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They’re chunky, comfy, and oddly stylish: The best max cushion shoes, made famous by brands like Hoka, Brooks, and Asics, have been on top of the sneaker pyramid for a while now. And given their popularity among runners, walkers, and podiatrists alike, we doubt they’re going anywhere anytime soon.
“This style of shoe offers the maximum amount of shock absorption and cushioning between your body’s joints and the hard surface of the ground,” Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist based in North Carolina, tells SELF. She explains that max cushion sneakers have lots of foam in their midsoles, which not only creates their signature high-stacked platforms, but also acts as a barrier for your feet.
The resulting ride has been compared to walking on clouds, marshmallows, and other plush, pillowy things—but not every shoe that’s labeled as “maximalist” will deliver the same sensation. To find the very best options out there for anyone curious about max cushion shoes, we tested best-selling pairs and spoke to experts about what sets the great ones apart from the good.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Hoka Bondi 9
- Runner-Up: On Cloudmonster Hyper
- Best Budget Pick: Ryka Devotion X Max
- Best for Long Distances: Brooks Ghost Max 2
- Best for Support: Saucony Guide 18
- Best for Trails: Altra Olympus 6
- Best for Running Only: Brooks Glycerin Max
- Best for Narrow Feet: Nike Invincible 3
FAQs about max cushion shoes
What are the benefits of walking and running in max cushion shoes?
Because they’re designed with more impact-absorbing foam, max cushion shoes can make walking and running more comfortable for people with foot, hip, and knee pain, Dr. Daughtry says. All that padding underfoot can also be helpful if you deal with plantar fasciitis or joint arthritis, she adds.
Kevin Metzger DO, CAQSM, a primary care and sports medicine physician with Holston Medical Group Primary and Specialty Care in Johnson City, Tennessee, also likes max cushion sneakers for people who are just getting into exercise, long-distance runners, and folks coming back to their workouts after foot injuries. (Basically, anyone who could benefit from a little additional comfort during their activities is a good candidate.)
And that doesn’t have to be related to a foot condition, injury, or your exercise history—sometimes a max cushion shoe just works. “Ultimately, it’s about what feels best for the individual,” Dr. Metzger tells SELF. “Comfort is the key factor when selecting a shoe for walking or running.”
Is there anyone who should avoid wearing max cushion shoes?
The higher a shoe’s stack, the less stable it may feel. That can make it harder to balance and feel in touch with the ground, Dr. Daughtry says. She adds that a more flexible, moderately cushioned shoe is a better choice if you have trouble balancing or peripheral neuropathy (which can cause numbness, clumsiness, and issues with motor control).
Both Dr. Daughtry and Dr. Metzger point out that max cushion shoes tend to weigh more than shoes with less padding. That can increase your risk of tripping, especially if lifting your feet is difficult, Dr. Metzer says. He adds that it’s a good idea to try a new pair of shoes on before buying them, especially if you’re new to max cushion shoes and aren’t sure if they’re right for you (you can also always discuss your best options for footwear with a doctor or podiatrist).
What should you look for when shopping for max cushion shoes?
Foam
Good max cushion shoes are made with high-quality foam, like ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), that won’t break down too quickly (which is a common issue with highly cushioned sneaks), Dr. Daughtry says. That foam should be arranged in a thick layer between the shoe’s upper and its outsole. It should also flare out from the top of the shoe, creating a wide and stable platform for your foot. “If the base is [too] narrow, the shoes can be unstable,” Dr. Daughtry explains.
Support
If you need additional arch support or deal with overpronation (meaning your feet roll inward while you walk and run), look for pairs that are designed for stability, Dr. Daughtry says. Dr. Metzger notes that stability shoes can also be helpful for folks with weak ankles. They have a more rigid, structured design that’ll help your feet stay aligned and prevent excess movement through your lower body.
Heel-to-toe drop
This refers to the height difference between a shoe’s forefoot and heel. Shoes with bigger drops can help alleviate pain in your calves and Achilles tendon. On the other hand, ones with smaller drops are usually better for knee pain, which can actually get worse if you wear shoes with substantial heel-to-toe drops.
Shop the best max cushion shoes
These ultra-cushy editor-tested and expert-approved sneakers will really step up your walks and jogs.
Best Overall: Hoka Bondi 9
Pros
- Feels great walking or standing
- Padded around the ankle
- Secure, true-to-size fit
Cons
- A little clunky
- Over $150
If you’ve ever shopped for maximalist shoes before, you’ve probably heard of the Hoka Bondi. The Bondi 8 is the most popular model (we reviewed it in 2024 and found that it felt great for achy feet and joints), but the brand just released the Bondi 9, which is more breathable and has even more foam than the previous bestseller.
SELF’s director of fitness and food noticed that “Hoka-famous” stack right away when she tested the shoe. “It’s super comfy for standing, with all of that foam underneath,” she says. “Plus, there’s some nice padding around the tongue and heel counter.” Whether you’re a max cushion newcomer or a longtime fan, the Bondi is an exemplary pair.
Product specs
Sizes: US 4 to 12 | Widths: Medium, wide, and extra-wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 millimeters
Runner-Up: On Cloudmonster Hyper
Pros
- Propulsive ride—great for running and lots of walking
- Good for high arches
- Steady and stable, for a max cushion shoe
Cons
- More expensive than our overall pick
- Runs narrow
On’s SELF Sneaker Award–winning Cloudmonster Hyper looks cool and sporty, supports high arches, and feels comfy all day long.
“I wear these on my walks, to the office, and pretty much everywhere I go,” one tester said. “Even without insoles, my high arches felt supported and comfortable throughout hour-long runs. My feet didn’t hurt, they felt secure as I ran, and I didn’t twist my ankle, which happens with some higher platform sneakers.” She noted that she didn’t deal with any blisters or hot spots while testing the Cloudmonster Hyper, either (score).
Product specs
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters
Best Budget Pick: Ryka Devotion X Max
Pros
- Available for under $100 when ordered through Ryka
- Good for wide feet
- APMA-accepted
Cons
- Oversize logo is distracting
Another 2024 Sneaker Award–winner, Ryka’s Devotion X Max has a thick sole that’s balanced by a highly supportive heel and a breathable upper. It also has the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) seal of acceptance, which means a panel of podiatrists has determined that it’s beneficial to your foot health (so you know it’s a solid sneak).
SELF’s senior commerce editor reviewed the Devotion X Max and was immediately impressed by how well it fit her feet straight out of the box—and how much fun it made everyday walks. “Each stride felt like stepping on a giant marshmallow,” she wrote. “While the sole is ultra-soft, my feet never sank into the cushioning—it’s still slightly springy.”
Product specs
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 10 millimeters
Best for Long Distances: Brooks Ghost Max 2
Pros
- Rocker bottom sole
- Very lightweight cushioning
- APMA-accepted
Cons
- Runs slightly wide
Brooks’s Ghost Max 2 is one of my new favorite walking shoes—it even makes brutally cold, hours-long dog walks feel pleasant. The shoe’s air-injected foam buoys my steps without adding tons of weight, and the slightly curved outsole propels me forward (its rocker shape isn’t as obvious as those in running shoes, but it still gets the job done).
The Ghost Max 2 has a spacious toe box that gives me plenty of wiggle room and a generous fit through the midfoot. For my narrow feet, I found it a little too loose at times, but wearing my go-to plush socks and tightening the laces improved the fit.
Product specs
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium, wide, and extra-wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters
Best for Support: Saucony Guide 18
Pros
- Lots of support through the rear- and midfoot
- Good for flat feet
- Heel-hugging design
- Under $150
Cons
- Not as bouncy as other options on our list
With its wide base, snug heel, and flexible support structure, the Saucony Guide 18 delivers a seriously stable ride, Dr. Daughtry says. As someone with nearly completely flat feet, I felt that stability as soon as I tried them on—my arches felt held in place, my steps flowed easily, and my heels never budged (even when I picked up the pace).
Dr. Daughtry notes that footwear designed for motion control tends to feel less responsive (or bouncy) than neutral shoes. That’s definitely the case with the Guide 18, but I didn’t feel weighed down or like my feet were dragging during my hour-plus testing periods.
Product specs
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium, wide and extra-wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters
Best for Trails: Altra Olympus 6
Pros
- Grippy Vibram rubber outsole
- Wide toe box
- Gaiter-compatible
Cons
- Zero heel-to-toe drop may feel uncomfortable for some
- Runs about a half size small, according to Altra reviewers
- Over $150
If you like to feel the ground beneath your feet when you go off-road, less cushioning is better. But a well-padded trail running shoe, like Altra’s top-rated Olympus 6, can prevent foot fatigue on challenging terrain and protect against roots, rocks, and other underfoot hazards.
“I bought these to train for my first half marathon and they were the absolute best,” one Altra reviewer wrote. “My feet did so well in them and it felt like I was walking on a cloud still after 13.1 miles. Great cushioning for the ball of the foot and heel.”
Product specs
Sizes: US 5.5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 0 millimeters
Best for Running Only: Brooks Glycerin Max
Pros
- Great for shock absorption
- Rocker bottom sole
- Cool look
Cons
- Feels heavy after a while
- Built for distance and propulsion—not suitable for walking
- Well over $150
If you love running long distances or deal with cranky joints after hitting the pavement, the Brooks Glycerin Max will be your new go-to. It has a serious stack height, clocking in at 45 millimeters of airy, responsive foam, and a propulsive rocker sole. One of our testers marveled at how smooth it made her strides, noting that it was easier to pick up speed and that the cushioning felt soft yet stable.
Our director of fitness and food also tested the Glycerin Max and deemed it better for road running, rather than leisurely strolls. “The Max [is] a solid option for runners in need of a shoe for their everyday miles, especially for those who are going long and would benefit from a little protection from all the pounding,” she wrote in her review.
Product specs
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters
Best for Narrow Feet: Nike Invincible 3
Pros
- Improved cushioning and stability
- Extra padding around the ankle
- Streamlined look, for a max cushioning shoe
Cons
- Runs small—consider ordering a half size larger
The Sneaker Award–winning Nike Invincible 3 has a wider platform and more foam than previous models, which makes it comfier and more stable (now there’s a win-win). We consider it a great pick for people looking for Nikes with additional cushioning, but we highly recommend it if other brands tend to feel too loose on your feet, since Nikes are known to run narrow—and these sneaks are no exception.
If you’re thinking about getting into running, the Invincible 3 also makes a great starter shoe. “I felt a lot more bounce and responsiveness than I had expected, especially from a really cushioned shoe, and it made picking up the pace to tempo feel really smooth and natural,” our reviewer wrote.
Product specs
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 9 millimeters
More great options
Still not sure if you’ve found the right fit? Here are a few more pairs to consider. They might not have as many specialized features as our top picks do, but they come highly recommended by SELF staffers and podiatrists.
Puma MagMax Nitro
Pros
- Bouncy ride
- Stretchy, comfortable tongue
Cons
- Over $150
Puma’s souped-up MagMax Nitros are designed with major bounce and shock absorption in mind, to make your runs feel easier and more enjoyable. Case in point: Our tester loved running in them, noting that they felt better than her other max cushioning shoes and were easy to pull on and off, thanks to the shoe’s soft upper and integrated tongue.
One thing to note: The MagMax Nitro is primarily designed for running, but our tester enjoyed wearing her pair on walks around New York City too.
Product specs
Sizes: US 5.5 to 11 | Widths: Medium | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
Pros
- Very breathable
- Good support for high arches
Cons
- May run small, per Zappos recommendations
“I always wear my Nimbus 26 for recovery runs and on days when my feet could use a little more cushion underneath them,” one SELF writer says. “They’re super supportive and hug my high arches.” The midsole uses Asics’s signature gel padding to absorb the impact of your steps, but doesn’t feel too squishy—you should still be able to log some serious miles.
And if you run hot, you’re in luck: The Gel-Nimbus 26’s knit upper stretches to hold your foot without pinching or rubbing, and keeps air flowing so you don’t end up walking in a pool of your own sweat.
Curious about the brand’s other cushy offerings? Dr. Daughtry likes the Asics Novablast 5, a top-notch daily trainer that’s known for having great energy return.
Product specs
Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Widths: Medium and wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters
Hoka Gaviota 5
Pros
- Comfortable for long periods of wear
- Good for overpronation and flat feet
- APMA-accepted
Cons
- Over $150
Fans of the Hoka Bondi can think of the Gaviota as its more supportive sibling. Where the Bondi provides a neutral level of support, the Gaviota is designed to prevent overpronation. But, much like the Bondi, it packs on the padding.
“My podiatrist recommended switching to Hokas to give my toes some more cushioning and space,” one SELF tester, who deals with a painful Morton’s neuroma, says. “I notice a HUGE difference when I wear these versus other sneakers that are narrower and less plush. I'm able to stay on my feet exponentially longer, whereas many other shoes cause pain for me within 30 minutes or so of walking.”
Product specs
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium and wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters
Related:
- 9 Comfy, Springy On Cloud Sneakers That Belong in Your Closet
- 7 Excellent Cross Training Shoes Editors Love for Lifting, HIIT, and More
- Cracked, Dry Heels Are No Match for These Derm-Approved Foot Masks
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