Air Max 1 Premium Polka Dot 309717 001 | 7 Best Nike Cushioned Running Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
Whether for morning jogs, marathons, or recovery runs, Nike offers some of the best well-cushioned running shoes on the market. Wearing a pair with bulky cushioning provides many benefits, aside from giving you a super-soft ride and smoother transitions on the road or off the beaten paths.
We’ve rounded up 100+ Nike cushioned running shoes, reviewed and selected our best picks in five different categories, from best overall and most popular choices to highest-rated in road and trail running. We also have our best picks in the budget-friendly category.
Whatever preferences and running requirements you have in mind, we can help narrow down the top choices that will give you the best bang for your buck.
Best Nike cushioned running shoes overall
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2
91
Superb!
What makes it the best?
The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2 is probably one of the fastest shoes on the market, but it has some problems that the majority of runners agree with. It’s unstable, a bit too narrow still, looks ridiculous, and hits the pocketbook hard. If your job is to run fast, or you’re a sponsored athlete I think these shoes may be the tool to help you win, but for the average joe who wants to drop two minutes off their 5K time, it may be too much tech in a shoe that's a better fit for the 1% club.
Pros
- Insanely lightweight
- Very breathable
- Bouncy
- Responsive
- FAST
- No break-in period needed
- PJ Tucker in the Nike Zoom Kobe 4 Protro Kent Smith NBAE via Getty Images
Cons
- Trainers NIKE W Blazer Mid 77 Jumbo DQ1471 100 White Black White Sail
- Unstable
- Forefoot strikers only
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Nike
$150
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$180
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$250
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$250
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$337
Best Nike cushioned running shoes for daily training
nike air max 90 black white new orchid
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
For years, the Pegasus has been pretty much synonymous with the term ‘daily trainer’. It’s a Nike icon that’s gotten countless runners through the highs and lows of their running journeys. In its 40th version, the shoe received an upper refresh—making it comfier and arguably giving it a better lockdown. Though its updates are somewhat anticlimactic for such a milestone edition, this Peg remains a trusty, reliable training partner for just about anyone.
Pros
- Plush and comfortable upper
- Breathable
- Secure lockdown
- nike blazer mid 77 vintage joker
- Кроссовки nike air max 90 oketo force 42р 42.5р 45р оригинал
- Good energy return
- Great grip on most surfaces
- Incredible durability
- air max plus iii topography
Cons
- A generally narrow fit
- Heavier than the v39
- Not a very memorable ride
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Nike
$104
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$130
Backcountry
Free shipping
$130
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$130
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$130
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$130
Best Nike cushioned trail running shoes
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
The React Pegasus Trail 4 is one of the top road-to-trail options from Nike. Cushiony and responsive on the roads yet grippy and stable on the trails, the shoe makes a perfect hybrid. It also remains surprisingly light given all the features packed into it. Experienced runners are happy that it feels a lot like the original Pegasus Trail 36 but with an enhanced grip.
Pros
- Efficient road-to-trail
- Well-cushioned
- Stable ride
- Excellent, secure fit
- Very breathable
- Great traction
- Unexpectedly light
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Not for muddy areas
- Not for wide feet
- Could be more stylish
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$77
Nike
$84
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$90
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$100
Backcountry
Free shipping
$104
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$140
Air Max 1 Premium Polka Dot 309717 001 | Best comfortable Nike cushioned running shoes
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3
88
Great!
Air Max 1 Premium Polka Dot 309717 001 | What makes it the best?
The React Infinity Run Flyknit 3 from Nike is the brand's easy-day running shoe. With a generous cushion, it's comfortable to eat up lots of miles on the pavement. And if you're looking for a lockdown fit that will keep you stable from the first stride to last, this shoe won't disappoint. Overall, get the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 3 if you want a solid daily trainer that's perfect for newcomers and seasoned runners alike.
Pros
- Snappy toe-off
- Comfortable all-day
- Nike Skateboarding will be celebrating with the
- Smooth transitions
- Comfortable fit
- Roomy toe box
- Grippy on wet roads and light trails
- Also for walking and gym training
- Perfect for beginners
Cons
- Lacks responsiveness
- A tad heavy
- Too expensive
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Free shipping
$64
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$80
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$90
Nike
$96
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$100
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$160
Best Nike cushioned running shoes for long distance
What makes it the best?
The Invincible Run is a shoe that barely needs an introduction. It’s among the most (if not the most) comfortable max-cushioned trainers, alongside the More and the Bondi. In this third version, the shoe moved away from the unadulterated wildness of the v2 in favor of practicality and versatility. The outcome is a ride that’s less soft and bouncy, more stable and controlled. It’s the Invincible for runners who couldn’t handle the Invincible.
Pros
- Way more stable than previous versions
- Tall stack of impact-absorbing cushioning
- Good energy return
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- Thicker, more durable outsole
- A solid ride that works for more runners
- Breathable
- Great for recovery days and long easy runs
Cons
- Stussy × Nike Air Zoom Kukini White Red 23.5cm
- Heel slippage
- Heel clip can be irritating when cornering
- Not as welcoming to wide feet
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$180
Nike
$180
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$180
Fleet Feet
Free shipping & returns
$180
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$180
Best value Nike cushioned running shoes
Nike Downshifter 12
81
Good!
What makes it the best?
The Nike Downshifter 12 is a budget running shoe that serves very well as a sneaker too. The price is one of the lowest on the market and is definitely the most appealing reason to consider it. Yet, that’s not its only pro, given that it boasts a surprisingly enjoyable midsole, and most reviewers were convinced by the comfort it provides. And since it’s made from 20% recycled content, we probably can’t ask for more.
Pros
- Unbeatable price
- Premium softness underfoot
- Nike air max flyknit racer women dm9073-001
- Above average durability
- Versatile sneaker/running shoe
- Simple, yet pleasant design
- Plenty of colors available
- Recycled materials
Cons
- Not responsive
- On the heavier side
- Tapered toebox
- Lacing is not always secure
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$41
Nike
$49
Stadium Goods
$69
Finish Line
Free shipping & returns
$70
ASOS
Free shipping & returns
$70
Best Nike cushioned running shoes for racing
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2
82
Good!
What makes it the best?
The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2 confirms all the qualities that made the first edition one of the best shoes—for some, the best ever—for racing marathons. It’s still incredibly fast, cushioned and comfortable, plus it earned some stability and versatility. Overall, a fantastic performance-oriented choice. That is, if money is not an issue.
Pros
- Great for personal bests
- Propulsive ride
- Very comfortable
- nike kobe 11 black white
- Amazing lockdown
- Airy upper
- how nike earned 10 billion in revenue
- Long-lasting
- Air Max 1 Premium Polka Dot 309717 001
Cons
- SB Dunk High Marge
- Air Max 1 Premium Polka Dot 309717 001
- Nike carved the Nike Dunk out as part of the
- Heavier and less magical than v1
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Running Warehouse
Free shipping & returns
$275
Nike
$275
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$285
Stadium Goods
$420
Comparison of the 7 best Nike cushioned running shoes
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How we test running shoes
At Stefoy-les-lyonShops, we use a data-driven process to come up with comprehensive and no-BS reviews of the best-cushioned running shoes from the Nike brand. Each model is put to the wringer to get a closer look at how they fare in our rigorous wear tests and lab testing.
Nike Zoom Kobe VII:
- Buying all the running shoes with our own personal funds. We do this to make sure we’re free from any bias and brand loyalty.
- Cut each model into pieces. Yes, we cut the shoes into little parts and measure 30+ parameters, from cushioning, in-shoe construction, breathability, and many others.
- Testing the shoes in actual training and racing conditions. We record our impression of wearing the shoes for at least 30-50 miles.
- Collecting information from shoe experts and regular users and putting them in a summary.
To conclude the review, we added up all comparable data we’ve aggregated and calculated their final ratings using our CoreScore system. Each pair of shoes is assigned a number from 0-100 that reflects its ranking as compared to others.
