Best rated cushioned running shoes: a buyer's guide

If you want the best rated cushioned running shoes for easy miles, long runs or recovery days, start with the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 for maximum cushion, or the Saucony Triumph 24 if you want something lighter. If you're shopping on Amazon with a tighter budget, the Max Cushioning Endeavour listings have the most ratings of the options we found. Rankings disagree on a single winner, so this guide sorts the options by the criteria that matter for cushioning.

How we researched

We reviewed seven review and product pages from running sites, plus three current Amazon listings. The sources include RTINGS, RunRepeat, Alastair Running, Run United and Mountaineer Journey. We compared the stated specifications, reviewer comments and Amazon star ratings across them. Where specs differ between sources, we say so. This guide compares products using manufacturer specifications, current Amazon listings and owner reviews; we did not test them hands-on.

Buying criteria and how we chose

We weighted the criteria in this order. First, cushion and stack height, since that is the reason you're shopping this category. Second, weight, because a tall, heavy shoe can tire you out on speed work. Third, fit and step-in comfort around the heel, tongue and forefoot. Fourth, stability for your stride. Fifth, price tier.

RTINGS defines a heel stack over 40 mm as high-stack and 45 mm or more as ultra-high. A taller stack adds protection, but it can also make the shoe bulkier or less stable. RunRepeat found that the very tall New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 rode stiffer than its testers wanted, so a bigger stack is not automatically a better stack. Run United notes that cushioning depends on the firmness of the foam and the thickness of the midsole, which is why two shoes with similar stacks can feel different.

At a glance

Brooks Glycerin Max 2: the max-cushion choice

The Glycerin Max 2 suits runners who want big underfoot protection for relaxed daily miles, recovery runs and long, slow efforts. RunRepeat's product data lists a lab heel stack of 45.4 mm and a weight of 11.2 oz (318 g). RTINGS says its cushioning held up well in a simulated 50 km run test, and it describes the step-in feel as excellent, with a thick insole and generous heel and tongue padding. The site may earn a commission on the links in this guide, and the price does not change for you.

The drawbacks are real. RTINGS calls it very tall and heavy, says it tires you quickly at speed, and says it can feel unsteady on cornering and uneven ground. Drop figures also disagree: RunRepeat's lab measured 8.1 mm, while the brand lists 6.0 mm. If you want a lively, versatile trainer, RunRepeat's reviewers felt the foam lacks bounce at its price tier. This shoe sits in the $100–$300 tier.

Saucony Triumph 24: the lighter plush option

The Triumph 24 suits neutral runners who want a soft ride without a heavy shoe. Alastair Running lists it at 8.6 oz (244 g) with a 10 mm drop, 43 mm at the heel and 33 mm at the forefoot. Mountaineer Journey's reviewer found the softness underfoot comfortable on concrete and asphalt, and said the upper broke in within two or three runs. It sits in the $100–$300 tier.

The main drawback is fit for the stride. Mountaineer Journey notes that its neutral design is not ideal for overpronators, so if you need stability, look elsewhere. If your stride is neutral and you want a lighter shoe than the Glycerin Max 2, this is the better match on weight.

Women's Max Cushioning Endeavour: budget-minded cushion

This is the Amazon option for women who want cushioned road miles in the under $100 tier. The listing shows 4.5 stars from 6,500 ratings on Amazon, and more than 200 bought in the past month. Our sources do not list its stack height, weight or drop, and we found no independent reviews of it, so we can't tell you how it compares on the criteria above. Check the listing's size chart and specs before you buy, and compare the stack against the 40 mm high-stack line RTINGS uses. You can view it on Amazon here: Women's Max Cushioning Endeavour

Men's Max Cushioning Endeavour: the same line for men

The men's version is also under $100 and has 4.5 stars from 3,800 ratings on Amazon, with 50+ bought in the past month. Like the women's model, the specs in our material are limited to the listing, so verify the stack, weight and width on the product page. It suits men who want a max-cushion everyday trainer and are happy to check fit before ordering. Listing details are here: Men's Max Cushioning Endeavour Sneaker

Mens Extra Wide Trail Running Shoes: the wide-fit option

If you need extra width, this lightweight cushioned trail shoe has 4.2 stars from 1,600 ratings on Amazon, the lowest rating of the three Amazon options. Its name says trail, so it's a poor match for road-only training. Choose it only if you need width and plan to run on trails. Listing: Mens Extra Wide Trail Running Shoes Lightweight Cushioned Sneakers

How to choose

Choose the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 if you want the most cushion and can accept extra weight. Choose the Saucony Triumph 24 if you want plush cushion in a lighter shoe and you're a neutral runner. Choose the Endeavour models if your budget is under $100 and you're comfortable checking specs on the listing. Choose the extra-wide trail shoe if standard widths pinch and you run mostly on trails. Skip the tall, heavy options if your main goal is speed work. If you're unsure about support, a gait analysis at a specialty running store is the most direct way to find out.

FAQ

Is it good to have cushioned running shoes?

It depends on your runs. Cushioned shoes are designed to absorb impact and make easy, long or recovery miles feel softer. They are a common choice for runners logging higher mileage. If you prefer a firmer, faster feel, a lighter shoe may suit you better.

What is the best running shoe for support and comfort?

Comfort depends on fit as much as foam. RTINGS notes that the most cushioned shoe isn't always the most comfortable, and that a low forefoot or narrow arch can cause pressure even when the rest of the shoe fits well. For stability, check whether the shoe is a neutral design before you buy.

Is Hoka or Asics better?

Our sources do not include a head-to-head comparison, so we can't name a winner. Compare the specific models on stack height, weight, fit and your stride instead.

Conclusion

For the best rated cushioned running shoes for your needs, start with what you run and how much weight you'll accept. The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 leads on cushion, the Saucony Triumph 24 on lightness, and the Amazon Endeavour models on budget. Check the stack, drop and fit on the product page before you buy, and use the running shoe deal guide at /guides/running-shoe-deal-guide/ to compare prices across shops.

Sources

• RTINGS: The 6 Most Comfortable Running Shoes of 2026
• RunRepeat: Brooks Glycerin Max 2 product data
• RunRepeat: 7 Running Shoes With The Best Shock Absorption in 2026
• Alastair Running: The Best Cushioned Running Shoes, Right Now
• Run United: Women's Cushioned Running Shoes
• Mountaineer Journey: Saucony Triumph 24 Review