The weather outdoors is finally starting to look nicer and sooner than later beckons each of us outdoors as the lively spring weather typically does. Right before the heat and humidity of summer takes over, the springtime is the ideal weather for outdoor activities, and the sunshine is calling you to put on your running shoes and go for a run. If that’s the case, then the best cushioned running shoes are what you need as each of us as runners begins to anticipate summer races, marathons, triathalons, or just getting outside.
The one crucial factor in determining how well your run goes is ensuring that you have the right pair of running shoes — they can change your entire experience and comfort each and every time you lace them up. The top running shoes of 2024 are made to provide the ultimate cushioning, great traction and breathable materials to keep your feet cool while you embrace the sun. Whether you are running a marathon or having a casual jog in the park, having the right set of sneakers are a must. Therefore, as you are getting ready to indulge in the lovely spring weather, make sure you are doing so in the finest running shoes of the season.
Keep in mind that your performance is highly determined by your gear. And, with the usual consistent onslaught of new brands and endless models to choose from, we did the heavy lifting for you to pick out the five best, thus far, for the best cushioned running shoes of 2024. So, go ahead and get ready to crush some PRs in the best running shoes to grab this spring.
Best cushioned running shoes overall: Adidas Ultraboost Light – Core Black/Core Black/Core Black
When you need a running shoe that can literally do it all, from acting to a daily trainer, one to use on active rest days for long walks, or something that can take the demands of race day marathons, this one from Adidas does the trick. The Adidas Ultraboost 23 is a thrilling upgrade to the ever-popular Ultraboost series, bringing it back to the glory of the industry’s best running shoes that it used to be. This shoe is not only fashionable but also performs well in all needed aspects. The Ultraboost 23 has an improved midsole that will make your daily runs feel like a walk in the park.
The magic is in the Light BOOST midsole, a new generation of Adidas BOOST. Its molecule construction results in the lightest BOOST foam ever. Having hundreds of BOOST capsules that explode with energy, these running shoes provide the ultimate cushioning and comfort — truly one of the best cushioned running shoes to grab today.
Top reason to buy
Blends of style, comfort, and performance, making it suitable for both running and everyday wear — perfect for training or race days.
Pros
- Perfect for running, races, walking, or street style
- Lightweight
- Upper is made with 50% Parley Ocean Plastic, while the other 50% of the yarn is recycled polyester
- Fashionable
Cons
- Some runners may feel like they are stiff
Shoe specs
- Weight: 10.5 oz.
- Heel to toe drop: 10mm
- Ideal for: All runs (training, races, recovery)
- Cushioning: Medium-cushioning
Best cushioned running shoes on a budget: Reebok FloatZig 1 – Pale Blue/Ftwr White/Orange Flare
The Reebok FloatZig 1 is a modern look at a traditional daily trainer. The eye-popping design blends in well with the current ’90s nostalgia trend that is blowing up everything from social media to the runways of high designer brands. The midsole is made of Reebok’s new Floatride Energy foam that quite literally is in a zig shape, which tries to reduce weight and potentially add some comfort and energy return to the ride.
This shoe does feel lighter on foot than its stated 9.8oz, which is another added bonus, and is a bit of a throwback to a classic daily trainer. At last, the main reason it is on our list: for only $130, we consider this to be a steal for the high performance it delivers.
Top reason to buy
A comfortable ride, making it a great option for those with neutral mechanics looking for a shoe that lets you enjoy the run.
Pros
- ’90s aesthetics vibes
- Feels much lighter than its stated weight
- Midsole delivers great energy return
Cons
- Narrower shoe
- Upper around ankles can rub sore
Shoe specs
- Weight: 9.8 oz.
- Heel to toe drop: 6mm
- Ideal for: Daily trainer
- Cushioning: Plush/high-cushioning
Best for recovery runs: On Men’s Cloudsurfer Running Shoes – Frost
The closest you can arguably find to the feel of running on an actual cloud happens to come from the Swiss-sweetheart brand, On Running. The On Men’s Cloudsurfer Running Shoes in the Arctic-like color dubbed, frost, is a game-changer when it comes to running shoes. This shoe is meant to be a daily trainer but behaves more like a max-cushioned trainer thanks to its lavish ride feel — aka, running on clouds.
The upper is second to none in comfort and that is why it is ideal for shorter runs at an easier paces, or for those looking to easy back on training for a recovery run. With a more neutral support system in play, the cushioning works with the natural motion of your foot for a smooth striding, easy glide experience.
Top reason to buy
A unique running experience and luxurious upper that provides a cloud-like ride.
Pros
- Unique ride experience (may take some getting used to)
- Smooth transitions
- Luxurious upper feel
- Cloud-like runs
Cons
- Not a lot of spring in each step
- Better suited for beginners or a recovery run shoe
- Knitted upper makes feet sweat more
Shoe specs
- Weight: 8.6 oz.
- Heel to toe drop: 10mm
- Ideal for: Recovery runs
- Cushioning: Plush/high-cushioning
Best colorways: Hoka Clifton 9 Men’s Running Shoes – Ocean
The Hoka Clifton 9s are an ideal combination of comfort and function. This pair of shoes has good cushioning and is quite stable, which makes them perfect for those individuals who love the thrill of the run, chasing miles after miles on those endless, long runs.
The Clifton 9 uses an original Meta-Rocker midsole for smooth-pumping transitions and a very cushioned run, ideal for casual easy-paced runs. The Clifton 9 offers 3mm more midsole foam, which gives an even softer feel than its predecessors. One of the best cushioned running shoes that’s hard to beat in all-around performance.
Top reason to buy
Well cushioned and stabilized, makes them ideal for long distance training shoes.
Pros:
- Excellent colorways to suit all kinds of personalities
- Excellent long distance shoe
Cons:
- Very narrow
- Not ideal for speed work
Shoe specs:
- Weight: 8.7 oz.
- Heel to toe drop: 5mm
- Ideal for: Long distance runs
- Cushioning: Plush/high-cushioning
Best cushioned running shoes to smash PRs: Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 – Black/Metallic Gold Grain/Black
If seeking PRs, PBs, titles, records, glory, etc. is your goal, the one brand that continues to set the pace, pun intended, when it comes to the world of running, is Nike. The ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 3 is a new variation of the “original supershoe” concept that Nike created. The third version is even more lightweight, responsive, and applicable to all runs, or as some like to call it, the “marathon miracle.”
A slight downside, however, its softer midsole and smoother toe-off are less beneficial in 5K/10K races than previous models. Basically its still the ideal marathon-record-smashing shoe, just not as quick in the shorter races. It is only a tad lighter than the old model, and now it is one the lightest marathon shoes on the market. If you seek the best cushioned running shoes in 2024, this is one tough cookie to beat.
Top reason to buy
Combination of lightness, max cushioning, and stability, making it an ideal choice for marathon runners seeking new personal bests.
Pros
- Excellent upper breathability
- High energy return cushioning and stability
- Lightweight
- Best for smashing PRs
Cons
- Narrow
- Not great for shorter races
- Expensive
- Large tongue is uncomfortable
Shoe specs
- Weight: 7.05 oz.
- Heel to toe drop: 8mm
- Ideal for: Marathons
- Cushioning: Plush/high-cushioning