Best Cushioned Shoes
Ever tried walking in a shoe with plenty of cushion but no support? You might feel like you’re walking on clouds at first—yet end the day with tired, achy feet. To give our feet both comfort and pain relief, the shoes we wear need superior support just as much cushion. At KURU, we believe you can have both!
KURU offers are some of the best cushion shoes because they provide the perfect combo of cushion and support. Our KURUCLOUD cushioned base layer combines with the firm heel protection of KURUSOLE and arch support of ULTIMATE INSOLE to deliver lasting pain relief.
What are Cushioned Shoes?
Cushioned shoes are a type of footwear that offers varying degrees of cushion throughout the insole or sides of the shoe.
That said, not all cushioned shoes are made equal. Shoes that feature cushion only—think memory foam or spongy insoles—won’t support your feet in the long run. Your foot can sink into the cushion without effective bounce back, causing achy, tired feet.
For true comfort and support, the best cushioned walking shoes should not only feature impact-reducing cushion, but also zoned areas of support in the arch and foot.
Enter KURU shoes. Every KURU style is backed by our signature technology, including shock-absorbing EVA foam, a patented heel plate, and cushioned insoles with zoned areas of strategic support. This combination of cushion and support helps alleviate foot pain from conditions such as flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
How to Pair Your Cushioned Shoes and When to Wear Them
Explore how to style and wear the latest styles of cushioned shoes from KURU.
At KURU, you’ve got options. Whether you’re looking for the best cushioned shoes for walking, cushioned support for a work day, or a night out with friends, KURU has a wide variety of styles for women and men to keep you doing what you love in comfort.
Every one of our comfortable shoes features built-in arch support, shock-absorbing cushion, and patented heel protection for Pain Relief Beyond Belief.
Work events: For a business-causal look you can count on for comfort, try a men’s boat shoe like our PACE or a leather Chelsea boot like our LUNA.
Outdoor projects: For your next gardening project, try hiking boots like QUEST, or a rugged outdoor shoe like CHICANE.
Walking the dog: For a high-quality walking shoe that will give you cushion and support try our ATOM or FLUX athletic sneakers to stay comfy and stylish.
Travel days: Travel often means standing and walking for miles at a time. Try a trainer with a wide toe box like QUANTUM for all-day comfort.
Amusement parks: Fun days with the family call for shoes that can keep up with any outfit. Try a versatile court shoe like our ROAM. Or for an open-toed option, try an active sandal like our TREAD or a sandal with a heel strap like our LETTI.
Shoe Fit Tips
Simplify the process of finding a pair of cushioned shoes that fit well with these helpful tips from our KURU GURUs.
When looking for the perfect pair of cushioned shoes, step one is making sure they fit well!
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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Are cushioned shoes bad for you?
It depends! Shoes that feature cushion only—like memory foam or spongy insoles—can be harmful for your feet long term, because they lack the firm support and bounce-back needed for long periods of walking or standing.
That means the most cushioned shoes aren’t always the best cushioned shoes. Shoes need a proper balance of cushion and support to help you last through your day with less pain.
KURU shoes emphasize support and cushion with our signature pain-relieving technology.
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Is extra cushion on the heels good for walking shoes?
Extra cushion on the heels is typically found in cushioned running shoes rather than walking shoes. Runners need extra cushion on the heels and forefoot to help absorb the impact of their foot strike. Walkers typically do best with a more even distribution of cushion.
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Are cushioned shoes better for running?
There are many schools of thought on what makes the best running shoe. From minimalist footwear to shoes with large amounts of cushion, favorite shoe features often depend on the runner. That said, many runners prefer lightweight cushioned running shoes that offer cushion in the foot’s landing strike zones—typically the heel and forefoot.
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How is the arch support of KURU shoes?
KURU shoes deliver excellent arch support without the need for thick inserts or expensive, custom orthotics.
Superior arch support starts with our patented KURUSOLE technology, which delivers natural cushioning and dynamically hugs your heel with every step. Every foot is unique, and our ULTIMATE INSOLES adapt to fit your needs by using your own body heat to custom-mold to the shape of your feet over time.
The corrective nature of our superior arch support is designed to neutralize your weight distribution and place your foot in the best anatomical position. This support can take some getting used to. We suggest slowly breaking in your new shoes over the course of 2–3 weeks.
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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 Cushioned Shoes and Finding the Best Fit
Here's what to look for when searching for the best cushioned shoe for you.
EVA foam midsoles: To help absorb impact with every step, look for a shoe that features an EVA foam midsole for cushioned comfort.
High-quality arch support: To combine cushion with support, make sure your shoe also features firm, contoured arch support for lasting bounce back.
Wide toe box: To allow your toes to lay flat and experience comfort for long days on your feet, we recommend seeking a shoe with a generous toe box.
Firm rubber outsole: A firm foundation can help offer extra traction and stability as your foot makes contact with the ground.
Proper fit: Your shoes should feel comfortable as soon as you put them on. Allow for one finger length of space between the end of your toe and the toe box. The shoe should feel snug and secure, but not tight or painful.
Specific to activity: Will you be walking or standing, heading to the gym or heading to work? Choose a footwear style that suits your activity for the best fit.
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 even when walking long distances.
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 even when walking long distances.
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KURUCLOUD
...Show LessOur KURUCLOUD base layer acts as a cushioned footbed to offer padding and shock absorption for the whole foot. This layer of lightweight EVA foam helps absorb impact to your joints, ligaments, and bones to create highly cushioned shoes.
Our KURUCLOUD base layer acts as a cushioned footbed to offer padding and shock absorption for the whole foot. This layer of lightweight EVA foam helps absorb impact to your joints, ligaments, and bones to create highly cushioned shoes.
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ULTIMATE INSOLE
...Show LessThe final layer in this technology trio, our ULTIMATE INSOLES feature premium arch support and cushion for your entire foot. Made of durable polyurethane foam, these insoles offer dual-density foam for lasting support.
The final layer in this technology trio, our ULTIMATE INSOLES feature premium arch support and cushion for your entire foot. Made of durable polyurethane foam, these insoles offer dual-density foam for lasting support.
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 even when walking long distances.
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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