If you've ever finished a run with sore knees or aching feet, the problem usually isn't your training — it's your shoes. Australians are notorious for sticking with the same pair long past their use-by date, or buying whatever's cheapest without thinking about cushioning. The good news? Some of the most cushioned running shoes in the world are available right now on Amazon Australia, and several are at significant discounts.
Here are five of the best cushioned running shoes you can buy in Australia right now — with prices tracked directly on Amazon AU.
HOKA Clifton 9 – Men's Road Running Shoe
The HOKA Clifton 9 is the benchmark for everyday cushioned running. With HOKA's signature Meta-Rocker geometry and a thick stack of EVA foam, it turns hard pavement into something almost forgiving. It's not a racing shoe — it's the one you reach for when you need to recover but still get the kilometres in.
- Thick foam midsole with HOKA's Meta-Rocker for a smooth heel-to-toe transition
- Surprisingly lightweight for a max-cushion shoe (around 280g)
- Suited to daily training, long runs, and active recovery
- Breathable engineered mesh upper with a comfortable, roomy toe box
Current AU price: $189.99 (was $249.95) | Best for: Men who want cloud-like cushioning for daily runs
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 – Men's Cushioned Running Shoe
The Gel-Nimbus is ASICS' flagship cushioning model, and the 27th edition is the best yet. FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam delivers a plush yet responsive ride — soft enough for recovery runs but with enough energy return for tempo work. It's one of the most trusted long-run shoes in Australia for good reason.
- FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam midsole — ASICS' premium cushioning compound
- ASICS GEL technology at heel and forefoot for multi-directional impact absorption
- Wide toe box and a supportive upper built for long distances
- High-mileage outsole designed to last well past 800km
Current AU price: $209.14 (was $299.95) | Best for: Men logging serious long-run distance
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 – Women's Road Running Shoe
The Gel-Cumulus is the Nimbus' slightly lighter sibling — still highly cushioned, but with a more dynamic feel underfoot. For women who want maximum comfort without the bulk of a traditional max-cushion shoe, the Cumulus 27 is the smarter buy. At its current Amazon AU price, it's one of the best-value cushioned shoes on the market right now.
- FF BLAST foam for a lighter feel than the Nimbus with excellent cushioning
- ASICS GEL at the heel for additional shock absorption on impact
- Versatile across all distances from 5K to marathon training
- Engineered mesh upper for breathability on long runs in Australian conditions
Current AU price: $149.34 (was $249.95) | Best for: Women wanting premium cushioning at excellent value
Brooks Ghost 16 – Men's Road Running Shoe
The Brooks Ghost is a staple in running shops across Australia for good reason: it's the definition of a reliable, cushioned all-rounder. The Ghost 16 uses DNA LOFT v3 foam, which is noticeably softer than previous iterations. If you want a shoe that performs equally well across 5K training runs and 20K weekend long runs, this is it.
- DNA LOFT v3 foam — Brooks' softest and most cushioned compound to date
- Segmented crash pad for a smooth, natural transition from heel to toe
- Neutral fit — suits most foot types including mild overpronators
- Durable outsole rated for 500–800km of use
Current AU price: $209.95 | Best for: Men who want a dependable cushioned shoe for any distance
Brooks Glycerin 23 – Women's Max Cushion Road Shoe
If you want the absolute maximum cushioning Brooks makes, this is it. The Glycerin 23 uses nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 foam across the entire midsole for head-to-toe plushness. It's heavier than the Ghost but noticeably softer — ideal for women who spend long hours on their feet, run on hard surfaces regularly, or are coming back from injury and need maximum protection underfoot.
- Maximum DNA LOFT v3 nitrogen-infused foam — the softest Brooks shoe available
- Wide, accommodating last that suits a range of foot shapes including wider feet
- Smooth rocker geometry for natural, effortless toe-off
- Engineered knit upper for a sock-like fit and excellent breathability
Current AU price: $276.83 | Best for: Women who prioritise comfort above all else, including those recovering from injury
How to Choose the Right Cushioned Shoe
Not all cushioned shoes feel the same underfoot. HOKA and Brooks Glycerin sit at the max-cushion end — great if your joints need protecting or you're running on concrete regularly. ASICS Gel-Cumulus and Brooks Ghost are more versatile mid-to-high cushion shoes that don't sacrifice responsiveness. If in doubt, go with what suits your primary run distance: shorter tempo runs can handle a firmer shoe, but anything over 15km benefits from the extra stack height.
SoleScout tracks daily price changes on Amazon Australia across all major running shoe brands — so you never pay full price when there's a deal on. Browse all current deals at SoleScout →