Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Women of 2025

Mary Hopper Avatar
Mary Hopper
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Cushioned running shoes are a must-have for women seeking comfort and support during their workouts. Designed with extra padding and shock-absorbing technology, these shoes provide a soft and comfortable feel with every stride. Whether hitting the pavement or the treadmill, these cushioned running shoes offer the perfect blend of style and functionality. With a wide range of colors and designs to choose from, women can find the perfect pair that not only enhances their performance but also complements their personal style. Stay comfortable and confident during your runs with these top-notch cushioned running shoes.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

NORTIV 8 Women's ActiveFloat Sneakers Cover #TOP 1
NORTIV 8 Women's ActiveFloat Sneakers
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 Running Shoes Cover #TOP 2
ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 Running Shoes
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 Women's Shoe Cover #TOP 3
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 Women's Shoe
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cushioned Running Shoes for Women

#TOP 1

NORTIV 8 Women's ActiveFloat Sneakers

N245-AT1WS3CT02-AA70WD-a151843602966
Purple
NORTIV 8 Women's ActiveFloat Sneakers Cover
NORTIV 8 Women's Walking Shoes Cushion Running Tennis Shoes ActiveFloat Non-Slip Comfortable Breathable Workout Gym Sports Athletic Fashion Sneakers,Size 6.5,Purple,SNWS245W

NORTIV 8 Sneakers offer exceptional comfort with a high-rebound EVA midsole that cushions your every step, reducing strain on your knees. The durable rubber outsole ensures great traction, making them perfect for city streets and running paths alike. You'll appreciate the breathable woven mesh upper that keeps your feet cool and is easy to clean. Plus, the TPU film provides extra foot support for a secure fit, helping to minimize the risk of injuries during workouts or daily activities. These sneakers are your ideal partner for a variety of activities, from gym sessions to casual walks.

What We Like
Comfortable cushioning
Durable traction
Breathable materials
Supportive fit
#TOP 2

ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 Running Shoes

1012B357-403
ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 Running Shoes Cover
ASICS Women's Gel-Kayano 30 Running Shoes, 7.5, French Blue/Denim Blue

The ASICS Gel-Kayano 30 running shoes are designed to enhance your running experience. The engineered stretch knit upper allows for better airflow, keeping your feet cool during long runs. With an external heel counter, your foot remains stable, providing a comfortable stride. The 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM adapts to your movement, ensuring a balanced and secure run. Additionally, the rearfoot PureGEL technology offers lightweight cushioning, making each landing feel softer and more forgiving. These features work together to create a supportive and enjoyable running experience.

What We Like
Breathable upper for comfort
Stable heel support
Adaptive stability system
Lightweight cushioning
#TOP 3

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 Women's Shoe

1012B601.101
White/White
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 Women's Shoe Cover
ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 26 Running Shoe, 8.5, White/White

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 offers a comfortable and eco-friendly running experience. Its engineered knit upper gently wraps your foot, providing a soft and snug fit. With over 75% of the upper made from recycled materials, you can feel good about reducing waste and carbon emissions. The innovative sockliner utilizes a dyeing process that conserves water and lowers carbon impact. Additionally, the PureGEL technology ensures lightweight cushioning, allowing for softer landings during your runs. Together, these features enhance your comfort and performance while being mindful of the environment.

What We Like
Soft, snug fit
Eco-friendly materials
Water-saving dyeing process
Lightweight cushioning
#TOP 4

Under Armour Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe

3024591
Black/White
Under Armour Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe Cover
Under Armour Women's Charged Assert 9, Black/White, 9.5 US

The Under Armour Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe is a lightweight and breathable shoe designed for runners who need a balance of flexibility and cushioning. It features a mesh upper with 3-color digital print, durable leather overlays for stability, an EVA sockliner for soft step-in comfort, and a Charged Cushioning midsole for ultimate responsiveness and durability. The solid rubber outsole covers high impact zones for greater durability with less weight.

What We Like
Lightweight and breathable
Durable leather overlays for stability
EVA sockliner for soft step-in comfort
Charged Cushioning midsole for ultimate responsiveness and durability
Solid rubber outsole for greater durability with less weight
#TOP 5

Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0

129600
Light Blue/Pink
Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0 Cover
Skechers Women's Max Cushioning Elite 2.0 Sneaker, Light Blue/Pink, 10

The Skechers Max Cushioning is designed for ultimate comfort and support during your runs. With its breathable Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole, you’ll enjoy high-rebound cushioning that keeps your feet feeling fresh. The lightweight ULTRA GO cushioning platform provides a responsive feel, making each step lighter and more efficient. Additionally, the Natural Rocker Technology promotes a smooth transition from heel to toe, enhancing your running experience. This combination of features ensures that you can focus on your performance while keeping your feet comfortable and supported.

What We Like
Exceptional comfort
Breathable insole
Lightweight cushioning
Smooth transitions
Flexible traction
#TOP 6

ASICS Gel-Excite 10

1012B418/1012B420.003
Black/White
8 Wide
ASICS Gel-Excite 10 Cover
ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 10 Running Shoes, 8, Black/White

ASICS Gel-Excite 10 Running Shoes offer a comfortable experience with a jacquard mesh upper that enhances breathability and feels soft against your feet. The AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning and Rearfoot GEL technology provide durability and impact absorption for a softer footstrike. Step into soft comfort with the OrthoLite sockliner. The GUIDANCE LINE technology ensures a consistent stride, making your runs smoother and more enjoyable.

What We Like
Breathable mesh upper
Impact absorption
Soft step-in comfort
#TOP 7

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Running Shoe

120426 1B 019
Alloy/White/Zephyr
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Running Shoe Cover
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Running Shoe - Alloy/White/Zephyr - 9.5 Medium

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is designed to provide exceptional support for your running needs. With nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning, each step feels plush and lightweight, enhancing your comfort during long runs. The innovative Guiderails holistic support system helps keep your body aligned, preventing unnecessary movement that could lead to discomfort. Its breathable engineered air mesh upper ensures a snug yet flexible fit, allowing for optimal airflow. Additionally, the newly designed outsole and midsole work together to create smooth transitions, making your runs feel more effortless.

What We Like
Plush nitrogen-infused cushioning
Holistic support system
Breathable upper material
Smooth transition design
#TOP 8

Brooks Glycerin 21 Running Shoe

120408-114
Brooks Glycerin 21 Running Shoe Cover
Brooks Women’s Glycerin 21 Neutral Running Shoe - White/Silver/Biscuit - 8.5 Medium

The Brooks Glycerin 21 is designed for runners who prioritize comfort. Its super-soft cushioning provides a plush feel, making every run enjoyable. You'll appreciate the neutral support that accommodates various activities, from road running to gym workouts. The shoe features an internal stretch bootie that adapts to your foot, ensuring a snug yet flexible fit. Additionally, the broad platform promotes smooth transitions, allowing you to move effortlessly from heel to toe with each stride. This combination of features makes the Glycerin 21 a fantastic choice for anyone seeking comfort and performance.

What We Like
Super-soft cushioning
Flexible, accommodating fit
Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
Neutral support
#TOP 9

Under Armour Charged Surge 4

3027007
Under Armour Charged Surge 4 Cover
Under Armour Women's Charged Surge 4, (100) White/Distant Gray/Metallic Silver, 7.5, US

The Under Armour Charged Surge is designed for your comfort and support during runs. Its breathable mesh upper, combined with synthetic overlays, ensures a snug fit while providing essential structure. You’ll appreciate the enhanced cushioning around the ankle collar, which adds a layer of comfort, making every step feel softer. The deluxe sockliner adapts to the shape of your foot, giving you that ultimate step-in feel you crave. Plus, the Charged Cushioning midsole offers responsive support that lasts all day, helping you stay energized on your runs.

What We Like
Breathable upper
Comfortable ankle cushioning
Adaptive sockliner
Responsive midsole
#TOP 10

adidas Run Falcon 5 Sneaker

NKE46
White/White/White
adidas Run Falcon 5 Sneaker Cover
adidas Women's Run Falcon 5 Sneaker, White/White/White, 8

The adidas Run Falcon Sneakers are designed for your everyday running needs. With a lightweight build of just 257 grams, these shoes won't weigh you down. The adjustable laces ensure a snug fit, giving you the confidence to run without worrying about your shoes slipping. Enjoy exceptional comfort with the Cloudfoam midsole, which provides cushioning that feels great with every step. Plus, these sneakers are made with at least 20% recycled materials, allowing you to make a more sustainable choice while you stay active.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Secure adjustable fit
Comfortable Cloudfoam cushioning
Eco-friendly materials
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are 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. What is the difference between cushioned and support running shoes?

STABILITY RUNNING SHOES: Stability shoes provide cushioning, medial support, and durability as a compromise between motion control and cushioned shoes. They're designed to stop excess motion of your foot and ankle without restricting movement too much.

Editor's Notes

During our cushioned running shoes for women research, we found 48 cushioned running shoes for women products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 114,912 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cushioned running shoes for women list. We found that most customers choose cushioned running shoes for women with an average price of $76.76.

The cushioned running shoes for women are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cushioned running shoes for women, including NORTIV 8, ASICS, Under Armour, Skechers, Brooks. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 32,603 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Mary Hopper Avatar

Mary Hopper is an Italian fashion designer with 10 years of extensive working experience in the fashion industry. She can design clothing and fashion accessories, such as handbags, backpacks, shoes, and jewelry. She is also a professionally trained content writer specializing in managing various fashion and beauty blogs.