Max cushion shoes were once seen as a curiosity.
But the benefits can now be seen across the running world. As a result they seem to be everywhere. If you are gearing up for a race, on your feet all day, or just curious about this season's most cushioned running shoes, I hope this guide will provide some help.
Just be warned, once you slip a pair on, you may never go back.
Hoka Bondi 9
Once you go to Hoka, it's hard to go back. This newest iteration of the Hoka dynasty has been a hit amongst both our customers and staff. Some improvements from the previous model is the slimmed down look, increased cushioning, and better foot frame that fits more people!
This shoe is in the more “maximalist category” (think stiff forefoot, rocker, and LOTS of cushion), and suits people from all walks of life.
For runners, this shoe is great for longer distances and recovery runs due to the shock absorption from the cushioning and the smooth transition from impact to toe-off due to the rocker. This shoe is also fantastic for walkers, travelers, and people who are on their feet all day since the cushioning is like an orthopedic mat under your feet all day and the nice wide base provides a lot of stability. Furthermore, the shoe is often prescribed for people for issues like plantar fasciitis.
Hoka Bondi 9 Running
women's
Brooks Ghost Max 2
Similar to the Bondis, the Ghost Max 2 is a maximalist shoe- and it does not disappoint! Brooks made leaps of improvements from their first venture into maximalist territory with the Ghost Max 1, and the Ghost Max 2 is a strong competitor for those who love the Bondi. It uses a more firm cushioning system than the Bondi, and has a nice voluminous upper and great heel counter.
Like the Bondis, this shoe is great for longer runs, recovery runs, walking, traveling, standing, and foot issues. If your doctor ever prescribed “Hokas”, definitely give the Ghost Max 2s a try because we’ve found they've been immensely popular for their comfort and fit.
Brooks Ghost Max 2 Running
women's
Brooks Glycerin Max
I would be remiss if I didn’t add the Ghost Max 2’s sporty cousin the Glycerin Max to this list. While the Glycerin Max is a maximalist shoe just like the Ghost Max 2, it definitely feels more geared for running.
This uses Brook’s new DNA Tuned cushioning technology that is able to be both soft and responsive. The cushioning cells in the heel of the shoe are larger, while those in the front are smaller and more densely packed. This gives the shoes more responsiveness than more traditional maximalist shoes. This is a shoe designed for those running long distances and who need the best protection for their joints and muscles during long, easy, and recovery runs.
With these shoes you can just keep running and running and running and running and running and…
Brooks Glycerin Max Running
women's
ASICS Nimbus 27
Now we are getting into the more traditional high-cushioned runners. The Asics Nimbus 27 is a fantastic high-cushioned runner. The cushioning feels like running on clouds, and it has a rocker that helps roll your foot forward into each stride. I love the cushioning in these shoes, and the sock-fitted upper completely levels up this shoe in my opinion and molds the shoe to your foot.
While this is a very cushioned shoe, I found it to be more responsive than other premium running shoes. Although I wouldn’t recommend this for speed workouts, if you’re looking to have a more firm high-cushioned shoe, the Nimbus 27 is an amazing option. Again, this shoe is great as an everyday trainer, long runs, and recovery runs.
women'sasics Nimbus 27 Running
asics Nimbus 27 Running
men's
Mizuno Wave Sky 8
Let’s show Mizuno some love. Mizuno’s premium cushioned running shoe is the Wave Sky 8. While not currently the biggest name in the running shoe field, Mizuno is making leaps and bounds in their running technology and it is showing!
What makes this shoe unique is it’s midsole construction- the Wave Skys have a softer top layer and and a more responsive and energetic bottom layer. This allows the Wave Skys to protect you from the repeated impact of long-distance running, but allows energy transference to launch you into your next step. This energized cushioning system will help you keep up the speed for longer distances!
women'sMizuno Wave Sky 8 Running
On CloudSurfer Next
You’ve seen this brand around, probably everywhere including people running, at the gym, in the mall, and on Zendaya!! On (yes On, not On Cloud, not ON, and definitely not QC) is a pioneer in using cutouts in the midsole of their shoe to create impressively light running shoes. Not only does this cut weight from the shoe, but this adds to the cushioning experience of the shoe as the hole adds more shock absorption to the shoe (think stepping on a garden hose). The On Cloudsurfer Next takes the cushioning from the original Cloudsurfer and combines it with a more intense rocker, helping you glide forward into your next step
These shoes are super popular, as they are great for running and can transition to a more casual shoe. Not only can these take you on your runs and workouts, but are fashionable enough to accompany you on your everyday goings-ons and on vacation!
On Cloudsurfer Next Running
women's
New Balance 1080 V14
A long-time fan-favorite, the New Balance 1080’s newest iterations packs both more cushioning and more responsiveness than the previous version. The 1080 V14 uses a more firm version of the Fresh Foam X cushioning than the marshmallow-y V13, allowing it to still absorb impact and while creating a more responsive experience.
If you liked the squishiness of the V13, this may not be the shoe for you (try the Brooks Glycerin 22!), but the springiness of the V14 has been a hit amongst most of our customers so far! This is a great premium runner for daily runs, long runs, and recovery runs.
We are here to help!
There are a ton of amazing options in this category, and we understand it can feel overwhelming to choose the pair of shoes best for you. We hope this list helps narrow down the possibilities, but the best shoe for you is the one that feels good AND fits well, so come to the store and one of our footwear specialists will be happy to assist you.
