7 Best Cushioned Running Shoes For Women in 2023
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us.
Why trust us
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
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
$120
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$160
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$160
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$160
Best women's 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
$144
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$150
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$150
Marathon Sports
Free shipping
$160
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$165
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$200
Best women's 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
Amazon
Free shipping
$67
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$70
Backcountry
Free shipping
$70
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$70
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$70
Best stability cushioned running shoes for women
ASICS Gel Kayano 29
86
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Kayano 29 from ASICS is a stability running shoe that goes from brick-like to foot-friendly. Now on its twenty-ninth iteration, the ASICS Gel Kayano offers support that mixes in more comfort. And if you're looking to clock up the miles for your next road run, its impact-eating midsole and tank of an outsole will help you reach new distances.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$110
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$110
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$110
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$110
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$120
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$160
Best women's 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
Amazon
Free shipping
$120
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$140
REI
Free shipping
$140
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$140
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$140
Best women's 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
Prime & free shipping
$98
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$100
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$100
Backcountry
Free shipping
$100
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$100
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$140
Best marathon cushioned running shoes for women
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
Comparison of the 7 best cushioned running shoes for women
+ + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best | ||||||||
| CoreScore | ||||||||
| Users rating | ||||||||
| Experts | ||||||||
| Best price | ||||||||
| Ranking | ||||||||
| Popularity | ||||||||
| # of colorways |
