The 5 Types of Max Cushion Running Shoes
Below we are breaking down the 5 different types of max cushion running shoes to help you pick out the right one for you. Whether you are looking for a traditional max cushion shoe like the Hoka Bondi 9, a long-run shoe like the Puma MagMax 2, a fun and bouncy shoe like the R.A.D UFO, a speed-oriented shoe like the ASICS Megablast, or a max stack shoe with fun new technology like the Nike Vomero Premium, we’ve got you covered.
With every brand joining the max cushion ranks we are here to provide some guidance to find exactly what you’re looking for. From traditional max stack trainers like the Gel Nimbus 28 to the most unique tech in the Vomero Premium we break down exactly where each shoe fits in.
Traditional
Traditional max cushion shoes have gentle, balanced energy return that's pleasant but not distracting. They have a normal feeling geometry that feels good for a wide variety of runners. They have exceptional comfort ranging from smooth and stable like the Hoka Bondi 9 to a perfect blend of comfort and speed like the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 to soft and plush like the New Balance More v6.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
Hoka Bondi 9
New Balance More v6
Long-Run Optimized
Long-run optimized max cushion shoes are designed for impact absorption over long distances. They have wide, stable platforms that offer support for high mileage training. They feature elements such as plastic plates, like in the ASICS Glideride Max 2 and Mizuno Neo Vista 2, or tall stacks of firm, stable foam like in the Puma MagMax 2 and Glycerin Max 2.
ASICS GlideRide Max 2
Mizuno Neo Vista 2
Puma MagMax Nitro 2
Brooks Glycerin Max 2
Bouncy & Versatile
Bouncy and versatile max cushion running shoes offer the protection of traditional max cushion shoes with enhanced bounce. They have a "set it and forget it" feel that allows you to effortlessly tick off miles. They have solid speed assistance, such as in the Nike Vomero Plus and R.A.D UFO and versatility thanks to race-caliber foams and plates, such as in the Hoka Skyward X.
R.A.D UFO
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Nike Vomero Plus
Speed-Oriented
Speed-oriented max cushion shoes have rigid, snappy platforms like in the ASICS Megablast and Superblast 2 and stiffening agents such as in the Adidas Prime X 3 Strung and Brooks Hyperion Max 3. They have bouncy, fast foams that are found in top-tier carbon plated racing shoes. They often have aggressive geometries designed to put you on your toes.
ASICS Megablast
Adidas Prime X 3 Strung
Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Unique Tech
Some max cushion running shoes offer unique tech. These wild card options offer a unique take on the max cushion formula, including a flexible platform designed for proprioception, such as in the Brooks Glycerin Flex and Air Zoom units for injury prevention such as in the Nike Vomero Premium and crazy bounce like in the Nike Pegasus Premium.
Brooks Glycerin Flex
Nike Vomero Premium
Supwell Shoe Matcher
Whether you're looking for a reliable easy run shoe, pampering comfort on recovery days, a long-run cruiser, or a race day weapon, check out our Shoe Matcher tool to get matched. We've done the extensive testing, so you don't have to.
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