7 Sneakers With The Best Shock Absorption in 2025

With its porous mesh, airy build, and deep cushioning, our feet enjoyed its refreshing ride. Our lab results validate its pleasant aura through its flexibility, yet it shines the most as our top high shock absorption sneaker.

Comfort is enhanced by its impact protection and broad dimensions. Our shock absorption verifies a high score of 123 SA, 38.2% above average. Moreover, it has generous cushioning to protect us from ground feel, with caliper measurements of 33.9/21.2 mm.

The V2K Run doesn’t allow sweat and heat to build up, even during the hottest days. In the lab, the smoke we pumped into the shoe instantly escaped. We couldn’t help but award it the maximum 5/5 breathability score, aligning with the breezy experience we had in our walks.

It’s a breath of fresh air, further enhanced by its feathery and bendable midsole. Our scales show it’s only 11.1 oz (315g), 19.2% lighter than average! In our flex test, it emerged 28.6% more adaptive than average, boosting its adaptability and maneuverability.

However, its toebox tapers more aggressively than average. Those who require more space for wide or swollen feet should consider a different pair.

The Nike Zoom Vomero 5 feels like a dream in the summer, with its refreshing sensation from top to bottom allowing us to go on about our day without discomfort.  Our lab assessment shows it features an ultra-thin upper that allows seamless airflow, with its light and flexible build enhancing its airiness. Moreover, the cushion underneath reduces leg fatigue with its joint-protective stack. Among high shock absorption sneakers, it takes the lead for breathability.

We tested the mesh upper in our light and smoke test, and its highly permeable nature is evident. We would rate it a 6/5 in breathability if possible. On foot, the maximum ventilation we enjoyed effectively avoided sweat and heat build-up.

Zoom Vomero 5’s soothing nature is enhanced by its light and loose construction. At only 11.2 oz (316g), it’s 19.0% lighter than average and feels far from being a burden. It doesn’t resist our movements, which adds to its weightless feel, emerging 14.3% more pliable than average in our flex test.

The midsole takes good care of our muscles and joints, with an extra layer of protection courtesy of the Zoom Air units. We measured for shock absorption in the heel and recorded 112 SA, meaning it reduces the forces of landing 25.8% better than average, explaining its gentle sensation underfoot.

However, the upper’s breathability compromised its wear resistance. Those looking for a more structured toebox should check other pairs.

The ASICS GT 2160 boasts incredible flexibility and cushioning in its streamlined package. Despite its low weight, it surprises us with a forgiving fit, accommodating those with broad feet or bunions with ease. Among high shock absorption sneakers we evaluated in the lab, the GT 2160 has the best wide fit.

We created a gel mold to measure the shoe’s interiors. At the ball of the foot, we recorded a spacious 97.0 mm, making it much more accommodating than the 92.5 mm average. We had no pressure points even if we wore our thickest socks.

We cut the midsole in half and found the GEL insert in the heel. Each touchdown feels cushioned, protecting our muscles and joints for long hours of walking. In our shock absorption test, we verified its softness with a high 105 SA reading.

Because the stack isn’t too thick, GT 2160 keeps its midsole maneuverable. In our bend test, it emerged 32.3% more flexible than average. This malleability, together with its low 12.0 oz (340g) build, boosts the sneaker’s versatility and comfort for all-day wear.

However, we found the mesh upper extremely fragile as our Dremel ripped it instantly. It’s best to exercise caution in this area when using GT 2160.

The Nike V5 RNR is ideal for indoor and outdoor wear, with its slip-proof and impact-dampening base. We felt confident strutting the streets in this chunky, retro-looking sneaker. In the lab, it performs exceptionally well in our stability and friction tests, making it the high shock absorption sneaker with the best traction.

Whether we encounter slippery tiles or icy sidewalks, the V5 RNR avoids any kind of missteps. In our wet-condition test, we recorded a whopping friction rating of 0.73, showing 69.8% stronger traction than average!

Besides its iron-grip, our solid footing stems from the wide and rigid base. Our caliper verifies above-average dimensions of 114.0/89.4 mm. Meanwhile, it resisted twisting firmly in our manual test, rating a high 4/5 in torsional rigidity.

The midsole packs tons of comfort, with its tall 35.4/23.9 mm platform and its fatigue-reducing foam. Testing for shock absorption, it returned one of the highest we’ve seen in sneakers at 121 SA, proving its lasting comfort.

However, it will only feel good for all-day wear in cold weather. Its limited breathability will make us sweat and overheat in the summer.

The 1000 is back from the 2000s with its retro-futuristic vibe to conquer this whole new era of chunky dad shoes. Its old-school aesthetics are still trendy nowadays, and its really comfortable design and padded interiors let you show it off all day long! This is thanks to its soft cushioning and lightweight nature, as our feet didn't get tired even if we had to run errands non-stop. Even though it's not the most durable pair on the market, it's made using real suede, so as long as you're careful with its breathable mesh areas, this New Balance kick should be by your side for a while!

The ASICS Gel 1130 is inspired by the past, in terms of its retro look and the classic running technologies it holds. It helps us last on foot for long hours by offering a beautiful blend of comfort through its GEL cushioning and support through its grippy base and TRUSSTIC system. Among high shock absorption running sneakers in the lab, it’s our best dad shoe.

We felt like we were on cloud 9 with Gel 1130’s plush and gentle aura. Our sliced midsole reveals the GEL technology in the heel and forefoot, enhancing shock absorption. Our lab test verifies its impact protection with a high 114 SA rating in the rear, since we land heel-first on our walks.

Designed previously to be a stability running shoe, it features the TRUSSTIC support system, which generates solid twist resistance. In our manual assessment, we awarded it a high 4/5 in torsional rigidity.

Underfoot, the grippy outsole offers steady footing and controlled movement. Testing for its traction, we recorded a high 0.55 score, making it 27.9% grippier than average!

However, all these elements increased the shoe’s resistance to bending. Sneakerheads who prefer a more natural underfoot sensation should go for flexible midsoles.

The New Balance 530 kept us happy on our feet all day long, delivering lasting comfort in its light and flexible package. Its outsole can take a beating and promises sturdiness, proven by lab tests. For only $100, it offers the best value among high shock absorption sneakers.

We verified its chunkiness with a generous stack height of 37.3/25.4 mm. The platform lessens muscle fatigue through well-cushioned landings, proven by its high 108 SA score in our shock absorption test.

Despite all the cushioning, the 530 maintains a minimal 10.9 oz (380g) build, making it 21.0% lighter than the average sneaker. Moreover, its pliability delivers smooth and natural transitions. Our bend test verifies it’s 18.8% more flexible than average.

The outsole is designed with wear and tear in mind. Our Dremel only shaved off minimal rubber at 0.5 mm, while it tends to damage the average by 1.1 mm, proving its exceptional wear resistance. However, the opposite happened when we tested for toebox durability. It was instantly damaged, so we recommend avoiding situations that may cause a tear in the upper.