There are many factors to consider when choosing a pair of running shoes, but if there’s one aspect that’s important to nearly every runner, it’s comfort. “Comfortable running shoes” isn’t an exact type of shoe—a comfortable shoe for one runner may feel too firm or too soft for another. Even so, focusing on what feels good to your feet can be a helpful way to shop. Some research even shows that when you choose a shoe simply because it’s comfortable, you may be less likely to get injured. To guide you on your sole searching, we’ve highlighted the models that offer a “made-for-me” sensation. Each shoe we recommend here was ranked on overall performance and also earned especially high scores from our testers in three specific categories: fit, cushioning, and, of course, comfort.
Most Comfortable Running Shoes
The Expert (Caitlin Giddings): I used my own experience as a 14-time marathoner and longtime running shoe reviewer, as well as that of Runner’s World’s deputy editor, Jeff Dengate, one of the running industry’s leading experts. I also checked in with test editor Amanda Furrer, another authority on running shoes and gear. Both Dengate and Furrer test hundreds of new running shoes every year and have access to the Runner’s World shoe test data, a pool of feedback from dozens of thoughtful local runners willing to test-run new running shoes. You can read more about the process we used to evaluate these shoes below.
The Expert (Michael Charboneau): I became a runner in middle school and have covered running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. I’ve written more about running shoes than any other kind of gear, and I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands, including the brands highlighted below.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Comfortable Running Shoe
Thick Foam Midsole
More foam doesn’t always mean a marshmallowy ride. However, many of these shoes feature a generous midsole that provides plenty of cushion between your foot and the ground. You can also expect a pillowy landing from most of these models thanks to lots of lightweight, protective EVA foam. For example, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v12 almost guarantees a comfortable footstrike: Its thick heel is one of the softest we’ve seen.
Wide Toebox
Whether or not you have wide feet , a roomier forefoot gives toes plenty of space to splay naturally and helps prevent blisters and crowding. Altra’s signature foot-shaped toebox is one of the best examples of the comfort benefits of a more generous forefoot, and we found the Saucony Triumph provided a spacious fit as well.
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Plush, Breathable Uppers
We love added details that make an upper more comfortable for the long haul. Daily trainers like the Saucony Triumph have extra padding around the tongue and heel for serious softness, while Brooks’s Glycerin has a bootie-like fit that hugs your foot with a mesh upper and plush interior lining. Shoes made from engineered mesh and open-weave knits provide better stretch and airflow to keep your feet cool and ventilated.
How We Evaluated and Selected These Comfortable Running Shoes
Runner’s World works with more than 350 local runners of all abilities, ages, and sizes for real-world wear-testing on paved roads, dirt paths, and rocky singletrack trails. After a month of running more than 100 miles in their pair of shoes, our testers report back their findings on features like fit, comfort, performance, and ride. While our testers are putting miles in, the same models undergo a battery of mechanical tests in our shoe lab to objectively measure the cushioning, flexibility, sole thickness, and weight of each. Our test editors combine their own experience with data from the lab and feedback from our wear testers to create reliable, useful reviews of every shoe we test.
To create this guide, we drew on wear tester feedback and lab data, considered the latest RW reviews, and incorporated input from RW editors. We also worked to include a variety of shoes to fit different running styles and preferences. No matter what kind of running you do, there’s a comfortable running shoe here that’ll fit your needs.
BEST FOR UPTEMPOS
Hoka Mach 5
Pros
- Soft and responsive Profly+ midsole
- Breathable creel mesh upper
Cons
- Narrower fit than previous version
Key Specs
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.2 oz (M), 6.8 oz (W) |
| Drop | 5mm |
The Mach is a beloved model in the Hoka lineup, and there’s a lot to like about the latest version. The midsole features a new Profly+ cushioning material that’s formulated to be even more responsive than the Profly material used in the Mach 4. An EVA sockliner ups the comfort, and the creel mesh upper promotes good airflow to help your feet stay cool. With its low weight and springy cushioning, the Mach 5 is a capable pick: One tester called it “sufficiently cushioned for recovery runs, yet light and snappy enough to pick up the pace.”
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BEST TRULY ZERO-DROP
Altra Paradigm 6
Pros
- Thick cushioning
- Guide-rail system for stability
Cons
- Too firm for some
Key Specs
| Type | Stability road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.8 oz (M), 9.3 oz (W) |
| Drop | 0mm |
The Paradigm is Altra’s cushiest trainer to date, with a thick slab of firm cushioning at the midsole that makes it well suited to both easy recovery runs and everyday workouts. It’s an ideal shoe for runners who like the maximum padding of the Hoka Clifton but with a little more energy return and stability underfoot, as well as a zero-drop platform. Our testers found it to be more versatile than expected for a shoe with a 33mm-high stack. “Though I first thought the Paradigm was going to be too bulky, I even used it for speedwork,” said one. Altra-sponsored runner Kara Goucher apparently agrees—she says she wears the comfy shoe for 70 percent of her workouts.
BEST DAILY TRAINER
Brooks Glycerin 20
Pros
- Plush and bouncy cushioning foam
- Breathable air mesh upper
Cons
- Not ideal for speedwork
Key Specs
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.1 (M), 9.1 oz (W) |
| Drop | 10mm |
The Glycerin is the ultra-plush model in the Brooks lineup, and the latest version kicks things up a notch thanks to the introduction of DNA Loft v3 foam in the midsole. This compound is a more responsive version of the brand’s nitrogen-infused foam, and it helps this shoe feel plush without being overly mushy. In addition, Brooks widened the sole in this version to promote smoother strides and a comfier fit. Like other Brooks shoes, the Glycerin is also available in a stability-oriented GTS version.
MOST VERSATILE
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v12
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12
Pros
- Highly cushioned
- Durable outsole
Cons
- Relatively heavy
Key Specs
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.3 oz (M), 8.3 oz (W) |
| Drop | 8mm |
New Balance unabashedly calls the 1080 “the best running shoe we make.” The reason? It offers a versatile and supremely cushioned running experience. The latest version features a tweaked sole with more foam at wider areas of the footbed for improved shock absorption and better flexibility at narrow areas for smoother transitions. A streamlined Hypoknit upper with a bootie design creates a close wrap around your feet for a comfy ride no matter the distance.
BEST FOR STABILITY
Saucony Tempus
Pros
- Lightweight, especially for a support shoe
- Suitable for neutral runners and overpronators
Cons
- Some testers felt the cushioning was too firm
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.9 oz (M), 7.9 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
The Tempus offers a plush, responsive ride with stability tech that can appeal to overpronators and neutral runners alike—plus it’s notably light for a support shoe. The sole features one of Saucony’s premier cushioning foams: Pwrrun PB, the same springy Pebax-based foam used in the speedy Endorphin Pro 3. This provides a propulsive feel while an EVA-based Pwrrun frame corrects overpronation and supports your feet. It’s a versatile pick for runners who need a little extra stability in their training shoes.
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BEST FOR RECOVERY RUNS
Hoka Clifton 9
Pros
- Smooth, cushioned ride
- Lightweight
Cons
- Overpronators may need more support
Key Specs
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.7 oz (M), 7.3 oz (W) |
| Drop | 5mm |
The Clifton is a plush, neutral shoe that offers plenty of cushion to protect your feet and joints on recovery days. The midsole is made with Hoka’s trusty compression-molded EVA foam for a pillowy ride, and the rocker-shaped sole helps you flow easily through your stride. The latest version features even more cushioning (the stack height is 3mm taller), but it actually weighs less than the previous model thanks to a streamlined upper that shaves some ounces off the newest model.
BEST FOR TRAIL RUNNING
Hoka Mafate Speed 4
Pros
- Soft midsole for long run comfort
- Grippy outsole
- Roomy fit
Cons
- Some testers disliked the aesthetics of the upper
Key Specs
| Type | Trail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.4 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W) |
| Drop | 4mm |
The Mafate Speed 4 should be on every trail runner’s radar. We named it one of the best trail shoes of 2023, and we think it’s the best trail option in the current Hoka lineup (sorry, Speedgoat fans). The dual-foam Profly midsole features Hoka’s lightweight, responsive Profly+ cushioning close to the foot for a springy feel that helps you pick up the pace. The outsole utilizes Vibram Megagrip rubber with a Litebase construction (a thinner design that saves weight), and in our testing, the 5mm lugs provided lockdown grip, even on extremely steep ascents and descents.
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MOST RESILIENT
Adidas UltraBoost 22
Pros
- Durable and grippy outsole
Cons
- Pricey
Key Specs
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.7 oz (M), 10 oz (W) |
| Drop | 11mm |
When it comes to a plush ride that doesn’t lose its bounce in the final miles of a long run, the UltraBoost delivers. The Boost foam midsole has a well-cushioned feel with excellent shock absorption for long runs, and a durable Continental rubber outsole that grips the road or crushed-gravel trail in wet and dry conditions. The Primeknit+ fabric upper—made from 50 percent recycled ocean plastics—provides a glove-like fit. And women can expect even more customization and comfort—our version of the 22 sports a new last modeled on extensive research of women’s foot shape.
BEST FOR LONG RUNS
Saucony Triumph 20
Pros
- More responsive, cushioned midsole
- Rocker geometry for smooth strides
- Jutted heel for added shock absorption
Cons
- Narrow toe box
- Foam on sides is prone to wear
Key Specs
| Type | Road |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.7 oz (M), 8.8 oz (W) |
| Drop | 10mm |
The Triumph is Saucony’s max-cushion model. The latest version comes with a revamped midsole, which still uses Pwrrun+ cushioning, but Saucony tweaked the chemistry to make this foam even more responsive and lightweight. The Triumph 20 serves up a well-cushioned ride that doesn’t sacrifice energy return. It’s a great choice for running long, but the bouncy foam and rocker sole geometry create a smooth, peppy ride that’ll work just fine for faster workouts, too.
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Q+A
RW: What’s the most important feature for a comfortable running shoe?
MC: “Comfortable” is subjective, and it will mean different things to different runners. That said, for most people, one of the biggest factors in comfort is the amount and type of midsole cushioning. Plush shoes with lots of cushioning will create a softer, smoother ride that often feels more comfortable than firmer, less-cushioned shoes.
RW: Is it a good idea to choose running shoes based on how comfortable they are?
MC: There are lots of factors that make a good running shoe, but let’s be honest: If the shoes aren’t comfortable, you probably won’t wear them. Prioritizing comfort is a smart way to narrow down your options. If you know you like a cushy midsole, for example, you can look for a plush shoe that’s also good for speedwork, trail running, or whatever your needs may be—the options below will help you narrow your search even more. For the best results, it’s always a good idea to visit a running store and try on shoes in person.
RW: When should I wear a comfortable running shoe?
MC: Comfortable running shoes work well in a variety of situations, but they’re an obvious choice for everyday training. The cushioned ride protects your feet and joints from getting too beat up over the course of many weeks of running. Comfortable shoes are also a smart choice for longer races where you want to avoid overly fatiguing your body before the finish line. Of course, there are comfortable shoes that work well for speed, too—see our picks below for comfy shoes that won’t slow you down.
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
