The current trend in running footwear is maximal cushion and comfort, which you probably appreciate if you’re training for a marathon or half-marathon this fall. The extra foam can be a great way to help protect your legs during longer training runs so you don’t feel as sore afterward. Another advantage is that the extra comfort can reduce your perceived effort so you can hold your goal pace for longer. We put together a full list of our favourite max cushion shoes to help you decide which is best for you to tackle any kind of run, including racing.
Most comfortable trainer with a carbon plate
New Balance SuperComp Trainer V3
Soft and cushioned trainer with a propulsive carbon plate
This shoe has it all; it’s built with 40mm of PEBA foam and a carbon plate, but in an eco-friendly package using 3 per cent bio-based materials. Some carbon-plated shoes feel harsh, but the SuperComp Trainer V3 has a very soft, yet propulsive, feel. You could easily train or race in this shoe, but we recommend you take it on longer runs to get the most out of the protective midsole.
Best for runners who like a responsive ride
Brooks Hyperion Max 2
Fast, neutral shoe with a noticeable rocker
If you like a strong rocker to help with quick transitions, then this is the shoe for you. Brooks’s nitrogen-infused DNA Flash foam is slightly firmer than most on the list, but still feels well-cushioned and gives you a quick toe when paired with the shoe’s geometry. It manages to still feel aggressive, despite the max-cushioned design, and would be one of our top choices for marathon runners who like some more ground-feel.
Most versatile trainer
New Balance FuelCell Rebel V4
Lightweight and energetic up-tempo trainer
If you want responsiveness paired with max cushioning, the newest version of the New Balance FuelCell Rebel V4 is for you. It’s complete with 34 mm of New Balance’s propulsive PEBA-based FuelCell foam, and at only 7.5 oz. in a men’s size 9, it’s remarkably lightweight. The soft foam paired with a light mesh upper gives this shoe the versatility to tackle long runs at a comfortable pace, or all-out races up to the marathon.
Best looking max cushioned shoe
On Cloudmonster 2
Eco-conscious and stylish trainer that rolls you forward with every stride
Fashion meets comfort with this max-cushioned trainer from On. The Swiss company is known for its uniquely designed midsoles reminiscent of clouds, and the feel of this shoe will match that esthetic. It’s complete with a dual-density Helion super foam and a softer nylon-based speedboard to give some structure and rigidity without putting too much pressure on your forefoot. Sustainability is a trend on this list, and the Cloudmonster has a mesh upper made from 100 per cent recycled polyester. It’s got massive amounts of cushioning to get you through your fall marathon.
Best for runners who like a soft and squishy midsole
New Balance 1080 V13
Pillowy soft, neutral trainer for max comfort
Imagine if a shoe were inspired by pillows, and you’d get the 1080 v13. The Fresh Foam X midsole cushioning is built for smooth transitions from landing to push-off, while a second-skin-style mesh upper is breathable and supportive. This rubber outsole is extremely durable so you can be confident you’ll get tons of miles out of the shoe. If you value comfort first, you won’t find a better option on the market.
Best for runners who want a fast carbon-plated shoe
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
Cushioned yet snappy carbon-plated racing shoe
The Endorphin Pro 4 is probably the most aggressive racing shoe on this list. It delivers a snappy ride achieved by fusing together the brand’s two premium midsole foams–PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN HG. The Endorphin Pro has a full carbon plate and silky-smooth heel liner on top of 39.5 mm of foam in the heel. This is meant to be a premium racing shoe, and that’s exactly how it feels and performs.
Best fitting snug upper
Asics Gel Nimbus 26
Soft and snug trainer with an emphasis on recyclable materials
The Gel Nimbus 26 promises a smooth, comfortable ride, ideal for getting some kilometres in. This comes from the FF Plus Eco foam that manages to feel extremely protective without any of the sink-in feel that can sometimes impact energy return with softer foams. The engineered knit upper is quite breathable, and the tongue fits very snugly on the top of your foot. The complete package comes together to give it a smooth and comfy ride.
Best for crushing easy miles on tired legs
Saucony Triumph 22
Max cushioned, plush trainer that feels comfortable the moment you lace it up
The Triumph 22 has the same premium PWRRUN PB foam you’ll find in Saucony’s racing-inspired Endorphin lineup without any harsh plate to distract from the softness on landing. It has a wider midfoot than some other models, and a soft mesh upper. The result is a cosy shoe that you’ll love lacing up and that will leave you feeling as fresh at mile 26 as when you started your race.
Products reviewed in this article:
