Top 9 running shoes with the best cushioning in 2026

When you want to buy a new pair of running shoes, several factors come into play, such as drop, but also cushioning. The latter is often a deciding factor for many joggers when buying their new pair of running shoes. The running shoe with the best cushioning will also be considered the most comfortable running shoe. This raises many questions, such as: what is cushioning? How do you choose the right cushioning? In this article, we will try to help you understand these concepts better.
 

Summary of the comparison of running shoes with the best cushioning

• Asics Gel Nimbus 28 : The running shoe with the best cushioning in 2026!
• Nike Vomero 18 : dual ZoomX & ReactX foam for excellent elevated cushioning
• Hoka Bondi, Hoka's most comfortable running shoe
• Salomon Aero Glide 4, the lightest comfortable running shoes
• Adidas Ultraboost 5X : New generation BOOST for constant energy return
• Saucony Triumph 23 : A shoe with excellent cushioning that remains lightweight!
• New Balance1080 v15 : a comfortable and durable running shoe
• Brooks Glycerin Max 2 : maximum cushioning in a shoe that remains versatile!
• Kiprun kipcore premium running shoes
• What is the cushioning of a running shoe?
• How to choose the cushioning for your running shoes?
• Running shoes with the best cushioning: what to look for?

Asics Gel Nimbus 28: the running shoe with the best cushioning in 2026!

The Gel-Nimbus 28 is the latest entry in Asics’ Nimbus lineup. Released a bit earlier than usual this year (December 2025 compared to the typical January release), it confirms its status as the gold standard for runners seeking maximum comfort.

The secret to its "cocoon-like" cushioning lies in the synergy between the FF BLAST™ PLUS foam and PureGEL™ technology (which is 65% softer than traditional gel). This combination offers exceptional shock absorption on pavement, making it ideal for protecting joints during long runs or recovery sessions.

We tested it in-house and compared it to its predecessor, the Nimbus 27. Here are the key takeaways:

Key Improvements

• Featherweight (Almost): This is the major evolution. Weighing in at 271g (measured on a kitchen scale for a size EU 42), it has lost over 30 grams compared to the Nimbus 27, making it significantly more dynamic.
• Enhanced Support: Ultra-comfortable shoes can sometimes struggle with stability. To address this, Asics reworked the fit to offer impressive foot lockdown, which is particularly beneficial for narrower feet. Unlike the version 27, the support is so effective that it limits unwanted friction and prevents blisters.
• Transparent Eco-Design: Asics is prioritizing clarity by displaying the carbon footprint directly on the sole (9.3 kg of $CO_2$ compared to 10.6 kg for the 27).

Comparison Guide

If you are deciding between models in the Asics range:

• The Cumulus: Lighter and more stable, but offers less protection.
• The Novablast: Bouncier and more "fun," but will never reach the "slipper-like" comfort level of the Nimbus 28.

Nike Vomero 18: dual ZoomX & ReactX foam for excellent elevated cushioning

In the Nike running shoe range, the Vomero is the most comfortable shoe. The new Vomero 18 is no exception to the rule, introducing for the first time a double-layer midsole. Nike's lightest and most dynamic foam, ZoomX, is layered over ReactX foam, which is more robust and responsive. The result: a very soft feeling at landing and a slight propulsion effect at restart, despite a particularly thick sole (46 mm at the heel). In this comparison, the Vomero 18 is aimed at those who want protective cushioning similar to the Ultraboost 5X or the Kiprun KS900.2, but with a hint of extra responsiveness. For aficionados of the swoosh brand, its main internal competitor will be the Nike Invincible, which will offer a bit less support than this Vomero. With the Vomero, you will get a "locked-in" foot sensation, take it or leave it...

Hoka Bondi, Hoka's most comfortable running shoe

The Bondi 9 embodies the revolution of cushioning at Hoka. As one of the most robust shoes in the range, it offers the pinnacle of plush comfort for daily running. Entirely redesigned, this new version adopts an even thicker midsole, made from a premium supercritical EVA foam to provide that soft and resilient stride characteristic of the Bondi. It also features the 3D molded collar, the engineered mesh upper (made with 55% recycled polyester), and the famous MetaRocker™ curved sole profile promoting smooth transitions from heel to toe.

Compared to models like the Asics Gel Nimbus 27 or the Brooks Glycerin 22, the Bondi 9 stands out with its elevated geometry and curved sole, offering a rolling sensation throughout the stride. It clearly targets runners seeking the highest possible level of cushioning and softness, while maintaining the lightness and fluidity typical of Hoka.

Salomon Aero Glide 4, the lightest comfortable running shoe

The Aero Glide 4 is proof that Salomon masters the road as well as the trails. For 2026, this version hits a milestone by becoming one of the lightest shoes on the market in the "Max Cushioning" category. The heart of its comfort lies in the new optiFOAM foam, which is also found in some of the brand's trail shoes. Salomon's expertise is particularly felt in the fit. The upper has been entirely redesigned to be completely seamless. The result: an interior that hugs the shape of the foot without any friction points, eliminating the risk of irritation even during long runs. Finally, what makes the main difference for this Aero Glide 4 is its record weight of 250 g, making it the champion of lightness in this comparison. It offers an excellent compromise for the regular runner (2 to 3 runs per week) looking to protect their joints on the pavement while maintaining an "effortless" sensation of speed thanks to this "featherweight."

Adidas Ultraboost 5X: New generation BOOST for consistent energy return

The Ultraboost 5X modernizes the iconic concept of the Ultraboost line (the most comfortable shoe in the adidas range) by lightening the famous BOOST foam. This allows adidas to achieve a very plush cushioning with consistent energy return throughout the entire stride. It positions itself as a versatile shoe, suitable for both daily jogs and lifestyle use thanks to its aesthetic. Compared to the Nike Vomero 18, the Ultraboost 5X feels less responsive but more comfortable for prolonged daily use. Unlike the Hoka Bondi 9 or the Salomon Aero Glide 3, it has a more traditional drop (10 mm) and provides a slightly firmer feel under the midfoot while maintaining a very pleasant bounce.

Saucony Triumph 23: a shoe with excellent cushioning that remains lightweight!

The Triumph is one of the flagship models in the Saucony running shoe lineup, alongside the famous Endorphin and Peregrine. At the heart of this Triumph 23, we find the PWRRUN PB foam. Unlike traditional, denser foams, this compound is both lighter and more flexible. It offers "plush" protective cushioning that doesn't collapse but instead returns energy with every stride.

It is the ideal shoe for those who find certain maximalist shoes too heavy or too soft. Consequently, with 263 grams on the scale, the Saucony Triumph 23 is one of the featherweights in its category (compared, for example, to the 320 g of the Glycerin Max 2). Finally, it remains far from a minimalist shoe with a 10 mm drop, which will particularly relieve runners with sensitive Achilles tendons or those who are heavy heel strikers.

New Balance 1080 v15: a comfortable and durable running shoe

New Balance fans may have noticed that the 1080 v15 is no longer called the Fresh Foam 1080 v15, and for good reason: this new generation, introduced in early 2026, features a radical change in foam. A classic pain point for running shoes is the foam packing down over time. To address this, New Balance has developed the new Infinion foam, which is designed to be more durable. It retains its bounce and plush properties much longer than standard foams. It even manages the feat of remaining lightweight and versatile.

Brooks Glycerin Max 2: maximum cushioning in a shoe that remains versatile!

We continue this comparison with the Brooks Glycerin Max 2, which is the Brooks lineup's answer to the "Supertrainer" trend: maximalist cushioned shoes capable of doing it all, from recovery jogs to rhythmic runs. It is the brand’s most protective model.

The major innovation lies in the nitrogen-infused DNA TUNED foam. Unlike classic soles, this one uses different-sized cells to adapt to each phase of the stride. Under the heel, large cells guarantee an absolutely soft landing. At the forefoot, smaller, denser cells offer a firmer response for efficient propulsion. It is a "custom-made" cushioning that protects the body from impacts without ever fully bottoming out.

Emeric, a member of the Alltricks staff, tested this shoe. And the least we can say is that he is fast—very fast (2h59 marathon, 1h18 half-marathon, and 36'30 for the 10km). Despite these performances, he remains very convinced by this shoe, which proves to be ultra-versatile. It excels on long runs and "threshold" sessions (between 4:15 and 4:30 min/km), where it surprises with its progressive dynamism. It is a prime ally for preserving joints while keeping a certain responsiveness underfoot. However, it should be reserved for roads and clean paths, as its size is less suited for technical terrain or pure interval training on the track.

Kiprun kipcore premium running shoes

Thanks to its responsive cushioning, experience a whole new sensation with the KIPCORE PREMIUM running shoe and let yourself be carried away by the blend of escape and performance on the road.

The Softechfoam running shoes deliver exceptional performance with effective cushioning for smooth runs on asphalt, while the dynamic insole enhances propulsion for a responsive, energetic stride. Rated 8.6/10 for initial comfort, they ensure a plush feel from the first step. Weighing just 272 g (size 42), they offer a lightweight design for effortless speed, and the traction-focused outsole optimizes efficiency with every stride. Perfect for road runners seeking comfort, agility, and reliability.

What is Running Shoe Cushioning?

First, "What is running shoe cushioning?" To answer this question, you have to understand that when we run, in an ideal scenario, our feet strike the ground 180 times per minute. These 180 contacts produce a violent deceleration for our bodies. These "shocks" then trigger a vibration throughout our entire organism, traveling from the impact zone through our muscles and into our bones.

Since Mother Nature designed us well, our bodies develop their own mechanisms (such as muscle contractions) to reduce these vibrations and protect central functions like vision. Nevertheless, it is always beneficial to give our bodies a helping hand to help mitigate these vibrations more easily.

Thus, our running shoes absorb this sudden release of energy and relieve our bodies by decreasing the loading rate during impact. To achieve these results, a running shoe is composed of a more or less substantial foam capable of absorbing shocks, but also of providing energy return during the toe-off. Indeed, if your shoe absorbed and kept all the energy created during impact, it would be very difficult for you to move forward with each stride. This energy return is what we call a shoe's responsiveness (or dynamism).

How to Choose the Cushioning for Your Running Shoes?

Now that we understand what cushioning and responsiveness are, you’ll see that the goal is to find a shoe that absorbs shock energy as effectively as possible while being able to return that energy during the stride.

Unfortunately, the ideal shoe—the one offering the most cushioning and thus being the most comfortable running shoe—will not be the most responsive. Conversely, the most responsive shoe will not provide the most comfort. You will, therefore, have to make a choice: cushioning or responsiveness. You will quickly realize that the "best" running shoe is not universal; for you, it might be a pair of Mizuno, but for your neighbor, the ideal pair might be Asics. That said, the new foam technologies in current running shoes are more high-performance than ever. They manage to offer good cushioning while remaining responsive.

It is now time to present the best road running shoes if you want to prioritize cushioning and comfort. These are particularly perfect for a first marathon—feel free to check our marathon calendar in France. In this article, we haven't defined which single shoe is THE most comfortable, but rather a list of models you should consider if you want to buy a comfort-oriented pair of running shoes.

Best Cushioned Running Shoes: What to Remember?

Through this article, we hope you have understood what running shoe cushioning is and the relationship between a model's cushioning and its responsiveness. We have also provided a selection of the best-cushioned running shoes from the main brands on the market. Of course, many other models exist if you wish to prioritize cushioning. To find them, note that on the Alltricks website, when you look at a specific model, you can see in the details whether it was designed for cushioning, competition, or speed.

Finally, before buying a new pair, you might be wondering "when to change your running shoes?" We have created a dedicated article for that. Another factor to take into account is price, and it is important to look for running shoes on sale.

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