7 Best Neutral Cushioned Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Neutral Cushioned Running Shoes in 2023
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If you are looking for the best neutral cushioned running shoes, you are much in luck. All the leading brands in the running shoe market make exceptional, well-cushioned neutral shoes as part of their lineups.

For runners with a neutral stance (the foot is not overly pronated or supinated) and normal-size arches, having a performance-enhancing shoe combined with great cushioning allows them to put in big mileage with more comfort and better race results.

With over 1,000 models in this category, we have handpicked and reviewed 100+ of them to pick out the most outstanding for our list. Whether you’ve just started running or are unsure of which shoe best suits your needs, this is a good place to start.

How we test running shoes

At RunRepeat, our goal is to provide you with recent updates and comprehensive reviews on the best neutral cushioned running shoes out there. With our shoe lab and wear tests, we put each pair of shoes to the wringer to pick out the best among the best.

Here’s exactly how we approach it:

  • We buy each pair of shoes on this list with our own money to keep us unbiased.
  • We bring the shoes to our independent lab for much closer inspection. We do this by cutting them into pieces and measuring over 30 parameters, from cushioning, breathability, durability, and many more.
  • Our testers put in at least 30 to 50 miles on average to see how each pair actually performs in a variety of conditions.
  • We gather more comparable data from shoe experts and regular runners who have tried the shoes.

At the end of the entire process, we input all the aggregated data into our CoreScore system, which assigns each model a final rating ranging from 0 to 100. Our best picks make it to this list.

Best neutral cushioned running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

The PUMA Deviate Nitro is back with a significant update that makes an already great shoe even better. It’s really comfortable, which is not always the case for carbon-plated shoes, and it’s extremely versatile. As a result, we have a real do-it-all companion to take on the road for every run, not to mention the quality-price ratio, which basically makes it a no-brainer.

Pros

  • Great all-rounder
  • Super-smooth and responsive ride
  • Plush cushioning
  • Comfy upper
  • Grippy outsole
  • Above average durability
  • Fairly priced

Cons

  • Heavier than other similar shoes
  • Not many colors available
Full review of PUMA Deviate Nitro 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Azul (37680709)
Orange (37680712)
Black (37756701)
Black (37680701)
Black (37680711)
Sunset Glow (37680703)
Gul (37680705)
Bianco (37680704)

Best neutral cushioned running shoes for trail

Hoka Tecton X
92
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The Hoka Tecton X is Hoka's first carbon-plated trail running shoe. To justify the name, it just might have started a tectonic shift - that's how much it is loved by runners. It's positioned as a speed-ready, racing and training companion to the Hoka Speedgoat 5. Thanks to the dual-plated design, it shines at fast paces, especially the ultra ones. On top of this, it's a max-cushioned running shoe that keeps the feet protected without weighing them down.

Pros

  • 2 carbon plates: very propulsive ride
  • Insanely stable
  • Looks fast and runs fast
  • Lightweight
  • Very cushioned & responsive
  • Worth the investment
  • Room for feet swelling
  • Grippy
  • No break-in
  • Vegan materials used

Cons

  • Not for technical terrains
  • Might accumulate mud
  • Expensive
Full review of Hoka Tecton X

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Persimmon Orange - Radiant Yellow (1123161PORY)
Thyme/Fiesta (TFST)
Blue (SBDP)

Best neutral cushioned running shoes with wide toebox

Brooks Revel 5
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

An affordable trainer that's got the makings of advanced running shoes? Hello, Brooks Revel 5! It's a smooth and lively jack-of-all-trades that will keep your feet comfy and bouncing. It can push the pace, eat up half-marathon distances, and breeze through your daily runs!

Pros

  • Fits like a dream
  • Accommodating stretchy upper
  • Efficient transitions
  • Surprisingly peppy
  • Laces stay tied tightly
  • Low to the ground
  • Durable construction
  • Great deal
  • Do-it-all shoe
  • Impressive weight
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Not for long runs
  • No reflective details
Full review of Brooks Revel 5

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Grey/Blue (053)
Black/Ebony/Crystal Teal (091)
White/Oyster/India Ink (182)
White/Peacoat/Blue Shadow (153)
titan/peacoat/flame (498)
Pageant Blue/True Blue/White (403)
White/Black (121)
Bluetiful/Navy/Irish Cream (471)
More colors

Best neutral cushioned running shoes for long distance

ASICS Novablast 3
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

It's a comfy daily running shoe. It can go fast. It can go far. In the words of an expert, the Novablast 3 from ASICS "sets the standard for what a daily trainer should be." What's more, you can race in it in your next marathon too. Talk about versatility! And if you want a light shoe that won't drag you down, the ASICS Novablast 3 is the all-rounder you need.

Pros

  • Super bouncy
  • Cushy feel for miles
  • Breathable
  • Light AF
  • Ready for cornering
  • Locks you in
  • Tongue stays in place
  • Grippy outsole
  • Mad durable
  • Sets the bar for a do-it-all shoe

Cons

  • A tad too long
  • More expensive by $10
Full review of ASICS Novablast 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Island Blue (1011B458004)
Black/Amber (1011B458001)
Cream/Fawn (1012B288101)
White/Deep Ocean (1011B458100)
Sheet Rock/Black (1011B458021)
Black/White (1011B458002)
White/Piedmont Grey (1012B288102)
Electric Red/Midnight (1011B458600)
More colors

Best neutral cushioned running shoes with plush cushioning

Brooks Ghost 14
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

The Ghost 14 from Brooks really fits the bill as the shoe for all runners. It's a workhorse that's comfy enough for easy days, responsive for tempo sessions, and is heavy-duty to handle light trails. Overall, a no-fuss daily trainer that will work for all your runs!

Pros

  • All about comfort!
  • True to size
  • Lots of padding
  • Smooth ride
  • Really stable, even on light trails
  • Great out of the box
  • Built for longevity (500 miles, easily)
  • Great grip

Cons

  • Lacks breathability for hot summer days
  • Not the best for long distances
Full review of Brooks Ghost 14

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Primer Grey/Black/Alloy (039)
Titan/Teal/Flame (488)
Grey/Alloy/Oyster (067)
Black/Blackened Pearl/Blue (056)
Black/Blue/Nightlife (069)
Grey/Blue/Red (078)
Green Gecko/Blue/Black (310)
Grey/Titan/Maize (029)
More colors

Best neutral marathon cushioned running shoes

What makes it the best?

Top-tier race shoe from Adidas gets an update. In 2020 V1 won a ton of praise and world records with its carbon rod (and plate) design and Lightstrike Pro midsole. The super shoe category was once owned but just one brand but in 2021 there’s some serious contenders for best in show.

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Responsive
  • Carbon rods
  • Soft midsole
  • Laces stay tight
  • Price

Cons

  • Runs narrow
  • Unstable at slow speeds
Full review of Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0

Today's best price

Unisex
Any color
Legacy Indigo/Turbo/Sky Rush (GX3117)
Pulse Lime/Real Teal/Flash Orange (GX3124)
Sonic Ink Screaming Green Ftwr White (FY4082)

Best neutral cushioned low drop running shoes

Altra Lone Peak 6
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

Whether you’re a dedicated zero-drop runner, just dipping your toe into it for the first time, or like to spice up your rotation with something new, the Altra Lone Peak 6 is a solid workhorse of a trail running shoe. The Altra Lone Peak 6 is a genuinely excellent all-rounder.

Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Excellent all-round grip
  • Highly durable
  • Great ground feel
  • Feels like it makes you run better
  • Great pull tab
  • Gaiter compatible
  • Brilliant lacing
  • Roomy toe box
  • Fully gusseted tongue

Cons

  • Stain magnet
  • Not enough cushioning for some
Full review of Altra Lone Peak 6

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Maroon (AL0A547L666)
Blue (AL0A547L305)
Orange (AL0A547L880)
Brown (AL0A547L990)
Blue / Grey (AL0A547L242)
Dusty Olive (AL0A547L315)
Black (AL0A547L020)
Black (AL0A7R6K020)

Comparison of the 7 best neutral cushioned running shoes

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Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.