Running shoe comfort largely comes from **midsole cushioning**, where gel and foam work in different ways to absorb impact and support your stride. Gel systems use enclosed soft compounds to disperse shock at key zones like the heel, while foams use air-filled structures in lightweight polymers to cushion and rebound. These materials influence how soft, bouncy, or stable a shoe feels, and how fresh your legs feel after longer runs.
Understanding their differences helps you match cushioning to your body, pace, and terrain rather than just picking what feels soft in the store. For many runners, the best choice is less about “which is better” and more about which construction fits their specific needs and preferences.