New Balance - Fresh Foam X 1080v14

Before I read the whole OP I was going to suggest Nimbus. They are quite durable and nothing beats their comfort (so far). Do you use them for walking as well or are they just for the running? Because if they were your daily shoes, the simple answer would be to have two pairs of them for a day to day rotation. Or something lighter and bouncier like Endorphin Speed when you want to go for more fun and fast run. Then back to Nimbus when you just want the comfort. I have found NB 1080v14 to be quite comfy and maybe even softer than Nimbus. Then there are Cliftons which you mention. And I am waiting to try Vomero Plus, because they are supposed to be more breathable and softer than Vomero 18.

Nimbus and Novablast seem too close for me to have both in the rotation. It wasn't always the case, but since Nimbus 26 and Novablast 4 it definitely is. If Novablast 5 loses their pop, they basically become Nimbus with not so high end upper. Maybe try Adidas Evo SL for extremely soft and bouncy midsole (though they are too unstable for me)? I personally preferred Saucony Endorphin Speed which have it all : durability, comfort, stability and some energy return. And they keep it lightweight and breathable. For Nimbus there are many alternatives. Mizuno Neo Vista (never tried it), Nike Vomero Plus (very plushy, but also unstable for me), New balance 1080 v14 (this is softness of Nimbus 25 with more Novablast bounce). Some where in the middle there is Hoka Clifton. In many ways it is like Novablast, but feels heavier and not as bouncy.

Neo Zen have an accommodating toe box & large volume upper. They're very light for the amount of cushioning you get. They're 6 mm drop. They're very soft & bouncy though so if you don't like soft shoes may want to look at something else. New Balance 880 v15, & 1080 v14 are 6 mm, but runrepeat measured them at 4 mm. New Balance shoes usually have good toebox room. Glycerin max are 6 mm drop & I've read feel less than that, but are 305 g so might be too heavy for you since you mentioned lightweight.

I have the Vomero 18, NB 1080 V14 The 1080 feel softer, compared to the Vomero 18’s

Been in a similar situation recently, choosing between Glycerin Max, NB 1080v14 and Novablast 5. Went with the NB 1080v14 and so far they've been phenomenal. Strongly recommend.

They feel just right. Takes a run or two to get used to them tho.

Puma magnify and magmax, Saucony Endorphin Azura (just came out), Novablast 5, Hoka Mach 6, (narrow foot friendly for sure), Tyr Maverick V1 are all lighter and protective but not mushy from my personal experience/research. The 1080v13 and v14 is also my go to casual/walking shoe and they increased the weight quite a bit from one to the other. But even then the 13 was a bit of a slog for me. I think modern trainers have the ability to pick up the pace and protect you on slower runs as well.

I can relate to your situation and have been successfully wearing the shoes below. I did a fair amount of research and read reviews to help guide my options. In some cases, I intentionally purchased the prior version of the shoe because it had more cushioning, bounce and weight vs the newer/current model. New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 - these are my shoes for intervals, tempo runs and races. Absolutely love them and looking to buy another pair. I’ll be wearing them in my upcoming half marathon. Great cushioning, bounce, and super lightweight (6.3 oz). I purchased the v4 after reading a lot of reviews that claimed the v5 wasn’t as cushioned and people preferred the 4. The upper is super breathable and will be great for running in the summer/heat. Brooks Hyperion 2 and Max 2 - both super lightweight and cushioned with good bounce. Reviews have been pretty critical of the v3 in both models which steered me to the 2s. I like them both and use them in rotation with my two New Balance models. The Hyperion model are both speedier than the NB 1080. The non-Max Hyperion 2 is super lightweight and cushioned, but lacks the stack of the Max and NB Rebel, making it great for 400 - 800 intervals sessions. New Balance 1080 v14 - very versatile, cushioned and nice bounce, a little heavier at 8.3 oz. Upper is breathable, but more substantial for winter and cooler weather running vs NB Rebel. I wear these now in rotation with the NB Rebel v4. These feel a little speedier than my old ASICS GT-2000, and are great for peppy long runs.

Just a heads up OP, the 1080 v14 was still too mushy for me and might be for you if that’s what you’re trying to avoid. Have you looked at the Ghost or even the Ghost Max? I heard the Max is firm, despite the stack and the Ghost is for sure firm.

Brooks Glycerin 22s have been my go to for daily trainer/ longer runs Recently started incorporating New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14

1080v14 by New Balance. Nicely cushioned with a rocker that gets out of the way. It’s kind of a boring shoe but it’s pretty darn good.

I find the New Balance 1080 to be a very stable neutral trainer for easy and long runs.

I recently got a pair of 1080v14 for like $65 on sale and they are a great easy pace shoe.