Stepping into the world of running is exciting, but let’s be honest: choosing your first pair of shoes can feel incredibly overwhelming. The walls of shoes, the technical terms, the endless options… it’s a lot to take in. When you’re just starting, what’s the one thing that truly matters? In a word: comfort. And the key to that comfort is cushioning. Think of it as your personal suspension system, absorbing the impact of the road to protect your joints and keep you running happily.
We created this guide for that exact reason: to cut through the noise and find the most cushioned neutral running shoes for you. We’ll walk you through our top picks, explaining what makes each one special. Our only goal is to help you find the perfect, comfortable partner for your new running journey.
Just so you know: As a runner myself, I only recommend gear I truly believe in. If you purchase through a link on this page, I may earn a small commission that helps me create more guides like this—at no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support!
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The 5 Best Shoes: A Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Feature | Check Price |
| ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 | A Luxury, Protective Ride | A premium, stable, and rock-solid feel | Check Price on Amazon |
| Saucony Triumph 22 | Durable, Stable Workhorse | A fortress of comfort for high-mileage | Check Price on Amazon |
| Brooks Glycerin 21 | A Traditional Soft Ride | Predictable, no-frills comfort for heel strikers | Check Price on Amazon |
| New Balance 1080v13 | The Absolute Softest Feel | A unique, pillowy, “walking on clouds” sensation | Check Price on Amazon |
| ASICS Novablast 5 | Bouncy, Versatile Fun | An energetic and lively all-rounder | Check Price on Amazon |
What Are Cushioned Neutral Running Shoes? A Simple Guide
“Neutral” simply refers to how your foot and ankle move when you run. Most people have a natural, slight inward roll when their foot lands—this is a normal and healthy motion. Best neutral running shoes are designed to support this common gait without trying to “correct” it. “Cushioning” is the foam that shields your body from impact. In max cushion running shoes, this protection is the number one priority, leading to more comfort and a lower chance of the aches and pains that can be discouraging.
The “Stable Neutral” Trend: Getting Security Without Over-Correction One of the best recent innovations is the “stable neutral” category. These are neutral shoes that include design features to provide extra stability without using traditional support posts. This is often done through creating a wider base or using raised midsole sidewalls that gently cradle your foot. This design is invaluable for neutral runners, providing subtle guidance when you start to get tired at the end of a long run.
Our Top 5 Most Cushioned Neutral Running Shoes
Here we go—the detailed breakdown of our favorite cushioned running shoes. We’ll tell you exactly what each shoe feels like and who it’s best for.
1. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 – The Luxury Cruiser
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 stands out as the quintessential maximalist shoe, engineered for runners who put a deeply cushioned, protective, and luxurious ride above all else. It’s a premium daily workhorse that excels on easy and long miles, offering a surprisingly stable feel for its massive size.
- Feature Focus: The ride of the Nimbus 27 is a unique “firm-plush” experience. While it looks like a pillowy cloud, the on-foot feel is more balanced. Its plushness comes from the sheer volume of its FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam, which provides immense protection. This prevents the shoe from feeling “mushy.” This combination of a wide, solid platform and a foam that resists too much compression gives the Nimbus a confidence-inspiring and rock-solid feel underfoot.
- This Shoe is For You If: You are a neutral runner seeking maximum protection for easy days, recovery runs, and long-distance training at slow to moderate paces. You dislike an overly “squishy” sensation and prefer a more substantial platform. You value a premium, luxurious step-in feel.
Pros:
- Exceptional impact protection from the massive stack of foam.
- Surprisingly stable and secure for a max-cushion shoe.
- The jacquard mesh upper is famously comfortable and luxurious.
- Durable outsole provides excellent grip and is built to last.
Cons:
- Lacks the versatility for faster-paced runs.
- The ride is firmer than its looks suggest, not truly “cloud-like”.
2. Saucony Triumph 22 – The Durable, Stable Workhorse
The Saucony Triumph 22 marks a major shift, pivoting to a dedicated max-cushion specialist designed for slow-paced runs. Its defining features are a plush ride and exceptional stability that comes from a massively widened base, making it a fortress of comfort for high-mileage training.
- Feature Focus: The most interesting thing about the Triumph 22 is how it “tames a super foam”. It uses Saucony’s premier PWRRUN PB foam, known for being bouncy in speed shoes. However, in the Triumph, it’s paired with a considerably wider platform. This was a deliberate choice to tune the shoe for maximum comfort and stability rather than speed. The result is a ride that is exceptionally stable, but it can feel sluggish if you try to pick up the pace.
- This Shoe is For You If: You are looking for a highly durable, exceptionally stable, and plushly cushioned shoe for your easy days and long, slow runs. You prioritize longevity and want a predictable, protective shoe that will last for hundreds of miles.
Pros:
- Outstanding durability; built like a “tank” to last for up to 600 miles.
- Extremely stable and confidence-inspiring thanks to its very wide base.
- The ride is plush and highly protective, perfect for slow or recovery paces.
Cons:
- It can feel sluggish or heavy when trying to push the pace.
- The thick upper runs warm, which isn’t ideal for hot weather.
3. Brooks Glycerin 21 – The Traditional Soft Ride
The Brooks Glycerin 21 is a premium, reliable daily trainer that delivers a balanced, soft, and supremely comfortable experience without any radical design changes. It is the quintessential workhorse for runners who appreciate a more traditional high-drop feel, now upgraded with modern cushioning for logging countless comfortable miles.
- Feature Focus: The performance of the Glycerin 21 is defined by its nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 midsole, which is even thicker than in the previous version for a plusher feel. The on-foot experience is consistently described as smooth, comfortable, and highly protective. Many testers characterize the ride as “boring” or “uneventful,” which, for a reliable daily trainer, is often a compliment. Its high 10mm heel-to-toe drop is a key feature that makes it perfect for runners who land on their heels.
- This Shoe is For You If: You are a heel striker who loves the feel of a traditional, high-drop shoe. You want a durable, no-frills workhorse for your daily miles and long runs. You value a predictable and protective ride over an exciting one, making it one of the most comfortable running shoes you can own.
Pros:
- Delivers a very smooth, comfortable, and predictable ride.
- Excellent durability, with a new RoadTack rubber outsole built for high mileage.
- The high drop is perfectly suited for heel strikers.
- The engineered warp knit upper is widely praised for its plush feel.
Cons:
- The ride is not exciting or energetic; it lacks bounce.
- Some reviewers have noted that the plush upper can run warm.
4. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13 – The Pillowy Soft Cloud
If your number one priority is pure, unadulterated softness, the New Balance 1080v13 is in a class of its own. It delivers a supremely plush, compliant, and cloud-like ride that is arguably unmatched. However, this extreme softness is a double-edged sword, coming at the direct expense of stability and responsive energy.
- Feature Focus: The defining feature of the 1080v13 is its incredibly soft Fresh Foam X midsole, which lab tests confirm is one of the plushest on the market. The ride feels bouncy and protective, akin to “walking on clouds,” making it exceptionally comfortable. This extreme softness, however, leads directly to a lack of inherent stability. Reviewers consistently warn that the shoe feels unsettled or wobbly on uneven ground, meaning the runner’s own stabilizing muscles must work harder.
- This Shoe is For You If: You are a runner with very stable, efficient, and neutral mechanics. You prioritize a supremely soft, pillowy cushioning feel for your easy and recovery days. You want a fantastic choice for all-day walking.
Pros:
- Unmatched softness delivers a unique “walking on clouds” sensation.
- Exceptionally comfortable for recovery runs and all-day wear.
- Remarkably lightweight for the amount of foam underfoot.
Cons:
- Lacks inherent stability and can feel wobbly.
- The ultra-soft midsole may feel “flat” much sooner than in firmer shoes.
5. ASICS Novablast 5 – The Bouncy, Versatile All-Rounder
The ASICS Novablast 5 emerges as the clear standout for versatility in the cushioned shoe category. It masterfully blends a soft, bouncy, and energetic ride with enough stability for daily training, earning its reputation as a “one-shoe-quiver” that can handle a wide variety of runs.
- Feature Focus: The soul of the Novablast 5 is its new FF BLAST MAX midsole. This foam delivers a ride that is noticeably softer, bouncier, and more energetic than its predecessors, hitting a “sweet spot” of plush comfort and lively responsiveness. This dynamic character makes it capable of handling easy recovery miles, daily runs, and even some faster tempo sessions. However, this fun ride comes with a trade-off: midsole durability, with concerns that the foam loses its pop after 200-300 miles.
- This Shoe is For You If: You are seeking your first reliable shoe or an experienced runner looking for a versatile daily trainer. You value a comfortable, energetic, and fun ride that can handle most types of runs and you appreciate an outstanding price-to-performance ratio.
Pros:
- Incredibly versatile; it feels good on easy days, long runs, and even faster efforts.
- The ride is fun, bouncy, and energetic.
- Offers an outstanding price-to-performance ratio.
Cons:
- The primary concern is midsole durability.
- May not be ideal for high-mileage runners if it’s their only shoe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What’s the difference between “cushioned” and “supportive”?
“Cushioned” refers to the softness of the foam and its ability to absorb impact. “Supportive” (or “stability”) refers to features that help control the foot’s motion, specifically for runners who overpronate. All the shoes on this list are highly cushioned, but they are designed for a neutral foot type.
2. Are max cushion running shoes good for everyone?
They are excellent for beginners, runners focused on comfort over speed, or anyone looking to protect their joints during long, slow runs. However, some runners may find them too soft or prefer a shoe with more “ground feel” for faster workouts.
3. Will these cushioned running shoes make me run faster?
Generally, no. Max cushion running shoes are designed to absorb energy for protection, not return it for speed. Their goal is comfort, not performance. Shoes built for speed are typically lighter and use more responsive, “bouncy” foams.
4. How long will the cushioning last in these shoes?
Most high-quality cushioned shoes are durable for 300-500 miles. However, very soft foams may lose their premium feel sooner, sometimes after 200-300 miles, even if the rest of the shoe is fine.
5. Can I use these comfortable running shoes for walking?
Absolutely! Cushioned running shoes are fantastic for walking or for jobs that require standing all day. Their protective and comfortable nature makes them an excellent choice for all-day wear.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Comfort
Choosing from the most cushioned neutral running shoes ultimately comes down to personal preference. The goal is not to find the single “best” shoe, but the best shoe for you. Whether you crave the absolute softest feeling of the New Balance 1080v13, the versatile bounce of the ASICS Novablast 5, or the rock-solid stability of the Saucony Triumph, there is a perfect match on this list to make your runs more enjoyable.
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