7 Best Cushioned Running Shoes For Women in 2023

Picking the perfect running shoe goes far beyond stylish design and durability. For the ladies who love that “aahhh” sensation of the first step in a shoe fresh off the box, choosing a well-cushioned footgear is a huge oomph factor to consider.
The market today is saturated with multiple brands offering various types of cushioning technology for smoother, softer rides. To help you select the right one, we have rounded up 100+ cushioned running shoes for women and tested them on the road and in the lab. The models we handpicked here undeniably stand out in the cushy department.
The result? Find out ahead our fantastic selection of women’s cushioned running shoes that deliver on performance and value.
How we test running shoes
We at RunRepeat are individuals who love running and, yes, love running shoes, a little bit too much. We know exactly what makes great cushioning great. There is a method to our obsession and this is how we approach it:
- We have a team of runners who tests each pair of running shoes for at least 30 miles and come back to us with their comprehensive review.
- We also have a lab at RunRepeat dedicated to tearing apart each shoe to weigh and measure 30+ parameters.
- We want to be thorough in the testing process, especially on the cushioning system of each shoe. For instance, we put shoes in the freezer to check how a particular cushioning technology fares in cold temperatures.
- By the way, we buy all these running shoes with our own money. This is to make sure we remain unbiased.
- We also gather reviews from various experts and regular users, which is in line with our goal to be more comprehensive.
Finally, what you are going to see is the overall verdict on each shoe as shown in our CoreScore system. It ranges from 0 to 100 showing comparative data and rank of over 1000 cushioned running shoes.
Best women's cushioned running shoes overall




























What makes it the best?
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
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Best women's cushioned running shoes for trail
























What makes it the best?
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
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Best women's cushioned running shoes with wide toebox
























What makes it the best?
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
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Best stability cushioned running shoes for women



























What makes it the best?
Pros
- Stable but not harsh
- Cushy for long miles
- Awesome impact protection
- Supportive fit
- Glides you forward
- Lighter than it seems
- Built to last
Cons
- An oven for the feet
- Expensive
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Best women's cushioned running shoes for long distance





























What makes it the best?
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
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Best women's cushioned running shoes with plush cushioning




























What makes it the best?
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
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Best marathon cushioned running shoes for women





















What makes it the best?
Pros
- Breathable
- Responsive
- Carbon rods
- Soft midsole
- Laces stay tight
- Price
Cons
- Runs narrow
- Unstable at slow speeds
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Comparison of the 7 best cushioned running shoes for women
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