Article by Courtney Kelly and Sam Winebaum
ASICS GEL-Cumulus 27 ($140)
Introduction
Sam: The Cumulus, of all recent ASICS run shoes, has stayed truest to its roots: a more traditional, higher drop, moderate stack neutral daily trainer with, in the last few versions updates to somewhat more modern foams and increasingly refined and more comfortable uppers. Don’t come to the Cumulus looking for a jazzy ride or huge stack height but a versatile, reliable day in day out training partner.
Courtney: The ASICS GEL-Cumulus 27 maintains the successes of this tried and true daily trainer with a few updates that elevate it to the next level. With a new heel pull tab, engineered jacquard mesh upper, and thicker rubberized foam outsole, perhaps the key is don’t fix what is already great. Let’s find out if this is true with Cumulus.
Pros:
Simple and versatile daily trainer with a comfortable ride and fit- Sam
Soft durable upper-Courtney
Quite lightweight for a trainer (239 grams/8.43 oz US Womens Size 9) -Courtney
Stiffer platform felt efficient -Courtney
Less stable than Nimbus but lighter weight-Courtney
Great sticker price at $140-Courtney/Sam
Great heel collar and lockdown and improved over the 26-Courtney/Sam
Fluid roll forward with pace versatility including speed-Courtney/Sam
Added heel tab (for taking shoe on and off)-Courtney
Cons:
On the stiff side and less cushioned than some competitors -Courtney/Sam
Fits a little wide at midfoot to forefoot-Courtney
Some added weight from version 26 due to increased outsole (though minimal)-Courtney/Sam
None really: other than weight which could be reduced with supercritical foam that would also liven ride- Sam
Stats
Approx Weight: men's 9.3oz / 265 g US9
Sample Weights:
men’s 9.14oz / 259g US8.5 (Prior Version Weight: men’s 8.9 oz / 252g)
women’s US 9: 8.43 oz / 239g US
Stack Height: men’s 38.5 mm heel / 30.5 mm forefoot (8 mm drop)
Platform Width men’s US 8.5: 100mm heel / 80mm midfoot / 115mm forefoot
Please find the testers full run bios at the end of the article after Comparisons.
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Courtney: I was lucky to run in the subtle Mineral Beige and Huddle Yellow colorway, a slightly pink hue hard to see through photos, but a nice alternative for those who just cant keep their white sneakers completely white. The women’s GEL-Cumulus comes in 10 different color options, so plenty to choose from.
On step in, I noted how secure and comfortable the shoe was. The heel collar cups my foot well and has a narrower fit than ASICS alternative neutral trainer, the GEL-Nimbus. This suits my average width foot, and feels supportive through my midfoot area in particular. There is enough room in the toe box to allow for toe movement and foot changes if one were to take this shoe on a longer run.
The new engineered jacquard mesh upper of the Cumulus is comfortable, breathable, and lightweight. I found the upper to be slightly wide at the base of the lacing. In this area the stiffer mesh buckled up leaving a little bubble (see photo).
This did not bother me while running (2-6 miles as I return from injury), but could be resolved by making the material slightly less stiff in that area or it might just run wider.
I was very impressed with the design of the thin and lightweight gusseted tongue. The tongue has a double-layered cushioned area, creating a barrier between the edging of the lace up system for extra protection and comfort.
On either side of these more padded areas, ASICS perforated the sides for breathability. The result is a lay-flat tongue, secure lace lockdown without risk of lace bite, and temperature control for your runs. The lacing seemed at the right length for me, with enough room to double knot for careful fit.
Finally we have a nice, new and easy to use elasticized pull tab.
Sam: The upper of the Cumulus 27 is made of a fairly dense, almost trail shoe debris proof engineered Jacquard mesh, in a shift from the prior somewhat softer and thicker engineered mesh. This new mesh provides more support and structure all by itself.and unlike the 26 does not need to really on an extended gusset on the tongue, using a narrower one. Midfoot lock down is improved and I expect breathability will be as well.
Courtney describes the tongue well. Quite elaborate with its pads at the sides of lace up, leatherette area and side ventilation holes it is effective and comfortable.
Courtney noted the bunching folding at the very front. Lower volume feet may have more of an issue than broader ones with this. I found it was important to pull the slightly stretchy tongue up firmly prior to lacing for my medium to somewhat lower volume feet and I had to lace quite tightly.
That said, at the lace up area the hold connecting to the rear for heel lockdown is improved and I felt this on an A/B run with the 26 as the lace lace up area is not only noticeably more padded and slightly more rigid.
This allowed, in combination with the tongue, for a very secure yet also comfortable lace up.
The heel and collars are in my view improved over the 26 with a lower achilles collar and more padding of the same dense foam as before. I found comfort at the rear of the shoe improved with the fully rigid heel counter holding me very well.
I found the fit true to size with no issues with wide versions also available.
Midsole & Platform
Courtney: The Cumulus midsole and platform consists of Flight Foam Blast + and rearfoot PureGEL. The FF Blast + is a firm foam while the extra heel cushioning from PureGEL creates a just right feel under foot. My footfalls felt natural and protected without being overly cushioned or mushy. Though I’m not pushing speed too much at this point, the Cumulus certainly has the ability to go fast if that is where your running leads you.
More narrow butl lower stack than the Nimbus, the Cumulus’s weight is light enough and its gradual rocker profile provides a nice forward roll.
The sole flare and well-designed heel bevel also helps your gait smoothly. I would not call this shoe unstable, but it is certainly less stable than the Nimbus.
As I return from injury, I was reaching for the Nimbus. With a wider platform, especially at midfoot, coming in 5 mm wider than the Cumulus, it provided a little more support. As I gain confidence, the Cumulus is the shoe I get excited to wear.
It has enough rearfoot stack and PureGEL for shock absorption but is light enough i weight enough to stack the miles. The forefoot flex and toe spring is executed really well giving you excellent toe off.
Sam: I concur with Kelly on the midsole and platform. Unchanged in stack height at 38.5 mm heel / 30.5mm forefoot from the 26, its cushion stack height (and recall unlike many trainers that also includes the rubberized foam Fluidride outsole is “moderate” for 2025 but plentiful.
More stack height and broader platforms, looking at you Nimbus lead to stiffer more ponderous rides especially at slower paces for me. I too am coming back from some knee issues and the Cumulus 27 is the shoe I have reached for the most the last few weeks as it is smoothly flowing and easy to turn over regardless of pace and relatively stable and supportive for a neutral shoe.
Balanced and well cushioned, the 27’s changes to the midsole and outsole geometry while very subtle were noticed during an A/B run with the 26th. The 27 is slightly softer, bouncier and easier to turn over.
The accentuated heel bevel along with embedded PureGel unit helps with landing cushion and transitions.
Upfront, what looks like a slightly longer rocker with more longitudinal forefoot “outsole” grooves clearly made toe offs somewhat smoother and easier. The flex is moderate.
Bottom Line: If you seek a midsole and platform that is friendly and versatile without extreme stack heights or rigid rockers, the Cumulus 27 threads the needle very well. I only wish the next version moves to a more energetic and lighter supercritical foam.
Outsole
Courtney: ASICS updated the 27 to include a thicker FluidRide outsole of EVA and rubber blend for durability and comfort.
The GEL-Cumulus maintains the full contact rubber outsole from the 26. They needed a break-in period, which I acquired through some cross training and walking in the shoes first. The whole shoe is pretty stiff even after break in, with the flex point landing at the ball of the foot. I would say the grip on the Cumulus is not the best in the market, and this shoe speaks to me as a dry weather running companion. Great for those glorious spring days ahead!
Sam: Again Courtney describes the outsole well. ASICS went with slightly thicker rubberized foam than in the 26 for the outsole. Such foam is often used in the forefoot but here it is the full outsole. To pressing, it is softer than the usual ASICSGrip conventional rubber.
I tried measuring thicknesses and it seems the additional depth may be concentrated at the heel with its now more prominent midsole outrigger, so helping with durability and maybe adding a touch more stability.
Using it instead of “harder” more conventional rubber reduces shock but can also reduce quick response off the road. Here ASICS threads the needle well and the feel of the midsole and outsole blend very well together, seamlessly really.
The new longitudinal front grooves help make toe off easier although both the 26 and 27 are about as stiff with some snappy flex but neither is easy flexing with the full front outsole coverage also creating a mild rocker.
While such softer rubberized foam outsoles may not be as “durable” as full rubber given its depth and full coverage which covers all potential wear areas, I think overall durability should be fine.
Traction has been fine on wet and dry roads but this is not one shoe to take on slick snow or mud.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Courtney: The GEL-Cumulus 27 is a new favorite of mine. The ride is firm but everything else about the shoe is soft, comfortable and easy to run in. The Cumulus is made for anyone from walker to runner, to someone who is on their feet all day. It is also an excellent choice for runners who might just want that one shoe that can do it all. This can pick up the pace when you need It to or chug you through those recovery miles. Durability and traction is the only question here. After about 30 miles I do see a bit of wear and tear on the outsole, but ASICS added thickness to the so I don’t think runners will find holes in their shoes. The Cumulus is also best for dry conditions as it lacks traction. At such a reasonable price of $140, one may consider this a non-issue as well.
Courtney’s Score: 9.38/ 10
Ride (50%): 9.75 Fit (30%): 9.5 Value (15%): 8 Style (5%):9
Deduction for outsole durability/traction
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Sam: Simple, reliable and versatile are 3 words to describe the Cumulus 27. While very subtly updated from its predecessor, the changes to the upper and outsole all improve this classic all around daily trainer.
While there are better speed shoes including ASICS Magic Speed and Noosa Tri, for everything else the Cumulus while it does not “shine” due to its fine if dated and somewhat heavy midsole foam, it is a shoe that one can reach for and count on for most runs and as such is also a great beginner runner’s shoe.Over the last few weeks as I work through a knee problem, and with many potential choices in test, it is the shoe I first want to reach for.
The ride is protective and never labored at any pace, the refined upper punches above the shoe’s $140 pricing in comfort and lock down. All in all it is a solid, reliable and versatile value.
Sam’s Score: 9.24/10
Ride (50%): 9.1 Fit (30%): 9.4 Value (15%): 9.4 Style (5%): 9.2
Deductions for increasingly dated (if still OK) foam’s ride and related weight
😊😊😊 1/2
3 Comparisons
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 (RTR Review)
Courtney: The partner to the Cumulus, the Nimbus is the cushier, more stable daily trainer with a considerably higher 42.5 mm heel / 34.5 mm forefoot stack height . This shoe has the ability to get up to faster paces, but really prefers to just grind out the miles at a slower pace with plenty of protection and a less rockered ride.
As I mentioned earlier, when I was feeling a little more shaky with my running during injury, the Nimbus was a better choice as I just wanted to feel safe and stable on my runs and speed was no factor.
The Nimbus 27’s platform is beefy and well supported through the medial side. As I gained more confidence, the Cumulus is what I reach for as it lets you control where the shoe goes pace-wise rather than the shoe dictating this.
Both have an updated jacquard engineered mesh upper, creating a lightweight and breathable hold on the foot, but the Cumulus runs slightly more narrow throughout the shoe.
Sam: While more cushioned and yet more stable I find the Nimbus more ponderous and for me overly stiff and supported. For a more well rounded, more neutral (if still decently stable due to its wide heel platform) ASICS daily trainer the Cumulus is my choice.
New Balance Fresh Foam 880 (RTR Review)
Courtney:The Fresh Foam 880 is similar in concept to the Cumulus, an all around moderate stack all around daily trainer. Both shoes run on the firmer side and allow versatility for speed. The 880 is a heavier, denser shoe with less flexibility in the forefoot, but the geometry is similar. The 880 wins in durability as its protective NDurance rubber is nearly indestructible, while the Cumulus’s softer exposed foam outsole may not last as long.
If you’re looking for a softer, more comfortable ride the Cumulus will suit you well. The 880 has an overall firmness (even in the upper) that may not be for everyone. The rear sole flare and heel bevel on the Cumulus may also be something to note if you tend to heel strike. I found this geometry to be a little more comfortable on landing.
Sam: Concur 100% with Courtney in this comparison!
Salomon Aero Glide 3 (RTR Review)
8.5 oz / 242g US8.5
Sam: With a somewhat higher stack height and considerably lighter (-1.2 oz) in weight, the Aero Glide 3 has a livelier and springier supercritical foam midsole. Its upper is a touch less supportive at midfoot but overall it is a more modern take on the daily trainer.
Saucony Ride 18 (RTR Review)
Somewhat lower stack height and slightly heavier the Ride 18 has a softer bouncier ride from its TPU expanded beads midsole. It has a similar fitting upper if one not quite as refined. Not quite as stable if your mechanics are good, it is a somewhat more fun shoe. That said, I prefer the more consistent ride of the Cumulus in this match up
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
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Tester Profiles
Courtney Kelly, age 37 is a college lacrosse player turned avid runner. She lives in Manchester, MA with her husband and two daughters ages 4 and 8. Courtney signed up for her first 1/2 marathon the morning of the race in 2022, winning second place in a time of 1:26. She decided to take running a bit more seriously, joining the Wicked Running Club and trying some training plans. She ran her first marathon this fall in 3:04:27. In addition, she holds a half marathon PR of 1:25, a 5 mile PR 30:17, and a 5k PR of 18:20. She looks forward to getting some more strength and speed under her belt this next season, before taking a crack at the marathon again. She is 5’4”, 110 lbs.Off the roads, Courtney is a painter and loving mother to her girls.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2024 Sam’s 52th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
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