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9 Best Shock Absorbing Shoes (Review) In 2022

Best Choice
new balance women's 840 v4 running shoe
New Balance Women's 840 V4 Running Shoe
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Best Value
skechers men's afterburn memory-foam lace-up sneaker
Skechers Men's Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-up Sneaker
Check Latest Price
Premium Pick
new balance men's 1080v10 fresh foam running shoe
New Balance Men's 1080v10 Fresh Foam Running Shoe
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By Shoe Hero
Published 11:45 am
Show contents
Contents
  1. 1. New Balance Women's 840 V4 Running Shoe
  2. 2. Skechers Max Road 4
  3. 3. Saucony Men's Low-Top Sneaker
  4. 4. ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 21 (4E) Running Shoes
  5. 5. New Balance Men's 1080v10 Fresh Foam Running Shoe
  6. 6. Skechers Women's D'Lites Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker
  7. 7. ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 6 Running-Shoes
  8. 8. ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes
  9. 9. Skechers Men's Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-up Sneaker

Good running shoes are essential if you don’t want to get injured. Any runner will tell you that running on hard surfaces can take a toll on your feet, ankles, and knees. So, you need a pair of running shoes that can reduce the impact of that energy. Shock-absorbing shoes are the answer. Using shock absorbing materials like neoprene, rubber, or silicone, these trainers displace the kinetic energy, meaning you can run for longer. Here are the best shock-absorbing shoes on the market.

The Best Shock Absorbing Shoe

Best choice

1.
New Balance Women’s 840 V4 Running Shoe

new balance women's 840 v4 running shoe
Key Features

    Made from 100% synthetic fabrics

    Engineered mesh

    ABZORB full-length midsole (EVA foam)

    Rubber sole

    No-sew overlays

    Available in two colors

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New Balance was founded in 1906. You might think of them as a pretty modern company because they’ve enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the last few years. But they are one of America’s oldest and best-loved shoe companies.

New Balance 840 V4 is a super popular running shoe designed for women. They do make a men’s version but we fell in love with this model. It falls nicely into the category of mid-range running shoes, costing anywhere from $70 – $125, depending on your size.

The shock absorption is provided by the ABZORB full-length midsole. Made from EVA foam, it sits on top of a blown rubber outsole to provide excellent kinetic energy displacement. Amazingly, it somehow feels like you’re running on air and bare feet at the same time. You don’t lose the ‘feel’ of the road.

The upper part of the trainer is made from a synthetic fabric and has mesh engineered into the design. On a hot day, you can really feel the air blowing around your feet and stopping them from getting too sweaty.

The New Balance 840 V4 is made from premium materials and has no-sew overlays, making it both attractive and super durable. One of the nicest features is the plush cushioning around the ankle. Not only does your ankle feel super secure, but it will also be extremely comfortable.

On Amazon, many users have commented that they are great shoes for people with foot problems. If you’ve got plantar fasciitis, bunions, or neuromas, these shoes will allow you to exercise in amazing comfort.

Pros

Amazingly comfortable

Premium materials and stitching

Suitable for people with foot problems

Available in two attractive designs

Cons

Not available on the New Balance website

2.
Skechers Max Road 4

skechers max road 4
Key Features

    Made from 100% synthetic fabrics

    HyperBurst full-length midsole

    Knit upper

    Available in four colors

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Skechers Performance is one of those brands that fly beneath the radar. Because Skechers makes so many different types of shoes and has so many brands, they sometimes don’t get taken seriously as a running shoe manufacturer. But they should.

The most noticeable feature of Skechers Max Road 4 is the HyperBurst midsole. It’s one of the most resilient and cushioned midsoles on the market, making it perfect for long-distance runners. It’s similar in design to the Adidas Boost but this one is more suited to races and long runs. The reason is that you get more midsole material, so the energy is displaced over your whole foot.

The shoe is extremely lightweight. At size 11, the shoe is just 9.3 ounces, which is incredible. That means you have to do less work with every step.

The upper part of the shoe is its most contentious feature. In our opinion, it looks fantastic – the mixture of lime green and black stands out on the market and will add some color to your running outfit, but we know it’s not a look that everyone will like. Users and expert reviewers have complained that the shoe doesn’t feel tight enough when running. Thanks to the stretchy design, your foot will be able to move around.

This is another mid-range running shoe and is reasonably well-priced. Sketchers are known for making affordable shoes and they’ve lived up to that reputation here. It’s certainly cheaper than the running shoes it’s competing with. You’ve just got to decide whether you like the way it looks.

Pros

Comfortable and resilient on long runs

Plenty of shock-absorption in the midsole

Cheaper than many of its competitors

Cons

Too much movement in the knit upper

The design isn’t for everyone

3.
Saucony Men’s Low-Top Sneaker

saucony men's low-top sneaker
Key Features

    Made from synthetic and mesh

    PWRRUN+ midsole

    FORMFIT cushioning

    Available in six colors

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If you’re not a running aficionado, you probably won’t have heard of Saucony. Unlike most sporting brands, they focus on doing one thing well – making high-end running shoes. But, just cause you haven’t heard of them, don’t think they’re new kids on the block. They’ve actually been around since 1898, making them one of the longest-running athletics brands in the USA.

Users and experts alike rave about the heel on the Saucony Triumph 17. It has a super soft, memory-foam feel that hugs your heel and keeps it from moving around when you’re running. Saucony calls this technology FORMFIT and, if you’ve got narrow heels, it’s the ideal running shoe. It’s also got a really impressive PWRRUN+ midsole that cushions every step when you’re running on a hard surface.

One of the things that customers love about this shoe is the luxury feel. Everything, from the laces to the insole, is made out of premium materials. It all feels thick and cushioned and it’s not going to come apart after a few hard runs. You’re not paying for the brand here, but you are paying for quality.

Often when shoes are made to feel this comfortable, they become heavy. But the Triumph 17 uses cushioning that is 25% lighter than Saucony’s previous running shoes. That means the extra comfort isn’t going to slow you down.

If you’re looking for a high-end running shoe with amazing heel comfort, the Saucony Triumph 17 is the shoe for you.

Pros

One of the most comfortable running shoes available

Ideal for runners with narrow feet

Made from premium materials

Cons

Not comfortable for runners with wide feet

Not very responsive underfoot

4.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 21 (4E) Running Shoes

asics men's gel-nimbus 21 (4e) running
Key Features

    Made from fabric and synthetic

    Mesh upper

    FlyteFoam Propel Technology

    Flytefoam Lyte Technology

    AHAR Outsole

    Available in 20 different designs

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ASICS has a reputation for making some of the best-performing footwear on the market. Check out any list of the best running shoes and you’re bound to see a pair of ASICS in there. For this list, we’ve selected the ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus Running Shoes, one of the most popular mid-range running shoes on the market.

Our favorite thing about this shoe is the combination of the FlyteFoam Propel midsole and the gel in the heel. The gel in the heel is amazingly flexible. Push the heel down with your hands and you will see just how squishy it is. Combine this with the FlyteFoam Propel, and it gives you an amazing toe-off so you can maintain a high speed.

The other impressive feature is the super breathable mesh upper. It’s one of the most breathable shoes on the market, making it ideal for running in hot weather. This is surrounded by the AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) Outsole, which protects both the shoe and your foot, providing amazing durability. It might not look it, but this shoe is capable of running on just about any surface you can throw at it.

Pros

Super breathable

Uses a combination of shock-absorbing technologies

Great selection of designs available

Cons

Narrow in the midfoot

Not enough arch support

Premium Pick

5.
New Balance Men’s 1080v10 Fresh Foam Running Shoe

new balance men's 1080v10 fresh foam running shoe
Key Features

    Made from synthetic and mesh

    FreshFoam midsole

    Hypoknit upper

    Bootie-style design

    Available in five colors

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New Balance Men’s 1080v10 is one of the company’s latest designs. 1080 itself has been around for a while, but this is the most recent iteration.

We’ve selected this as our Premium Pick mainly because of the price. It’s one of the most expensive running shoes on this list and it’s designed purely for road use – take it on the trails and it’ll get roughed up pretty quickly. Because of that, we’re aware that this shoe isn’t going to suit everyone.

The most noticeable feature is the thick Fresh Foam midsole that reaches all the way around the shoe, making it look like some kind of futuristic hovercraft. It might look rigid, but it provides a huge amount of bounce to each step, allowing you to spring forward and maintain speed.

It’s super comfortable. Even out of the box, it feels like a shoe that has molded to your foot after hundreds of kilometers. That’s thanks to the Hypoknit upper, which gives your foot plenty of room to move around; and the cushioned heel, one of the thickest on the market. Unlike cheaper running shoes, you can choose from four different widths – narrow, standard, wide, and extra-wide.

It’s also got a bootie-style construction around the ankle. This stops your heel from slipping and your ankle from rolling, so it’s ideal to prevent injury. One of the misconceptions about this shoe is that it looks soft, but it’s actually pretty rigid for a running shoe.

We know it’s expensive but that’s what you have to pay these days for a high-quality running shoe. At least you know you’re getting a trainer that’s lightweight, comfortable, and will last you for a few years at least.

Pros

Perfect for every day running on hard surfaces

Comfortable and supportive

Looks amazing

Cons

Not suitable for trail running

6.
Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker

skechers women's d'lites memory foam lace-up sneaker
Key Features

    Made from leather and synthetic fabrics

    Grippy rubber sole

    Gel-inserted midsole

    Cushioned collar and tongue

    Available in 27 styles

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We know that not everyone is looking for a pair of running shoes when they search for ‘the best shock-absorbing shoes’. Some people are just looking for a comfortable pair of trainers to walk around or a shoe for light exercise. Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-Up Sneakers fit that category perfectly.

These shoes are designed to be just as comfortable after eight hours as they are when you put them on. That’s why a lot of doctors and nurses wear them on long shifts. A lot of the comfort is provided by the thick midsole. It has two gel inserts to cushion every step. Other comfort features include a padded collar and tongue, which hug the arch and heel of your foot.

The shoes also have a grippy and flexible rubber sole. Whether you’re walking on a rocky trail or moving around a ward as fast as you can, you shouldn’t slip in these shoes.

Style is always subjective. Some people love the way these shoes look and of course, like all shoes, they have their haters. But, as you can see from the Amazon reviews, the haters are few and far between. These shoes have a 4.5 out of 5 ratings, maintained over more than 16,000 reviews. This impressive performance has made them one of the best selling women’s shoes on Amazon.

Pros

Comfortable for long shifts

Amazing Amazon reviews

Great selection of colors

Cons

Not really suitable for running

7.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 6 Running-Shoes

asics women's gel-venture 6 running-shoes
Key Features

    Made from synthetic fabrics

    Trail-specific outsole

    Rearfoot and forefoot GEL technology

    Removable sock liner

    Available in 28 designs

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If you’re looking for a comfortable pair of shoes to run trails in, these are one of the best from last year’s crop. ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 6 Running-Shoes quickly gained a reputation for their comfort, performance, and low price point when they came out last year.

Users and experts agree on the fact that the outsole is perfect for trail-running. Check out the bottom of the shoe and you’ll see a series of reversed lugs, which provide excellent traction on both uphill and downhill sections. Also, like most of ASICS’ modern running shoes, they are protected by AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber). This covers the most vulnerable areas of the shoe to stop them from coming apart after hitting a few rocky trails.

To provide shock absorption, they have GEL technology in both the front and back of the midsole. This is designed to displace the impact of energy and allow a smooth transition to midstance. However, we found them to be harder than they look. They force you to run on your toes a bit more. Then again, at this price, you can’t expect the best in shock-absorbing technology.

Pros

Cheaper than most running shoes

Perfect for trail running

Lots of color choices

Amazing Amazon reviews

Cons

The heel is too hard

Not great for wide feet

8.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes

asics women's gel-venture 7 running shoes
Key Features

    Made from fabric and synthetic

    Trail-specific outsole

    Rearfoot and forefoot GEL technology

    Ortholite sockliner

    Available in 16 designs

Check Latest Price

If the ASICS Gel-Venture 6 running shoes just weren’t cutting it for you, why not try the ASICS Gel-Venture 7 running shoes. This year’s Gel-Venture running shoes have a couple of key changes that might warrant the cost money, but that’s up to you.

They have a similar GEL midsole that provides shock-absorption in both the rearfoot and the forefoot. In the Gel-Venture 6 shoes, this GEL technology wasn’t quite cutting it. They still felt quite stiff underfoot, especially when running on trails. These shoes are much better. They feel comfortable, have plenty of bounce, and are suitable for long trail runs.

The other main thing that’s been improved is the fabric lining. As you can see, they have a partly-mesh upper that lets air into the shoe and keeps your feet cool and dry during a long run. This new version of the Gel-Venture also has an Ortholite Sockliner, which is designed to reduce the amount of moisture inside the shoe when you’re sweating.

The outsole of the shoe is largely the same. Compare the two shoes and you’ll see they have the same reversed lugs that provide grip on both uphill and downhill sections of trails. They are also protected by AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber), making them extremely durable and hardwearing and a perfect womans’ shoe for trail running.

Here’s the bottom line – the Gel-Venture 7 has an improved midsole and upper. They provide better shock-absorption and let more air into the foot on a run.

Pros

Improved shock-absorption in the heel

Very breathable

Good selection of colors

Affordable

Cons

Reports of inconsistent sizing

Best Price

9.
Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-up Sneaker

skechers men's afterburn memory-foam lace-up sneaker
Key Features

    Made from leather and synthetic

    Rubber sole

    EVA foam midsole

    Memory foam insole

    Available in 10 designs

Check Latest Price

Last on our list, we’ve got the Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-up Sneakers. We’d describe these as a hybrid trainer because they can be used for running, hiking, and everyday use. Admittedly, they’re not the best shoe for long-distance running but you can’t beat them for true versatility.

One of the most striking features of these shoes is the chunky midsole and outsole. It’s hard to tell whether they’re designed for running or hiking. In truth, they’re designed for both. The midsole is made from EVA foam and has an impressive amount of flexibility, despite how solid it looks. The outsole, on the other hand, is quite rigid.

Users were particularly impressed by the memory-foam insole on these shoes. They mold to the shape of your foot, giving you a perfect fit. This makes these shoes some of the most comfortable on the market.

The main reason we included these shoes was the amount of positive Amazon reviews. At the time of writing, they’ve had 13,405 reviews and maintained an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. That’s extremely impressive for any type of product and it shows how well-loved these trainers are.

If you’re looking for super versatile shock-absorbing shoes, these are definitely some of the best on the market. The only question is with their durability – but you can’t have everything when you buy cheaper shoes.

Pros

Suitable for running, hiking, and other uses

Good selection of colors

Amazing Amazon reviews

Memory foam insole provides exceptional comfort

Cons

Too heavy for long runs

Not the most durable shoes

Shock Absorbing Shoe Buying Guide And FAQ

Features To Look For In Shock Absorbing Shoes

Material - The upper part of shock-absorbing shoes are normally made of mesh or synthetic fabrics, and sometimes a combination of the two. The sole is almost always made of rubber.

Shock Absorption - The whole point of shock-absorbing shoes is to displace kinetic energy and reduce the strain on your joints. To do this, the shoe needs to have foam, EVA, or gel section in the sole.

Comfort - Running shoes need to be comfortable, otherwise you won’t want to put them on and exercise. Look for a pair with a comfortable insole and preferably some added cushioning.

shock absorbing sneakers comfort

Support - Support is normally provided by the ankle collar and the area that wraps around your heel. Check that your foot doesn’t move around inside the shoe.

Traction - Traction is provided by the pattern on the sole of the shoe. It’s hard to tell how well a pair of shoe grips until you’ve worn them whilst exercising. We’d recommend reading the customer reviews and seeing what other users have said about the traction.

Durability - A good pair of shock-absorbing shoes should last for a couple of years, at least. The durability comes from the quality of materials used and how well they’re stitched together.

Insole - Insoles provide extra comfort, warmth, and often make a shoe fit better.

running with shock absorbing shoe

Shock Absorbing Shoe FAQ

Q: What is the most shock-absorbing material?

A: Lots of materials can technically be called ‘shock-absorbing’. For example, steel springs absorb shock, but they wouldn't be very comfortable in a shoe. The best materials for shock-absorbing shoes are rubber, neoprene, silicone, and Sorbothane.

Q: How do shock-absorbing materials work?

A: The effect of shock occurs when the energy of the impact is transferred from one object to another. So, when the solid ground hits your foot, the energy is transferred into your body. Shock-absorbing materials decrease the amplitude (strength)

Q: Best surface to run on to minimize shock to joints?

A: The ideal running surface is soft and smooth. Grass, earth, and woodland trails make up some of the best running surfaces.

You can always check out our buying guide with best books for running to motivate yourself and read about other people's experiences and how they overcame their challenges.

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