Nike · Max-cushion trainer
Nike Vomero 18
Nike's plushest everyday trainer: a ZoomX top layer over ReactX makes slow miles genuinely comfortable.
309 g · 10 mm drop · 46/36 stack
$150
MSRP
Shoe guide
The best road shoes for easy running
Most of your weekly running should feel easy, so the shoe you wear for those miles matters more than any other. The right easy-run shoe is protective without feeling vague, and stable without feeling rigid.
These picks emphasise deep, consistent cushioning and a ride that holds up over an hour. If a shoe only feels good for the first 20 minutes, it does not belong here.
HOKA · Max-cushion trainer · Not yet tested
HOKA Skyward X 2
311 g, 5 mm drop, 45.8/40.8 mm stack, carbon plate, PEBA / Super Critical EVA foam.
311 g · 5 mm drop · 45.8/40.8 stack
$225
MSRP
New Balance · Max-cushion trainer · Not yet tested
New Balance Fresh Foam X More 6
306 g, 4 mm drop, 44/40 mm stack, Fresh Foam X foam.
306 g · 4 mm drop · 44/40 stack
$165
MSRP
HOKA · Max-cushion trainer · Not yet tested
HOKA Bondi 9
297 g, 5 mm drop, 43/38 mm stack, Super Critical EVA foam.
297 g · 5 mm drop · 43/38 stack
$175
MSRP
Mizuno · Max-cushion trainer · Not yet tested
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
290 g, 6 mm drop, 44/38 mm stack, MIZUNO ENERZY NXT / MIZUNO ENERZY foam.
290 g · 6 mm drop · 44/38 stack
$180
MSRP
Saucony · Max-cushion trainer · Not yet tested
Saucony Paramount Max
302 g, 6 mm drop, 43/37 mm stack, incrediRUN foam.
302 g · 6 mm drop · 43/37 stack
$200
MSRP
ASICS · Max-cushion trainer · Not yet tested
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
281 g, 8 mm drop, 43.5/35.5 mm stack, FF BLAST PLUS / PureGEL foam.
281 g · 8 mm drop · 43.5/35.5 stack
$170
MSRP
Brooks · Max-cushion trainer · Not yet tested
Brooks Ghost Max 4
292 g, 6 mm drop, 40/34 mm stack, DNA LOFT v3 foam.
292 g · 6 mm drop · 40/34 stack
$165
MSRP
Brooks · Max-cushion trainer · Not yet tested
Brooks Glycerin 23
300 g, 8 mm drop, 38/30 mm stack, DNA TUNED foam.
300 g · 8 mm drop · 38/30 stack
$175
MSRP
Puma · Max-cushion trainer · Not yet tested
Puma MagMax NITRO 2
275 g, 8 mm drop, 46/38 mm stack, NITROFOAM foam.
275 g · 8 mm drop · 46/38 stack
$180
MSRP
Topo Athletic · Max-cushion trainer · Not yet tested
Topo Athletic Atmos 2
281 g, 5 mm drop, 40/35 mm stack, ZipFoam foam.
281 g · 5 mm drop · 40/35 stack
$170
MSRP
Adidas · Max-cushion trainer · Not yet tested
Adidas Hyperboost Edge
255 g, 6 mm drop, 45/39 mm stack, Hyperboost Pro foam.
255 g · 6 mm drop · 45/39 stack
$200
MSRP
Specs and role judgements are reviewed editorially and carry a last-reviewed date on each product page. This is decision support, not medical advice.
Read before you buy
Running basics · 4 min
Easy pace explained
Easy pace is the pace at which you can hold a conversation – and it should make up most of your running.
Read →Running basics · 3 min
What is a recovery run?
A recovery run is deliberately slow running that helps you absorb hard training – or it is a rest day. Both are valid.
Read →Shoe basics · 4 min
Stack height and cushioning
Stack height is how much foam sits under your foot – more is not automatically better, and less is not automatically faster.
Read →