Most cushioned running shoes
Stack height is how much foam sits between your foot and the ground, measured at the heel. Ten years ago 25mm was normal. Today a max cushioned shoe is 40mm or more, which is the current legal limit for road racing and, not coincidentally, where most brands have settled.
The case for it is straightforward. More foam means a softer landing, less feedback from rough pavement, and legs that feel fresher afterwards, particularly on long slow runs and recovery days. If your joints ache after running, this is the category to try first.
The case against is worth knowing too. A tall stack raises you further off the ground, which can feel unstable, especially if the base is narrow or you are on uneven surfaces. Soft foam also robs a little energy when you want to run fast. Most people solve this by owning one soft shoe for easy miles and something firmer for the quicker stuff.
The shortlist
These are the shoes the Shoe Finder quiz returns when you answer it as someone in this situation. Same database, same scoring, nothing added by hand. Answer it yourself and you will get a list shaped around your own feet, weight and budget rather than an average.
Nike Vomero 18
£134.99 · Max cushion · 298g · 10mm drop · 46mm stack · 4E available
Thick, soft and forgiving underfoot. Great value if you want maximum comfort on easy runs.
- Matches the soft feel you asked for
- Picked for comfortable everyday running
Saucony Triumph 24
£170 · Max cushion · 264g · 10mm drop · 40mm stack · wide fitting
Deep, soft cushioning that stays surprisingly light. One of the best long run shoes.
- Matches the soft feel you asked for
- Picked for comfortable everyday running
Brooks Glycerin 23
£165 · Max cushion · 297g · 8mm drop · 38mm stack · wide fitting
Brooks at its softest. A pricey but very comfortable shoe for steady miles.
- Matches the soft feel you asked for
- Picked for comfortable everyday running
Asics Gel-Nimbus 28
£179.99 · Max cushion · 278g · 8mm drop · 43mm stack · 4E available
Soft, protective and forgiving. The default choice for comfortable everyday miles.
- Matches the soft feel you asked for
- Picked for comfortable everyday running
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6
£150 · Max cushion · 306g · 4mm drop · 44mm stack · wide fitting
A huge slab of soft foam. Made for slow, comfortable miles and recovery days.
- Matches the soft feel you asked for
- Picked for comfortable everyday running
On Cloudmonster 3
£180 · Max cushion · 295g · 6mm drop · 40mm stack · nylon plate
Big, bouncy and fun underfoot, good for easy miles when your legs feel heavy.
- Matches the soft feel you asked for
- Picked for comfortable everyday running
Hoka Bondi 9
£160 · Max cushion · 297g · 5mm drop · 43mm stack · wide fitting
About as much cushioning as you can buy. Great if your legs and joints ache.
- Matches the soft feel you asked for
- Picked for comfortable everyday running
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
£165 · Max cushion · 295g · 6mm drop · 44mm stack
Thick, soft and protective, a comfy pick for recovery runs and long days.
- Matches the soft feel you asked for
- Picked for comfortable everyday running
How this list was put together
Every shoe in our database is scored against a set of rules, and this page shows the top eight for this particular need. The rules are written down in full on the how it works page, including which ones rule a shoe out completely. Nothing on this page is ordered by commission, and the prices are RRP, so shop around because they are very often discounted.
This is a starting point rather than a fitting. Where you can, try shoes on, and if you are running through pain see a physio rather than buying your way out of it.
Common questions
Is more cushioning always better?
No. It is better for comfort on easy runs and worse for feel and stability when you want to run fast or turn sharply. Soft foam also compresses more under heavier runners, so the very softest shoes are not always the right pick.
What is a good stack height?
A normal daily trainer is around 35mm to 40mm at the heel. Max cushioned shoes are 40mm and above. There is no ideal number, it is a preference, and the height matters less than how the foam actually behaves.
Are max cushioned shoes bad for your feet?
There is no good evidence that they are. The theory that thick soles weaken the foot is popular but not well supported. The practical downside is stability rather than harm.
Get a list for your feet, not an average one
The shortlist above assumes a fairly typical runner. The shoe finder asks about your width, how your ankles roll, your weight, where you run, your budget and any recurring niggles, then gives you three shoes and tells you why each one made it. It takes about a minute and there is no email or sign up.