8 Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Comfort and Performance

Brooks is a renowned brand in the running shoe industry, known for its focus on performance. By concentrating solely on running shoes, Brooks has earned a strong reputation among athletes and casual runners alike.

The brand’s extensive collection provides options for a wide range of runners, ensuring that every need – from speed to durability – is met. Below, we explore the best Brooks shoes for various purposes, covering everything from cushioning to trail running.

1. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 – Best for Stability and Support

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 has earned its place as a top choice for runners needing support and stability. Now in its 23rd iteration, this shoe has proven to be a reliable option for a variety of runners.

Key Features:

• Weight: Men’s 310g / 10.9oz | Women’s 251g / 8.8oz
• Cushioning: Max Cushion with Support
• Stack Height: Men’s 36mm | Women’s 34mm
• Drop: 6mm
• Price: £150 / $175

The Adrenaline GTS 23 is equipped with the GuideRails system, which offers dynamic foot guidance, keeping the foot properly aligned during each stride. The system helps prevent overpronation while providing an overall natural feel. The shoe is suitable for both beginners and seasoned athletes, providing consistent performance for daily training.

2. Brooks Ghost 16 – Best All-Around Shoe

The Brooks Ghost 16 is a perennial favorite, offering a versatile option for various runners. It strikes a balance between comfort and performance, making it an excellent choice for daily training.

Key Features:

• Weight: Men’s 270g / 9.5oz | Women’s 241g / 8.5oz
• Cushioning: Mid-level cushioning
• Stack Height: 36mm/24mm
• Drop: 12mm
• Price: £135 / $140

One of the Ghost 16’s standout features is its wide range of sizes and colors, ensuring that there’s an option for everyone. Whether you’re after a stylish shoe for casual wear or a professional running option, this model provides both comfort and versatility.

3. Brooks Glycerin 21 – Best for Cushioning

When it comes to maximum cushioning, the Brooks Glycerin 21 is a top contender. Equipped with DNA Loft v3, a nitrogen-infused foam, this shoe provides a plush and comfortable running experience.

Key Features:

• Weight: Men’s 278g / 9.8oz | Women’s 250g / 8.8oz
• Cushioning: Max cushioned
• Stack Height: 38mm/28mm
• Drop: 10mm
• Price: £165 / $160

The Glycerin 21’s superior cushioning makes it perfect for long runs or anyone looking for a more comfortable ride. The shoe is a solid choice for those seeking both cushioning and responsiveness in their training shoes.

4. Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 – Best for Racing

The Hyperion Elite 4 is Brooks’ go-to shoe for competitive runners. With a lightweight design and carbon plate technology, this shoe is made for speed.

Key Features:

• Weight: 221g / 7.8oz (unisex model)
• Cushioning: Max-cushioned
• Stack Height: 40mm/32mm
• Drop: 8mm
• Price: £200 / $250

Although some might not enjoy the shoe at slower paces, the Hyperion Elite 4 truly excels during race conditions. It’s a perfect fit for 5k and 10k distances, offering excellent energy return thanks to its nitrogen-infused foam and Speedvault+ carbon plate technology.

5. Brooks Hyperion Max 2 – Best for Faster Paced Training

The Hyperion Max 2 is an excellent shoe for runners focused on high-intensity interval training and tempo runs. It offers a balanced feel for athletes looking for speed and comfort.

Key Features:

• Weight: Men’s 258g / 9.1oz | Women’s 235g / 8.3oz
• Cushioning: Max cushioned
• Stack Height: 36mm/30mm
• Drop: 6mm
• Price: £160 / $180

With a slightly lower drop and a nitrogen-infused midsole, the Hyperion Max 2 provides a versatile and comfortable option for interval training. The nylon plate also offers more flexibility than traditional carbon plates, making this shoe ideal for faster-paced runs.

6. Brooks Caldera 7 – Best for Trail Running

For those who prefer trail running, the Brooks Caldera 7 is the ideal choice. Known for its combination of cushioning and traction, this shoe is perfect for all types of terrain.

Key Features:

• Weight: Men’s 300g / 10.6oz | Women’s 266g / 9.4oz
• Cushioning: Max-cushioned
• Stack Height: 39mm/33mm
• Drop: 6mm
• Price: £140 / $150

The Caldera 7 stands out for its exceptional cushioning and traction, making it a top contender for trail runners. With its durable build and comfortable fit, this shoe ensures you can take on any trail, no matter the weather or terrain conditions.

Conclusion

When choosing the right Brooks shoe, it’s important to consider your specific running needs. From all-around performance to specialized cushioning or racing speed, Brooks offers a model for every runner. If you’re looking for a versatile, everyday option, the Ghost 16 is a fantastic choice. However, for those seeking cushioning, support, or speed, there are plenty of great alternatives to consider. Each of these shoes excels in its respective category, making Brooks a brand that caters to runners of all levels.

The Saucony Kinvara series has always been a favorite among runners who value speed and comfort. With its 12th iteration, Saucony has successfully managed to make the shoe even lighter, more flexible, and nimble, while still retaining the qualities that made the earlier models so popular. Whether you’re in need of a shoe for speedwork or longer training runs, the Kinvara 12 might just be the perfect fit for you.

A Return to Its Racing Roots

Saucony’s Kinvara 12 marks a return to its roots, offering a much lighter and more responsive feel compared to the previous version. The Kinvara 11 leaned towards a bulkier, daily trainer feel, but the 12 brings back the agility of the earlier models with a snug midfoot fit and a new Pwrrun foam blend. This updated foam strikes a balance between cushioning and energy return, delivering a firmer, more responsive ride that appeals to runners who prefer a faster feel. While it doesn’t have the same high energy return as the Endorphin series, it still provides excellent performance for a variety of running types.

Lightweight with Excellent Flexibility

One of the standout features of the Kinvara 12 is its light weight. Weighing in at just 7.5 oz for men and 6.5 oz for women, it’s among the lightest options available. The shoe’s flexibility is also improved, making it easier to transition from one stride to the next. With the combination of lightweight materials and flexible construction, the Kinvara 12 provides a responsive, speedy feel that allows you to pick up the pace whether you’re on a fast workout or a steady run.

Fresh Design with Better Fit

The upper of the Kinvara 12 has undergone a significant upgrade, with a new, breathable mono mesh material that’s thinner and lighter than before. This mesh offers enhanced ventilation, keeping your feet cool during intense workouts. Additionally, the fit around the midfoot is now slightly slimmer, which provides better lockdown and support for the arch. While this fits some runners perfectly, those with wider feet may find the shoe a bit restrictive, especially on longer runs when their feet swell.

Saucony also tweaked the tongue and ankle collar, reducing padding while maintaining just enough cushioning for comfort. The result is a more minimal design that cuts down on weight but still provides the necessary protection during long runs.

Cushioned Enough for Daily Training

The Kinvara 12 offers enough cushioning for daily runs, but some runners may find the level of softness lacking for extremely long distances. It’s great for short to moderate runs, but if you prefer a more plush feel for extended mileage, you may need to look elsewhere. However, for many runners, the responsive cushioning provides the right balance of comfort and support, making it ideal for a variety of workout intensities, from speedwork to easy runs.

Durability and Traction

Saucony has added a small patch of rubber where heel strikers land, which boosts the shoe’s durability. While the exposed foam outsole works well for dry conditions, it does show dirt and wear after a few miles, making it less appealing for those who want their shoes to look pristine. However, the outsole provides adequate grip for road running, and the lugs offer traction for tight cornering and wet surfaces.

A Versatile Shoe for Every Runner

The Kinvara 12’s versatility is one of its strongest points. It’s lightweight enough for fast-paced runs, but the cushioned midsole ensures that it can handle longer distances as well. It’s a solid option for runners who appreciate a responsive feel without the bulk. For those who need more cushioning for long-distance comfort, the Kinvara 12 might not be quite enough, but for most runners, it strikes a great balance between performance and comfort.

Testers’ Feedback

Tim C., a tester since 2013, shared that the Kinvara 12 remains his go-to shoe for both long runs and speedwork. He praised its lightweight feel and the snug fit of the lacing system, which kept the tongue in place without shifting. He also appreciated the breathable toe box, which allowed for natural toe movement.

Trevor C., another tester since 2017, noted that while the shoe is lightweight and comfortable, it lacked the cushioning and support he prefers for longer runs. He compared the Kinvara’s EVA/TPU blend to newer foams from other brands and felt that the Kinvara didn’t provide enough cushioning for his needs, particularly for runs over 12 kilometers.

Final Thoughts

The Saucony Kinvara 12 strikes an excellent balance between speed, flexibility, and comfort, making it a great choice for runners who want a versatile shoe that can handle a variety of distances and workouts. Its lighter weight, more responsive foam, and breathable upper make it an ideal option for speed sessions and daily runs. While it may not offer the plush cushioning some long-distance runners need, it remains a top contender for those seeking a lightweight, flexible shoe that can handle everything from intervals to easy runs.