Top 10 Best Shoes for Shock Absorption 2021 – Reviews & Buyers Guide

Did you know every time you hit the ground while running or walking you apply a force that is 1.5-3 times that of your body weight? This translates to a lot of pressure placed on your delicate bones which can make running tedious and painful if you do not have shock-absorbing shoes.

Shock absorption shoes are also called maximalist because they deliver maximum cushioning to your feet. The shoe tech has equipped shock-absorbent shoes with the latest materials that help distribute kinetic energy allowing you to remain on the track much longer.

A lot of kinetic energy is built up in your running exploits which run through your ankles, knees, and to your back and hips as you will be repeatedly be hitting the ground with massive force. Shock absorbing running shoes are built in such a way they will soften the force enacted on your joints and bones. Science is pretty interesting, isn’t it?

Whether you are going for a morning jog or hitting the trail for a serious run, our soft and plush shock-absorbing shoes give your feet a pillow sensation that allows you to go hard on the trail and not bones and joints.

For this review and buyer’s guide, we have compiled the top 10 best shock absorption shoes 2020 that will offer comfort and keeps you going an extra mile.

Top 10 Best Shock Absorbing Shoes in 2020

1. New Balance 840 V4 Women’s Running Shoe

New Balance 840 V4 is a women’s shoe that has been in the market since 1906 which means that it has stood the test of time and emerged as an ideal shock absorption shoe.  The shoe has a modern look despite being in the market for a long time. This makes it one of the loved and most preferred shoes by runners.

Main Features

New balance is a classic shock-absorbent shoe specially made for women. With a favorable price tag depending on your size, New Balance falls in the mid-range category of women running shoes.

Comfort is key when you are looking to buy the best running shoe. The new Balance upper part is made with synthetic fabric and a mesh design that allows your feet to aerate. During summer, you will feet will be feeling a cool breeze which helps avoid smelly feet as a result of too much sweating.

Due to their amazing comfort advantage, these shoes are considered to be the best by Amazon users as they are ideal if you have foot problems however, the New Balance runner shoe gives you enough comfort to keep on running.

The shoe lacks sew overlays which makes it durable and super attractive. With premium materials like plush cushioning, the New Balance 840 secures your feet from the ankle all the way down for extra comfort and sturdiness.

The ABZORB full-length midsole provides full shock absorption to the shoe. It sits on top of a blown rubber outsole made from EVA foam aiding the displacement of kinetic energy. Amazingly, this shoe makes you feel like you are running on air bare feet while maintaining your grip.

2. Brooks Men’s 13 Ghost

Brook men’s 13 Ghost has a reputation for its great cushioning advantage for providing a flexible ride and a super spring whether on the track. The shoe has perfect cushioning for your every step and it is one of the popular best runner shoes in the market.

Main Features

Brooks men’s 13 Ghost is considered the golden running footwear. The DNA LOFT and a BioMoGo DNA cushioning provide softness underfoot while maintaining responsiveness. This makes the shoe feel lighter than ever. The DNA LOFT (a finely calibrated mix of rubber and EVA foam and air) sits on the heel to the forefoot for an easy transition when you are landing. This protects your feet when hard landing on the ground.

The most notable feature is the ability to cushion and support your feet. It has neutral support that gives high-level cushioning making this shoe ideal for cross and road training and it is also suitable with a treadmill in the gym.

For its smooth and soft nature, this shoe is suitable if you are serious about workouts and running. Ghost 13 gives runners improved transitions and zero distractions as you focus on your run.

With a super cushioning power, it delivers smooth strides no matter how the foot lands. It comes with a segmented crashing pad and an integrated system of high shock absorbers which cushions your feet after every stride.

The most contentious and appealing feature is the engineered mesh on the upper part of the shoe. The mesh aerates your feet which means the feet are getting the required amount of air for a longer run. The 3D print fit is another reason why Brook 13 Ghost is desirable for it allows your feet to fit and practically disappear in the stretchy shoe structure.

The shoe has a grippy rubber sole. Whether you are walking on a rough or rocky trail, you shouldn’t fall since the rubber sole grips firmly to the ground.

3. Skechers D’Lites Women’s Sneakers

Skechers D’Lite is considered a golden pair for its superior looks. These women’s sneakers have a cool and appealing design which is available in a range of three colors. In most cases not all runners are looking for a shock-absorbing shoe, most of the time you could be looking for a properly fitting shoe that has an appealing look for jogging sessions. The Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker fits in this category of a super good-looking sneaker.

Main Features

Style is subjective. This shoe is made of rubber on the upper part and that is what makes it so appealing. With a rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon and a 31,128 global rating, this impressive performance proves that it is one of the best seller women sneakers in the market.

Comfort is key and this is necessitated by the thick midsole. The gel insertions make this shoe super comfy and cushion your feet every step you make. This shoe is made to be as comfortable as you can and can last on your feet for over eight hours without feeling a flinch. The padded tongue and the collar add comfort hugging the heel and the arch of your feet.

The lace-up design enables you to lace the shoe to the desirable grip for that perfect fit. It has a flexible and grippy rubber sole which enables you to walk comfortably on rocky or rough terrain without the worry of tripping and falling.

This shoe is lightweight weighing 11oz with a shock-absorbent midsole and a flexible outsole rubber traction. This means you do less with every stride.

The upper part of the shoe is leather made with a smooth finish featuring synthetic overlays and metallic edge trim.

4. Asics Men Nimbus 21 Gel Running Shoe

For over 20 years in the shoe industry, Asics has made a name for delivering quality footwear. If you check out any list with shock-absorbing footwear, you will surely find Asics footwear on the list. It is a suitable shoe if you tend to overpronate making it one of the best mid-range runners’ shoes in the market.

Main Features

The most appealing feature with Asics is the Flyte foam propelling technology which is combined in the midsole. The flyte foam gives the shoe supreme bounce. If you push the Asics heel down, you realize that is squishy, and when you combine it with the flyte foam you get a super toe-off helping you maintain high speed while at the same time offering to cushion thanks to the organic nanofibers.

The upper part is constructed of a fabric and synthetic breathable mesh. Asics Nimbus 21mens shoe is one of the most breathable shoes in the market making it ideal for summer.

The shoe is surrounded by the Asics High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) outsole which protects your feet and the shoe providing exceptional durability. This shoe is capable to run on just any surface you throw at it.

The heel clutching technology system provides superior support and creates a perfect heel fitting environment. This means that your entire body weight will be kinetically distributed.

Another cool feature is the reflective ability. The shoe contains a reflective material design to enhance visibility whenever you are in low light places or hours.

5. York Athletics Unisex Running Shoe

York Athletics is purely designed with a purpose: comfort and durability. Among the Amazon best sellers’ shoes, the York Athletics ranks at number 200. This is an impressive number considering there are multiple shoes in the same category which means some features make this footwear stand out. Since 1946, York Athletics has continuously manufactured outstanding unisex footwear.

Main Features

York Athletics is a responsive cross trainer in multiple fields be it in the fighting fitness, gym, or wherever the fight will take you. Built with a soft canvas material, do not let this material fool you or its minimal appearance, this footwear is exceptionally durable and sturdy.

The Henry is lightweight and has a racing shoe feeling specially designed for roadwork. The midsole has a gel-like technology providing cushioning and excellent ground traction which gives your feet a natural sensation.

It is suitable for both males and females. This unisex sneaker is perfect for weightlifting, running tracks, kickboxing, and much more. The breathable mesh-like design gives the York Athletics a slipper-like feeling when worn.

Whether you are looking for running gears, sneakers for the gym, or a fashionable sneaker, York Athletics makes footwear that is versatile to your daily needs.

York Athletics has a reputation for manufacturing high-quality unisex footwear that is intentionally designed and built for comfort with the incorporation of the rubber sole.

6. Skechers Men’s Road Max 4 Sneakers

Skechers Road Max4 is a predominant brand that is widely known to manufacture a wide range of shoes. The shoe is built with high resilient materials that make it super comfy and durable and plenty of bounce. First and foremost, bulkiness is a no-go zone when you are looking for a running shoe. This type of brand makes shoes that are lightweight putting into consideration the runner’s needs in mind.

Main Features

The hyper-burst midsole is the noticeable feature of the Skechers men’s Road 4. It is among the most cushioned and resilient midsoles currently in the market making it suitable for races and long runs. It has a similar design to Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 (https://www.amazon.com/Brooks-Mens-Adrenaline-Running-Shoe/dp/B081ZL47GY/ref) You get sufficient midsole material that allows even distribution of kinetic energy to the whole foot.

With a contentious feature on the upper part made of 100% synthetic, it looks fantastic and classy with a mixture of black stands and lime green which adds color to the rest of your workout gear. Your foot can fit perfectly and move around thanks to the stretchy nature of the synthetic material.

The knit collar gives a supportive and comfortable fit and a lace-up design and a knit soft collar for a comfy feel.  The tongue falls in the right place allowing your foot to feel smooth with every step you make.

This mid-range sneaker is reasonably priced. It has a removable insole for a more custom fit. The rubber outsole offers durability and smooth-running aiding flexibility.

Skechers Men’s 14 wear is lightweight at 9.3 ounces which means you will do less with your every step. It has a hyper burst midsole which is created with a supercritical process which is the process responsible for creating resilient and lightweight material for durability and cushioning for miles ahead. This makes it a super shock absorption wear.

7. Asics Women’s 7 Gel-Venture

If you are looking for a shoe that has a gel technology offering super shock absorption making you feel less impact when hitting the ground. This is a comfy shoe to run the trails. The Asics Gel 7 Venture has gained a reputation for their great performance and comfort and a favorable price tag.

Main Features

A perfect pair of shoes for rail training. At the bottom, you will see reversed rugs, which are responsible for providing maximum traction on both downhill and uphill. Once you wear this shoe, it will be hard to trip and fall and it grips firmly to the ground.

Secondly, it is fitted with a lace-up closure for a secure fit. This enables your foot to fit in perfectly without any unwarranted movement whenever you are on the trail.

Also, like other modern running shoes, the Asics Women 7 Gel-Venture is protected by the Asics high abrasion rubber which covers the vulnerable parts of the shoe stopping it from tear and wears after hitting hard materials or rocks on the trail.

The shoe has a gel technology that provides shock absorption in the back and the front of the midsole. This displaces the energy impact and allows a smooth transition for a longer run.

The upper part is crafted with a fabric synthetic breathable material that offers maximum cushioning. This allows your feet to feel comfortable with every step as the material feels stretchy. The fabric lining keeps your feet feeling cool and dry.

For your feet to remain in their natural motion posture, the shoe has a stabilizing inter-heel that elevates the toe-heel to the right angle. This way you will not complain of back and knee aches.

If you are looking for a shoe that has a medical orthotic advantage, the Asics Women’s Gel 7 Venture is the right deal. The sock liner is removable which allows you to place your ortholite sock liner for moisture management.

The Gel-Venture 7 offers perfect shock absorption and has an improved upper and midsole and lets air in and out when you are on a run.

8. Saucony Triumph 17 Men’s Running Shoe

The brand Saucony Triumph 17 men’s is predominant in the market if you are an aficionado in running and crave protective cushioning. This superior brand of footwear has been on the market since 1898! The shoes have gained massive celebrity status over the years amassing a large fan base globally.

Main Features

If you crave ultimate cushioning, the right deal is in the Triumph 17 Saucony Men’s shoes, this shoe is superior cushioned all round giving you the ability to cruise for longer runs and making run hangovers past tense.

The snug memory is extremely soft which grips your feet keeping it in position preventing it from moving about when you are running. The superior midsole is made to provide maximum stability and cushion your feet when you are running on hard surfaces.

The Saucony Men’s 17 wear has a PWRRUN which is a tech feature that is lightweight enabling you to propel without feeling like anything is holding you. They are made to stay in place even when it is raining or on tough terrain.

You quickly sense the comfort of the Saucony Men’s 17 shoes. The clever craftsmanship coupled with superior materials makes it to the list of the best shock absorption men’s shoes in the market.

Comforting your legs from all angles, this shoe has a form fit that acts as a luxury bucket that allows your feet to sit comfortably and in position at all angles.

The lightweight nature ensures you are propelling with the right speed sparking a sporty feel while serving elegance and comfort.

9. Salomon X-Mission Women’s Shoe

Salomon X-Mission is a go-to brand when you are purchasing a running shoe. In a diverse society where stress and speed have taken over, most people have less or no time to connect with their hobbies and nature.  If you love to hit the trail, you need to have a quality shock absorption shoe like Salomon X mission to elevate your confidence and offer an excellent grip on multiple surfaces.

Main Features

Salomon X Mission upper is made with 3D which makes it one of the best breathable shoes in the market promoting moisture wicking to keep your feet feeling cool and dry.

To prevent debris from entering inside the shoe it features a tongue cover for superior comfort even when trekking on long grass. The sensiflex stretch panels added to the forefoot aid in flexibility. The sensifit has an internal cage that wraps up onto your foot and a lace-up design which keeps your feet in place at all times.

The cushioning of the Salomon X Mission is comfortable with an EVA midsole that gives you a soft pillow feeling running concurrently with your entire foot.

The molded footbed adds extra support in the right places like the arch and a TPU insert in the toe area protects your feet in case you hit hard objects on the trail.

The Salomon X-Mision is resistant to abrasions, it has lugs that have 3D contra grip HA, even though they are not too pronounced this means you will get perfect traction when you are on the road. This ensures you will not have to worry about tripping down.

10. New Balance Fresh Foam 1080V

The approach for New Balance Fresh Foam V8 running gear the latest version of the New Balance brand which is an ultra-durable mileage shoe packed in a 1080V fresh foam. This makes the shoe super comfy and bouncy as compared to the rest of the shoes of the same brand. Surprisingly, New Balance 1080V is 50% mesh and 50% synthetic making it one of the best runner’s shoes in the market currently.

Main Features

As the majority of the featured Men’s shoes, New Balance 1080V is a solid choice featuring a breathable mesh with a modern construction on the upper side. The upper part of the kid’s shoes has a stitch down the tip and a foxing detail that elevates flexibility support to the maximum. This ensures that it withstands playground abrasions as well as tear and wear.

The folded foam collar improves durability and comfort in the heel back giving you a soft feel and a firm lock. The good news is that the shoe has no-sew construction which eliminates nagging seams that cause rubbing and blistering.

Featuring a hexagonal patterned midsole, the New Balance 1080V model gives you exceptional cushioning that is responsive all around for great performance. This special model is available in a range of colors.

They have cushioned runner shoes suitable for all runners having made use of the fresh foam X which is the latest design in advancements of the New Balance 1080V to offer precise plushness where you need it.

Every time your feet hits the ground a force is created, that is why you require a soft underfoot cushion made of ABZORB midsole that will absorb the impact derived from ground resistance protecting your feet and giving you a comfortable feel.

Buyers Guide-What are Tips on Selecting the Right Shock Absorbing Shoes?

The cushioning ability in the shock absorption shoe varies based on the brand you go for. Each shoe has its unique quality based on the material placed on the mid and outsole to disperse pressure once you hit the surface. Take for instance the New Balance 1080V, the science behind the absorption technology results from a little energy capsule-like similar to Styrofoam. On the other hand, Asics Men’s Gel-Nimbus is paired with a gel cushion that is ultra-soft to disperse pressure when you are landing.

Therefore, before you purchase the shock absorption shoe, be sure to look out for our review as we have tackled different segments that make the featured shoes unique.

Here are some factors to look out for when buying shock absorption shoes

1. 1. Shock Absorbers

The best runner footwear disperses shock once you hit the ground without. A good shock absorption shoe like New Balance 1080V for instance combined with effective body movement helps to mitigate injuries.

1. 1. Support

Anti-pronation footwear is considered the very best. One such example is the Asics Men’s Gel 21 Nimbus. Get as hoe that supports your ankles and wraps neatly around your heel. The denser the foam the better the pronation.

1. 1. Weight

For perfect results, select the get the lightest shoe possible for a longer running period. However, if a shoe has a high shock absorption capability it is more likely it is heavier. That is the reason you need to be precise when you are making your decisions.

1. 1. Fit and Sizing

When you are going through intense physical activity, you need to have a shoe that fits right. If a shoe is small, it may harm your legs with sores and blisters. On the other hand, if it is too wide, it creates unwarranted friction and affects your gait.

1. 1. Traction

The pattern on the sole of your shoe is what gives traction. It’s hard to tell if a shoe has the best traction. That is why it is recommended you read the customer’s reviews before making a purchase.

1. Durability

A quality shock absorbing shoe should last you a couple of years. Look for a well-stitched shoe made with good material for durability purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions on Shock Absorption Shoes (FAQ)

Q: Which is the best shock absorbing material?

A: The best shock absorbing materials are neoprene, Sorbothane, silicone, and rubber

Q: How well does shock absorption like neoprene work in a shoe?

A: The role of the shock absorption is dissipating massive kinetic energy that will enter your body after making steps. When your foot hits the hard surface, the energy and bounced back to your body. Therefore, the shock absorption material decreases the amplitude.

Q: How well should I maintain my shock absorption shoes?

The cushioning foam takes some time to get back in shape after intense usage. Rotate between two pairs and avoid daily use helping them last longer.

Q: When should I make a replacement for my running shoes?

There is no appropriate time to replace the shoes. The replacement period varies depending on weight and maintenance. It is recommendable to clean the shoes after a workout and properly store them in a dry place.

Q: Which is the best shock absorption shoe?

We cannot be biased because what feels right for you might not work for someone else. Therefore, look for a shoe that has a better cushion and traction as well read our review to find a perfect pair of shoes.