Cushioned running shoes

October 11, 2022 9:22 PM

I need very well-cushioned running shoes to create a low impact, because of some bone issues. I have liked Hoka sneakers, but I'm on my second pair and both times, wires broke through into the inner heel within a year.

Yes, the first pair were replaced by the store when the wire broke, but now I'm on my second new pair and it's happened again within 6 months. I don't want to deal with this issue for my next pair.
Looking for recs for tried and true very cushioned women's running shoes. Everything else is typical (average size, etc). Is there a brand you like?
This is not for running marathons, just for getting some basic exercise.
Thank you!

posted by ojocaliente to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (14 answers total)

How many miles/kilometers a week do you run? I think a general rule of thumb is that running shoes generally last 300-500 miles, so depending on how much ground you cover, "within a year" might just be the natural useful life of all mainstream shoes. I confess I'm not sure what you mean by a wire breaking in the inner heel and my google skills don't seem to be helping, so perhaps somebody else can offer more specific advice, but the distance you cover is relevant regardless.
posted by exutima at 9:52 PM on October 11, 2022 [4 favorites]

Response by poster: Thank you for the good question. My running varies a lot, and actually lately is mostly walking. I've run much harder, and more miles per week in the past with shoes that were not specifically marketed as cushioned (asics, nike, new balance etc) and I got hoka specifically for the cushioning, but now i want a different brand with similarly thick cushioning designed for low impact when hitting the ground. What I mean is that a wire inside the inner heel of the shoe came loose or broke and poked at my heel through the inner fabric of the heel. It's an unusual thing to break in a shoe, it's not like the cushioning just wore down with use.
So basically I am looking for recs of highly cushioned women's running shoes for lowered impact while running or intensely walking, in brands other than Hoka.
posted by ojocaliente at 10:01 PM on October 11, 2022

Try on a pair of New Balance 1080s and see if they’ve got enough cushion for you.
posted by expialidocious at 10:43 PM on October 11, 2022

I use Asics Gel Nimbus, which is the brand's most cushioned shoe. It is a little narrow in the toe box though, so may not be for you.
posted by moiraine at 2:14 AM on October 12, 2022 [1 favorite]

The Brooks Glycerin series is incredibly plush—I found them at least as and perhaps even a bit more cushioned than the Hokas I trialed at the time, or any other brand for that matter. Note this was a 2018 pair and specs can change year by year with every new edition so make sure you try on anything (in store, Zappos, etc) before you commit.
posted by blue suede stockings at 2:16 AM on October 12, 2022 [2 favorites]

You might see what you think about Nike's Air Zoom Alphafly sneakers. They are expensive but I've found they last well (about 30% longer than any other running shoes I've bought) and are extremely well cushioned without being plush and sink-y. They have a pretty firm sole, so are very different feeling than other Nikes I've had. I like Hoka Speedgoats for long-distance walking and haven't had any quality issues with those, but can see why you'd want to get away from Hokas given your experience.
posted by snaw at 3:49 AM on October 12, 2022

Seconding ASICS and the Gel-Nimbus.
posted by kevinbelt at 4:06 AM on October 12, 2022

The max-cushioning New Balance shoes are in the Fresh Foam More line.
posted by box at 4:53 AM on October 12, 2022

Along with Hoka, cushioned shoes I've tried and liked include Spira and ON. I like the Spiras so much that after a few days of wearing my first pair, I immediately ordered a second, to alternate so they wear out more slowly. I don't know which models I've tried or owned. I've bought them in brick and mortar stores, where I pay less attention to that than I do to how they feel.
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 5:13 AM on October 12, 2022

Same thing happens to my Hokas. I was buying them every 4-6 months which got really really pricey. I recently saw a TikTok for Walmart brand Avia Hightail shoes as “Hoka knockoffs” that they swore were just like Hokas. But for like $20-$30. I’ve had them only a week and I only do minor exercise - short runs and lots of walking, but wear them constantly. So far, so good. They have the feel and fit of Hokas - lightweight, cushiony, yet supportive. Added bonus for me - they are a little deeper than my previous Hokas making my custom orthotics fit better where my foot doesn’t feel as smooshed. I was born with bilateral club feet and have had numerous surgeries, a recent ankle break, chronic tendinitis and just major foot and ankle issues. I’m pretty particular and fussy about my shoes and how they fit and feel. Like I said, so far these Walmart shoes feel really good and the fit is just like my hokas. And even if they wear down quick, I can just grab another pair since they’re cheap enough.
posted by Sassyfras at 6:41 AM on October 12, 2022

Altra has been my go to brand for years; but much of that is for the less narrow fit for me. The Torin Plush and Torin are their neutral cushioned models (the plus has more cushioning). While my feet are on the wide side leaving me only options like Altra and Torin, many people with moderate feet are fine with the fit.

I found that Torins lasted about 800-1000 km for me (usually the inner heel would break down).
posted by nobeagle at 6:41 AM on October 12, 2022

It looks like they've changed their search feature a bit, but Running Warehouse lets you search shoes by "stack height." These are the results for checking "maximal" for women's shoes.
posted by needs more cowbell at 7:11 AM on October 12, 2022

I moved from the asics gel nimbus to the saucony ride when the former changed... something in one of their upgrades. Very happy with Sauconys.
posted by gaspode at 7:33 AM on October 12, 2022

Best answer: My barely informed opinion follows. Several years ago I was wearing badly fitting shoes (a cool gift from family) and pushing myself in training, and that resulted in a tibia stress fracture that had me in crutches for three months. Nearly a year after that, when I resumed running, I want to my local specialty running store looking for extra cushioned shoes, and they recommended the Brooks Ghost, which is now up to generation 14. It's been fine for me and I've now been running (at my very modest distances and speeds) without issue for years. Replaced every 300-500 miles of course.
posted by intermod at 1:27 PM on October 12, 2022