Top 5 Softest Running Shoes on the Market in August 2025
Here we are highlighting the 5 softest running shoes currently on the market in 2025. The list includes shoes that are great for recovery miles, like the New Balance Balos, and daily trainers that can stand up to high mileage like the Mizuno Neo Zen and daily trainers better for low mileage like the New Balance Rebel v5, as well as faster race day shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 and the Adidas Adios Pro 4.
Ever wanted to run on marshmallows? We found the five shoes that come closest. From max-stack racers to experimental trainers, these are the softest midsoles we’ve tested this year. Some squish, some bounce—but all bring serious marshmallow mode.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
Looking for the softest possible underfoot experience? Say less. The Incredirun foam in the Endorphin Elite 2 is far and away the squishiest, marshmallowy-est, most compliant midsole we’ve ever tried. If you could combine Jello with pudding and somehow make it runnable, it would be this. However, the remarkable thing with Incredirun is that it’s actually bouncy and fast when you need it to be. While this isn’t the pick for runners who need stability or prefer a normal feel, it’s a fun and experimental race day choice.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2
Adidas Adios Pro 4
The Adios Pro 4 is a soft race day shoe with some serious speed capability. It’s not as squishy as the Endorphin Elite 2, and the carbon Energy Rods give it a more forgiving feel than a traditional carbon fiber plated racer. This is a solid choice for runners who want a blend of speed and comfort—and it works well across all pace ranges. One thing to watch out for: rear and midfoot strikers may find the cutouts on the bottom of the shoe distracting at slower paces, but they don’t pose an issue when pushing the pace.
Adidas Adios Pro 4
New Balance Rebel v5
The Rebel v5 is a lightweight, nimble, training shoe designed to handle speed and daily miles. It’s a polarizing pick, as the softness of the foam combined with the lower stack doesn’t provide the same support and comfort as many of the top options on the market today. The EVA/PEBA blend also lags behind the race foam in shoes like the Evo SL. However, they’ve nailed it in the softness department, so it lands on the list. Smaller runners or those who prefer a streamlined ride with groundfeel may want to give this a look.
New Balance Rebel v5
%201.png)
New Balance Fresh Foam x Balos
The New Balance Balos dropped in the summer of 2024, which in shoe years is the equivalent of four score and seven years ago. Despite the fact that this is an old and outdated shoe, it’s a solid pick for smooth and soft miles. The midsole uses an EVA/PEBA blend that feels much livelier and also more comfort-oriented than the Rebel. This also stands up well to high-mileage days and has a rocker that helps move the legs along. If you ask us, this is the soft New Balance shoe to get.
Mizuno Neo Zen
The Neo Zen may have been overshadowed by the recent release of the super max stack Neo Vista 2, but it shares many of the same qualities. With a slightly lower stack height (mid 40s instead of 50 in the heel), it has the same soft and bouncy EnerzyNXT foam, roomy upper and flowy rocker. It also ditches the plate of the Vista, so you can experience the midsole without interruption. If you’re looking for a comfortable daily trainer with top-notch bounce, this is your ticket.
Mizuno Neo Zen
Supwell App
For great deals on gently used or brand new running shoes, sign up for the Supwell app. You'll get DAILY motivation, the most supportive hobby jogger community, best buy, sell and trade shoe marketplace and exclusive Hobby Jogger gear discounts, including access to the Running Warehouse code that will get you 20% off of clearance shoes.
Join the buy, sell, trade marketplace.
Find your next running shoe
Answer a few questions to find the best shoe based on your preferences and goals
