This is something to take into consideration if your feet are very sensitive to chafing. However, knit upper breathes less and takes more time to dry out. 

Goodbye, cramped toes! 

When toes are cramped, comfort is thrown out of the window. There are many toes and toeboxes in different shapes, and it’s important to find the perfect match. 

toebox-shapes-running-shoes.jpg

When we measure the width of the toebox, we focus on 2 areas: where the toebox is the widest and at the big toe. Some runners need one of those measurements to be very wide, others need both. 

Digital caliper measurements: width of the toebox where it's the widest and at the big toe
tapered-and-not-tapered-toebox.jpg
Here’s an example of a foot-shaped toebox (left) and a more common pointy toebox (right)

Comfy in winter?! 

Just because shoes are soft at room temperature does not mean they will stay as soft (comfortable) in winter. To test this, we put shoes in the freezer and then measure again their softness and flexibility. 

shoe-in-the-freezer-runrepeat.jpg
Freezing the shoe in RunRepeat lab

The smaller the % change in these 2 measurements, at the room temp and after spending time in the freezer, the better the experience: shoes won’t firm up and stiffen up a lot. 

Author
Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic
Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.