Max cushion sneakers are trending hard, and running shoe shoppers at Fleet Feet stores are no exception. In the states where running is most popular, highly cushioned footwear is now the top seller for female customers.
“Max-cushioned running shoes have become a foundational category,” according to Victor Ornelas, senior director of Vendor Management for the 280-store chain. “Many female shoppers come in based on personal referrals or ask for specific brands they’ve heard about. Based on these observations, I would rank the factors in the following order of importance: brand, style, comfort, fit, and price.”
While the initial surge in consumer curiosity may taper off, Ornelas is convinced that “the category itself will remain a pillar in the broader footwear landscape.”
“As innovation in footwear continues, trends often follow a pendulum effect—initially swinging heavily toward the latest energy and excitement, then gradually settling into a more balanced and diversified offering that accommodates a broader range of consumer needs,” he says.
The current preference for plush, highly cushioned shoes that deliver comfort, protection, and versatility reflects a broader shift toward comfort-first running gear. This, in turn, dovetails with wellness trends that emphasize injury prevention, joint health, and longevity in sport.
Looking toward the future, Ornelas expects “a continued evolution beyond the traditional neutral and stability categories toward footwear that emphasizes experience and purpose-driven design.”
He predicts:
Experience-based categorization, such as performance vs. recovery-focused footwear
Innovative design features that impact biomechanics, including varied heel-to-toe drops, rocker bottoms, toe spring, and custom lasts
Integration of smart technology, allowing shoes to capture kinetic and kinematic data, helping users establish personal movement baselines and improve performance
“This shift reflects a move toward solutions-based footwear that not only enhances performance but also addresses individual needs and preferences in a more targeted, data-informed way,” Ornelas says.
Most popular shoes at Fleet Feet stores in select states where running is popular (as of 1/1/2025):
Massachusetts
Men’s: Hoka Bondi 9, New Balance 1080, On Cloudrunner
Women’s: Hoka Bondi 9, Brook Glycerin 22, New Balance 1080
Vermont
Men’s and Women’s: Brooks Ghost, Brooks Adrenaline, Brooks Glycerin GTS
New York
Men’s: New Balance 1080, Brooks Glycerin 22, Brooks Adrenaline 24
Women’s; Brooks Glycerin 22, New Balance 1080, Hoka Bondi 9
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