The softest running shoes

by Solereview editors

The Nike Invincible 3 on the road.

This article was updated on January 3rd, 2025 with current models. Solereview has no ties to the industry and does not accept free products. We buy all our shoes at full retail price; the proof of purchase is here.
Softest everyday trainer
Asics Cumulus 26 product box


Asics Gel-Cumulus 26

The Cumulus 26’s thick Flytefoam midsole, EVA outsole, and plush footbed make it the softest shoe in its category.

Buy from Zappos.com

The Asics Cumulus is the softest everyday trainer in its category. By that, we mean it’s softer than comparable shoes like the Brooks Ghost 16, Nike Pegasus 41, and the Saucony Ride 17. Also, the Cumulus 26 is softer than the 25.

So what makes the Cumulus such a soft shoe? It’s the new midsole, of course.

For this version, Asics has removed the rubber outsole and replaced it with – wait for it, foam. Yes, instead of a rubber outsole, the Cumulus uses a firm EVA foam base which is also a part of the midsole.

On top of this EVA base is a plush Flytefoam Blast+ foam core. The softness doesn’t stop at the midsole; directly under the foot is a plush footbed over a foam lasting. Finally, an under-heel window exposes the Flytefoam core.

The combined effect of the insole, lasting, Flytefoam core, and the heel window make the Cumulus an extremely soft daily trainer.

The cushioning is available right out of the box with no break-in period necessary. However, the forefoot flexibility improves after 20-30 miles as the firm EVA base becomes easier to bend.

There’s an equally comfortable upper that uses lightweight and soft meshes in a true-to-size fit.

  • Asics’s marketing pitch:A reliable training partner built for everyday running.
  • Upper: Engineered mesh, inner gusset.
  • Midsole: Flytefoam Blast+ foam, heel Gel unit. 8 mm heel drop.
  • Outsole: Firm EVA foam; no rubber.
  • Weight: 255 gms/ 9.0 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
  • Stack heights: 38.5 mm (heel), 30.5 mm (forefoot).
  • Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E (wide), 4E (extra-wide).
  • Previous model: Asics Cumulus 25.
  • Country of origin: Indonesia.
  • Recommended use: Everyday training, 10K, half-marathons.
  • Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
  • Median lifespan: 400 miles.
  • Recommended paces: Slower than 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile).
  • Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.

Pros

  • Soft cushioning for easy efforts
  • Supportive and neutral cushioning
  • Most lightweight in its class
  • Optional widths
  • Breathable upper

Cons

  • Lack of reflective elements
  • Outsole grip needs improvement

 

Softest shoe for overpronators
New Balance 860 V14 product box


New Balance Fresh Foam 860V14

The reworked Fresh Foam X midsole makes this the softest 860 ever.

Buy from Newbalance

Never has the 860 been so soft. It always had a firm ride, and with good reason.

Earlier versions of the 860 had a firmer medial post – a foam wedge that made the arch side more supportive. If the rest of the midsole was too soft, the mismatch between the two foam densities would have upset the cushioning balance.

The 860V14 doesn’t have a medial post, so it doesn’t have the performance limitations of the previous model.

The new 860 has the same parlor trick as the Vongo.

Inside the Fresh Foam X midsole is a ‘stability plane’ plate. Not to be confused with plates found in marathon racers, this plate features a supportive inner side with a flexible outer half. The 860 achieves this by punching holes into the outer plate while keeping the inner half solid.

The solid half adds support to the arch side, whereas the perforated side is more responsive to loading pressure.

The goal of any pronation-control shoe is to prevent the arch side of the midsole from collapsing and re-direct the loading towards the outer side. The 860’s and Vongo’s novel plate design achieves that better than any currently available pronation-control measure.

In typical New Balance fashion, the comfortable and true-to-size upper is available in multiple widths.

  • New Balance’s marketing pitch: Built for reliability over the long haul.
  • Upper: Engineered mesh, tongue gusset.
  • Upper fit: True-to-size with loose forefoot.
  • Midsole: Dual-density Fresh Foam, perforated ‘stability plane’ plate. 8 mm drop.
  • Outsole: Harder rubber under the heel with softer forefoot blown foam.
  • Weight: 306 gms/ 10.8 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
  • Stack heights: 36 mm (rear), 28 mm (forefoot).
  • Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – wide.
  • Previous model: New Balance 860 v13.
  • Country of origin: Vietnam.
  • Recommended use: Everyday training, half-marathons.
  • Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
  • Median lifespan: 400 miles.
  • Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) and slower
  • Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.

Pros

  • Effective pronation control
  • Ride comfort
  • Outsole grip
  • Plush and breathable upper
  • Optional 2E width, reflectivity

Cons

  • None worth mentioning

 

Softest recovery trainer
Nike Invincible 3 product box


Nike Invincible 3

A thick midsole made of 100% ZoomX delivers exactly what one expects – an uber-soft ride.

Buy from Nike.com

  1. Read our detailed review of the Nike Invincible 3 here.

In our detailed review of the first version, we wrote that the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit V1 was the softest shoe we ever tested.

The grooved sidewall of the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3.

The Invincible 3 has a generously cushioned midsole made of ZoomX foam.

A heavy runner wearing the Nike Invincible 3.

The deep cushioning of the Invincible 3 makes it a great high-mileage cruiser.

The volume of the ZoomX midsole is distributed vertically and horizontally – thus making sure that there’s softness available no matter where or how the loading takes place.

It’s worth noting that nearly all of the cushioning softness is delivered by the midsole.

The removable insole is thin, and so is the fabric lasting. This allows the foot to be closely connected with the cushy midsole. The thin and pliable outsole doesn’t get in the way of the cushioning softness.

The fabric lasting of the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3.

The Invincible 3 gets a fabric lasting covering the midsole – something that the V2 did not have. As a result, the cushioning is slightly firmer.

However, the Invincible 3 is slightly firmer than both the V2 and V1 because of two changes.

The Invincible 3 has a textile lasting that previously did not exist. This means that the foot doesn’t load as freely on the Zoom X midsole, and that translates into reduced softness.

The plastic heel clip of the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3.

The ridges or scoop on the midsole sidewall adds support and decreases softness when compared to the Invincible 1 and 2.

The new side ‘scoops’ on the midsole also add some structure – a feature that was missing on the Invincible 1 and 2. However, this is a relative observation. The Invincible is still an incredibly soft running shoe. It’s just more stable, that’s all.

The upper comfort and plushness complement the soft ride well. The interiors are smooth and accommodating, and features like the padded heel and tongue make fit very comfortable.

All that said, there are limits to what the Invincible 3 can do. Reserve it for the easy runs or walks; faster runs and races are best left to the likes of the Nike Vaporfly 3 or Saucony Endorphin Pro V4.

  • Nike’s marketing pitch: Maximum cushioning to support each mile.
  • Upper: Non-stretchy mesh, reflective trim. No inner sleeve.
  • Midsole: Full-length ZoomX foam. 9 mm heel drop.
  • Outsole: Two-piece carbon rubber.
  • Weight: 310 gms/ 10.9 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 10/UK 9/EUR 44/CM 27.1.
  • Stack heights: 40 mm (rear), 31 mm (forefoot).
  • Available widths: D – regular (reviewed).
  • Previous model: Nike Invincible 2.
  • Country of origin: Vietnam.
  • Recommended use: Daily training, long runs, marathons.
  • Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot.
  • Median lifespan: 400 miles.
  • Recommended paces: 5:30 min/km (8:50 min/mile) and quicker.
  • Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.

Pros

  • Long distance comfort
  • Secure fit
  • Wide midsole base

Cons

  • Low versatility; limited to easy speeds
  • upper interior could be plusher
  • Lack of widths,
  • No tongue gusset

 

Softest recovery trainer
Brooks Ghost Max 2 product box


Brooks Ghost Max 2

The new DNA Loft 3 foam adds a bouncy feel to the ultra-cushioned midsole.

Buy from Zappos.com

  1. Read our detailed review of the Brooks Ghost Max 2 here.

We love what Brooks has done with the second version of the Ghost Max 2. It’s gone from a very cushioned and boring trainer to a very cushioned and fun trainer.

It’s greater fun in the sense that there’s better feedback from the new DNA Loft V3 foam. The original Ghost Max was soft but somewhat flat in its cushioning delivery. Here, the foam is soft and delightfully bouncy – things that make recovery training fun.

Recovery runs and walks are what the Ghost Max 2 should be used for, nothing more, nothing less.

Mind you, this is an 11-ounce shoe, so tempo runs and spirited workouts of a similar nature can be ruled out. It’s perfect for slow days (ideally, 5:30 min/km or slower) when cushioning comfort, and not a speed-hungry midsole, is the need of the hour.

Brooks has done a stellar job with the upper redesign. The spacious interior surrounds the foot in plushness. Additional widths are available for purchase.

Also consider: The adidas Ultraboost 5X.

  • Brooks’s marketing pitch: Max-cushion. Max protection. Max comfort.
  • Upper: Engineered mesh, no sleeve.
  • Midsole: Full-length DNA Loft V3 supercritical foam. 6 mm heel drop.
  • Outsole: Soft blown rubber under forefoot, firmer rubber under the heel.
  • Weight: 306 gms/ 10.8 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
  • Stack heights: 39 mm (heel), 33 mm (forefoot).
  • Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – wide, 4E – extra wide.
  • Previous model: Brooks Ghost Max V1.
  • Country of origin: Vietnam.
  • Recommended use: Recovery run trainer, half-marathons, marathons at slow speeds.
  • Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
  • Median lifespan: 450 miles.
  • Recommended paces: Slower than 5:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile).
  • Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.

Pros

  • Long-distance comfort
  • Plush upper
  • Roomy forefoot and toe box
  • Optional widths
  • Outsole grip

Cons

  • Heavier than Ghost Max 1
  • Low versatility
  • Lower stability than Ghost Max 1
  • Scarce reflectivity
  • Mild tongue slide

 

Softest half-marathon shoe
Nike Zoom Fly 5 product box


Nike Zoom Fly 5

This underrated trainer’s soft ZoomX midsole makes it an excellent choice for half marathons.

Buy from Nike.com

  1. Read our detailed review of the Nike Zoom Fly 5 here.

The Zoom Fly 5’s midsole is 41 mm tall under the heel. Yes, that’s not a typo. Not only is the high-volume extremely soft, but it also avoids any mushiness – thanks to the internal Carbon plate, dual-density midsole, and higher rocker profile.

The forefoot transitions on the Nike Zoom Fly 5.

The Zoom Fly balances soft cushioning with a tempo-friendly demeanor.

The heel view of the Nike Zoom Fly 5.

The tall and wide midsole with an internal ZoomX core produces soft cushioning.

The inner plate has a similar orientation to that of the Vaporfly. It’s anchored at the base of the forefoot, and curves upwards under the heel.

That said, the Zoom Fly 5 doesn’t have a 100% PEBA midsole, but rather a combination of two foams. Inside the shoe is a ZoomX core, and the outside is an EVA foam casing. So the snap effect of the plate isn’t as pronounced as the Vaporfly. It’s there, but in a muted way.

The ZoomX core of the Nike Zoom Fly 5.

There’s a soft ZoomX foam core inside the EVA casing.

With this setup, the Zoom Fly 5 hits a sweet spot between cushioning softness and responsiveness. This isn’t a shoe that’s eager to go fast, but it doesn’t feel like running on molasses either. Given its higher-volume midsole, the Zoom Fly 5 is softer and slower than the relatively aggressive Zoom Fly 4.

The new upper has also been reworked. This time, the Zoom Fly 5 has creature comforts like tongue padding and a regular heel collar.

 

Softest marathon racer
Asics Metaspeed Sky product box


Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris

The Metaspeed Sky’s midsole and plate design make it softer than the Metaspeed Edge.

Buy from Asics.com

Some readers may want to know why we picked the Metaspeed Sky Paris over other popular racers like the Nike Vaporfly 3 and Saucony Endorphin Pro 4. And also, why the Sky Paris in particular, and not the Metaspeed Edge?

The answer to those questions can be found in the foam material and midsole architecture.

The Flytefoam Turbo+ softness is of a different kind than Nike ZoomX and Saucony Pwrrun PB. The PEBA foam that Nike uses is soft, but could do with more resilience. The current generation Saucony Pwrrun+ is firmer than FF Turbo, and so is the adidas Lightstrike Pro.

The FF Turbo is quick to respond to footstrike and snap back to its original shape. It’s also bouncy, and works seamlessly with the Carbon plate.

The stack heights are up there, just skirting under the regulation limits.

The Sky Paris has a 39.5 mm tall heel and a 34.5 mm forefoot, so the wearer doesn’t need to be concerned with cushioning comfort. There’s plenty of that to go around during a marathon, so the runner can focus on the race and not the shoe.

Though the Metaspeed Sky and Edge share an identical upper, their midsoles function differently. On the Metaspeed Sky, the Carbon plate has a flatter profile from the heel to toe, and doesn’t curve downwards under the forefoot as the Metaspeed Edge does.

The Sky’s outsole is softer because of the cutout under the forefoot – which the Edge lacks. The Carbon plate is placed higher inside the midsole, so the forefoot is noticeably softer than the Edge.

The Edge’s placement of the Carbon plate delivers a stronger rocker effect, so we recommend it for a half-marathon and shorter races.

 

Softest tempo trainer
New Balance Rebel V4 product box


New Balance Fuelcell Rebel V4

The tall and wide Fuelcell midsole offers plenty of soft cushioning during runs.

Buy from Newbalance

  1. Read our detailed review of the New Balance Rebel V4 here.

Here’s a hypothetical question. Is the Rebel V4 objectively a better tempo shoe than the Hoka Mach 6, Brooks Hyperion 2, and adidas Boston 12? We’d say no, but that’s not what this buyer’s guide is about. The Rebel V4 may not be the best tempo trainer, but it’s certainly the softest.

This year’s Fuelcell Rebel isn’t the same as before. The new midsole is wider – much wider than the Rebel V3, as it adds 10 mm of width to the base.

The New Balance Rebel V4 during a heel strike.

The rearfoot midsole of the New Balance Fuelcell Rebel V4.

The New Balance Rebel V4 in the outdoors.

The stack heights are nothing to scoff at either; the heel and forefoot are 34 mm and 28 mm respectively. The wide and tall midsole adds cushioning comfort to the entire gait cycle, be it landings or mid-stance.

The shoe weighs 7.5 ounces (212 grams) for a US 9, so this is a lightweight tempo trainer with a high cushioning-to-weight ratio. The Rebel V4 delivers its best performance between speeds of 4:00 ~ 5: 00 min/km (6:30 ~ 8 min/mile). If you want to go quicker, consider the firmer Brooks Hyperion 2 or Hoka Mach 6.

Unlike the Rebel 3, the V4’s upper has a spacious forefoot. The breezy mesh does a good job with ventilation.

  • New Balance’s marketing pitch:Maximum propulsion and speed with minimal weight.
  • Upper: Engineered mesh, tongue gusset.
  • Upper fit: True-to-size with loose forefoot.
  • Midsole: Full-length PEBA-blend Fuelcell foam. 6 mm heel drop.
  • Outsole: Carbon rubber in high-wear areas.
  • Weight: 212 gms/ 7.5 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
  • Stack heights: 37 mm (rear), 32 mm (forefoot).
  • Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – wide.
  • Previous model: New Balance Rebel V3.
  • Country of origin: Vietnam.
  • Recommended use: Everyday training, tempo runs, half-marathons.
  • Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
  • Median lifespan: 400 miles.
  • Recommended paces: 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile) and slower
  • Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.

Pros

  • Tempo-friendly ride comfort
  • Midsole stability
  • Smooth transitions
  • Lightweight and breathable upper
  • Optional width

Cons

  • Excess space above forefoot
  • Roomy fit makes power delivery less effective
  • Lack of reflective elements
  • Not as bouncy/reflective as Rebel V3

 

Softest 5K-10K racer
Nike Streakfly product box


Nike ZoomX Streakfly

The Nike Streakfly’s 100% ZoomX (PEBA foam) midsole produces a soft and lightweight ride.

Buy from Nike.com

  1. Read our detailed review of the Nike ZoomX Streakfly here.

As long as your runs are limited to 10K or below, the Streakfly’s midsole delivers sufficient ride comfort. Since this shoe lacks a high-volume midsole, distances that are longer than 10K will increase the chances of fatigue.

The Nike ZoomX Streakfly in a 10K race.

The ZoomX Streakfly’s soft ride keeps the feet fresh for up to a 10K distance.

The heel bevel of the Nike ZoomX_Streakfly

Unlike most low-profile flats like the Saucony Type A9 or adidas adios 6 that have a firm ride, the Streakfly’s ZoomX midsole offers a soft underfoot experience. After all, Nike’s ZoomX foam is the same material that makes the Invincible Run and Vaporfly possible.

The Streakfly also has a stiff plate under the forefoot for quick turnovers during a high-cadence run. But the Streakfly isn’t without its flaws; the midsole bottoms out during hard landings.

Also consider: Hoka Cielo Road.

 

Softest trail running shoe
 adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra product box


adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra

The Agravic Ultra’s Lightstrike Pro midsole brings soft cushioning to long-distance trail runs.

Buy from adidas.com

It was a matter of time before road-based supershoes were adapted for trail use. The Saucony Endorphin Edge had limited success, but it doesn’t get the credit it deserves for being the first of its kind.

On the other hand, it’s fair to say the more successful Nike Ultrafly set the precedent for this new class of trail footwear.

Trail shoes in this category borrow high-tech foam and Carbon bits from road-going marathon shoes and repurpose them into a trail-worthy package. Hoka has sold cushioned trail shoes for long, but has so far relied on conventional midsole materials.

The Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra has similar stack heights as the Nike Ultrafly, but it has a performance edge in a few important ways. The Carbon ‘Flyplate’ inside the Ultrafly is smaller as it only extends from the midfoot to the forefoot; it’s shaped like a fork with two rounded prongs under the forefoot.

Adidas uses the Energy Rods system inside the Agravic Speed Ultra, but it’s longer and better articulated than the Nike Flyplate.

Under the forefoot, the Energy rods have four ‘fingers’. Under the heel, the Energy rods have a two-prong design. The Energy Rod design and outsole layout give the Agravic a better proprioceptive feel than the Ultrafly.

The Continental rubber outsole has a groove under the forefoot, something that the Ultrafly’s Vibram outsole lacks.

The Nike Ultrafly scores better on protection, but there’s a weight trade-off and a weaker connection with the trail. The Agravic is an ounce lighter, and has a softer forefoot than the Ultrafly.

Finally, despite comparable specs, the Agravic Speed Ultra is $40 cheaper than Nike.

So while both trail shoes are comfortable choices for ultra trail distances, there are limits to such a design. These high-stack trail shoes are excellent on gentle gradients and trail-road transitions, but are best kept off technical terrain.

 

How we selected: What to look for

The terms soft, cushioned, and padded are often conflated. A cushioned shoe needn’t be soft. A padded shoe could be cushioned, but without being soft.

There are two qualifiers for a running shoe to be truly soft. At least, that’s how Solereview defines it.

First, the foam material should compress the moment it is loaded. Two, the midsole made of the said foam should be a high-volume kind.

The rear view of the Asics Cumulus 26.

The Asics Cumulus’s midsole is soft but not mushy.

That’s why the Brooks Ghost Max 2 features on this list. The plump midsole uses the same midsole material as the Brooks Glycerin 21, thus giving it a soft and bouncy ride despite its 11-ounce weight.

Softness comes in various forms, with some better than others. The Asics Metaspeed Sky and New Balance Rebel V4 demonstrate that ride softness and quick transitions can happily co-exist.

Also included is the Nike Invincible 3 – an uber-soft shoe with an ultra-high volume midsole made of PEBA foam.

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