Ranking the Max Cushion Shoes Currently on the Market in 2025
Here we are ranking the max cushion running shoes currently on the market in 2025. See where the new Nike Vomero Premium, ASICS Gel Nimbus 27, Hoka Skyward X, Mizuno Neo Vista 2, Brooks Ghost Max 3, New Balance More v6 and others land based on their ability to help you log your recovery miles in comfort.
Welcome to Supwell’s max cushion tier list, where we rank the plushest, highest stacked shoes built for long miles and all-day comfort. We broke down 2025’s max cushion lineup and sorted them from brick to banger. At the very top, pairs like the Mizuno Neo Vista 2, Puma MagMax, Brooks Glycerin Max, and Asics Nimbus 27 set the gold standard for cushioning that feels limitless. But not every shoe delivers—the Triumph 23 landed at the very bottom as a brick, missing the mark on what max cushion is supposed to be.
Transcendent: The best of the best
These are the shoes that best deliver upon the ethos of the max cushion category, providing the utmost in comfort, support, and high mileage capability. The Neo Vista 2 and MagMax are our top picks for steady long runs, and the Glycerin Max and Nimbus 27 have two of the most comfortable midsoles on the market.
Mizuno Neo Vista 2
Brooks Glycerin Max
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Asics Gel-Nimbus 27
Banger: Shoes approved by the max cushion gang
Just a few years ago, shoes like the Triumph 20 and Invincible 3 owned the max cushion market. Now, virtually every brand has a banger-level shoe in this segment. These are our Max Cushion Gang certified picks. If you are looking for a unique, fun, and bouncy experience in your max cushion shoe, check out the Nike Vomero Premium or Hoka Skyward X. The Vomero Premium features two Air Zoom units—one in the heel and one in the forefoot—while the Skyward X has a dual foam construction with a carbon fiber plate. The Saucony Endorphin Trainer is a fun, comfortable and protective shoe featuring a dual foam construction and a plastic plate to provide stability to the new Incredirun foam, which is similar to the set-up in the ASICS Glideride Max and the Skechers Aero Burst, which has a partial carbon fiber plate. For a more traditional midsole set-up, try the Hoka Bondi 9, or Saucony Hurricane 25.
Nike Vomero Premium
Saucony Endorphin Trainer
Skechers Aero Burst
Saucony Hurricane 25
Hoka Bondi 9
Good: Not our first choice, but solid picks
While not our first choice, these solid max cushion shoes that can get the job done for a wide variety of runs. The UA x Speedland Infinite Mega is a mileage behemoth that might be overbuilt for some runners, the Ghost Max 3 is a workmanlike, reliable daily option, and the Pegasus Premium and Vomero Plus are two highly-capable, bouncy options for Nike that excel at steady miles and long runs.
Under Armour x Speedland Infinite Mega
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Brooks Ghost Max 3
Nike Pegasus Premium
Nike Vomero Plus
Fine: Don't but at MSRP, but ok if you can find a deal
Our single C tier shoe is the Mizuno Wave Sky 9. It’s far from a bad shoe, but it doesn’t stack up to the competition at its $180 MSRP. For a more bouncy, exciting ride at the same price point, we recommend picking up the Nike Vomero Plus or the Puma MagMax.
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
Mid: We'd pass on these ones
The New Balance More v6 and Diadora Atomo Star make up our Mid tier. The More v6 is overly soft and lacking in energy return, failing to deliver what runners are expecting from a max cushion shoe in 2025. The Atomo Star provides a decent ride and is of a high build quality, but is wildly overpriced.
Diadora Atomo Star
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New Balance More v6
Brick: What are we doing here?
Saucony missed the mark again with the Triumph 23, failing to return the Triumph line to its former glory. While positioned as a max cushion shoe, the Triumph 23 performs more like a subpar, lifeless daily trainer. We’d skip this one.
Saucony Triumph 23
If you've enjoyed this tier list, check out our Daily Trainer Tier List.
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