9 Best Rocker Bottom Shoes Of 2023 + Who Should Wear Them, According To Podiatrists

As the name suggests, these shoes take cushioning to the max—but they still feel like a versatile daily trainer. The Cloudmonster has the unique ability to handle slow paces as well as faster ones with ease, thanks to a springy cloud-like cushioning system that quite literally propels you forward.

Once our tester (me, the writer) unboxed these Cloudmonsters, she hit the ground running—except it didn’t feel like it at all. Instead, it truly felt like I was running on clouds.

While we wouldn’t say these sneakers offer a trampoline effect (no bouncing around), they do encourage you to keep going even when your legs grow tired.

All in all, these soft, cushioned trainers are a joy to run in, and they'd be equally comfortable for a walk or a long shift on your feet.

This new Nike design features ZoomX foam in the midsole, which makes for a lighter, more responsive cushion than other models. The extra foam not only feels more comfortable, but also allows you to run easier for longer.

Plus, a carbon plate delivers a propulsive sensation that helps you keep the pace and encourages that roll-forward feel that we know and love about rocker-bottom shoes.

Customers rave about their experiences with the Zoom Fly 5, making note of how comfortable the fit is and how the arch support is top-notch for exercise and everyday activities.

The sneakers you wear on your feet all day should be similar to the ones you might pick for a long walk or run. That said, it’s important to support all areas of your feet, and opt for a pair that has maximum comfort in mind—especially if you’ll be standing on hard surfaces.

The lightweight, high-rebound cushioned insole on this machine-washable shoe offers comfortable support without weighing you down. With a breathable, moisture-wicking lining, your feet won't get hot or sweaty (even if you're in these all day).

Take one look at the Amazon reviews and you'll see waiters, nurses, and other members of the food service and healthcare industries swear by these shoes for optimal comfort.

Hokas are a widely popular brand of running shoes known for their ultra-cushioned rocker soles and effective shock absorption—so it’s no wonder this model has been awarded a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

The wide, rounded shape gives toes lots of wiggle room, making this model a great option for those with wide feet. The knit material molds to the shape of the foot, offering stability and a made-for-you feel that eliminates sliding and overpronation.

While all Hoka’s shoes feature comfy, cloud-like soles, these are especially excellent rocker bottoms for walking and many hours spent on your feet.

We’ve included this model in our roundups of the best sneakers for standing all day, best shoes for arch support, best shoes for knee pain, best gym shoes, and the best shoes for high arches, so it’s safe to say these are a versatile pick.

If you have plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia, tissue in the foot used during walking and foot movement), you know how painful it can be. Not to mention, you’re probably not able to run as much as you’d prefer.

While plantar fasciitis can be caused by a number of factors, including the type of shoes, foot structure, overuse, etc., there are a few shoe options for plantar fasciitis that can help you run while mitigating pain.

The latest iteration of New Balance's Fresh Foam family utilizes more foam than ever before. Despite a taller stack height, the shoe evenly distributes pressure and stability across the entire length of the shoe, offering a plush-yet-stable running experience.

Best of all, the shoe doesn’t require any breaking in. Once you have your shoes, you can expect to feel comfort from mile one.

Note: Definitely check with your doctor before lacing up and heading out for a run if you’re in pain!

Hoka’s most cushioned shoe, the Bondi 8 is one of the best max-cushioned running shoes on the market. It's plush, ultra-light, and, best of all, resilient, so you can count on this shoe to offer a ton of bounce.

The tall stack height works to absorb impact with each step, making high impact activities like running easier on your knees and other leg joints. With all that foam under your feet, the Bondi 8 is surprisingly light and doesn’t feel clunky while you run.

Our tester (me again, the writer) has been wearing these shoes for over a month now and absolutely loves the height and bounce they provide. It almost feels like from the moment you lace up, your shoes do all the running for you.

Like most sneaker brands, ASICS upgrades its designs fairly regularly. Despite a few modifications and changes, the Gel Nimbus model continues to hold up through all types of runs (long, short, recovery, speed, you name it).

With the Gel Nimbus sneakers, you won't need to purchase separate sneakers for speed training and heavier mileage, which is a major win in our book.

Mindbodygreen commerce editor, Carleigh Ferrante, vouches for this; in fact, she’s worn this style of running shoes for several marathons and the training in between.

“I’m constantly impressed by the design’s impact protection; the sole has enough cushioning for a soft landing but not so much that the entire shoe feels heavy,” she explains. “I mean it when I say that I could barely feel these on my feet during the marathon (though by the end, I couldn't feel much of anything.”

This high-performance shoe is made with extra cushioning for a smoother landing with every step. Great for sprints, long runs, and casual strolls, the Triump is lightweight-yet-secure. 

The shoe is made using vegan, partially recyclable materials, with wide sizes available and 11 colorways to choose from. There’s also enough traction for both paved and gravel trails—and reviewers say the shoes are surprisingly comfortable and responsive.

MBT designs its shoes with a high-quality foam insole for extra padding and a patented heel sensor to reduce impact on knee and hip joints. This particular style has an increased level of rock that really pushes your foot forward.

The footbed is removable, in case you want to put in your own orthotics—but the brand recommends consulting with your podiatrist before swapping out the existing insole. Reviewers rave that the shoes help alleviate joint pain and feel sturdy and supportive.

Just note a few people state that the shoes run small, so size up if you're unsure.