7 Best Cushioned Running Shoes For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.5
7 Best Cushioned Running Shoes For Men, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Well-cushioned running shoes offer great benefits for runners – absorbing ground impact, providing a soft, bouncy ride and comfortable experience for much longer runs.

Whether you’re looking for that cushy, perfect pair for recovery runs, early morning jogs or working long hours on your feet, there are tons of options (1400+) to choose from across multiple brands when it comes to men’s cushioned running shoes.

Whatever specific training or racing requirements you have in mind, we can help find that just-perfect running shoe for you. We are constantly testing and reviewing various models for different categories, in our independent shoe lab and our rigid on- and off-road wear tests.

Best overall
PUMA Deviate Nitro 2 PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
$160 $120 From Amazon
Best trail
Hoka Tecton X Hoka Tecton X
$200 $140 From Running Warehouse
Best neutral
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0 Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
$220 $114 From Amazon
Best stability
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
$140 $112 From Amazon
Best wide
Brooks Revel 5 Brooks Revel 5
$100 $70 From Zappos
Best value
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
$170 $138 From Amazon
Most popular
Hoka Clifton 8 Hoka Clifton 8
$130 $112 From Zappos
See all 1684 men's cushioned running shoes
Table of contents How we test running shoesBest overallBest trailBest neutralBest stabilityBest wideBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview

How we test running shoes

Our goal at RunRepeat is to provide our audience with the most recent updates and honest reviews on the best-cushioned running shoes for men in the market. With over 1400 models in our large collection, we have handpicked our best picks in five categories, using the following approach:

  • We use our own money to buy each pair of running shoes on this list. This will keep us free from bias and avoid brand loyalty.
  • We bring all the models to our lab and cut them into pieces.
  • We measure 30+ various parameters of the shoe, dissecting its cushioning technology, ventilation, midsole and outsole construction, and many more.
  • We have testers go for short and high-mileage runs, in various running environments and conditions, logging at least 30-40 miles per shoe.
  • We also consider various opinions from shoe experts and regular people who have tried a particular brand of shoe.

Finally, we use our proprietary CoreScore system to calculate all the comparable data and provide us with the final ratings, ranging from 0-to 100. This automatically gives us our best selections for your browsing convenience.

Best men's cushioned running shoes overall

PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
$120
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$160
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$160
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$160
See deal  

CoreScore

93
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 52 users
90 / 100 from 10 experts

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

Verdict

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.
PUMA Deviate Nitro 2 full review

Best trail cushioned running shoes for men

Hoka Tecton X
Hoka Tecton X
$140
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$146
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$150
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$160
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CoreScore

92
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 593 users
88 / 100 from 25 experts

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

Verdict

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.
Hoka Tecton X full review

Best neutral cushioned running shoes for men

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
$114
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$165
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$220
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No stock  

CoreScore

92
Superb!
4.7 / 5 from 5,285 users
90 / 100 from 13 experts

Pros

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

Cons

  • Runs narrow
  • Unstable at slow speeds

Verdict

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.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0 full review

Best stability cushioned running shoes for men

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
$112
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$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  
$140
See deal  

CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 103,083 users
90 / 100 from 12 experts

Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Promising durability
  • Stability for all directions
  • Improved aesthetics
  • Phenomenal grip
  • A firmer, faster midsole
  • Consistent in all conditions
  • Reliable daily runner

Cons

  • Very heavy
  • High price point for stability aimed at beginners
  • Midsole is too hard for some

Verdict

One of Brooks’ most revered and popular stability shoes gets a well-needed modern update for 2022. This daily runner is loved by many because it’s seen as the Jack of all trades running shoe thanks to a bi-directional correction for different over-pronation. With fresher looks, it’s now an even more attractive option.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 full review

Best cushioned wide toebox running shoes for men

Brooks Revel 5
Brooks Revel 5
$70
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$70
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$70
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$70
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CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 20,498 users
91 / 100 from 5 experts

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

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!
Brooks Revel 5 full review

Best value cushioned running shoes for men

Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6
$138
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$170
See deal  
$170
See deal  
$170
See deal  

CoreScore

92
Superb!
4.8 / 5 from 79 users
86 / 100 from 6 experts

Pros

  • Support that's not harsh
  • Impact-absorbing
  • Gives your stride a boost
  • Very comfy for recovery runs
  • Stable when cornering
  • Breathable
  • Keeps the foot in place
  • Grip that sticks

Cons

  • Long break-in period
  • Comes with a hefty tag

Verdict

The Wave Horizon 6 from Mizuno is a stability running shoe that's built ready for cruising long miles and giving your feet and legs the rest day they deserve during recovery sessions. Unlike other stability shoes, the Horizon 6 doesn't feel harsh. As a matter of fact, it's a very comfy shoe that will give you all the cushioning you crave.
Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 full review

Most popular cushioned running shoes for men

Hoka Clifton 8
Hoka Clifton 8
$112
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$112
See deal  
$112
See deal  
$112
See deal  

CoreScore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 82,150 users
90 / 100 from 27 experts

Pros

  • Comfy, comfy comfy
  • Fits true to size
  • Smooth rockered ride
  • Great durability
  • Grippy outsole
  • Lightweight for a daily trainer
  • Great lockdown

Cons

  • Runs warm
  • Doesn’t love to go fast

Verdict

Whether it's a long-distance or recovery shoe you're after, the Clifton 8 comes highly recommended. It's a literal couch to the foot, keeping it cozy and stable. The ride is also buttery smooth, you will roll through seamlessly. And with all the cushion it gives, it's not at all heavy (a shocker really). Overall, the Clifton is a literal bag of treats that comes at a moderate price!
Hoka Clifton 8 full review
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.

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