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.

 

[Yoder]

Hokas are comfortable but they cost $150 and last about 6 months if you're lucky. Also, the thicker the cushion, the harder your knees and joints get smashed.

 

[JS.Fletch5]

I’m transitioning to a lower drop shoe for running. Used to wear new balances and brooks, now wearing Altras. Similar cushion as the new balances/brooks but less heel-to-toe drop. I wear flat shoes a lot (Vans, sandals, Xero shoes) and have preferred that style but wanted to carefully manage the transition with running shoes.

Altras have been great. Got the FWD VIA for a great price. Want to get some Lone Peaks soon.

 

[NMNomad]

Topo has some great options.

 

[Cannonball]

Topo has some great options.

Atmos is the super plush model from Topo for road. They are very plush but still light. I have the original version and the mid foot is strangely narrow. Im not sure about the V2

For trail, I just got a pair of Vista's and they seem to be the goldilocks. Grip of the Mtn Racer, but cushion of the Ultraventure

 

[Blackbird]

Salomon ultra glide II or Hoka speedgoats have been two trail cushioned trail shoes I have liked.

 

[Dave_]

I wore Brooks Glycerin for many years and just switched to Asics Gel Nimbus. Very comfortable and alot of cushion. I also put good aftermarket insoles in all my shoes and boots.

I have very flat feet and have always had sore calfs and achilles after running. I switched running from a heel strike to more fore foot strike several years ago and that helped get rid of almost all knee pain and shin splints. Took several months but was was worth it.

Proper stretching and warm up is also critical. I can manage most soreness and back pain with proper stretching, & leg/core strengthening. Back pain can often be traced back to tight legs/hips.

A good saying I heard is "get in shape to run, not run to get in shape".

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[jonnyviceroy]

I recently converted from hokas to the new balance 1080 fresh foams and was blown away at the cushion and comfort. Fit is obviously a determining factor but from cushioning alone I was very impressed.