What To Look For
Cushioning the impact of your foot hitting the ground is key to protecting your whole body. Look for shoes that have cushioning from an ethylene vinyl acetate or EVA component foam in the midsole. This is a surprisingly light material inserted midway between the bottom and inside of the shoe to cushion the foot. Also common among running shoes are cushioning systems that use encapsulated air or gel.
Common Pitfalls
Manufactures use their own proprietary cushioning systems which can be confusing when describing the qualities of a shoe. A stability shoe could be marketed as a cushiony ride if it employs grooves and pockets of air in a unique manner. Running shoes are moving away from the typical polyurethane foam and becoming lighter; so a soft shoe won't be heavy or dense enough to provide adequate cushioning. Runners with high arches need more cushioning than those with lower arches because their feet hit the ground harder at smaller, more specific points than those runners with low arches.
Where To Buy
The best place to buy a well-cushioned running shoe is at a running shoe store. A list of independent specialty stores can be found at the Independent Running Retailer Association's website at www.theirra.com. Have your feet measured in person by a professional, and try on both shoes of the pair in the store. Some shoe stores have areas set aside that allow you to test out the shoe before you decide. Beware of buying online, because it may lead to problems with fit.
Cost
Most running shoes with appropriate cushioning will cost from about $80 to $130. Shoes can go lower or higher than that, depending on the technology that's put into a shoe. Some manufacturers are using a more refined cushioning technology, meaning that the shoe has cushioning in only certain spots where you need it most. The material actually absorbs impact, then disperses it so your foot doesn't hit the road as hard. These shoes may run up to $150 or $200.
Comparison Shopping
Shoe brands such as adidas, Asics, Saucony, Mizuno, New Balance, Nike and Brooks are shoe brands known for their cushioned shoes. To the average runner, it's a matter of running well in the shoe versus brand loyalty. Vibram soles and what are called "five-fingered shoes"--shoes that resemble retro toe socks--promise to disperse, not absorb, the impact of the foot hitting the ground.
Accessories
A bright spot in the chaos of choosing the best cushioned shoe, is that socks can provide a hidden layer of cushioning. Look for brands like Thorlo, Nike, SmartWool and Pearl izumi. These socks have padding in the heel and ball of the foot as well as containing materials like merino wool that give them a spongy, springy feel. They also contain fabrics like CoolMax that keep feet free from blister-causing moisture.
In addition, gel-based orthotics may provide an extra layer of cushioning for runners. Look for inserts that will slip into your running shoe without altering the fit.
Insider Tips
You don't need any more cushioning than what most shoes offer. But runners with poor running mechanics or those who want specific types of shock absorption may benefit from looking into have shoes customized. That way you can get cushioning where you feel you need it most. Not where shoe companies force you to compromise on softness.
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