.jpg?w=1280&resize=1280,640&ssl=1 "11 Greatest Max Cushion Sneakers We’ve Examined in 2025 So Far")
They’re chunky, comfortable, and oddly trendy: Max cushion footwear, made well-known by manufacturers like Hoka, Brooks, and Asics, have been on high of the sneaker pyramid for some time now. And given their reputation amongst runners, walkers, and podiatrists alike, we doubt they’re going anyplace anytime quickly.
“This model of shoe affords the utmost quantity of shock absorption and cushioning between your physique’s joints and the exhausting floor of the bottom,” Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist based mostly in North Carolina, tells SELF. She explains that max cushion sneakers have numerous foam of their midsoles, which not solely creates their signature high-stacked platforms, but in addition acts as a barrier in your ft.
The ensuing journey has been in comparison with strolling on clouds, marshmallows, and different plush, pillowy issues—however not each shoe that’s labeled as “maximalist” will ship the identical sensation. To seek out the easiest choices on the market for anybody interested in max cushion footwear, we examined best-selling pairs and spoke to specialists about what units the nice ones other than the nice.
Our high picks
- Greatest Total: Hoka Bondi 9
- Runner-Up: On Cloudmonster Hyper
- Greatest Funds Choose: Ryka Devotion X Max
- Greatest for Lengthy Distances: Brooks Ghost Max 2
- Greatest for Assist: Saucony Information 18
- Greatest for Trails: Altra Olympus 6
- Greatest for Operating Solely: Brooks Glycerin Max
- Greatest for Slim Ft: Nike Invincible 3
On this article
FAQs about max cushion footwear
What are the advantages of strolling and working in max cushion footwear?
As a result of they’re designed with extra impact-absorbing foam, max cushion footwear could make strolling and working extra snug for folks with foot, hip, and knee ache, Dr. Daughtry says. All that padding underfoot may also be useful in case you cope with plantar fasciitis or joint arthritis, she provides.
Kevin Metzger DO, CAQSM, a major care and sports activities drugs doctor with Holston Medical Group Major and Specialty Care in Johnson Metropolis, Tennessee, additionally likes max cushion sneakers for people who find themselves simply entering into train, long-distance runners, and folk coming again to their exercises after foot accidents. (Principally, anybody who may gain advantage from slightly further consolation throughout their actions is an efficient candidate.)
And that doesn’t must be associated to a foot situation, damage, or your train historical past—typically a max cushion shoe simply works. “Finally, it’s about what feels greatest for the person,” Dr. Metzger tells SELF. “Consolation is the important thing issue when deciding on a shoe for strolling or working.”
Is there anybody who ought to keep away from sporting max cushion footwear?
The upper a shoe’s stack, the much less secure it could really feel. That may make it tougher to steadiness and really feel in contact with the bottom, Dr. Daughtry says. She provides {that a} extra versatile, reasonably cushioned shoe is a more sensible choice in case you have hassle balancing or peripheral neuropathy (which may trigger numbness, clumsiness, and points with motor management).
Each Dr. Daughtry and Dr. Metzger level out that max cushion footwear are likely to weigh greater than footwear with much less padding. That may enhance your threat of tripping, particularly if lifting your ft is troublesome, Dr. Metzer says. He provides that it’s a good suggestion to attempt a brand new pair of footwear on earlier than shopping for them, particularly in case you’re new to max cushion footwear and aren’t certain in the event that they’re best for you (you too can at all times talk about your greatest choices for footwear with a physician or podiatrist).
What do you have to search for when looking for max cushion footwear?
Good max cushion footwear are made with high-quality foam, like ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), that received’t break down too shortly (which is a standard subject with extremely cushioned sneaks), Dr. Daughtry says. That foam needs to be organized in a thick layer between the shoe’s higher and its outsole. It must also flare out from the highest of the shoe, creating a large and secure platform in your foot. “If the bottom is [too] slender, the footwear could be unstable,” Dr. Daughtry explains.
When you want further arch help or cope with overpronation (that means your ft roll inward whilst you stroll and run), search for pairs which are designed for stability, Dr. Daughtry says. Dr. Metzger notes that stability footwear may also be useful for folk with weak ankles. They’ve a extra inflexible, structured design that’ll assist your ft keep aligned and stop extra motion by way of your decrease physique.
This refers back to the top distinction between a shoe’s forefoot and heel. Sneakers with larger drops can assist alleviate ache in your calves and Achilles tendon. However, ones with smaller drops are often higher for knee ache, which may truly worsen in case you put on footwear with substantial heel-to-toe drops.
Store the very best max cushion footwear
These ultra-cushy editor-tested and expert-approved sneakers will actually step up your walks and jogs.
Greatest Total: Hoka Bondi 9
Professionals
- Feels nice strolling or standing
- Padded across the ankle
- Safe, true-to-size match
Cons
When you’ve ever shopped for maximalist footwear earlier than, you’ve most likely heard of the Hoka Bondi. The Bondi 8 is the most well-liked mannequin (we reviewed it in 2024 and located that it felt nice for achy ft and joints), however the model simply launched the Bondi 9, which is extra breathable and has much more foam than the earlier bestseller.
SELF’s director of health and meals seen that “Hoka-famous” stack immediately when she examined the shoe. “It’s tremendous comfortable for standing, with all of that foam beneath,” she says. “Plus, there’s some good padding across the tongue and heel counter.” Whether or not you’re a max cushion newcomer or a longtime fan, the Bondi is an exemplary pair.
Sizes: US 4 to 12 | Widths: Medium, large, and extra-wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 millimeters
Runner-Up: On Cloudmonster Hyper
Professionals
- Propulsive journey—nice for working and many strolling
- Good for top arches
- Regular and secure, for a max cushion shoe
Cons
- Dearer than our general choose
- Runs slender
On’s SELF Sneaker Award–profitable Cloudmonster Hyper seems to be cool and sporty, helps excessive arches, and feels comfortable all day lengthy.
“I put on these on my walks, to the workplace, and just about in every single place I am going,” one tester stated. “Even with out insoles, my excessive arches felt supported and comfy all through hour-long runs. My ft didn’t harm, they felt safe as I ran, and I didn’t twist my ankle, which occurs with some increased platform sneakers.” She famous that she didn’t cope with any blisters or sizzling spots whereas testing the Cloudmonster Hyper, both (rating).
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters
Greatest Funds Choose: Ryka Devotion X Max
Professionals
- Obtainable for below $100 when ordered by way of Ryka
- Good for large ft
- APMA-accepted
Cons
- Oversize emblem is distracting
One other 2024 Sneaker Award–winner, Ryka’s Devotion X Max has a thick sole that’s balanced by a extremely supportive heel and a breathable higher. It additionally has the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation’s (APMA) seal of acceptance, which implies a panel of podiatrists has decided that it’s useful to your foot well being (so you recognize it’s a stable sneak).
SELF’s senior commerce editor reviewed the Devotion X Max and was instantly impressed by how properly it match her ft straight out of the field—and the way a lot enjoyable it made on a regular basis walks. “Every stride felt like stepping on an enormous marshmallow,” she wrote. “Whereas the only is ultra-soft, my ft by no means sank into the cushioning—it’s nonetheless barely springy.”
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and large | Heel-to-toe drop: 10 millimeters
Greatest for Lengthy Distances: Brooks Ghost Max 2
Professionals
- Rocker backside sole
- Very light-weight cushioning
- APMA-accepted
Cons
Brooks’s Ghost Max 2 is certainly one of my new favourite strolling footwear—it even makes brutally chilly, hours-long canine walks really feel nice. The shoe’s air-injected foam buoys my steps with out including tons of weight, and the marginally curved outsole propels me ahead (its rocker form isn’t as apparent as these in trainers, however it nonetheless will get the job performed).
The Ghost Max 2 has a spacious toe field that offers me loads of wiggle room and a beneficiant match by way of the midfoot. For my slender ft, I discovered it slightly too unfastened at instances, however sporting my go-to plush socks and tightening the laces improved the match.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium, large, and extra-wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters
Greatest for Assist: Saucony Information 18
Professionals
- A number of help by way of the rear- and midfoot
- Good for flat ft
- Heel-hugging design
- Beneath $150
Cons
- Not as bouncy as different choices on our listing
With its large base, comfortable heel, and versatile help construction, the Saucony Information 18 delivers a significantly secure journey, Dr. Daughtry says. As somebody with practically utterly flat ft, I felt that stability as quickly as I attempted them on—my arches felt held in place, my steps flowed simply, and my heels by no means budged (even after I picked up the tempo).
Dr. Daughtry notes that footwear designed for movement management tends to really feel much less responsive (or bouncy) than impartial footwear. That’s undoubtedly the case with the Information 18, however I didn’t really feel weighed down or like my ft had been dragging throughout my hour-plus testing durations.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium, large and extra-wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters
Greatest for Trails: Altra Olympus 6
Professionals
- Grippy Vibram rubber outsole
- Broad toe field
- Gaiter-compatible
Cons
- Zero heel-to-toe drop might really feel uncomfortable for some
- Runs a few half dimension small, based on Altra reviewers
- Over $150
When you wish to really feel the bottom beneath your ft once you go off-road, much less cushioning is best. However a well-padded path working shoe, like Altra’s top-rated Olympus 6, can stop foot fatigue on difficult terrain and shield towards roots, rocks, and different underfoot hazards.
“I purchased these to coach for my first half marathon and so they had been the best possible,” one Altra reviewer wrote. “My ft did so properly in them and it felt like I used to be strolling on a cloud nonetheless after 13.1 miles. Nice cushioning for the ball of the foot and heel.”
Sizes: US 5.5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 0 millimeters
Greatest for Operating Solely: Brooks Glycerin Max
Professionals
- Nice for shock absorption
- Rocker backside sole
- Cool look
Cons
- Feels heavy after some time
- Constructed for distance and propulsion—not appropriate for strolling
- Effectively over $150
When you love working lengthy distances or cope with cranky joints after hitting the pavement, the Brooks Glycerin Max might be your new go-to. It has a severe stack top, clocking in at 45 millimeters of ethereal, responsive foam, and a propulsive rocker sole. Certainly one of our testers marveled at how easy it made her strides, noting that it was simpler to select up pace and that the cushioning felt smooth but secure.
Our director of health and meals additionally examined the Glycerin Max and deemed it higher for street working, moderately than leisurely strolls. “The Max [is] a stable possibility for runners in want of a shoe for his or her on a regular basis miles, particularly for individuals who are going lengthy and would profit from slightly safety from all of the pounding,” she wrote in her evaluate.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters
Greatest for Slim Ft: Nike Invincible 3
Professionals
- Improved cushioning and stability
- Further padding across the ankle
- Streamlined look, for a max cushioning shoe
Cons
- Runs small—take into account ordering a half dimension bigger
The Sneaker Award–profitable Nike Invincible 3 has a wider platform and extra foam than earlier fashions, which makes it comfier and extra secure (now there’s a win-win). We take into account it an excellent choose for folks searching for Nikes with further cushioning, however we extremely suggest it if different manufacturers are likely to really feel too unfastened in your ft, since Nikes are identified to run slender—and these sneaks aren’t any exception.
When you’re fascinated with entering into working, the Invincible 3 additionally makes an excellent starter shoe. “I felt much more bounce and responsiveness than I had anticipated, particularly from a very cushioned shoe, and it made selecting up the tempo to tempo really feel actually easy and pure,” our reviewer wrote.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and large | Heel-to-toe drop: 9 millimeters
Extra nice choices
Nonetheless unsure in case you’ve discovered the fitting match? Listed below are just a few extra pairs to think about. They may not have as many specialised options as our high picks do, however they arrive extremely really helpful by SELF staffers and podiatrists.
Puma MagMax Nitro
Professionals
- Bouncy journey
- Stretchy, snug tongue
Cons
Puma’s souped-up MagMax Nitros are designed with main bounce and shock absorption in thoughts, to make your runs really feel simpler and extra fulfilling. Working example: Our tester beloved working in them, noting that they felt higher than her different max cushioning footwear and had been simple to drag on and off, due to the shoe’s smooth higher and built-in tongue.
One factor to notice: The MagMax Nitro is primarily designed for working, however our tester loved sporting her pair on walks round New York Metropolis too.
Sizes: US 5.5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
Professionals
- Very breathable
- Good help for top arches
Cons
- Might run small, per Zappos suggestions
“I at all times put on my Nimbus 26 for restoration runs and on days when my ft might use slightly extra cushion beneath them,” one SELF author says. “They’re tremendous supportive and hug my excessive arches.” The midsole makes use of Asics’s signature gel padding to soak up the influence of your steps, however doesn’t really feel too squishy—it is best to nonetheless be capable of log some severe miles.
And in case you run sizzling, you’re in luck: The Gel-Nimbus 26’s knit higher stretches to carry your foot with out pinching or rubbing, and retains air flowing so that you don’t find yourself strolling in a pool of your individual sweat.
Curious in regards to the model’s different comfortable choices? Dr. Daughtry likes the Asics Novablast 5, a top-notch each day coach that’s identified for having nice power return.
Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Widths: Medium and large | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters
Hoka Gaviota 5
Professionals
- Comfy for lengthy durations of damage
- Good for overpronation and flat ft
- APMA-accepted
Cons
Followers of the Hoka Bondi can consider the Gaviota as its extra supportive sibling. The place the Bondi supplies a impartial degree of help, the Gaviota is designed to stop overpronation. However, very similar to the Bondi, it packs on the padding.
“My podiatrist really helpful switching to Hokas to present my toes some extra cushioning and area,” one SELF tester, who offers with a painful Morton’s neuroma, says. “I discover a HUGE distinction after I put on these versus different sneakers which are narrower and fewer plush. I can keep on my ft exponentially longer, whereas many different footwear trigger ache for me inside half-hour or so of strolling.”
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and large | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters
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