The 7 Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Women

Best Overall: ASICS 33-M Women’s Running Shoes

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If you’re looking for a high-quality, well-cushioned, versatile shoe that’s also lightweight and durable, look no further than the Asics 33-M women’s running shoe. It’s a great all-around shoe, whether you’re running, walking, or cross-training. If you’ve suffered from plantar fasciitis or other foot pain in the past, this shoe can also help prevent future issues.

The shoe’s midsole is made from Amplifoam, an extremely soft, yet durable, material that provides excellent cushioning and response. The Asics 33-M’s flexible feel promotes a natural running style, making it a nice option for running both short and long distances. The ComforDry material provides plush underfoot comfort, as well as excellent moisture management, breathability, and antimicrobial properties.

Users love the fit and comfort of this shoe, right from the first wear. Like many other well-cushioned running shoes, the Asics 33-M is not cheap, but it’s worth the price for a long-lasting, quality product.

Best for Distance Running: Saucony Ride Women’s Running Shoes

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With an outstanding cushioning system and great shock absorption, the Saucony Ride women’s running shoes are a perfect choice for women who run frequently and log high mileage. The shoe’s midsole is made of SuperLight EVA, which provides excellent cushioning and rebound, while still maintaining a lightweight feel. Saucony running shoes are known for their roomy toebox, so this is a good option if you have wide feet. The molded foam insole is removable, so it can also accommodate other inserts or custom orthotics. A smart pick if you’re training for a half or full marathon, you can comfortably go the distance in these shoes.

Best for Trail Running: ALTRA Olympus Women’s Running Shoes

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Your feet may take a beating on rugged trails and rough roads, so you may need some more cushioning when you’re off-roading. If you’re looking for a trail shoe with more padding, the Altra Olympus women’s running shoes are a terrific option. This shoe features a max-cushioned feel, while still providing the superior grip and traction you need to handle all types of terrain and elevation changes when you’re trail running. Despite the shoes’ excellent cushioning and protection, the Atlra Olympus shoes aren’t bulky and have a flexible feel, allowing you to run more efficiently and fast on the trails. The foot-shaped toe box keeps your feet stable and comfortable, even when climbing and descending hills.

Available in three colorways—reviewers love these for their arch support and a few have noted that just switching to these shoes has improved their running.

Best for Road Running: Adidas Women's Supernova Glide 8 W Running Shoe

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If you are seeking a highly cushioned ride when you hit the pavement, the Adidas Supernova Glide women’s running shoes are a great choice. The shoes’ Boost EVA midsole features energy-returning properties, making each stride feel light and quick, and helping to improve your heel to toe transition. The shoe’s rubber outsole offers great traction on different surfaces, even on wet pavement, so you can run in all types of weather. The toe box is made of flexible mesh and is roomy and comfortable for all types of feet.

Best for Neutral Runners: Brooks Ghost Women’s Running Shoes

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The Brooks Ghost women’s running shoes are highly versatile shoes with excellent cushioning and support, especially for neutral runners. From short treadmill runs to long-distance races on roads or groomed trails, the Ghost performs well during all types of runs. The midsole’s Caterpillar Crash Pad offers cushioning and stability for a very smooth heel-to-toe transition. Additionally, the shoe’s Omega Flex Grooves give it some nice flexibility, allowing for more natural forefoot movement and fluidity. The sole is soft, while the forefoot is a bit firmer, offering the perfect balance of comfortable and efficient running. These running shoes are available in women’s narrow, medium, and wide sizes, so it’s easy to get the fit that’s right for your foot.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi Running Shoes

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With their trademark super thick and wide soles, Hoka’s super-cushioned shoes are not the prettiest ones on the market, but they certainly deliver when it comes to cushioning and comfort. The Bondi shoes are an excellent choice for women who are dealing with plantar fasciitis or are worried about a recurrence. The shoe’s superb cushioning slows the speed of the foot with each strike, minimizing the pressure under your heel and the ball of your foot. These shoes are a little more rigid than other running shoes from Hoka One One, so they provide some additional stability and support to defend against plantar fasciitis and other foot pain. The outsole is made of a very strong and sturdy rubber, adding to the shoes’ durability.