Best Moderate Cushioned Running Shoes: Not Too Much, Not Too Little

Stack height is simply the amount of cushioning between your foot and the ground. When we talk about medium stack running shoes, we’re usually referring to that go-to daily trainer with moderate cushioning.

These shoes live in that sweet spot, not max cushion, not super close to the ground. You get enough foam for comfort on longer miles, with just enough pop to keep things feeling lively.

This category has vastly changed over the years.

Where 32mm was considered a massive stack height when Hoka first arrived, now it’s generally considered low cushion to get below that. We understand how crazy that is for folks who have been running a long time like Coach Amanda, but she’s a big fan of these moderate shoes for so many runners.

Remember a running shoe rotation means you can use moderate and max cushion to get the benefits of both.

Below, we’ve rounded up our top picks and explained how stack height differs from heel drop.

8 Best Mid Stack Running Shoes

We made sure to include a good mix of medium stack height running shoes on this list, with options ranging from 32-39 mm in stack height. Whether you’re logging miles on the roads, hopping on the treadmill, or heading out to the trails, there’s a little something here for every type of run.

Best Mid Stack Daily Trainer – Salomon Aero Blaze 3 

This Merrell shoe is designed to be versatile for every runner and our team has been extremely impressed. In fact, it was a shoe that caught the attention of a lot of runners last year.

It’s lightweight, has a low stack height (35 mm), and still provides enough cushion to keep you feeling supported through every run.

There’s just the right amount of snappiness from the optiFOAM2 and a gentle roll with each stride from the rocker.

Sure, Salomon is known for its trail shoes, but it’s making waves with its road and road-to-trail models. Even with a lower stack there is plenty of foam to carry you and feel supported on long miles.

This is one of the lighter-weight daily trainers we’ve tested, and it shows that it can transition from easy miles to picking up the pace. It will be a great race-day shoe for many everyday runners.

Best Mid Stack Pick Up the Pace Shoe – New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is a fun shoe when you’re ready to add a little bit of spice to your miles.

It’s a low-to-the-ground fast trainer with a nitrogen-infused EVA/TPU foam designed to stand apart from the crowd.

While the ability to tear through speedy track workouts may be a thing of the past for the Rebel, it is still an excellent non-plated lightweight daily trainer, tempo shoe, and affordable racing shoe for anything from the 5K to the half-marathon.This shoe is known for its energy return, with the V5 being even more responsive than the previous version. It could be a good option if you struggle with issues like plantar fasciitis because it’s not as soft as others.

Best Mid Stack High Heel Drop Shoe – Nike Pegasus 41

The Nike Pegasus has been one of the most popular running shoes for decades, and it’s definitely become a go to running shoe around here. We like that this isn’t a big max cushioned trainer, which is overkill for a lot folks.

Instead, it’s a moderate cushion that’s going to feel good for plenty of miles and allow you to pick up the pace or just keep it at an easy cruise.

The outsole is durable, the breathable mesh up to keeps your foot feeling fresh and dry, and a firm heel counter keeps your foot locked in place. It’s a great choice for longer runs, and is able to go the distance for 300+ miles, too.

And even though it’s a great choice for weekday runs, it can also deliver during marathon training and race day. The feel of the shoe allows for picking up the pace.

Best Mid Stack Stability Shoe – Saucony Tempus 2

This may be a shoe that will shock you when you head out the door for your first run. It’s a stability shoe, but it can also really pick up the pace!

The major con of this shoe is that it runs narrow and has a slightly shallow toe box, so it’s not for everyone.

Coming in at a stack height of 33/25mm, there’s just the right amount of cushion to keep your feet comfortable for those longer efforts. This is thanks to the superfoam (PWRRUN PB) so the ride is remarkably cushioned which is rare for a stability shoe!

This shoe performs adequately at relaxed paces but truly comes alive during uptempo efforts. The midsole is bouncy and responsive, and my legs felt fresh during the final miles of a half marathon as well as multiple long runs.

Best Mid Stack for Shorter Weekly Runs – On Cloudsurfer 2

This versatile shoe can run errands and then head straight out for a 6-mile run. It’s comfortable on the pavement and has a look that can easily run out for a smoothie afterward.

The Cloudsurfer 2 blends performance and style, and we would also be perfect for anyone who incorporates walking into their daily routine. The heel isn’t overstacked, making it feel nice and stable for wider feet and heavier runners, too.This version of On Running’s classic shoe is firmer and more durable, and is cushioned in the midsole and firm on the outside. The footbed, which blends On’s CloudTec Phase technology and Helion superfoam, is comfortable but still energetic, offering a soft landing we really appreciate.

Though this shoe isn’t our first choice for full marathon days or long runs, it can do 8-10 miles like a dream, and could also be a good option for recovery days.

Best Mid Stack Carbon Plate Shoe – Nike Vaporfly 4

Perhaps the most surprising thing about these shoes is how good they feel right out of the box. They’re super light and responsive, and for us, made race day seem too far away.

If you’re running your next event with a personal record in mind, these could give you the extra pop that you need to keep pushing across the finish line.

The ZoomX foam is a favorite for a reason, and their improved Flyplate has a more aggressive curve designed to maximize leverage from your foot and ankle. It’s a stable platform, especially through the toe-off.

Best Mid Stack Road to Trail Shoe – Merrell ProMorph

It’s clear this shoe isn’t trying to be a max-cushioned cruiser or a hardcore mountain grip machine.

The ProMorph Hybrid sits comfortably in the middle—built for comfort, durability, and enough traction to handle shifting surfaces without needing a shoe swap when the trail turns to gravel or pavement.Compared to other trail hybrids, the ProMorph Hybrid feels incredibly light underfoot. You get the benefit of a trail-capable sole without the clunkiness.

And while it’s not built for alpine terrain, it’s ideal for rolling gravel, hard-packed dirt, and your average neighborhood trail loop.

It’s not rugged, it’s not bulky—but it’s one of the best lightweight hybrid trainers we’ve tested for road-to-trail versatility.

We love the Merrell ProMorph Hybrid and it’s even one of the shoes on our best of 2026 list!

Best Mid Stack Trail Shoe – Brooks Cascadia

It’s fun. It’s stable. It has bounce. It can handle the technical areas. It’s durable.

Our only complaint is getting used to the stiffness of the shoe, but overall for a trail running shoe it is relatively lightweight and dries pretty quickly after running through all the island sandy puddles.

Bonus points for a trail shoe that really handles wet conditions well. Sometimes when we get wet the shoe suddenly feels heavy and holds water, but this drains and allows us to keep plugging along.

The GTX version is even better at keeping you dry overall, so grab those if you want to use for winter runs or lots of mornings with wet trails.This is going to be a trail shoe that keeps you upright, no matter what kind of terrain or weather you’re running in. It’s not a super heavy shoe, which is always nice when heading out on the trails.

Stack Height vs Heel Drop

When it comes to choosing the right running shoe, stack height and heel drop are two essential factors that runners consider. However, it’s easy to confuse the two, and many people tend to use the terms interchangeably.

Heel drop, offset, or heel-toe drop refers to the difference in height between the heel and forefoot of a shoe. It is measured from the insole’s surface and is typically expressed in millimetres.

A higher heel drop means that the heel is elevated more than the forefoot, while a lower heel drop means that the heel is closer to the ground.

On the other hand, stack height is measured from the ground to the insole’s surface and is the total thickness of the midsole. It includes the heel and forefoot and is usually expressed in millimeters.

A higher stack height provides more cushioning and protection between your foot and the ground, while a lower stack height offers a more minimalist feel.

If you want to learn more about stack height, we’ve already put together a full article about what stack height is and why it matters in running shoes. 

Is there a pair of mid-stack running shoes we missed on our list? Let us know below!

As always, we will update the list as new shoes get released, but we hope that this was a helpful start.

What to read next?

• Heel Toe Drop: What It Is And Why It Matters
• Best Running Shoes Of 2026 
• Men’s Vs Women’s Running Shoes | Does the Difference Matter?

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