10 Best Neutral Cushioned Running Shoes in 2022

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.
Overview of this guide
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
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 3% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- All about comfort!
- True to size
- Lots of padding
- Smooth ride
- Really stable, even on light trails
- Breathable
- 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
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 21% in road running shoes
- Top 20% in neutral running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Plush cushion
- Awesome step-in feel
- Responsive ride
- Breathable during hot days
- Tank-like build
- Weighs less than it looks
- Great-value choice
- Comfortable fit
- Grippy even on wet road and gravel
Cons
- Laces don't stay tied
- Blocky ride
Verdict
Best neutral road cushioned running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Wider than Pegasus 37
- Very stable ride
- Peppy toe-off
- Hugs your feet
- Padded upper
- Very durable (400-500miles)
- Grippy even on dirt roads
- Legit workhorse
- Doubles as a gym shoe
- A joy to run in
Cons
- Runs warm
- Above-average weight
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 29% in running shoes for walking
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- True to size
- 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
Verdict
Best neutral trail cushioned running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fit true to size
- Superb responsiveness
- Quicklace system is a breeze
- Zero Heel-slip
- Amazing grip
- Breathable
- Super stable ride
- Great protection
- Stylish
- Durable
Cons
- Quite heavy as some trail shoes go
- Stiff in colder conditions
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 2% in trail running shoes
- Top 4% in Altra running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Great for wide feet
- Superb grip (rocks, mud, ice, snow)
- Stiff and durable
- Sheds mud easily
- Great water drainage
- Balanced and stable ride
- Removable Ortholite insole
- Great for road-to-trail transitions
- Extremely breathable
- Rock plate for technical terrain
- Gaiter-friendly
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No ground feel
- Too cold for winter days
Verdict
Best value neutral cushioned running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Insane lightness
- Glove-like fit
- Heel loop
- Easy lacing system
- Super breathable
- True to size
- Comfotable as an everyday slipper
- Extremely flexible
Cons
- Short runs only
- Lack of proper outsole
- Insole not removable
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Peppy midsole
- Budget-friendly
- Good amount of flexibility
- Consistent performance in any condition
- Great as leisurewear
Cons
- Runs narrow
- Poor lacing
- Lacks grip
Verdict
Most popular neutral cushioned running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 1% in Saucony running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Fast & responsive
- Cushioned especially for the long runs
- Spring, trampoline effect
- Excellent durability
- Featherweight like a race shoe
- Breathable
- True to size
- Perfect foot lock
- Incredible value
Cons
- Needs adaptation period
- Questionable grip on wet surfaces
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 15% in road running shoes
- Top 27% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Next-level comfort
- Great lockdown
- Molds to the feet
- Breathable
- Stable
- Awesome for heel strikers
- Great grip on roads & light trails
- True to size
- 3 widths for men
- 2 widths for women
Cons
- Feels big & heavy
- Pricey
Verdict
What are the most popular neutral cushioned running shoes in 2022?
- Brooks Ghost 14
- Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
- Nike Free Run 5.0
- Brooks Revel 5
- Hoka One One Bondi 7
- On Cloudmonster
- Saucony Endorphin Speed 2
- Brooks Levitate 5
- Asics Gel Nimbus 24
- Nike Zoom Fly 4
- Nike Revolution 6
- Nike Pegasus Trail 3
- Asics Novablast 2
- Asics Gel Venture 8
- Altra Lone Peak 6
See all neutral cushioned running shoes sorted by popularity
What are the cheapest neutral cushioned running shoes in 2022?
- Adidas EQ21 - from $25
- Reebok Speed Breeze 2 - from $32
- Reebok Flashfilm 3.0 - from $33
- Adidas Supernova - from $38
- Reebok Energylux 3 - from $39
- Asics Gel Quantum Lyte - from $39
- Adidas Racer TR21 - from $39
- Reebok Lite Plus 3 - from $40
- Asics Gel Torrance 2 - from $40
- Under Armour Charged Vantage - from $40
- Reebok Floatride Fuel Run - from $40
- Asics Jolt 3 - from $42
- New Balance Nitrel V4 - from $42
- Adidas Runfalcon 2.0 TR - from $42
- Under Armour Runplay - from $42
See all neutral cushioned running shoes sorted by lowest price