assistant: Welcome back — smart to prioritize cushioning and forgiveness after a stress fracture. Before I lock in a recommendation, one quick question: **where was the stress fracture?** (foot, shin, tibia, pelvis, etc.) That matters for shoe choice — some shoes offer more targeted support depending on the injury site. In the meantime, here's what stands out from the retrieval: **New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6** leads the pack for your needs. It's the most cushioned shoe here (42.0/38.0mm stack, maximal cushioning), rides soft and smooth, and The Run Testers explicitly praises its comfort and stable roll-through — exactly what you want for a gentle return to running. At 312g it's heavier, but that's a feature for recovery: more material = more protection. Wide forefoot fit is a bonus if you need room. **ASICS Gel-Nimbus v28** is the alternative if you prefer a slightly firmer, more responsive feel while staying max-cushioned. It's 100g lighter (272g) and has better energy return, though The Run Testers notes it's less plush than the Fresh Foam X More. Still excellent for easy running and recovery. **Brooks Glycerin v23** rounds out the trio — a premium, versatile max-cushion shoe that reviewers call "plush" and "responsive." It sits between the other two in feel and weight, and FORDY RUNS highlights its comfort for long, easy efforts. All three are wide in the forefoot, true to size, and built for easy pace — no speed work yet. Once you tell me the fracture location, I can confirm whether any of these need a caveat or if there's a better fit.