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Looking for that pillow-like feeling underfoot? These comfy kicks can certainly deliver.

Running isn't always about speed. Sometimes, a smooth cruise through the neighborhood is rewarding enough. But just like you wouldn't pick a sports car to haul your groceries, you wouldn't want to gently jog around the block in a pair of race-ready marathon shoes.

Enter cushioned running shoes, the family SUV of running footwear. With loads of plush comfort that rivals the coziest mattresses, these silhouettes can be a great option for those wanting a less strenuous running experience. It's not about how fast you get to the finish line with cushioned running shoes, but how enjoyable the ride was.

Before we hit the road and journey through the best cushioned running shoes on the market today, it helps to understand just what these plush silhouettes are and who can most benefit from them.

Let's get this out of the way, first. Most running shoes offer some form of cushioning. Where cushioned running shoes earn the callout is in how much cushioning is present. Cushioned running shoes offer maximum levels of plush to provide excellent shock absorption and an overall comfortable ride. Cushioned running shoes are easy to spot, thanks to their foam midsoles and sometimes exaggerated stack heights. If it looks like an upper was sewn onto a pillow, it's probably a maximal cushioned running shoe.

I'm sure there's no shortage of runners that would prefer a cloud-like feel under every step, but well-cushioned running shoes might not be the best for every gait type. Because of the emphasis on plush support, there's not a lot of room left in each silhouette to include stabilizing features or other step-correcting components. For this reason, cushioned running shoes are best served for neutral runners. Those who pronate or supinate might want to look elsewhere or opt for a comfortable insole to pair with their corrective kicks.

Despite the neutral-favoring design, cushioned running shoes are still a versatile pick for a number of training disciplines. They can be welcome footwear options for long-distance running, providing plenty of comfort once mileage hits double digits. Cushioned running shoes are also a natural fit for short-distance jogs and neighborhood walks. All that underfoot foam can add some weight to the profile, though, so if you're focused on tempo training, there are other, lighter options out there.

Over the course of multiple weeks, I took to the streets, sidewalks and tracks of Pittsburgh to test a handful of these top picks, highlighting each silhouette's comfort across varying distances. I also took these cloud-like sneakers routinely on a stroll through my neighborhood, seeing if there were any notable differences between a jogging and walking pace.

Outside of what I felt underfoot, I also analyzed each shoe's upper construction for durability, breathability and — of course — comfort. After all, what's the point of finding coziness in the footbed if the top of your feet are irritated and compromised?

This ultra-cushioned workhorse received some fantastic updates this summer, and believe me, they look to be for the better. I thoroughly enjoyed the reworked foam that delivered on its promises of a soft, bouncy ride, yet still had some rigidity for proper toe-offs and landings. Also, the redesigned geometry in the heel allowed for smooth transitions that didn’t feel clunky or forced.

The breathable vegan upper is exceptional — as well as aesthetically pleasing — and the lacing did allow for a solid lockdown. I did experience some rubbing along the sidewalls at first, but thankfully, Hoka does offer this impressively cushioned runner in wide sizing as well.

What I like most about the ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2 is the versatility offered through the energetic midsole. Yes, you definitely feel the max cushioning, and each step is exceptionally cozy thanks to the higher foam height and exaggerated forefoot silhouette. If you want to quicken the pace, though, the ZoomX has enough zip for the task.

In testing, I found this Nike offering to excel at a number of paces and distances, but despite the Flyknit upper, I did begin to accumulate some sweat on longer runs. Still, this is one shoe that’s sure to catch some attention. If you’re like me, the biggest qualm you’ll have is whether to save this sneaker for the road or daily wear.

Okay, calling a $150 running shoe a “budget pick” might seem like a stretch, but plush has a price, and these well-cushioned sneakers from Saucony can give you the most (still expensive) bang for your buck. The PWRRUN+ midsole gives this silhouette exceptional underfoot feel while remaining fairly lightweight. A mono-mesh upper cloaks the foot nicely for a fit that’s secure yet breathable.

Just don’t expect to find that strapped-in feel with these cushioned runners. The articulated eye row gives enough lacing stability that you won’t literally run out of these shoes, but some can find it difficult to achieve that snug, tight fit needed for faster paces.

If you want that cushiony vibe all day, every day, these sleek and stylish New Balance runners are for you. The Hypoknit upper provides a streamlined profile on foot and features a stretchy construction for that sock-like fit. The Fresh Foam X 1080v12s also feature excellent cushioning, which is further enhanced by the natural flex zones. In each step, I certainly felt the cozy support, but also found a unique sense of connection with the road underneath.

The seamless transitions made this a very fun shoe to run in, but that’s only because my sizing was correct. Many have stated that this silhouette runs a half size too big, so be sure to order accordingly before adding this stylish, efficient running shoe to your daily training wardrobe.

Don’t be fooled by the Gel-Nimbus 24’s silhouette. This is definitely a well-cushioned runner. While the Nimbus stable is well-established in the Asics family, this latest iteration received plenty of overhauls, most notably in the Flytefoam Blast+ midsole. Foregoing a mile-high stack height, this construction provides luxurious levels of softness and bounce within its lightweight frame. I also really enjoyed the fit of the jacquard mesh upper, as well as the stretchy gusseted tongue.

The Gel-Nimbus 24 performed well in any mileage thrown at it, from light strolls through town to extended Saturday morning runs. The aesthetic leaves a little to be desired, but these cushioned sneakers are here to run the roads, not walk the runway.

Whereas the Asics above were somewhat forgettable in the looks department, I challenge anyone to peep the Cloudmonsters and not be left staring. With enough of On’s Cloudtec underfoot to practically fill the sky, these max cushion runners are surprisingly lightweight at just 9.7 ounces.

The exaggerated, light-as-air Cloud elements underfoot pair well with the amplified rocker geometry for a comfortable ride that easily propels you forward. Plus, a soft sockliner and upper pump up the comfort and breathability thanks to the recycled polyester construction. To get the best fit, though, you may need to purchase a half size up. This cushioned runner, while comfortable, can feel narrow on some.

It’s getting to a point now that I’d be more impressed to find an activity the Ultraboost 22s don’t perform in. They’re solid gym shoes, efficient running shoes and damn fine walking shoes, all while showcasing that luxe, lifestyle-centric look.

Why do these get the nod for best cushioned walking shoes? Well, for one, the BOOST midsole is great at providing plenty of softness underfoot and easily retains its shape. Second, while the 11.7 ounces can feel kind of clunky while running, it’s more than manageable at a walking pace. Lastly, if you’re wearing a sneaker with this much street cred, you’ll probably want to give your onlookers a chance to see the kicks.

As stated before, most cushioned running shoes cater more so to neutral runners, leaving those with gait issues without a plush pick to run in. Thankfully, the Paradigm 6’s GuideRail technology fills that void, offering plenty of medial stability to promote a more natural footpath. As a slight supinator, I didn’t get the full benefit of this convenient feature, but these shoes still provide ample structure thanks to a sturdy yet breathable mesh upper.

Altra’s Balanced Cushioning platform is very present in this silhouette, giving that zero drop feel that promotes better alignment and form. Along with the foot-shaped toe box that encourages natural splaying, these are great examples of how running form can be improved while still remaining comfortable.

Oh, you thought cushioned runners were confined to the pavement? Certainly not. The impressive Speedgoat 5s — our top-rated trailing running shoe — serve up a comfy profile while still delivering the support and ground connection needed in trail running. The late-stage meta rocker promotes a smooth ride across varying terrain, and a Vibram Megagrip outsole makes sure your footing is never compromised.

I also enjoy the redesigned upper in this latest Speedgoat iteration. The multiple layers of jacquard mesh are ready to perform while still maintaining that comfortable fit. While this is not my absolute favorite trail runner from Hoka, it’s a very close second and makes me rethink my ordering every time I take it out on the trails.

Highlighted by an all-new DNA LOFT v3 midsole — Brooks’ softest foam to date —the latest Glycerin iteration makes for an exceptional cushioned runner. I particularly enjoyed these kicks on recovery runs, where I was just looking to stay active without really pushing the pace. The lightweight frame and soft, bouncy landing were more than welcome in these scenarios, and I really admired the breathability of the mesh upper.

While the Glycerin 20 definitely maintains that bounce and cushioning as the miles add up, I did begin to feel a bit of clunkiness on longer runs, leaving me wanting more from my turnovers. I would attribute this to the thicker rubber outsole, which took away from the otherwise enjoyable jog. Still for shorter jaunts, I couldn’t recommend these more.

Buying multiple pairs of running shoes may seem like an extravagance, but it's actually better for your body — and your wallet.