A great pair of running shoes is what you need to get the most from your next run. But when it comes to "good shoes," the definition varies from person to person. It depends on your needs and the specific features you're looking for. But one thing that remains common while purchasing footwear is the level of comfort that it offers. Not all shoes provide your feet the comfort they need. Here's when the best cushioned running shoes come into the picture.

Cushioning is a crucial factor in determining the performance of any running shoes. After all, it helps in absorbing shock, protects against any bouncy reflex, and makes your shoes more comfy. So whether you require a classic upgraded pair of shoes for marathons or just something for daily training, this factor can't be ignored. Based on our observations and real-time experiences, we've enlisted some best cushioned running shoes for women that deliver maximum comfort and support to resist pain.

• 1
  Best Overall

  New Balance Women's Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneakers

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Bring on your game with this pair of running sneakers by New Balance that features an ultimate casual athletic style, The shoes look bold and offer plush comfort. They are embedded with fresh and soft foam midsoles that will make you feel like you’re walking on clouds. Contrastingly, the highly durable rubber outsole makes them ready-to-wear sports gear that’s ideal for exploring the wild. The ultra-hug heel design with an 8mm heel-to-toe drop feature ensures utmost flexibility and gives a supportive fit. 

Heel Height: 6 inches 

Weight: 1.54 pounds 

Sizes: 5 to 12  

Colors: Available in black, grey, blue, green, white, pink, and more.

2

Best Lightweight Shoes

PUMA Women's Riaze Prowl Running Shoes

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If you're a runner with a short or medium size body, this pair of shoes will suit you. It isn’t just for running, you can wear these PUMA shoes wherever you go – from plane rides to sightseeing and casual walks. Made with 100% synthetic and durable materials, they can withstand pressure and environmental stress when running through tough terrain. Furthermore, these softest running shoes have midsoles crafted with EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and bubble technology to offer optimum support during workouts or physical activities. 

Heel Height: 4.8 inches

Weight: 2.1 pounds 

Sizes: 5.5 to 12

Colors: A wide range of color combinations like black-ignite pink-aquamarine, white-gulf stream, metallic silver, and more.

3

Best Anti-slip Shoes

ALEADER Women's Energycloud Walking Running Shoes

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Nothing can beat flexible, cushioned running shoes that provide optimum traction and prevent you from slipping. The traction sole has an uneven texture that increases friction while walking or running and prevents skidding. Further, the midsole and outsole relax your feet with every step that you take, while the moisture-wicking, soft insole keeps pain and pressure at bay. In addition, the upper part is breathable and is carved out of skin-friendly materials that don't irritate your skin and keep your feet cool and dry.

Heel Height: 3.94 inches

Weight: 1.06 Pounds

Sizes: 6 to 10

Colors: Available in options like ash white, all black, red while, natural, and more.

4

Most Flexible

ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 9 Running Shoes

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High heels can put pressure on your knees and can cause a great deal of pain. Also, they can shift your weight forward – this leads to anterior pelvic tilt, a condition where the hips tilt forward and weaken the glutes and hamstring muscles. However, this pair of shoes has a flat surface that helps distribute the weight and offers wide surface area coverage during footstrike. Also, the foam cushioning ensures a flexible feel at every footstrike. What's more is that the sock liner helps with moisture management and takes care of ventilation.

Heel Height: 6 inches

Weight: 2 pounds

Sizes: 5 to 12

Colors: Available in a variety of color combinations like white/orange pop, barley rose/ white, black/papaya, and more.

5

Best for Adventures

Maichal Women’s Air Cushion Sneakers

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Engineered to make your next running or workout session worthwhile, these Maichal running shoes are made for women who love sports. The cushioning running shoes are ideal for regular gymming, road running, or outdoor activities. Knitted with tennis fabric, the pair promises a snug fit and maintains airflow to let your feet breathe freely. The PU sole (polyurethane) comes with an air cushion that acts as a shock absorber and protects the feet from external forces. On the other hand, the memory foam insoles provide exceptional support and cushioning during your walk.

Heel Height: 3 inches

Weight: 14.39 Ounces

Sizes: 5.5 to 10

Colors: Available in black, navy, purple, and grey shades.

6

Best for Everyday Use

adidas Women's Racer Tr21 Running Shoes

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When in doubt, choosing a pair of Adidas running shoes is the best thing that you can do. After all, the brand has a strong reputation in the sports and fitness industry. This pair is sewn with a proportionate blend of cotton and polyester for superior comfort which makes it apt for everyday use. Moreover, the upper part is built from leather and textile to provide the highest durability and elevate the shoe's overall look. Also, the Cloudfoam midsole brings next-level comfort and prepares you to face every challenge with confidence.

Heel Height: 4.21 inches

Weight: 2.45 Pounds

Sizes: 5 to 11

Colors: Comes in a wide variety of options like preloved blue, wonder white, vapour pink, pulse amber, and more.

7

Best for Fitness Freaks

Saucony Women's Kinvara 11 Running Shoes

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For those who prefer to push their limits and become limitless, Saucony's sports gear is here to save the day. Hand-picked from Saucony's finest footwear collection, these cushion running shoes can help you go the extra mile. Designed with Speedroll Technology, the pair lets you propel like a jet and helps you to run at lightning speed without pain. A lofty cushion bed at the sole region delivers maximum upthrust when force is applied to initiate and speed up your movements. Additionally, the cushion keeps your feet cozy during a long jog or run.

Heel Height: 4.49 inches

Weight: 2.5 Pounds

Sizes: 5 to 12

Colors: Comes in a wide range of color combinations like campfire story, cool mint, blackout, citron, and more.

8

Most Breathable Design

Brooks Women’s Launch GTS 9 Supportive Running Shoes

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Get maximum energy every time you hit the ground with Brooks’ high-cushion running shoes. The responsive cushioning soles deliver a high-energy return. Thanks to its super comfortable midsole, whose length has been increased to 2mm in the upgraded version while the outsole assists you in moving your foot quickly from heel to toe. The green rubber outsole is made from silica as it is more sustainable than petroleum. Further, the brand uses a unique cushioning technology for making midsoles which can assist in maintaining your gait, weight, and strides while working out. The upper features a creel wrap mesh for enhanced breathability and reduced weight.

Heel Height: 6 inches

Weight: 2 pounds

Sizes: 5 to 12

Colors: Available in color combinations like black/ebony/purple, pink/fuschia/cobalt, citrus/coral/black, and more.

9

Best Easy-to-wear Shoes

ALTRA Women's Torin 5

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Coming in as the next pick for the best women's cushioned running shoes, the ALTRA Torin 5 sneakers are re-engineered with superior, cozy, and luxurious midsole foams which make the shoes lightweight and easy to carry anywhere. The cushioning foams are added for support and to promote low-impact landings by balancing the distance between the heel and forefoot from the ground. ALTRA's foot shape toe box is wide enough for you to spread your foot and move it freely during cardio or intense exercises. Drawing from our experience, the shoes sit naturally on the feet depending upon the size that has been ordered.

Heel Height: 4.41 inches

Weight: 7.3 Ounces

Sizes: 5.5 to 12 

Colors: Available in colors like black, sand, coral, dusty pink, and more.

10

Most Stylish Design

Nike Women's Running Shoes

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If you want to go for a minimalistic look, this Nike creation is a must-have. It is best suited for folks who prefer a slightly higher heel edge to look taller. Additionally, it features a subtle, elegant design that looks super chic and girly. The upper part has a two-tone mesh in the forefoot which facilitates airflow to regulate thermoregulation. Furthermore, the shoe offers a snug fit and tightens around the foot with the help of its laces. This is required to support the arch and lateral midfoot during locomotion. Our analysis of the product shows that the foam tongue attached to the upper's inner lining locks the foot for a controlled and perfect gait.

Heel Height: 7.87 inches

Weight: 2.87 Pounds

Sizes: 5.5 to 12.5 

Colors: Comes in a wide array of color combinations like light soft pink/black, white metallic silver, Venice blackened blue, and more.

11

HOKA ONE ONE Women's Sneaker

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Shoes like HOKA have always been popular among fitness enthusiasts, and this one is no exception. The newly designed pair of shoes come with the best cushioning detached ratio and an extremely light silhouette. This new geometrical piece consists of an asymmetrical tongue, a ventilated mesh for airflow, and a thin tie rod. The trio contributes to holding the feet comfortably and ensuring a stable stride. In addition, the rubber roof and light foam increase the footwear's durability so you can use it for years.

Heel Height: 7 inches

Weight: 3 Pounds

Sizes: 5 to 14

Colors: Available in color combinations like black/white, white flame, black castlerock, peach parfait, and more.

We hope our list of the best cushioned running shoes will help you find the most suitable pick. While you shop for a pair, it's important to keep some factors in mind before making a purchase. So, here's our user guide to shed some light on the same.

Go through the following points before purchasing running gear for your next workout. 

Materials 

Shoe material is a crucial vertical that you can't afford to ignore. Most cushioned running shoes are stitched with EVA, PU, rubber, leather, textile fabric, and more. Typically, you'll find them in combination, but some may go solo. These are lightweight and sheer materials that increase the longevity of shoes. 

Size 

Your purchase can go futile if you choose the wrong size. So, it's better to opt for true-to-size options. However, you may consider going a few inches more or less if the pair tends to run smaller or bigger. Check the size chart and the instructions given by the brand to determine your ideal size. 

Durability 

The best max cushion running shoes are always durable. Durability comes with materials and construction. In particular, the midsoles and outsoles cover the maximum shoe's durability. More cushioning in the midsoles may extend the shoe's life. As far as outsoles are concerned, ones that are made with rubber, especially green rubber, are extra durable and can resist heavy stress. 

Requirements 

Different shoes come with different functionalities. For instance, shoes designed for casual road runs have distinct features from those meant for highly intense sporting activities. If you're a sprinter or short runner, a shoe with high responsiveness and balanced cushioning might be the right choice. For marathon runners, a pair with lightweight and moderate cushioning may work. 

Comfort

Comfort is a matter of choice and a subjective concept. The definition of a comfortable pair of shoes depends on your preference, foot size, and shape, gait, or any particular conditions like flat feet or plantar fasciitis. 

The best cushioned running shoes can support you and help you run the extra mile. They keep you cozy during your workout sessions and boost your performance. Shoes with cushioning also work as shock absorbers, and the foam soles disperse the impact for smooth running. But when it comes to choosing an ideal match, most of us end up confused. However, the above-mentioned products can help you discover one. Plus, don't forget that the optimum level of comfort relies on your preferences, gait, foot shape, size, and existing foot conditions.