7 Best Neutral Cushioned Running Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
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
PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
92
Superb!
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$150
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$155
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$160
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$160
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$136
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$150
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$160
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$165
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$180
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$70
Amazon
Free shipping
$70
Backcountry
Free shipping
$70
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$70
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$70
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$100
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$140
REI
Free shipping
$140
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$140
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$140
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Free shipping
$89
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$100
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$100
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$100
Backcountry
Free shipping
$100
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$140
Best neutral marathon cushioned running shoes
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
92
Superb!
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
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$108
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$165
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$220
Zappos
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$83
Backcountry
Free shipping
$105
REI
Free shipping
$105
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$105
Altra Running
Free shipping & returns
$112
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$113
Comparison of the 7 best neutral cushioned running shoes
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