Ultra Cushioned Running Shoes

[Will_m]

Anybody wear some of the heavier cushioned shoes? I’m thinking like the HOKA level of cushioning. I have some back pain and was hoping these might alleviate some of it while running.

 

[Dos XX]

I tried Hokas because a lot of people I know wear them. I did not care for them. You might like them.

I used to run in Asics Gel Kayano years ago. They have changed those now. I tried some on and did not care for them. I have flat feet and the shoe didn't feel right. They do have a lot of cushioning but I think they have a medial post in them that doesn't get along with my arches.

I ended up with New Balance 860. No post that I can feel but has cushioning.

Heel drop can matter to your back pain. You might try a flatter shoe like an Altra. My wife has back pain and she likes her Altras. I tried a pair but they seemed like they lost what cushion they had way too fast for me. When a shoe is done for, it is hip pain I feel.

 

[Truck24hr]

I've been a Hoka fan for a couple years now, but 3 pairs recently have been crazy sized and coming apart in less than 100 miles.

I've used a high cushion road shoe from Saucony for a couple runs now. They're definitely comfortable, but 8 miles is the longest run I've run in them so far.

Usually the 10 mile mark is where I find if a shoe works or not.

 

[yfarm]

2 sons do triathlons, one has broken his foot twice wearing the Nike carbon plate shoes going around corners and losing balance due to the rebound effect.

 

[SDHNTR]

Hokas are amazing as far as comfort, just be prepared to buy them by the dozen. They don’t last.

 

[CodyAK]

I’ve noticed less pain while wearing Hokas. I don’t run anymore due to injuries, past and present, but do wear them when working out and purposely walking a lot. Keen boots with orthotics for daily wear and work.

Macgill big 3 could help with lower back pain.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I use some hokas at work, they look super strange but they are comfortable.

 

[100percent]

Altra paradigm is another option

 

[whoami-72]

I'm not a huge runner but I try and run every day. Currently at 473 miles for the year so far. I thought I needed cushion shoes as a runner because I'm heavier (225-235 lbs) but I realized the cushion actually made my running worse. It encouraged me to run slower (heavier shoes and less rebound) which then encouraged me to have a slower foot turnover which in turn means I'm doing more of hop from foot to foot style of run rather than a smooth gate. The end result was more wear and tear on my body. What I found worked better is to pick a faster shoe (not carbon plate) and then try and shoot for faster speeds over the cushion shoe. Which then forced me to have better mechanics and I haven't had to go the physical therapist since.

Personally, I won't ever go back to a cushion shoe for running. I'll leave those for walking.

 

[Fireflyfishing]

You may try some cushion insoles with your favorite shoe you have now.

 

[sodaksooner]

I'm not a huge runner but I try and run every day. Currently at 473 miles for the year so far. I thought I needed cushion shoes as a runner because I'm heavier (225-235 lbs) but I realized the cushion actually made my running worse. It encouraged me to run slower (heavier shoes and less rebound) which then encouraged me to have a slower foot turnover which in turn means I'm doing more of hop from foot to foot style of run rather than a smooth gate. The end result was more wear and tear on my body. What I found worked better is to pick a faster shoe (not carbon plate) and then try and shoot for faster speeds over the cushion shoe. Which then forced me to have better mechanics and I haven't had to go the physical therapist since.

Personally, I won't ever go back to a cushion shoe for running. I'll leave those for walking.

Same experience here. I don't run as much as I used to by far, but when I was running 20+ miles per week, I'd leave the cushioning at home. I also transitioned from a heel striker to a more neutral or forefoot striker (think sprinting) and with a low cushion shoe, all my issues went away. I struggled with shin splints and they were gone. Lots of cushioning as you mentioned is not really helpful IMO

 

[North of 60]

Topo is another option to consider. Suggest going to your nearest shoe store and trying several on to gt a better feel of what may work if feasible.

 

[mtbraun]

I'd suggest a proper diagnosis before assuming it's the shoe. I wear Hoka for road running, Topo for trails.