The 8 Most Comfortable Running Shoes, According to an Expert

While Praznik doesn’t claim to be an expert in On Cloud shoes, she did note that Cloudmonsters have been getting a lot of attention from runners lately, and have become one of the more popular running shoes. She says that Cloudmonsters have a larger cushion than the rest of the On Running line, giving them maximum energy return and a smooth run. This checks out, as Cloudmonsters are made with their proprietary Speedboard®, which the brand says offers super soft landings and maximized rebounds. These shoes have a rocker shape and utilize technology to help propel you forward on a run. On the con side, some people say they felt a bit narrow, which may not be ideal if you have wide feet. Others felt they didn’t have a ton of traction. But, if you’re a heavy runner or just need some extra cushioning, these running shoes might be right for you.

Sizes available: 5 – 11, in half sizes

Colors: 14

Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm

The Hoka Bondi 8 shoes are some of the best running sneakers for beginners. They’re made with ultra-light foam for a soft, balanced landing. Running can be hard on the feet, which is why it’s notable that the American Podiatric Medical Association gives these shoes a seal of approval. Their mesh material makes them breathable, while the memory foam collar is comfy on the ankle. The stacked height makes these shoes great for walking and running, but sprinters may find it difficult to balance. Also, some say that the shoe is quite narrow, so if you have wide feet, you may want to buy the wide model.

Sizes available: 5 to 12, in half sizes

Colors: 19

Heel-to-toe drop: 4 mm

The incredible traction and grip on rough and tough terrain make the AllBirds Trail Runners perfect for—you guessed it—hitting the trails. These shoes are wide and sturdy, so you’ll have plenty of stability when tackling unpredictable trail conditions. The upper is made of wool to keep you comfortable, but the shoes are water-resistant, perfect for muddy or damp conditions. The midsole works to stabilize, while the sock-like collar helps keep debris out of the shoes.

Sizes available: 5 to 11, in half sizes

Colors: 4

Heel-to-toe drop: 7 mm

These support-cushioned women’s running shoes are best for hitting the pavement—in fact, W+G contributing writer, Jamey Powell, recently ran the New York City Marathon in them. “They’re wide-toed, supportive for pronators like me, and well cushioned. They kept my feet feeling great for all 26.2 miles, and I certainly wasn’t the only runner out there rocking them” she says. The mesh upper keeps things breathing, making these running shoes a good fit for hot weather. The outsole and midsole are wide, helping with smooth and easy transitions. The Glycerin 20s are sturdy enough, but some reviewers felt a bit uneasy on rougher terrain.

Sizes available: 5 to 12, in half sizes and two widths

Colors: 12

Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm

According to Praznik, these shoes are hands down the most comfortable running shoes. The toe-box is quite roomy too. She says that they’re comfortable in all distances – from a 5k to a marathon. Praznik has made many people convert to this great cushioned shoe. The comfort and cushioning make these shoes perfect for long-distance runs, as they feel super stable and have a comfortable upper, making them wearable for long periods of time. Sure, there are more exciting running shoes out there, but the Brooks Ghost are consistent and dependable.

Size: 5 to 12, in half sizes

Colors: 20+

Heel-to-toe drop: 12 mm

If you’d rather walk than run, Altra Women’s LP Alpine are a solid bet. According to Praznik, this is a terrific walking shoe for long days on your feet. Altra’s “Foot Shaped” Fit means your feet have lots of space in the shoe, so there are no pinching or pain points after long days of standing. They’re super light and great for all sorts of terrain, so you can walk your neighborhood or trek a nature trail, no problem. Fans of these shoes say that they feel cushy and have a roomy toe-box shape. If you’re on the go and want to run errands, walk the dog, then hit a moderate hiking trail, this pair for the win! Just note that, like all Altra models, these shoes have zero drop, which mimics the feeling of being barefoot and can be an adjustment for some folks.

Sizes available: 5.5 to 12, in half sizes

Colors: 5

Heel-to-toe drop: 0 mm

We asked Praznik her thoughts on the Brooks Adrenaline, and she said it offers great stability to help keep runners aligned and stable on both sides of the feet. They’re great for everyday runs and provide a soft landing for most people. Fans of the Adrenaline say they’re supportive shoes, and keep feet feeling comfortable, even after long runs. However, durability is sometimes an issue with the Adrenaline line, and some folks have commented on shorter laces in the past.

Size: 5 to 13, in half sizes

Colors: 20+

Heel-to-toe drop: 12 mm

The best shoes for heavy runners will have the same features that any type of runner will love. The Saucony Ride 16s are a perfect fit because they have plenty of cushion and support. The foam midsole helps runners ease into every stride. They’re stable and true to size, but if you have narrow feet, you might find them a bit too roomy.

Size: 5 to 12, in half sizes and two widths

Colors: 12

Heel-to-toe drop: 8 mm