Best Shock Absorbing Shoes
Each time we take a step—especially if it’s at a fast pace—a tremendous amount of kinetic energy must be absorbed. So where does it go? Without footwear or with shoes that offer little support, much of this force gets absorbed by our feet and bodies. That can be anywhere from 2.5—8 times our body weight in pressure! Whew.
Shock-absorbing shoes to the rescue! Shoes with impact-absorbing materials like EVA and polyurethane foams and energy-redirecting design reduce pressure on our joints, ligaments, and bones, giving us better energy return for more stamina.
What are Shock Absorbing Shoes?
Shock-absorbing shoes are designed to reduce the impact of weight-bearing activities (think anything on your feet!) through the use of mpact-absorbing or energy-redirecting materials.
Even a simple walk around the block represents about 2.5–4 times your body weight with each step. And running? That’s 8–12 times your body weight!
That means instead of all that impact being absorbed by your muscles, tissues, joints, and tendons, the best shock-absorbing shoes absorb some of that impact, reducing the load on your body and helping protect your body for the long haul.
KURU offers some of the best shock-absorbing walking shoes on the market with our triple-layer technology. KURUCLOUD EVA foam, polyurethane ULTIMATE INSOLES, and our patented KURUSOLE technology encourage maximum shock absorption to your feet.
Types of Shock Absorbing Shoes
Explore how to style and wear the latest styles of shock absorbing shoes from KURU.
At KURU, every shoe is a shock-absorbing shoe. We don’t just limit our shock-absorbing shoes to our athletic footwear. Even our flip-flops come equipped with our triple-layer technology: KURUCLOUD EVA foam base layer, KURUSOLE heel and arch plate, and polyurethane foam ULTIMATE INSOLES for more bounce in each step.
Read on to see a few ways you can wear our shoes!
Walking shoes: KURU offers high quality walking shoes with heel-to-toe cushion, a lightweight EVA midsole, and a roomy toe box for extra comfort, such as the ATOM for women and men and the women’s STRIDE.
Business casual footwear: Stay light on your feet as you walk from meeting to meeting with shock-absorbing work shoes. Try our men’s PACE or women’s TEMPO for comfortable, supportive options for your next day at the office.
Outdoor work shoes: When you’re on your feet all day in the yard, shock-absorption helps keep you moving. Choose an outdoor option like the QUEST or the CHICANE for added rugged durability and stable comfort.
Athletic sneakers: Shock-absorption is extra important when working out. KURU offers the FLUX for women and men that offers lightweight supercritical EVA foam that offers 15% more bounce and lasts 3X longer than traditional foams.
Shoe Care Tips
Simplify the process of finding a pair of shock absorbing shoes that fit well with these helpful tips from our KURU GURUs.
When looking for the perfect pair of shock-absorbing shoes, step one is making sure they fit well!
At KURU, we recommend shoes fit snug and secure around the forefoot without any pinching or tightness in the toes, heels, or bunion area. Plan to allow a finger-width of length between the end of your toe and the edge of your shoe. Ultimately, your feet should feel comfortable in your shoe!
For a few more tips, take a peek at how to find the right fit at KURU.
A Brannock device is an industry standard tool to determine your true shoe size. We recommend getting fitted at your local shoe store for the most accurate sizing, and never hesitate to reach out to a KURU GURU for tips on finding the fit for you!
FAQs
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How do shock absorbing shoes work?
Shock-absorbing shoes use impact-reducing materials that help absorb or redirect energy away from being absorbed by your body. Shock-absorbing shoes are designed to reduce the impact of weight-bearing activities (think anything on your feet!) through the use of mpact-absorbing or energy-redirecting materials.
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What kind of shoes are shock absorbing?
Many walking shoes, running shoes, and athletic shoes are designed to absorb shock from weight-bearing activity. But not every cushioned shoe is created equal. Look for footwear that features EVA foam, polyurethane foam, arch support, and cushion to keep you going mile after mile.
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Do running shoes absorb shock?
Most running shoes on the market today are designed to absorb shock and provide cushioning and support for road running and long runs. The best shock-absorbing running shoes typically put more cushion in the forefoot and the heel to absorb shock at the highest impact points of the runner’s stride.
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What material is best for absorbing shock?
The best materials for absorbing shock are polyurethane foam and EVA foam. Every pair of KURU shoes features both! Our KURUCLOUD base layer is made of lightweight EVA foam while our ULTIMATE INSOLES are made of 5mm of polyurethane foam for lasting cushion and shock absorption.
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I just received a pair of your shoes and my feet are sore/hurt after wearing them. Why is that?
Some customers experience tenderness when they first start wearing a new pair of KURUs. That’s ok! Your body may need time to adjust to the new levels of anatomical support you experience with our patented KURUSOLE technology. Our shoes are also designed to mold to your unique foot shape, which takes a bit of a break-in period.
To help mitigate this, we suggest you follow our break-in procedure, including wearing your KURUs for a couple hours per day around the house in the first couple of weeks as they break in and form to your foot.
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Features of Shock Absorbing Shoes and Finding the Right Fit
Here's what to look for when searching for the best shock absorbing shoes for you.
On the hunt for a new pair of shock-absorbing shoes? Here are a few features and materials to look for to find the best shoes to shock absorb.
EVA foam: In athletic shoes, the midsole is a vital component to provide true shock absorption. A lightweight EVA foam midsole is a fantastic option for a shoe with extra bounce and shock absorption.
Polyurethane foam: A star of the shock-absorption world, polyurethane offers more cushion and a longer-lasting crush rate than other foams. That means it’ll keep you moving for longer on the same pair of shoes.
Rounded heel cup: An ergonomic heel cup design (one that’s rounded just like your heel) will help keep you stable and help protect your heel’s natural cushioning system: the fat pad.
Cushion in the right places: Depending on your activity, you'll want cushion in some specific places. Walkers should aim for even cushioning through the length of the foot while runners will want more cushion in the forefoot and heel to soften their landings.
Three Layers of Support
At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.
Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.
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KURUSOLE
...Show LessOur patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps utilize our body’s natural cushioning system, the heel’s fat pad for lasting comfort.
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps utilize our body’s natural cushioning system, the heel’s fat pad for lasting comfort.
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KURUCLOUD
...Show LessOur KURUCLOUD rubber midsole acts as a cushioned footbed to offer shock absorption for the whole foot. This layer of EVA foam helps absorb impact to your joints, ligaments, and bones, especially during high-impact activities.
Our KURUCLOUD rubber midsole acts as a cushioned footbed to offer shock absorption for the whole foot. This layer of EVA foam helps absorb impact to your joints, ligaments, and bones, especially during high-impact activities.
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ULTIMATE INSOLE
...Show LessThe final layer in this technology trio, our ULTIMATE INSOLES feature premium arch support and cushion for the entire sole of your foot. Made of durable polyurethane foam, these insoles form to your feet and help absorb shock.
The final layer in this technology trio, our ULTIMATE INSOLES feature premium arch support and cushion for the entire sole of your foot. Made of durable polyurethane foam, these insoles form to your feet and help absorb shock.
KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE plate features a unique design that cups and protects the heel and allows for dynamic flexion with each step. This superior support helps utilize our body’s natural cushioning system, the heel’s fat pad for lasting comfort.
Our Secret
Our Secret
What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.
While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.
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