People with plantar fasciitis, other feet-related issues, or anyone who loves to run for long distances or stand on their feet all day can agree that it’s vital to find a cushioned running shoe, one that provides the perfect amount of comfort.
It can be hard to find a running shoe that hugs your feet in all the right places, but the right shoe for you is out there and waiting for you.
In this article, I will go over the best cushioned running shoes for women and maybe, just maybe you’ll find the shoe that you’ve always wanted to find.
You will learn which shoe to purchase for specific situations such as, trail running, road running, or long days at work where you have to stand on your feet all day.
Do you want your feet to feel comfortable while working long days on your feet or while you go for lengthy runs? I advise you to read on!
Top 15 Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Women 2019
Saucony Women's Ride 9 Running Shoes
Review: Do you love to run long distances? Your feet will feel at home in this shoe! Why?
It comes equipped with Saucony’s comfortable and supportive technologies, such as the SuperLight Eva, which provides extra cushioning in the midsole while also adding a bounce to your step as you run.
The shock absorption in this shoe, along with the supportive cushioning will help to carry you for long, long distances.
- Great shoe for those with high arches.
- Comfortable.
- Padded collar and tongue.
- Comes with Grid—stability and cushion within the sole.
- Features Everun—helps to provide stability, comfort, and durability.
- RunDry chafe-resistant lining—helps you to avoid chafing (yes, it’s possible with shoes).
- FLEXFILM no-sew overlays—helps to make the shoe lightweight.
- Toe box may not be as roomy as previous models.
- May experience issues with sizing.
- Some say that the shoe may wear out fast.
If you have high arches and love to run for a long time, you may want to give these shoes a try, but it may tricky ordering the right size online.
Brooks Women's Ghost 9 Running Shoes
Review: The Brooks Women’s Ghost 9 can support you on trail runs (groomed, mild terrain), on the road, or at work. In fact, these shoes may be one of the best women’s running shoes for support and cushion.
This shoe can benefit those of you with sensitive feet, shin splints, or bunions, especially those of you who underpronate.
The shoe comes with added comfort via the Caterpillar Crash Pad technology in the midsole, while the Omega Flex Grooves boost the total flexibility.
Better yet, this shoe can accommodate all shapes and sizes; you can opt to buy a wide, narrow, or medium version of this shoe.
- Full-length Segmented Crash Pad.
- Flexible.
- Engineered mesh—breathable.
- A lot of cushioning.
- Plush collar and tongue.
- BioMoGo DNA—environmentally friendly midsole cushion.
- Slightly expensive.
If you experience a lot of pain in your feet when you run or walk or you have bunions or shin splints, you may want to consider buying these comfortable and cushioned shoes—they are worth the slightly expensive price.
Asics Women's Gel-Nimbus 18 Running Shoes
Review: Do you stand on your feet all day? ASICS has designed a cushioned shoe just for you!
This shoe comes with an array of technologies and features that can help to make your day at work a little bit easier. For example, it comes with a gel insole, which can help to alleviate pain in the heel. The Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems also help to provide shock absorption when you walk or run.
These shoes may not come in a super attractive design, but they can provide you with comfort, which is far more important than looks! Right?
- FluidFit—shoe can mold to your feet.
- Rubber sole.
- Heel Clutching System—added heel support.
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems.
- FluidRide—helps with adding a bounce to your step and comfort.
- Some may not like the girly look of the shoe.
- Toe box may not be wide enough for some.
These shoes can benefit those of you who have to be on your feet all day!
Saucony Women's Triumph ISO 4 Running Shoes
Review: This edition of the Saucony Women’s Triumph ISO Running Shoe comes with the same technologies that made this line great in the first place and more!
Saucony, thankfully, did not mess with the flexibility of the previous model of this shoe, but the beloved brand did add POWERGRID, which helps to absorb shock when you land.
Whereas, the outsole comes with their signature EVERUN technology, helping you to bounce back without missing a beat.
- Everun midsole and topsole.
- ISOFIT technology—hugs your feet in a comfortable, supportive way.
- The perfect combination of flexibility and support.
- Comfortable.
- May not fit true to size.
- On the heavier side.
This upgraded shoe differs slightly from the previous model in a positive way.
Altra AFW1848G Women's Paradigm 4.0 Running Shoes
Review: Did you know that Altra coined the phrase, “Zero Drop”? If you want to feel like you are running in your bare feet (but on clouds), you may want to find cushioned shoes with a Zero Drop Platform.
Which cushioned shoes have a Zero Drop Platform? The Altra AFW1848G Women’s Paradigm 4.0 Running Shoe!
This shoe also comes with Stabilipod, which is a technology that works to correct pronation.
- Comfortable.
- Altra EGO midsole—provides additional comfort and an improved response.
- May not take long to break in.
- Breathable.
- GuideRail—added support.
- Footpod outsole—improved flexibility.
- Mesh upper.
- Pricey.
These shoes may expensive, but the Zero Drop Platform and cushioning will have you feeling like you are walking or running on clouds.
Hoka Bondi 5 Women's Running Shoes
Review: It’s safe to say that plantar fasciitis is not fun, especially if you enjoy running long distances. However, these Hoka Bondi 5 Women’s Running Shoes may hold the power to ease the heel pain that accompanies plantar fasciitis.
These shoes may not be the most flexible, but the overall design works to comfortably support plantar fasciitis.
In fact, this shoe comes with many features that offer additional cushioning such as, Ortholite (additional cushioning in the insole), Meta-Rocker Midsole (“works like a rocking chair”), and EVA material (more comfort and support in the midsole).
- Zonal Rubber Outsole—helps the shoe to last longer.
- Breathable.
- Great for those who have plantar fasciitis.
- Comfortable midsole—made with Meta-Rocker Midsole and EVA material.
- Ortholite—cushioned insole.
- Offers stability and support.
- Super comfortable.
- Pricey.
These may be the best women’s running shoes for cushioning for those of you with plantar fasciitis!
Adidas Performance Women's Supernova W Running Shoes
Review: Do you love to go for long runs on the road? This shoe comes with support and cushioning that can support you as you wind around the curves of the pavement.
This shoe features the Boost cushioning system, which helps to absorb shock and provide you with ultra comfort at the same time.
Adidas hopes that this shoe will improve your overall long distance running experience!
- Affordable price.
- Comfortable.
- Roomy toe box.
- Continental™ outsole—amazing traction.
- Boost cushioning.
- High heel in the back may not work well for some.
- Take a while to break in.
These shoes were made for long-distance runners, and they come with technologies that can help to boost your overall comfortability.
New Balance Women's 1080v9 Fresh Foam Running Shoes
Review: You know a running shoe will be comfy when it includes ‘fresh foam’ in its name! This shoe comes with a Fresh Foam midsole and cushioned insole, which makes it ultra-cushioned.
If you are looking for shoes for long-distance running or cross-training, you may want to consider checking out these plush shoes, which mold to the movement of your feet as you run.
- Roomy toe box.
- Made for long distance-running and cross training.
- Ortholite sockliner—additional security.
- Durable outsole (rubber).
- Fresh Foam midsole.
- May rub on the heel.
- May not have the best support for lateral motion.
- Pricey.
These shoes work well for long distance running and cross training, but they may not be super supportive for sports with a lot of later movements like tennis.
Asics Women's 33-M 2 Running Shoes
Review: These shoes may be the best women’s running shoes for cushioning. Why do I say this? Let’s find out!
These shoes come with a variety of qualities—lightweight, long-lasting, comfortable, and versatile.
If you love to run long distances, have to stand all day, are into cross-training, or have plantar fasciitis, these shoes can benefit you—they make a wonderful option for almost anyone.
- Amplifoam midsole—super comfy, provides flexibility and built to last.
- Solyte Midsole Material—lightweight.
- ComforDry material—cushioned underfoot, increased breathability.
- ComforDry Sockliner—helps to keep your feet dry (and it’s comfortable).
- May run small.
If you enjoy engaging in a variety of activities, these may be the best shoes for you!
Reebok Women's Ahary Runner Running Shoes
Review: If you want to find a shoe that requires no break-in time, this shoe may be it! Not only will your feet automatically adapt to it, but it is a well-cushioned shoe and crazy comfortable. It’s likely that will not experience any problems with this shoe when you go on a run or go for a long walk.
The rubber outsole on this shoe provides great traction without compromising on comfort, the shoe is flexible, and also lightweight—it’s perfect for runners.
It also has a cute design, which is an added bonus.
- Lightweight.
- Durable outsole.
- Flexible.
- Great color scheme.
- Excellent running shoes.
- Affordable price.
- Some experienced issues when ordering online.
These lightweight, pretty shoes can support you while you run on the road!
Asics Women's Gel-Kayano 25 Running Shoes
Review: Do you have flat feet? Women who underpronate love to rave about ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 25 Running Shoes! The Gel-Kayano line has been creating shoes for flat footed people for a while now and this one does not disappoint.
If you overpronate, you will be happy to know that this shoe offers the perfect amount of support and comfortability to carry you on a long distance run. This shoe comes equipped with the Asics Impact Guidance System, which helps to keep your feet in place as they move up and down.
The FluidRide midsole within this shoe can also add a bounce to your step while cushioning your feet—it’s a win-win.
However, this shoe may not be super lightweight, but Asics focused on creating a shoe that offers flat-footed people total stability and comfort, which is a great option if you are looking for the best running shoes for women with flat feet.
- Supportive.
- Breathable.
- Gel cushioning systems—helps to absorb shock.
- Has some flexibility.
- Slightly pricier than other shoes.
- Heavy.
If you have flat feet and want to buy a shoe that can comfortably support you on long runs, I advise you to check this shoe out.
Under Armour Women's Fat Tire 3 Running Shoes
Review: Are you looking for a shoe with intense tread? Well, the name of this shoe reveals its ability to provide you with out-of-this-world traction; the Under Armour Women’s Fat Tire 3 Running Shoe definitely lives up to its name.
However, besides the amazing tire-like sole, this shoe is comfortable and supportive at the same time.
It may be slightly heavier than other shoes, but it’s still quite lightweight considering its ability to help stabilize your foot.
- Full-Length Charged Cushioning midsole—responsive and nicely cushioned.
- Molded Ortholite sockliner—helps to control moisture.
- Breathable.
- Sole provides excellent traction.
- Comfortable.
- Slightly heavy, but still relatively lightweight.
- Rainwater may soak through upper.
This shoe comes equipped with excellent traction and tread, but it may be slightly heavier than other shoes.
Mizuno Women's Wave Enigma 6 Running Shoes
Review: Are you new to long distance running? These may be the most cushioned women’s running shoes for you! This shoe comes with a variety of technologies and features that help to enhance the overall running experience, especially for those of you just getting into running.
At first, you may be under the impression that the shoe feels too heavy, but it’ll feel lighter the more you wear it.
Plus, this shoe comes with the perfect combination of flexibility and stability, which will benefit new runners by helping to provide a flex while absorbing shock as their feet smash the pavement.
- EVA Strobel board—cushions the underfoot.
- Redesigned Parallel Wave—adds soft, plush feeling to the midsole.
- Breathable.
- Great shoe for new runners.
- May run small.
- May feel heavy at first.
The perfect combination of flexibility and stability works to support new runners.
Altra Women's Olympus 2 Trail Running Shoes
Review: These may the best women’s cushioned running shoes 2019 for trail running! When you run on trails, it is essential to find comfortable shoes to hug your feet while you travel over rough terrain and meander around debris.
This shoe will not only protect your feet when they contact tough terrain, but it will also make your feet feel like they are nestled inside a soft pillow.
The features of this shoe could possibly place them among the best trail running shoes as well.
- Padded collar.
- Vibram outsole—great for traction.
- Ultra comfortable.
- Great for trail running.
- Lightweight.
- Offer stability.
- Some may not like the curve of the toe box.
You may think that a stable, supportive trail running shoe may not be as lightweight as other shoes, but somehow this shoe encompasses all of the right traits without adding on additional weight.
Adidas Women's Ultraboost 19 Running Shoes
Review: This shoe allows you to totally maximize your workouts!
Why? It’s Responsive Boost midsole and Stabilizing Torsion Spring. You will undoubtedly feel an added spring to your step when you rock this Adidas shoe. In addition, there’s cushioning that supports your feet as you push off.
This shoe also comes with Primeknit upper, which molds to the shape of your feet and helps to better support you throughout your workouts.
Better yet, this shoe comes in pretty colors!
- Feel like you’re running on clouds (cushioned very well).
- You can choose from a variety of colors.
- Lightweight.
- Adapts to your foot.
- Responsive.
- Pricey.
The features in this shoe work to provide you with comfort and energy return as you exercise; these technologies may make these one of the best women’s running shoes for support and cushion.
Why You Should Choose Cushioned Running Shoes?
You may be wondering why you would want to buy cushioned running shoes instead of regular runners.
Well, the best cushioned running shoes for women can benefit those who have plantar fasciitis or other feet-related issues, and they can also help those of you who are just getting into running.
Cushioned running shoes have a thicker midsole compared to other shoes, which helps to provide extra support and stability, ultimately benefiting those who may not be used to their feet smashing against the pavement for a long period of time.
Some advanced runners may find cushioned shoes heavy compared to other types of runners, but if you have issues with your feet, comfortable shoes can help to improve your overall run.
If you’re an advanced runner but you need cushioned shoes for extra support, it’s vital to ensure that you find a shoe with a responsive midsole, one that can provide you with an extra bounce as you race across the pavement.
However, if you are dealing with a more specific issue, you might want to take a look at the best running shoes for women with bunions or at our top picks for the best running shoes for supination.
Conclusion
Which shoes are the best cushioned running shoes for women?
The best cushioned shoe for you will depend on your lifestyle, whether you are a regular jogger or new to the running game, or have problems with your feet—there are so many options!
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Hi, I’m Emma Lynn
I’m a proud mother of two wonderful children and a wife to a loving, affectionate husband. I enjoy exercise – yoga (yes, I teach yoga as well), running, and going to different fitness classes from time to time.
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