Most Comfortable Running Shoes of 2025: Cushioned Picks for Every Runner
We reviewed current expert tests, lab measurements, and brand specs to find the most comfortable running shoes. Because comfort is personal, we organized picks by use case and highlighted cushioning feel, stability, fit options, and value, with guidance on how to choose and try before you buy.
Overview
How to think about comfort
How we picked and scored
Key caveats
Fit tips
Top Picks
Brooks Glycerin 22
Plush, balanced cushioning with a comfortable upper; GTS variant adds guidance.
Pros
- +DNA Tuned cushioning for plush landings and responsive toe-offs (s17).
- +Cited as the most comfortable overall in a 2025 roundup (s1).
- +Line offers wide sizes and a GTS stability variant (s17).
Cons
- -Premium pricing; comfort-first design isn’t built for speed (general positioning; s17).
Verdict
A versatile comfort pick that suits a wide range of runners. Choose standard Glycerin for neutral support or the GTS variant for added guidance.
Criteria Scores
Hoka Bondi 9
Maximum-plush road shoe with a soft, protective feel for long, easy efforts.
Pros
- +‘Peak plushness’ with new supercritical foam (s6).
- +APMA Seal of Acceptance and 5mm drop (s6).
- +Reviewers praise plush, bouncy feel and supportive comfort for long distances (s7).
Cons
- -Higher price than many daily trainers (criteria_coverage: price).
Verdict
If you want the softest possible ride, the Bondi 9 delivers. It’s ideal for recovery and long easy days where comfort is the priority.
Criteria Scores
ASICS GEL-Kayano 32
Plush stability trainer with 4D GUIDANCE and added forefoot foam for supported comfort.
Pros
- +4D GUIDANCE provides dynamic stability (s11).
- ++2mm forefoot foam and updated FF BLAST PLUS cushion the ride (s11).
- +8mm drop; reviewers note it shines on comfortable, easy runs (s12).
Cons
- -Less suited to speedwork according to testers (s12).
Verdict
A top choice if you want comfort with guidance. It’s built for high-mileage, easy days where stable softness helps you finish fresh.
Criteria Scores
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14
Extra-soft neutral trainer with broad width range and APMA Seal.
Pros
- +“Extra Soft” Fresh Foam X feel with 6mm drop (s13).
- +APMA Seal of Acceptance (s13).
- +Widths from Narrow to X‑Wide; comfort award recognition (s13, s15).
Cons
- -Price sits in the premium range for daily trainers (criteria_coverage: price).
Verdict
A superb comfort choice for many foot shapes thanks to multiple widths and extra-soft cushioning. Ideal for everyday miles and long, easy runs.
Criteria Scores
Brooks Ghost Max 2
Max-cushioned, rockered neutral trainer with a stable, soft ride.
Pros
- +Rocker sole aims to reduce impact; 39/33 mm stack with 6mm drop (s18).
- +Roomy fit and soft DNA Loft v3 cushioning (s19).
- +Very stable with ‘all day comfort’ noted across reviews (s20).
Cons
- -Some find it bulky/heavy (~10.7–10.9 oz in tests) (s18, s20).
Verdict
If you want a smooth, rolling ride that feels cushy and stable, this is a standout. Great for easy days, recovery, and time on feet.
Criteria Scores
Hoka Clifton 10
Plush, balanced cushioned daily trainer for easy-to-steady miles.
Pros
- +Plush ride that suits everyday running (s2).
- +Soft, breathable upper with 8mm drop and high stack for comfort (s3).
- +Well-regarded as a cushioned pick in 2025 roundups (s2).
Cons
- -Lab tests note reduced ground feel due to ultra-thick setup; measured geometry may differ from spec (s5).
Verdict
A dependable, soft daily trainer that prioritizes comfort over road feel. If you like a plush, protective ride for easy to moderate runs, this is an excellent pick.
Criteria Scores
Nike Invincible 3
Maximum ZoomX cushioning for a soft, bouncy easy-day ride.
Pros
- +Tall, wide ZoomX midsole delivers maximum cushioning and bounce (s21).
- +Reviewers highlight comfort for everyday easy runs (s22).
- +9mm drop; very cushioned platform underfoot (s21).
Cons
- -Runs small—many should go up a half size (s21–s22).
- -Heavier than average and pricey (s21; criteria_coverage: price/weight).
Verdict
For runners who want the softest, bounciest feel, the Invincible 3 is a treat. Just mind the sizing and be okay with a heavier shoe at a premium price.
Criteria Scores
Puma Magnify Nitro 2
Soft, lively max cushion with surprising long-run comfort at a friendly price.
Pros
- +Soft, bouncy midsole with lab-measured softness (~19.3 HA) (s24).
- +Comfort holds up on long runs; caters to various footstrikes (s23, s25).
- +Removable insole for fit tweaks (s24).
Cons
- -Can feel warm and not particularly light (s23, s25).
Verdict
A strong value in plush comfort. It’s a great pick if you want soft cushioning for long easy miles without paying top-tier prices.
Criteria Scores
All Products
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 26
Plush neutral trainer with PureGEL and FF BLAST PLUS ECO, plus improved traction.
Pros
- +PureGEL + FF BLAST PLUS ECO deliver soft, cushioned landings (s8).
- +Lab-measured high stack with ~8–9mm drop (s9).
- +Tackier, grippier outsole on slick surfaces (s10).
Cons
- -Premium price point among neutral trainers (criteria_coverage: price).
Verdict
A comfort-first neutral shoe that combines a soft midsole with secure grip, making easy and long runs feel effortless while keeping you confident underfoot.
Criteria Scores
Saucony Triumph 22
All-superfoam daily trainer with a wide, balanced platform for a cushy, relaxed ride.
Pros
- +Full-length PWRRUN PB midsole; 37/27 mm with 10mm drop (s26).
- +Highly cushioned, relaxed ride tuned for easy/long runs (s27).
- +Wide platform aids planted, comfortable feel (s27).
Cons
- -Not designed for speed; price is mid-to-high (s27; criteria_coverage: price).
Verdict
A plush cruiser with modern superfoam that excels on easy and long runs. The broad base adds confidence and comfort over time.
Criteria Scores
Hoka Skyward X
Super‑max cushioning with a notably bouncy yet stable feel; premium price and weight.
Pros
- +Extreme stack (~48/43 mm) with 5mm drop; very cushioned (s34).
- +Described as deeply and energetically cushioned and stable (s33).
- +Plush step-in with secure lockdown (s32).
Cons
- -Heavy and expensive; not a racer (s33–s34).
Verdict
For those who want the softest possible platform with a lively feel, Skyward X delivers. Be ready for the heft and price, and use it for easy or recovery runs.