7 Best Cushioned Running Shoes in 2024

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
7 Best Cushioned Running Shoes in 2024
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Cushioning is what makes the shoes comfortable, soft, and bouncy. Some cushioning units help you feel nice and pampered on those slow recovery days. Others encourage you to speed up, feeling like small trampolines under your feet.

With our independent shoe lab and wear tests, we have reviewed a lot of cushioned running shoes to pick out the cream of the crop.

You can find an all-around workhorse for daily runs, a springy race shoe, or a trail crusher, among others. We got our top choices from different categories.

And if you’d like to learn more expert tips on finding the best cushioned running shoe for you, we have made a guide for you to check.

How we test running shoes

We know how to tell shoes with great cushioning apart from “normal” ones. Here is our approach:

  • We, as a team of dedicated runners, test each pair for 30-50 miles on average to provide extensive feedback.
  • Inside our RunRepeat lab, we literally tear each shoe apart to measure over 30 different parameters. We even put shoes in the freezer to check how their cushioning changes in cold temperatures.
  • We purchase all running shoes with our own money to avoid brand loyalty and bias.

The best shoes get on this list.

Best cushioned running shoes overall

ASICS Novablast 4
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

Fourth time’s a charm for Novablast as it’s a versatile trainer that helps us cruise comfortably at any pace. Backed up by lab results and runs, it balances stability and a good amount of energy with an insanely plush platform — claiming its rightful place as the best cushioned running shoe. 

Sinking into the generous cushioning is pure bliss. Its FF Blast+ ECO foam has a heavenly combination of height and softness. Our caliper shows an above-average 39.2/30.2 mm stack. No matter where we land, our foot is protected from ground impact. Our durometer shows it’s 28.7% plusher than average, making it bouncy and comfortable enough for long runs.

Despite its skyscraper build, our runs feel supported and balanced. Its landing platform is wider than average — significantly in the forefoot with an extra 9.6 mm to find our footing. We also gauged its torsional rigidity at 4/5, explaining why the shoe feels stable and propulsive.

Even after miles and miles of running, the shoe looks practically new. Novablast 4 exceeds the average in our Dremel tests and shows less wear in the upper, heel, and outsole. Its results promise longevity and protection from debris. 

Since the upper highlights durability, it sacrificed breathability. We recommend using this shoe during cooler seasons to avoid sweaty feet.

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 cushioned daily training running shoes

Hoka Clifton 9
88
Great!

What makes it the best?

The Hoka Clifton 9 is a light yet cushioned shoe that’s perfect for soaking up mileage, making it our top daily trainer. Our lab confirms it’s comfortable for any pace and distance but shines the most on days we want to forget about speed.

The thick midsole feels plush and pleasantly energetic underfoot. Our caliper reveals the ProFly+ foam rises to 32.7/26.6 mm in the heel and forefoot, effectively dampening harsh landings. Our durometer reading confirms its soft sensation at 20.4 HA for maximum comfort. Its curved design paves the way for smooth heel-to-toe transitions.

Further enhancing the effortless feel is its bendable midsole, which emerged 8.2% more flexible than average per our bend test. It gives a sense of agility because of its light build. We were surprised to see its 8.9 oz (249g) is even lighter than the 9.4 oz (266g) average road-running shoe!

At the lab, we measured the outsole to be 5.4% softer than average, enhancing grip and making our landings feel gentler. During our runs, we enjoyed a grippy feel on both roads and light trails.

However, while the padded upper is comfy, it lacks ventilation for extra-warm weather. Those in humid and tropical areas should avoid this pair. 

Pros

  • Thicker and more energetic midsole cushioning
  • Lighter than the v8
  • Easy on the knees
  • Durable upper
  • Available in wide
  • Good traction on roads and mild trails
  • Mild, unobtrusive stability elements
  • Can handle faster paces better than previous editions
  • Best for easy days and long runs

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Upper needs some time to break in
  • Average breathability
Full review of Hoka Clifton 9

Best cushioned running shoes for race

Nike Alphafly 3
80
Decent!

What makes it the best?

Nike’s Alphafly 3 is all about speed and maintaining that forward momentum. It’s a stellar combination of comfort, massive energy return, and airiness that allows us to fly through the miles without counting. Backed up by exceptional ratings from our lab and test runs, it’s our top racer among cushioned running shoes.

At its core is the innovative midsole design, featuring a rigid FlyPlate and Air Pods for maximum responsiveness. It ensures we stay energized even during grueling long-distance runs. It delivers unwavering support and resilience, as proven by our bend test when it emerged 145.2% stiffer than average. This translates to insanely propulsive strides.

We measured an impressive 38.1/29.6 mm stack, made of the superior ZoomX foam, that protects us from leg fatigue while launching us forward. It has a dual-density set-up—a soft 18.1 HA for comfort and a firm 29.3 HA top layer for stability. 

Despite its substantial height, it weighs a feathery 7.1 oz (201g), boosting our speed and agility. The well-ventilated Atomknit upper adds to its allure, providing exceptional breathability for better comfort. Our lab confirms this with a perfect rating for ventilation.

However, it's worth noting that this speedster comes with a hefty price tag of $285. Nonetheless, we believe it's worth the investment for runners aiming to achieve peak performance.

Pros

  • Remarkably lightweight despite its broad size
  • Best-in-class breathability
  • Excels in the marathon distance
  • Repositioned Air Pods offer a better ride than the v2
  • ZoomX foam delivers massive energy return
  • Aids in forward momentum, especially when legs begin to fatigue
  • Better than ever for 5K/10K racing
  • Finally smooth transitions!

Cons

  • Heel strikers might wear down the outsole quickly
  • The arch could still be a challenge for some
  • The sock-like tongue might not suit everyone
Full review of Nike Alphafly 3

Best stability cushioned running shoes

What makes it the best?

Upon wearing ASICS Gel Kayano 31, we were blown away by how it blends pillowy cushioning and surefootedness into one. Our lab reveals its luxurious comfort comes from the brand’s FF Blast+ foam, while the unwavering support comes from the 4D Guidance System and expansive base. It definitely tops the charts as our best stability cushioned running shoe.

GK31 ensures steady strides by incorporating a wider-than-average 122.1/97.6 mm midsole. True enough, the fit feels forgiving and each landing feels safe. Its 4D Guidance System uses a softer foam positioned under our arch so that it adjusts to our foot shape, providing custom stability.

Surprisingly, this shoe isn’t wobbly despite being extremely tall. True enough, our cut-in-half shoe reveals a staggering 39.3/27.8 mm height, packed with ASICS’ plushest foam. Our durometer confirms it to be 27.1% softer than average. This magical combination kept the ride smooth and well-cushioned.

Unlike most stability and maximalist shoes, the midsole is surprisingly flexible. It enhances comfort since it doesn’t restrict our natural movement. Our flex test confirms it takes 14.4% less force than average to bend this shoe to 90 degrees.

However, GK31 doesn’t break the norm with its heavy 10.4 oz (295g) build. Those who prefer less weight can check other stability shoes with a more streamlined build.

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

Cushioned running shoes with the best comfort

What makes it the best?

The comfort level we attained in the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 delivers an unparalleled experience. Its supremely padded yet breathable upper harmonizes seamlessly with an exceptionally cushioned midsole that feels remarkably stable for its size. Our lab analysis further cements Nimbus 26's position as the most comfortable cushioned running shoe.

The stretchy knitted upper exudes a premium feel, embracing our feet with generous padding. Despite this plushness, hotspots and blisters are nonexistent, courtesy of the shoe's excellent ventilation. Our breathability assessments award it a 4/5 rating, ensuring comfort across all seasons. Indeed, double-digit miles feel almost therapeutic. 

With its monumental 40.4/32.0 mm stack height, exceeding the average by 6.9/7.3 mm, it radiates heavenly plushness regardless of footstrike. Heel strikers particularly enjoy the premium landings with the PureGEL technology in the rear area. Furthermore, our durometer confirms it's 21.6% softer than average, giving us zero ground feel throughout our runs.

The unexpected stability of the Nimbus 26 proves to be a delightful revelation. Its broad 118.4/101.7 mm base, coupled with a snug upper fit and a rigid midsole, instills confidence and security with each stride.

However, the additional comfort comes with extra weight. Tipping the scales to 10.7 oz (303g), it impedes tempo paces. We recommend reserving the Gel Nimbus 26 for easy-paced days to fully appreciate its luxurious comfort.

Pros

  • Premium all-around comfort
  • Enhanced toebox design
  • Exceptional durability
  • Best-in-series outsole
  • Ideal for long distances
  • Superb knit upper
  • Surprisingly stable
  • A dream for heel strikers

Cons

  • Increased weight
  • Limited energy return
  • Tongue lacks padding
Full review of ASICS Gel Nimbus 26

Best cushioned running shoes for trail

Nike Zegama 2
86
Good!

What makes it the best?

We ran with confidence, regardless of terrain and distance, with the Nike Zegama 2. It's extremely comfortable without compromising the energy, grip, and durability needed to conquer diverse trail conditions. After our lab tests and runs, Zegama 2 emerged as the king of the trail among cushioned running shoes.

Our adventures with Zegama 2 felt effortless thanks to the plush yet bouncy ZoomX midsole. This shoe gave one of the most premium experiences on the trail with its 30.3/26.3 mm stack that’s 36.1% softer than the average trail shoe. Together with its rocker geometry, each transition felt magically smooth and energetic.

Another standout feature is the unmatched Vibram Megagrip outsole, which we further put to the test. We felt its 4.0 mm-deep Traction Lugs reliably stick to the ground, weathering loose soil or muddy paths. Our lab reveals it’s highly resistant to abrasions too, sustaining only 0.8 mm damage in our Dremel test.

From top to bottom, Zegama 2 proved its strong-willed nature in the lab. Our Dremel was no match against the breathable upper and the heel, earning impressive scores of 4/5 and 5/5, respectively.

However, the shoe tips the scales to a heavy 10.7 oz (302g). Those who prefer a more natural and lightweight experience are better off elsewhere.

Pros

  • More ZoomX bouncy foam!
  • Vibram Megagrip outsole
  • Spacious upper
  • Exceptional durability
  • Superb wet condition traction
  • Ideal for midfoot and forefoot strikers
  • Ready for long-distance running
  • Suitable for hiking too

Cons

  • Could be lighter
  • Not ideal for heel strikers
  • Limited toebox vertical space
Full review of Nike Zegama 2

Best budget cushioned running shoes

Saucony Axon 3
86
Good!

What makes it the best?

At $100, the Axon 3 is surely a bang for the buck — keep in mind that the average price of a daily trainer is $130. It got impressive ratings in and out of our lab and proved itself a cushioned, versatile trainer that can perform on the same level as its more expensive counterparts. 

Not only is this daily workhorse light in the pocket but also on our feet too. While most cushioned and affordable trainers are heavy, Axon 3 weighs only 8.6 oz (244g). That’s 12.5% lighter than the average daily trainer!

Another reason why we got our money’s worth is its durability. Double-digit miles barely scratched the Carbon Rubber outsole, which is 21.9% thicker than average. We also confirmed it lasts long as it showed 22.2% less indentation than average in our brutal Dremel test.

The PWRRUN foam feels soft underfoot, perfect for beginners and even high-mileage runners. We pressed our durometer into the midsole, resulting in 18.3 HA — 22.5% softer than average. The shoe is impressively stacked for its weight — notably its 27.9 mm front, which our forefoot enjoys.

Given its low-drop geometry, we recommend extreme heel-strikers to look elsewhere for better comfort.

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 shoes cushioned?

When it comes to cushioned running shoes, we focus on the midsole (cushioning). Cushioned running shoes simply have more cushioning than what we consider barefoot or minimalist running shoes. In fact, if they have more than 30mm at the heel, we consider shoes cushioned. 

cushioned-vs-minimalist-running-shoes-runrepeat.jpg
Minimalist and non-cushioned shoe (up) vs. a cushioned running shoe (down)

Also, more midsole below the feet means more impact protection and, depending on the amount of the midsole, it could also mean less ground feel.

Cushioned vs. plush vs. padded

Another thing to cover before we dig deep into the world of cushioned running shoes. Many runners use the terms cushioned, plush, soft, and padded interchangeably. Here’s how we work with them: 

  • Cushioned running shoes have a heel stack height higher than 30 mm. They can be both soft and firm. 
  • Soft or plush shoes can fall into different categories, both minimalist and cushioned. Softness is not related to the height of the shoe. Plush, however, is used for shoes that have a very soft and generous cushioning.
  • Padded shoes have a padded tongue, a thick heel padding, or a padded heel collar. Knit upper also adds another layer to the overall padded feel. Usually, shoes that are higher off the ground are more padded, but there’s no rule, which is why padding can appear across all shoe categories. 

Category

Stack height 

Softness

Cushioned

>30mm in the heel

Any

Soft 

Any

<20 HA

Plush

High-stacked

Usually softer than soft (<16 HA)

Padded

Any

Any

Here’s how that looks like in shoes we’ve tested. 

soft-vs-firm-cushioned-running-shoe.jpg
Soft (up) vs. a firm running shoe (down). Just by looking at them, it's impossible to say which one is soft or firm
padding-differences-running-shoes.jpg
Here's how padding can look like: very padded tongue, sides, heel (left) in a cushioned shoe; somewhat padded non-cushioned shoe (center); non-padded cushioned shoe (right) 

To understand the possible variations, here's how soft and high off the ground best-rated cushioned running shoes are. 

6 things to pay attention to when buying cushioned running shoes

  1. How much foam do you actually need? Is it stable? Higher shoes mean more impact protection but, if their bases are narrow, shoes can be very unstable. Take this into account depending on what kind of runs you’re getting the shoe for. 
  2. How soft do you want the midsole to be? Softer shoes can bottom out and feel dull instead of responsive. Soft with carbon plates can feel very propulsive. Firm midsoles are usually more protective and stable. 
  3. How stiff do you want them? More flexible shoes mean there’s a more natural feel when running. But, when shoes are very high, plates are often needed to stabilize them, and such shoes are very stiff. 
  4. What’s the climate like where you usually run? Midsole softness changes with temperature. Fortunately, we also cover this in our lab tests.
  5. Durability of the foam: Is it standard foam or premium foam? Often, we have responsiveness on one side and durability on the other. You can’t have both on max at the same time. 
  6. Weight of the shoe: sometimes, more cushioning means more weight. 

We will dive in into all of these features below, 1 by 1. 

How much cushioning do you need? 

As always, depends on your needs. Higher shoes usually offer more impact protection but they can be unstable. Shoes that are lower to the ground can offer ground feel and stability. 

In our lab, we measure the stack heights according to the guidelines from WorldAthletics. Heel and forefoot stack heights are measured at 12% and 75% of the inside length, respectively. 

measuring stack height
Measuring stack heights of cushioned running shoes in RunRepeat lab

Using filters on our website, you can choose how much of the midsole you want under your heel and under your forefoot. Heel strikers need more cushioning under the heel, while midfoot and forefoot strikers focus on the cushioning at the front. If you’re not sure about your foot strike, please read Foot Strike: The Ultimate Guide

Most often, we see shoes for forefoot strikers, and shoes for all strikes. The first difference to notice is the rubber placement on the outsole. 

different-rubber-placements-heel-strike.jpg
Rubber placement that favorites forefoot strike (up) vs. all-footstrikes shoe (down)

It’s also important to pay attention to the heel drop. Lower drops will utilize the muscles of your lower legs, while higher heel drops will utilize your thighs and hip muscles. Depending on your preference and previous and current injuries, it’s best to choose one where your muscles will follow. 

variations-of-stack-heights-cushioned-running-shoes.jpg
3/4 of these shoes are cushioned and yet they have very different heel drops
And, if you’re more experienced, you can experiment with different heel drops for the sake of variation and strengthening different leg muscles. We wrote about this at great lengths in our Ultimate guide on heel to toe drop. 

Stability of cushioned running shoes 

Many runners love the idea of running in high-stacked running shoes, and while those seem great, it can be challenging to use them for cornering, sharp turns, or slightly uneven terrain (like gravel). The wider the base, the more stable the shoe.

Very unstable landing due to a very narrow, high and soft platform

Here, you should look at the base:

  • It can be narrow and tall, which usually means it is unstable, or
  • It can be tall but wide or it can feature midsole protrusions (so called sole flares) which make it more stable 
different-midsole-widths-stability.jpg
Tall and narrow platforms (1 and 2) vs. tall and wide platforms (3 and 4) in cushioned running shoes

Very stable landing thanks to the base that is wider than average both at the forefoot and at the heel

In our shoe lab, we measure the width of the base at the forefoot and at the heel. Again, if you’re a forefoot striker, focus on the toebox, and if you’re a heel striker, examine the heel area - is it narrow or wide? 

midsole-width-cushioned-running-shoes.jpg
Measuring the forefoot (left) and heel (right) midsole width in RunRepeat lab

It’s important to clarify that here, we’re talking about neutral shoes that are more or less stable. In the world of cushioned shoes, we can, of course, find both neutral shoes and stability shoes

Stiffness levels of cushioned running shoes

Another layer of stability is stiffness. Stiffer platforms mean there’s less wobbling and less work for the feet. But not every runner enjoys such shoes. 

Measuring the longitudinal flexibility in RunRepeat lab

We measure this flexibility by bending the shoe to 90 degrees using a digital force gauge. The reading tells us how stiff the shoe is: the higher the number, the stiffer the shoe (because more force was needed to bend it). 

Softness levels of cushioned running shoes

Softness is THE thing runners correlate with comfort. While usually softer means better in terms of comfort, in terms of performance and stability, it’s a slightly different story. 

  • Softer shoes are usually more comfortable but can be too soft to the point of feeling dull because they lack responsiveness. This is not the case when soft foams are combined with carbon-fiber plates
  • Firmer shoes are more stable and can offer more protection. Many runners with injuries like plantar fasciitis enjoy firmer midsoles as the foot does not have to work extra, so there’s no premature fatigue, strain, or any other discomfort. 

Softness is measured in our lab using a durometer. We stick the needle into the foam and note down the reading on the durometer. For this purpose, we use a shore A durometer. 

measuring softness of cushioned running shoes
Measuring the softness of the midsole on a shoe cut in half 

It’s important to highlight here that these measurements must be made on the shoe that was cut in half, which is what we always do. Sticking a durometer’s needle into the midsole on the outside gives wrong readings. This is because foams have protective overlays on the outside or different textures, which result in a wrong durometer reading. 

On our website, you can find shoes split into 3 groups based on the durometer measurements: 

  1. Soft midsoles: <20 HA
  2. Balanced midsoles: 20-30 HA
  3. Firm midsoles: >30 HA

Firm vs. soft midsole is clearly noticeable in these shoes

What’s great is that you can always look at the review of the shoe you’re familiar with and then, in the chart, see how it compares to other shoes or maybe the one you’re planning to buy.

charts-for-midsole-softness.png
Charts for all lab tests are available in our reviews for easier context overview and comparison

You can also use our comparison table to do that. 

How midsole softness and stiffness change with temperature

To present data that are valuable for all runners, whether they live in very cold or very hot climates, we introduced the freezer test. We measure the softness and flexibility of the shoe at room temperature and then freeze it for 20 minutes, only to repeat the tests afterward. 

running-shoes-in-a-freezer-cushioned-running-shoes.jpg
Freezing running shoes to be able to measure the change in softness and stiffness in cold weather

This test tells us how midsoles change in cold weather and what you can expect. The change in percentages is not enough without some context. If the shoe is VERY soft and firms up 50%, it is not the same as if the shoe was rather firm and it firms up the same 50%. We usually look at the averages at room temp and post-freezing to get the full picture. 

The change in percentages, however, does tell us whether the shoe will feel significantly firmer in cold weather or not compared to what you felt at room temperature. 

The same applies to flexibility. We measure it in the lab at room temperature and then repeat the test after the freezer. 

Premium or standard foam?

Before we even begin talking about the types of foams and all the details, we must tell you that we already wrote The ultimate guide to running shoe foams. This is THE article to read if you’re curious about foams in running shoes! 

example-of-premium-and-standard-foam.jpg
Premium vs. standard foam: just by looking at them we can't say which one is which

Premium foams are insanely responsive and offer a very fun ride, and runners can often cover greater mileage in them than in shoes with standard foams, thanks to the leg-saving features. These foams, however, are expensive and less durable. 

Your priority

Best midsole for your priorities

Our shoe suggestion

Stability and performance

Lightstrike Pro

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

A secure bet for your next PB

ZoomX / FF Turbo+

Nike Alphafly 3

A durable yet fast shoe

Lightstrike Pro

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

A balanced approach

PWRRUN PB

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

Bouncy yet firm ride for short distances

FF Turbo

ASICS Superblast

The plushiest ride

FuelCell

New Balance FuelCell Elite v4

Racing flat vibes in a premium foam

Lightstrike Pro or FF Turbo

ASICS Metaspeed Edge

Shock-absorbing ride for midfoot strikers

Enerzy Lite+

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2

A great supershoe for heel strikers

PWRRUN HG

Saucony Endorphin Elite

Standard foams are less responsive than premium foams, but they are more durable, stable and affordable. 

Your priority

Best midsole for your priorities

Our shoe suggestion

Hyper-plush ride

FuelCell

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3

Fun and fast ride

Nitro

Puma Deviate Nitro 2

A cold-proof midsole

PWRRUN+

Saucony Triumph 20

Stability and firmness

Lightstrike EVA or Helion

On Cloudmonster

Durability

Boost Light / PWRRUN+

Adidas Ultraboost Light

Bouncy ride

FFBlast+ / DNA Loft v3

Asics Novablast 4

A hybrid all-rounder

React / ReactX

Nike Pegasus Trail 4

Responsive feel

ProFly+

Hoka Mach 6

Shock-absorbing, plush ride

Fresh Foam X

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4

Durability of the midsole in cushioned running shoes

We don’t have a specific lab test for this (yet). However, we did write the most comprehensive guide on foams found in running shoes and there we discussed the durability of various foams. 

To make things easier, here the foams whose MAIN feature or drawback is durability. There are many other foams famous for other features. To learn more about those, please read the above-mentioned guide. 

Durable standard foams

  • Merrell Super Rebound Compound (EVA)
  • Puma Profoam / Profoam Lite (EVA)
  • Salomon EnergyCell / EnergyCell+ (EVA)

Durable premium foams

  • Asics FF Turbo (Nylon)
  • Adidas Lightstrike Pro (TPEE)
  • Puma Nitro Elite (PEBA + EVA / A-TPU)
nondurable-standard-and-premium-foam.jpg
Non-durable premium foam and non-durable standard foam seen in shoes cut in half

Non-durable standard foams: Asics FF Blast / FF Blast+ (EVA + OBC), Hoka ProFly+ (EVA), Puma Nitro (TPEE / PEBA), Mizuno Enerzy Core (TPE). 

Non-durable premium foams: Nike ZoomX (Pebax), On Helion HF (Pebax).

Weight of cushioned running shoes

Previously, higher stack height meant more weight, because simply there are more materials present. However, with the improvements in the foams, especially premium ones, we can often encounter very high running shoes that are actually lightweight. 

weighing-cushioned-running-shoes.jpg
Weighing cushioned running shoes in our lab

The weight, of course, depends on many things, not just the height. Stability technologies found in stability shoes make those runners heavier on average. 

In case you want your cushioned shoes to be as light as possible, here’s an overview based on our lab measurements: 

Role of insoles

Often overlooked, insoles play a role in the overall comfort and cushioned feel. The role is rather big given that runners often get the feeling that a shoe is way softer than it actually is, only thanks to the insole. 

thickness-of-the-insole-cushioned-running-shoes.jpg
Using a digital caliper to measure the thickness of insoles in cushioned running shoes

We always measure the thickness of the midsole in our lab and note down if there are any special features to it. Of course, you can, at any time, swap the insole for your favorite custom one, but in case you don’t, you’ll at least know what to expect in the new shoe you’re getting. 

 

Perforated insoles help with breathability and shedding weight 

Finding cushioned running shoes for winter

If you’re looking for a cushioned winter running shoe, you can utilize our lab tests to the fullest and take into account: 

  1. The change in softness in cold weather: look for smaller changes
  2. The change in stiffness in cold weather: look for smaller changes
  3. Breathability: less breathable shoes are warmer
  4. If the shoe has waterproof materials (in case you need them). 

Depending on your preferences, you can easily use our filters to find the shoe that matches your criteria. And if you want to learn much more about how shoe features change with temperature, read our in-depth guide Effects of temperature on running shoes

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.