We've gathered the , which are the most comfortable and shock-absorbing on the market right now. So if you're looking for a pair of comfy running shoes for your daily miles, you should read on.
Whether you're a beginner or have been running for years, it's crucial to have comfortable and protective running shoes. Running is one of the sports that puts the most strain on joints.
Most models in this article are especially suited for longer runs. However, you can also use these running shoes for shorter runs if you just want that luxurious and gentle cushioning on all your runs.
Nike Vomero Plus
is among the three new Vomero launches, and to be honest, all three shoes could be in this article, maybe they even are? Nike Vomero Plus stands out with a ZoomX midsole, which you might know from Nike's race shoes, here in a more tamed version. This means you get a very versatile, cushioned, yet responsive running shoe, which you can use for long runs, short jogs, and even some interval days when you don't need a race shoe. We believe Vomero Plus will be one of the year's most hyped shoes!
Weight: 273g. (size 42½), 230 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 10 mm (Men/Women)
HOKA BONDI 9
is an excellent running shoe with maximum cushioning. The midsole on HOKA BONDI 9 has had two characteristics since the first generation: Width for stability and height for comfort. The latest generation uses HOKA's Supercritical EVA, which is lighter and softer than previous generations' foam material. The shoe works well for long, easy training sessions, as the large sole places it in the heavy category.
Read our review of HOKA BONDI 9 in our inspiration universe.
Weight: 298 g. (size 42½), 263 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 5 mm (Men/Women)
SAUCONY TRIUMPH 24
is a running shoe with high comfort and with the new foam material IncrediLux, ensures a perfect balance between shock absorption and responsiveness.
Triumph 24 is equipped with an engineered mesh upper, offering a soft and breathable experience, optimized with an adaptive lacing system for a secure fit. The revolutionary midsole, made in A-TPU, provides unmatched responsiveness and shock absorption, wider at the midfoot and heel for increased stability. The outsole in durable XT-900 rubber ensures long-lasting performance.
Weight: 250 g. (size 42½), 216 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 10 mm (Men/Women)
Mizuno Neo Zen 2
is among the fastest running shoes in this article. None of the shoes here are speed monsters, but if there were one, this would be it. The primary reason for this is Mizuno's excellent technology, Smooth Speed Assist. Smooth Speed Assist is a rocker geometry, and they've really succeeded with it. If you're looking for a 'rolling' sensation when you run, then Neo Zen 2 is the one to look for. The shoe is also over 40mm in the heel, so you get plenty of protection from the ground, a great combination we think.
Weight: 246 g. (size 42½),
Heel drop: 6 mm (Men/Women)
On Cloudsurfer Max
what a beauty. We have to commend the design team at On, they really know what they're doing. That it's also an excellent running shoe, well that certainly means something too. On Cloudsurfer Max is cushioned, but not in a way where you sink through the shoe, it's reliable and secure. Let's imagine what would happen if I were single and swiping on my phone. If I came across a profile where the bio said "Reliable and secure" and the picture was beautiful, I'd probably swipe right.
Weight: 292 g. (size 42½),
Heel drop: 6 mm (Men/Women)
NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM X MORE V6
is for runners seeking maximum comfort and support on their runs. It's designed with the latest Fresh Foam X technology, providing an extra soft and supportive running experience. Fresh Foam More V6 offers an extra soft and supportive running experience with its outstanding cushioning and an outsole that ensures extra stability. The upper is made of lightweight mesh, ensuring breathability and keeping your feet cool throughout the run. Fresh Foam More v6 is one of the heaviest in its class, but also one of the most shock-absorbing.
Weight: 306 g. (size 42½), 244 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 4 mm (Men/Women)
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28
GEL-Nimbus is the softest series of neutral running shoes from the Japanese brand –
is certainly no exception.
The 28th generation has renewed itself compared to previous editions. The shoe has the same stack height and heel drop, but drops almost 35g in our test pair in size EU 44. This is a REALLY cool update. The upper is also updated, with athin tongue that stretches to wrap around your foot like last year, but the rest is made more classic and firm than previous models' sock-like uppers. The outsole uses Hybrid ASICSGRIP in strategically selected areas, though they are placed differently than version 27, making the shoe feel slightly stiffer at takeoff, especially around the forefoot.
Weight: 302 g. (size 42½), 252 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm (Men/Women)
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
is an excellent shoe if you want a soft running shoe suitable for daily training and faster runs. Novablast 5 is not just soft but also responsive, making it different from others on the list. This is due to the FF BLAST MAX foam ASICS uses, providing fantastic energy return. The cushioned midsole ensures protection and superior comfort on all your runs – regardless of speed.
Weight: 250g. (size 42½), 225 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 8mm (Men/Women)
PUMA MAGMAX NITRO 2
is another shoe that is not just ultra-soft: It is also responsive. MagMax Nitro 2 measures 46mm at the heel and 38 at the forefoot, so you don't have to worry about feeling too much of the ground beneath you. The outsole consists of Puma's PUMAGRIP rubber, ensuring long shoe life and offering respectable grip on gravel and forest trails. MagMax Nitro 2, with its low weight for the category, is noted for being a sensible shoe on days when you want to run "easy tempo".
Weight: 275g. (size 42½), 285g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm (Men/Women)
SAUCONY HURRICANE 25
is designed for runners seeking both comfort and stability. The shoe features dual-layer cushioning and support properties, making it perfect for daily training and longer runs. It combines advanced materials with innovative construction to ensure a comfortable and efficient running experience. Hurricane 25 is slightly lighter than its predecessor, about 30g per pair.
Weight: 285 g. (size 42½), 252 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 6 mm (Men/Women)
ASICS GEL-KAYANO 32
is the stability running shoe above all, and this edition has received quite a design update! In ASICS GEL-Kayano 32, there is FF Blast+ midsole material, and of course, PureGEL. The upper is updated in a more adaptive version than model 31. The shoe has added a bit of extra height to the midsole, yet without compromising weight, which is actually lower here on Kayano 32. ASICS Kayano 32 gets its stability from its 4D Guidance System™, providing an adaptive stability pattern.
Weight: 298 g. (size 42½), 252 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 8 mm (Men/Women)
Nike Vomero Premium
is a shoe beyond the ordinary. When Nike introduced the Nike Vaporfly, we all felt a wow sensation we had never known. I dare say it's a bit the same feeling here. With Vomero Premium's market entry, Nike has pushed the boundaries of how a running shoe can both look and feel. I felt 10 years younger when I put on this shoe, and if you don't necessarily need that, you just get a running shoe that gives you the wildest bounce, yet without being directly unstable.
Weight: 326 g. (size 42½), 240 g. (size 39)
Heel drop: 10 mm (Men/Women)
More inspiration?
See our selection of shoes with or read our article on .
