Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Men of 2026
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Cushioned running shoes are a must-have for men who prioritize comfort and support during their runs. Designed with advanced cushioning technology, these shoes provide optimal shock absorption, reducing the impact on joints and minimizing the risk of injuries. With their lightweight construction and breathable materials, these shoes offer a perfect blend of functionality and style. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting your fitness journey, these cushioned running shoes are the ideal choice to enhance your performance and keep your feet comfortable mile after mile.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Cushioned Running Shoes for Men
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Running Shoe
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS is designed to support your every step, making it ideal if you need extra stability while running. It features a cushioning system infused with nitrogen, which delivers a soft and lightweight feel, helping you stay comfortable even on long runs. The shoe’s Guiderails system keeps your body aligned by controlling excessive movement, reducing the risk of injury. Its breathable and flexible air mesh upper adapts to your foot’s shape, ensuring a snug but comfortable fit. With these features, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS offers a smooth, supportive running experience that helps you perform at your best.
Adidas Lite Racer Adapt 7.0
The Adidas Lite Racer offers a sleek, slip-on design that makes putting on and taking off your shoes quick and easy. Its adjustable laces let you customize the fit, so your feet feel secure during any activity. The upper part is made from soft, stretchy textile that moves comfortably with your foot, reducing irritation. Plus, the Cloudfoam midsole provides excellent cushioning, making each step feel soft and supported. Together, these features make the Adidas Lite Racer a comfortable and convenient choice for your everyday running or walking needs.
ASICS GT-2000 13 Running Shoes
The ASICS GT-2000 Running offers a comfortable and supportive fit with its jacquard mesh upper, which keeps your feet secure during runs. It also features eco-friendly materials, as over half of the main upper is made from recycled content, helping reduce environmental impact. The sockliner uses a special dyeing process that saves water and cuts carbon emissions, making these shoes a greener choice. Additionally, the 3D Guidance System enhances your stability, promoting smoother strides and better control while running. These features combine to provide you with a reliable and sustainable running shoe option.
Under Armour Charged Assert 10 Running Shoes
The Under Armour Assert 10 offers a lightweight mesh upper combined with synthetic overlays, giving you both breathability and extra support where you need it most. The EVA sockliner adds a layer of soft comfort, making each step feel cushioned and easy. Its Charged Cushioning midsole uses advanced foam that springs back with every step, helping you stay responsive and comfortable on your runs. Plus, the solid rubber outsole protects high-impact areas, giving you durability without adding unnecessary weight. With the Under Armour Assert 10, you get a well-rounded shoe that supports your feet and helps improve your running experience.
ASICS Gel-Contend 9 Running Shoes
The ASICS Gel-Contend 9 offers a comfortable running experience with several key features designed to enhance your stride. If you find shoe sizes tricky, consider sizing up for the best fit, as these run a bit small. The rearfoot GEL cushioning helps absorb shock, making each step softer and reducing impact on your feet. The Jacquard mesh upper allows for better airflow, keeping your feet cool during runs. Plus, the OrthoLite sockliner provides excellent comfort right from the moment you step in, supporting your feet throughout your workout.
Brooks Anthem 7 Men’s Running Shoe
The Brooks Anthem 7 offers a comfortable and efficient running experience, perfect for those new to performance running. It features lightweight DNA midsole cushioning that helps reduce pressure on your feet, making each step feel easier. The breathable engineered mesh upper ensures your feet stay cool and comfortable by allowing air flow while still fitting snugly. The Segmented Crash Pad adapts to your foot’s landing, providing smooth and efficient transitions with every stride. Overall, the Brooks Anthem 7 supports a natural, comfortable run whether you’re hitting the road or treadmill.
Brooks Ghost 16 Weatherized Running Shoe
The Brooks Ghost 16 Weatherized is designed to keep you comfortable and confident, no matter the weather. Its special mesh upper is treated to resist water, so your feet stay dry while the material also helps regulate temperature, keeping you comfortable during your run. The shoe offers neutral support, making it a good choice if you want balanced cushioning without extra stability features. You’ll enjoy soft, lightweight comfort thanks to the nitrogen-infused DNA Loft cushioning, which helps reduce impact on your feet. Plus, the midsole design and segmented crash pad work together to give you smooth, easy strides from heel to toe, helping you stay focused on your workout.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 Running Shoe
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 offers a comfortable fit with its engineered jacquard mesh upper, which gently wraps your foot for a soft, breathable feel. With sustainability in mind, over 75% of the main upper material is made from recycled content, helping reduce waste and environmental impact. The sockliner uses a special dyeing process that saves water and cuts down carbon emissions, making this shoe eco-friendly. Plus, the PureGEL technology provides lightweight cushioning to soften your landings, giving you a smoother running experience every step of the way.
Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe
The Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe is designed with a lightweight mesh upper that features a 3-color digital print for complete breathability, and durable leather overlays for stability and to lock in your midfoot. It also has an EVA sockliner for soft, step-in comfort, a Charged Cushioning midsole that provides ultimate responsiveness and durability, and a solid rubber outsole that covers high impact zones for greater durability with less weight. This shoe is perfect for neutral runners who need a balance of flexibility and cushioning. The standard tie lace type adds to the convenience of the shoe.
Brooks Ghost 16 Running Shoe
The Brooks Ghost 16 is designed to give you a smooth and comfortable running experience. It features a refined 3D Fit Print that ensures the shoe fits securely and comfortably, so you can focus on your run without distractions. The soft, nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning provides lightweight comfort and neutral support, making these shoes great for road running, walking, or gym workouts. The breathable engineered air mesh upper keeps your feet cool and comfortable by allowing air to flow through. With the Brooks Ghost 16, you get a shoe that supports your stride while keeping your feet happy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is cushioned shoes good for running?
A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that running in those comfortable, highly cushioned shoes often marketed to prevent injury, might actually increase leg stiffness and lead to greater impact loading when your foot hits the pavement.
2. Is more cushioning better for running?
Despite popular belief, researchers from the Spaulding National Running Center determined that highly cushioned shoes are not linked to lower levels of impact than traditional running shoes. They found the opposite to be true.
3. What mens shoes have the most cushion?
Best Cushioned Running Shoes. Best For Uptempos: Hoka Mach 4.Best For Stability: Altra Paradigm 6.Best For Long Runs: Brooks Ghost 14.Best For Recovery Runs: Brooks Aurora-BL.Best For Racing: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38.Smoothest Ride: Asics Gel-Cumulus 22.Soft And Plush: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v11.
4. What kind of cushioning is best for running?
Runners may prefer the comfort of thicker, softer foam underfoot when running long distances or multiday races. But super-soft cushioning isn't for everyone. Some don't like the squishiness feel. Moderate cushion: Shoes with moderate cushion strike a balance between pillow-soft comfort and thin or no cushion.
During our cushioned running shoes for men research, we found 48 cushioned running shoes for men products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 398,169 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cushioned running shoes for men list. We found that most customers choose cushioned running shoes for men with an average price of $118.64.
The cushioned running shoes for men are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cushioned running shoes for men, including Brooks, adidas, ASICS, Under Armour. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,339 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
William Weston was born in America and is currently a fashion industry designer. He's always been fascinated with the idea of taking something old and making it new again, so he decided to go into fashion design. William loves working on his designs and creating clothing that will make people look good while feeling comfortable at the same time.