Trying to find the best cushioned running shoes is a lot more challenging than most people make it out to be.
There is a big difference between slipping on any old pair of running shoe and hoping for the best and finding the kind of cushioned running shoe designed so that you’ll be able to train, to run, and to move as much or as little as you like – at any speed – without risking injury to your foot, your legs, or the rest of your body and getting your hands on top notch cushioned running shoes that will support you through and through.
Obviously, you’ll want to make sure that you are always running with the second kind of shoes!
A couple of things to consider before you buy any cushioned running shoe are:
| PREVIEW | NAME | RATING | PRICE | MORE DETAILS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ASICS Men's GEL-Flux Running Shoe | 4.4/5 | $$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | ASICS Women's GEL-Flux Running Shoe | 4.6/5 | $$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | adidas Men's Energy Boost Cushioned Running Shoe | 4.3/5 | $$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Nike Women's Dual Fusion Run 2 Running Shoe | 4.3/5 | $$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | ASICS Men's Gel Kayano 20 Running Shoe | 4.7/5 | $$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Saucony Women's Cohesion 7 Running Shoe | 4.4/5 | $$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | ASICS Men's Gel Kayano 21 Running Shoe | 4.6/5 | $$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
Engineered for Running
Believe it or not, there are a lot of “running” shoes out there that aren’t really designed for people to actually run in them in the first place. If you want to find comfortable, supportive, 
well-made shoes that give you every edge and advantage you’re after, you need to make sure that they have been designed for running.
Getting the Right Fit
You need to be sure that your new running shoes are going to fit perfectly (and we mean PERFECTLY) or else you’re going to be wasting your time. You want a little bit of wiggle room in your new shoes, but for the most part, they should sit snugly and tightly against your feet on all sides.
Decide How Much Protection
Finally, you’re going to want to decide between “bare bones and barefoot-esque” running shoes and those that are much more cushioned. The more cushioned shoes are going to support you with every single footfall, while those that are much closer to barefoot running are going to be leaner, meaner, and open you up to the potential for more injuries.
Best Cushioned Running Shoes Reviews for 2020
1. ASICS Men’s GEL-Flux Running Shoe
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Engineered in almost every single area to be as supportive a running shoe as you’ll come across today, these ASICS Men’s GEL-Flux running shoes are considered to be some of the best running shoes money can buy for a variety of different reasons.
Well-made, constructed out of high-end materials, and taking advantage of gel cushioning systems throughout, you won’t find too many shoes better than these if you’re serious about protecting your feet while you run.
- Top-of-the-line construction materials used throughout
- Innovative yet proven design helps to support your feet while running
- Gel cushioning systems throughout cushioning every single footfall
- Guidance Line vertical flex groove makes sure that you land exactly how you should with every stride
What’s to like about ASICS Men’s GEL-Flux Running Shoe
ASICS Men’s GEL-Flux running shoes are very much one of the best cushioned running shoe options you’re going to find today, thanks in large part to the gel cushioning systems you’ll find throughout the shoe. These cushioning systems work like a suspension in your vehicle, but also make sure that your feet stay cool while you’re out running.
What’s not to like
Some people have complained a little bit about the overall comfort of these particular running shoes, reporting that they fit a little bit too tight at first. Once broken in, though, very few people have any complaints whatsoever.
Final Verdict
As one of the premier options on the market today at a price point that cannot be beaten, the ASICS Men’s GEL-Flux running shoes are worth investigating. We give them 4 ½ out of five stars.
2. ASICS Women’s GEL-Flux Running Shoe
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Almost absolutely identical to the running shoes that we reviewed above, these cushioned running shoes have been designed specifically for women first and foremost, and are always going to be some of the most comfortable shoes money can buy for those looking to pick up running.
- Engineered specifically to cushion under and over pronation issues
- Gel cushioning suspension system throughout keeps feet safe and cool
- Midsole improves “flex back” for a little bit of extra spring in your step while running
- Polyester construction material throughout keeps shoes lightweight and comfortable
What’s to like about ASICS Women’s GEL-Flux Running Shoe
You’re going to find a lot of things that are very impressive when you slip the ASICS Women’s GEL-Flux running shoes onto your feet, but the most impressive detail has to be the overall under to mild over pronation “recovery” features built right into these shoes. They’re definitely going to help anyone suffering from these issues run more efficiently without risking injury.
What’s not to like
The only real knock or downside about these particular running shoes is that they aren’t available in quite as many colors as the men’s options are. But if that’s the only real complaint, it’s easy to see that these are some of the best cushioned running shoe options money can buy.
Final Verdict
While there are a lot of other women’s running shoes out there to select from, these are always going to meet and exceed your expectations. We give them 4 ½ stars out of five.
3. Adidas Men’s Energy Boost Running Shoe
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Adidas running shoes have always been some of the best money can buy and in these particular options are going to continue that legacy going forward. Created using only the best construction materials available (without ever threatening to break your bank account in the process), these running shoes include a line of impressive upgrades and innovations that help them to offer significant benefits over the competing products
- Lightweight construction materials help to create a year of shoes that will help you run more efficiently and more smoothly
- Integrated cushioned design makes sure that your foot is cradled while you run for the ultimate suspension experience
- High performance sweat and moisture destroying liner keep feet clean, healthy, and pleasant smelling
- Intelligently designed insole helps to support all different kinds of pronation
What’s to like about Adidas Men’s Energy Boost
Unlike a lot of other running shoe brands on the market today, Adidas make sure to cater to individuals that want a semi-custom fit that really helps them feel confident while running. These particular running shoes are available in a variety of different wits as well as sizes, making sure that everyone has the chance to strap them to their feet.
What’s not to like
There aren’t a lot of things that you are going to be unhappy with when you decide to purchase these particular running shoes though there are some people that have purchased them in the past that aren’t wild about the synthetic sole of these shoes. It’s a minor thing for sure, but something that you’ll want to consider before moving forward.
Final Verdict
These shoes are definitely some of the best cushioned running shoe options you’ll find and have earned 4 ½ out of five for sure.
4. Nike Women’s Dual Fusion Running Shoe
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When it gets right down to it, you simply aren’t going to find any better athletic training shoes – especially running shoes – then the ones that are offered by Nike.
After all, this is a company that was founded on the back of a track coach looking to help athletes get a bit of an edge when they were competing, a company that has always focused on athletes first and foremost. These women’s running shoes are well cushioned without feeling heavy, and have a lot of built in special features as well.
- Nike running shoes always fit nice and snug for extra support
- Super lightweight construction materials are also very durable
- Those with a neutral to under pronating footfall are going to find these to have just the right amount of suspension and bounds
- High density midsole helps to correct all footfalls so that your strides are much more efficient across the board
What’s to like about Nike Women’s Dual Fusion
The very lightweight construction materials used throughout these women’s shoes definitely help to set them apart from the rest of the pack. They are some of the best cushioned running shoe options you’re going to find, especially for women that are serious about getting in some quality training
What’s not to like
The only real thing that would ever stop you from purchasing these women’s running shoes (aside from you being a man, of course) would be the actual price tag. All Nike shoes (all Nike everything, really) is a little bit on the more expensive side of things, so that’s something to expect and anticipate.
Final Verdict
These women’s running shoes are very impressive and are certainly in contention for the title of best cushioned running shoe out there. They get 4 ½ out of five stars.
5. ASICS Men’s Gel Kayano Running Shoe
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Another great running shoe option from one of the best footwear manufacturers on the planet today, the ASICS Men’s Gel Kayano 20 running shoes are filled with a gel like substance cushioning every single footfall and to support a more efficient stride so that you don’t have to worry about injuring yourself while you’re training.
- Manufactured entirely out of synthetic materials that have been designed for maximum strength, durability, and breathability
- Take advantage of gel-based cushioning system/suspension system to support every stride as well
- Have built-in “Impact Guidance System” that helps to realign your feet as they come down and meet the road, trail, or track
- Aren’t ever going to set you back as much as some of the other best cushioned running shoe options out there
What’s to like about ASICS Men’s Gel Kayano 20
ASICS Men’s Gel Kayano 20 running shoes are filled with a gel like substance that provides just the right amount of give and bounce back to make sure that you mitigate as many risks of injury as humanly possible. It isn’t a lively “suspension” system by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s going to go a long way towards making sure that you can stay running rather than spending time nursing injuries.
What’s not to like
Some people aren’t exactly going to be over the moon with the actual design and aesthetics of this particular pair of running shoes, but that is such a small consideration in the grand scheme of things that it’s almost entirely inconsequential.
Final Verdict
We absolutely feel comfortable giving these running shoes a 4 ½ out of five rating, and recommend them as some of the best cushioned running shoe options money can buy.
6. Saucony Women’s Cohesion Running Shoe
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Specifically designed as training shoes for those that want to improve their overall cardio capacity, those that want to run marathons or triathlons, and those that are just looking to correct the way that their feet hit the ground every single time they take a step (at any speed), the Saucony Women’s Cohesion 7 running shoes are well designed shoes that give you the right amount of support without ever feeling “chunky”.
- Very lightweight construction materials support running shoes that are comfortable to wear over long periods of time
- Intelligently designed gel-based “suspension system” to keep your feet safe while absorbing shock
- Completely decoupled heel to avoid significant injury based off of any misstep
- Flexible forefront of that allows your toes to move independently the rest of your feet to limit injury as well
What’s to like about Saucony Women’s Cohesion 7
You can definitely tell that the people behind the Saucony Women’s Cohesion 7 running shoes spent quite a bit of time at the drawing board trying to make sure that these came out “just so”, and its evident based on the overall pitch perfect design and implementation of these shoes.
They are safe, they are comfortable, they are breathable, and they are durable. Does it get much better than that?
What’s not to like
Of course, some people aren’t exactly in a bird with the overall look and design of these particular running shoes, but there aren’t too terribly many people that will bail on form versus function when it comes time to purchase running shoes
Final Verdict
If you are a woman looking to give yourself every opportunity to improve your fitness level while at the same time looking great and eliminating risks of injury, you’ll want to look closely into the Saucony Women’s Cohesion 7 running shoes. They are pretty solid.
7. ASICS Men’s Gel Kayano Running Shoe
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Very similar in nature to a lot of the other running shoes that we have reviewed in this quick guide, the ASICS Men’s Gel Kayano 21 running shoes aren’t exactly game changers or tremendously innovative in a bunch of different ways – but they are steady, reliable, and as comfortable as any pair of running shoes can be.
- Manufactured out of quality high-end construction materials to keep the weight down while in improving the durability of the shoes
- Offers extra “fluid fit” flexibility on the midsole and the upper to cradled your feet with every step
- Fluid Ride bounce back cushioning is located throughout the shoes to provide tactile feedback and suspension support when your feet hit the ground
- Oversized heel (1.5 inches) offers a bit of extra resistance and protection from missteps and mistakes
What’s to like about ASICS Men’s Gel Kayano 21
Seriously, they have to be some of the best cushioned running shoe options you’re going to come across on the market today, and for good reason. Durable, safe, and relatively inexpensive, these shoes are right up there at the top of the list.
What’s not to like
Some people have a bit of a problem with the overall design and aesthetic of these running shoes, but most aren’t all that concerned with it. You shouldn’t be there! You are going to want to make sure that the fit and finish of the shoes are appropriate for your feet, as no one wants to run around with running shoes that aren’t as comfortable as they should be.
Final Verdict
The shoes are high-quality for sure, and are definitely well worth a closer examination. They get 4 ½ stars out of five without any hesitation at all.
Choosing from the Best Cushioned Running Shoes Reviews
Finding the best cushioned running shoes for your specific needs doesn’t have to be a nightmare proposition. Armed with the inside information above, as well as access to the Internet and realize customer reviews and testimonials, you’ll be able to effortlessly find the right shoes for your particular goals.
Of course, if you want to shortcut this process, you really can’t go wrong with any of the best running cushioned shoe options we’ve broken down above. The ASICS Men’s Gel Kayano 21 running shoes, the Nike Women’s Dual Fusion Run 2 running shoes, and the Adidas Men’s Energy Boost 2 running shoes are the best of the bunch that we already review, and should be where you spend the majority of your focus on.
At the end of the day, only you’ll know when you have found the best cushioned running shoe pair for your specific needs, but hopefully we’ve been able to help!
How to Select the Right Cushioned Running Shoes
Running is a complex, biomechanical process during which the feet roll over the ground in certain ways. This is a natural process for all of us, but not all of us have the ability to run correctly, due to the feet pronation.
Pronation refers to the way the foot rolls inward after it touches the ground. People who under pronate usually tend to touch the ground with the outer side of the foot. Overpronation, on the other hand, happens when a person steps on its inner side of the foot first.
Normal pronation is ideal for everyone but, unfortunately, these habits start developing at very young ages and are difficult to correct. In order to help the feet run correctly and rebuild the neutral pronation, shoes should be picked carefully.
There are various ways of finding out if you have neutral, exaggerated pronation or insufficient pronation, but the simplest way is to look at the shoes you wear the most. If the sole seems to be worn more on one side than the other, you probably have abnormal pronation.
Running shoe manufacturers have focused their attention on the anatomy of the foot, developing models and technologies that fit all types of feet.
Running Shoes for Your Needs
Depending on the foot pronation, running shoes have different benefits. For example, feet with insufficient pronation can’t absorb the shocks as they are supposed to when running. In this case, running shoes with thick sole padding are essential. Additionally, the shoe has to be flexible enough to allow your foot to rotate on the inside, which means that the lining should be as thin as possible. Therefore, the best shoes for under pronation are those with thick outsole and padding and a soft, flexible lining.
Feet with neutral pronation don’t have special needs, but they still need running shoes with good ankle and arch support.
People who suffer from overpronation, also known as flat feet, need running shoes that don’t allow the foot to move too much on the inside. This means that the shoe must be able to offer motion control. Such footwear has thick and rigid outsole, dense padding on the inner side of the shoe, right under the arch and a firm heel shape.
Where to Find the Best
Famous shoe brands are extremely motivated to create shoes that help the feet while running, but that doesn’t mean that you will not be able to find budget shoes that will suit your needs. All you have to do is look for the specifications you need, depending on the pronation of your feet.
It is important to always try on both the shoes and try to make a few steps or even run a bit. Giving the fact that the shoes are new and a bit rigid, you might not be able to tell whether they are suitable for you or not. Shoes purchased online can easily be returned so you might consider buying several contenders and return the ones that don’t work.
Check other people’s reviews to see if the shoes you want to buy are suitable for your problem. If you have neutral pronation, then you are a lucky person. The only thing you should focus on is comfort, shape and design. Choose your running shoes depending on your training type and environment or weather.
