The best cushioned running shoes for summer 2024
All these reviews are independent and unbiased views and are based on running real miles in these shoes. This piece contains affiliate links which means we may receive a small commission when you purchase using these links.
BEST ALL-ROUND DAILY TRAINER
Brooks - Ghost 16 - £135.00
The latest version of the brand’s most popular model sees the addition of their range-topping DNA3 foam. This nitrogen-infused foam was previously used on the premium Glycerin shoe so now, being available at this price point sees a real boost for the shoe.
Nitrogen foam offers a bouncier and more durable ride and elevates this model perfectly without distracting from the established fit and feel of the shoe.
To tie in perfectly with the more durable foam, a new recycled silica-infused rubber is used on the outsole for a longer life and great traction.
As always with the Ghost, the upper is a top-quality engineered mesh that has a fuss-free fit to step in and go.
BEST FOR SOFT, PLUSH CUSHIONING
ASICS – Gel Kayano 31 - £180.00
The brand’s most popular support shoe returns and sees improvements to the cushioning, sole and upper. Whilst there are updates to all areas of the shoe, they are minor and mean existing fans of the model won’t be disappointed.
A new sole means better all-around traction, while the FF Blast Plus Eco foam bumps up to a 40mm stack in the heel with a 10mm drop meaning lots of soft, smooth riding cushioning.
The 4D guidance system provides an adaptive level of support that suits all but the most severe pronators without distracting from the easy-going transition from heel strike to toe-off.
The upper fit retains a premium level of comfort with a great-fitting heel and Achilles collar that hugs the foot beautifully.
BEST FOR SUPPORT
New Balance – Fresh Foam X 860v14 - £140.00
The 860v13 was one of the most popular and effective models around in controlling pronation. This update takes a fresh approach to control with a ‘stability plane’, a thin plate running the width and length of the shoe. The plate is sandwiched by Fresh Foam X, below it a firmer layer and above it a softer layer of the brand’s proprietary midsole foam.
The plane is angled to create a slightly larger area of the firmer material on the medial side of the foot and therefore gently control any roll.
The result is a smooth riding support shoe with a great cushioned feel.
The engineered mesh upper has a slight stretch to it, so it can accommodate most foot shapes and sizes comfortably.
It’s a good choice for everyday training for those seeking a light and stable do-it-all shoe.
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE
ON – Cloudmonster Hyper - £210.00
The most cushioned model to date from On, the Cloudmonster Hyper remains deceptively light. Featuring both Cloudtec cushioning and Helion HF foam, the shoe is aimed at providing a light and fast cushioned ride.
The shoe feels at its best on faster-paced runs and interval sessions yet despite the high stack feels agile and responsive. The smooth ride is helped by the rockered forefoot and this helps keep the forward rolling momentum almost encouraging you down the road.
The fit is typical On, slim and foot-hugging with the familiar premium construction of the brand.
For a high-performance shoe for high-performance sessions, it’s a great light and responsive shoe.
BEST FOR TEMPO TRAINING
Puma – Deviate Nitro 3 - £150.00
Packing both a carbon plate and the brand’s Nitro foam, the Deviate Nitro 3 is a daily trainer designed to give an energised feel to any run.
The Nitro Elite foam provides a soft and springy under-foot feel while a more stable base provides stability. Between the two, a full-length carbon plate adds a small sprinkle of magic to give the shoe that lively ride.
It’s a shoe that is more than capable of being used daily, but should you wish to pick up the pace it can handle it in a responsive and engaging manner.
Pumagrip rubber provides a now familiar high level of traction and the upper has a snug, wrap-around fit that hugs the foot with a close, secure fit.
BEST FOR LOW PROFILE FEEL
Altra – Experience Form - £130.00
Now with a 4mm drop and the brand’s GuideRail system, the new Experience Form caters for a wider range of runners and provides both good cushioning and support.
The lightweight CM-EVA midsole provides a more naturally balanced ride and for those requiring a little control, the GuideRail helps centralise the heel and engage it in a natural position, sitting within the cupped rearfoot cushioning.
A rockered forefoot promotes an effective toe-off and of course, the Altra foot-shaped toe box allows the foot to naturally splay, contributing to the stable ride offered.
BEST VALUE TRAIL SHOE
Haglofs – L.I.M Tempo Trail Low - £110.00
This good-value trail shoe from Haglofs offers versatile, go-anywhere performance with a great combination of cushioning and grip. The brand focused on mountain activity clearly knows a thing or two about the trails and this shoe manages to tick all the boxes in terms of performance and value.
A FlyteFoam midsole provides cushioning levels similar to that found on shoes at higher price points, while the outsole offers traction that performs well on most trails. Combined with a light, breathable air mesh upper it is a great, versatile choice for summer trail running.
BEST FOR FAST OFF-ROADING
INOV-8 – Trailfly Speed – £140.00
With speed in its name, this model is designed to cover firmer, rocky ground at a faster pace. The Trailfly Speed features the brand’s POWERFLOW PRO midsole for a cushioned and ‘bouncy’ ride. Combined with the BOOMERANG footbed the shoe feels highly energised with a great level of ‘energy return’.
The 4mm studs feature Graphene for added durability and are perfect for dry summer trails.
The Trailfly is built on a new, anatomical shape last to, which when combined with the 4mm drop offers a more natural foot strike and allows the foot to spread and adapt to the uneven nature of the trails.
The shoe feels fast yet able to cope with trail conditions making it a good choice for off-road races or those faster-paced training efforts.
BEST FOR TRAVEL
OluKai – Mio Li - £145.00
Want a one-shoe solution when travelling this summer?
Something for day-to-day wear that can also provide cushioning and comfort for the occasional training session.
Then this shoe proves to be a perfect all-rounder. When travelling light, it’s a great, stylish solution for a go-anywhere, do-anything shoe.
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