One of the most common questions I get from someone who is wanting to start running is how to get started.
Before you do anything; before you even step outside for that first adventure, I recommend getting fitted for a shoe specifically for your feet.
If you can make an appointment with a specialty running store you’ll be able to learn the shape of your foot, the type of arch you have, and the pattern of how your feet hit the ground during each stride.
Doing this will help determine the best type of running shoe you should check out for overall comfort, support, and performance.
If you don’t have access to a specialty store, or maybe you already know that you have the type of feet that prefer comfort (aka cushion), then here are the most cushioned running shoes you should check out.
Best Running Shoes with Cushion
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New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoe
These are the running shoes I’m currently using and they are like a dream. I wear them any time I’m going on a run, light job, or longer walk.
They’re supportive without feeling too tight and restrictive, and there’s plenty of room in the toe-bed which is something I always pay attention to.
I will say that sometimes I have noticed they feel a little tight over the top of my feet, but that’s easily adjusted by loosening the shoestrings. Probably a me thing, but I don’t really have a habit of tying my shoes too tight, so. Who knows.
Available in 22 colors (literally a pair for so many outfits) with the following features:
- Fresh Foam X Collection to provide plushness with every stride
- No sew overlays for a sleek fit
- Synthetic and mesh upper design for breathability
- Durable rubber outsole for lasting support
- Moisture control to help with sweat
Saucony Ride ISO
Saucony has and always will be my go-to number one pick for anything running related.
Just like most people hype up Brooks, I’m the hype-woman for Saucony.
Saucony is even the shoe I trained in and ran my first half marathon in. Whenever I’m looking for cushioned running shoes, I always have to check out the latest Saucony styles.
If you’re someone who has been running for a long period of time, it’s actually recommended to switch up the brand and style of your shoe from time to time so your foot doesn’t adapt or get used to the same type of shoe.
This shoe is designed with PWRFOAM and EVERUN top sole to combine softness with support to last for miles. Features also include:
- Pressure relief
- PWRFOAM midsole to absorb impact
- Updated ISOFIT that adapts to the shape and motion of your foot
- Mesh toe-bed for stretch and enhanced breathability
- Especially helpful for those who experience underpronation/supination
Brooks Women’s Caldera 4
Brooks brand is one of the top rated running shoes there is, and one that runners worldwide swear by.
I personally don’t love them as much as most people do, but only because I feel like they fit a little stiffer around my ankles.
I’m also the only person to ever say that, and the ratings for Brooks are always super high. My husband is a multi-marathon runner and Brooks is always his go-to shoe.
Benefits of this Brooks style:
- Balanced stretch and structure while adding cushion support
- Ideal for road running or cross training
- Increased DNA LOFT super-soft cushioning while maintaining durability
- OrthoLite sockliner provides premium comfort
- Internal stretch bootie moves and expands with each stride
ASICS Women’s Gel-Excite 7
Another super popular running brand is ASICS. I haven’t personally tried ASICS, but I have a few friends from my running club who swear by them.
Another great option for Asics is the Novablast, which has many of the same characteristics as the Gel-Excite listed below, but also contains reflective technology to enhance visibility.
Features of the Gel-Excites include:
- Mesh design improves breathability
- AmpliFoam Midsole provides durability, flexibility, comfort, and adaptability for running outdoors
- Ortholite X-40 Sockliner provides moisture management and high-level ventilation
