In today’s modern, saturated sportswear and running shoe world, it’s crucial that brands continue to innovate and adapt to stay at the top of the game. And no brand has had as dramatic a makeover in recent years than Asics.
Dating all the way back to 1949, Asics continues to maintain its well-loved, reliable technology in all current running shoes. From gel technology to well-balanced cushioning, its wide range of running shoe lines embody what countless runners have loved about the brand for years and years.
But despite maintaining all the best features and design elements of its traditional running shoes, loyal Asics fans may have noticed a complete shift in the design, look, and feel of one of the brand’s top running shoe lines, the Gel-Cumulus. Starting with the Gel-Cumulus 25, Asics began incorporating significantly more, plush cushion, a lightweight construction, and an update to how they incorporate its unique gel technology.
The Gel-Cumulus 27 didn’t see quite the same overhaul compared to previous updates of the shoe. In fact, it maintained essentially the same stack height, underfoot feel, and overall design as the Gel-Cumulus 26.
So is this consistency with the 27th iteration of the shoe for better or worse? And do the minor adjustments and improvements help this shoe continue to hold up after 27 iterations?
We’ve put together a complete guide to everything you need to know about the Asics Gel-Cumulus 27 to help you decide if this trusted, reliable daily trainer is the perfect choice for your next running shoe. Keep reading for a full review of everything we loved – and thought needed some improvement – in the Gel-Cumulus 27.
Our Review Process
There are countless different sportswear brands and running shoe lines out there. And at Marathon Sports, we know that more and more options are constantly being released.
Looking at all the different options can easily become overwhelming. But don’t worry – our dedicated team of Marathon Sports reviewers are here to help you every step of the way. We take an in-depth look at every new running shoe on the market, learning everything there is to know about new technologies, design elements, and how the shoe feels and performs on all types of runs.
We put the Gel-Cumulus 27 to the test, wearing it on a variety of different types of runs, on nearly every terrain imaginable. Using what we learned, we’ll cover all the pros and cons of the newest Cumulus to help you decide if this workhorse shoe is the right choice for your running shoe rotation.
Asics Gel-Cumulus 27: A Quick Overview
Looking for some fast facts about the newest addition to Asics’ popular running shoe line? Here are some specs and highlights to keep in mind when deciding if you should try out the Gel-Cumulus.
- Advertised as a versatile, well-balanced daily driver
- Women’s stack height: 37.5 mm/29.5 mm, men’s stack height: 38.5 mm/30.5 mm
- 8 mm drop
- Women’s weighs 8.1 oz, men’s weighs 9.3 oz
- Midsole is made of FF Blast Plus foam
- PureGEL technology is incorporated in the heel cushioning for softer landings
- Fluidride outsole helps with smooth transitions and increases traction and durability
- Upper is made from a light and breathable engineered mesh
- Price: $139.95
A Closer Look at the Gel-Cumulus 27
Now that you have a general idea of the specs and tech that make up the Gel-Cumulus, let’s take a look at how these features come together in one of Asics’ most beloved running shoes.
Lightweight Midsole Cushioning
With years and years of experience in designing and producing running shoes, Asics has built quite the arsenal of different types of midsole cushioning. The Gel-Cumulus 27 midsole is composed of the brand’s FF Blast Plus cushioning, a lightweight, bouncy foam that gives the shoe its signature responsive, well-balanced underfoot feel.
While FF Blast Plus foam isn’t the fastest or most energetic cushioning to come from Asics, the Gel-Cumulus 27 offers a reliable, well-cushioned ride with every step. The 38.5/30.5 mm stack height on men’s shoes and 37.5/29.5 mm stack height on women’s shoes guarantees plenty of padding for comfort and impact absorption, while the balanced, responsive foam adds versatility and prevents the shoe from feeling too soft or spongy on long runs.
PureGEL Technology
While Asics boasts high-quality, comfortable foam on all its running shoes, the staple technology in many of the brand’s running shoes is the unique PureGEL technology.
Asics gel tech has taken several forms since its inception, from a visible layer of gel in the midsole to a soft, energetic gel infused in the midsole cushioning. In the Gel-Cumulus 27, this gel layer is incorporated in the shoe’s cushioning under the heel.
This strategically-placed PureGEL technology under the heel offers unparalleled softness and cushioning under the heel with every landing. While this gel helps absorb shock and impact, the more responsive forefoot cushioning results in a stiffer, more responsive toe-off for an exceptionally comfortable and balanced ride.
Engineered Mesh Upper
While much of the Gel-Cumulus remained the same compared to the previous version, one of the biggest differences is evident in the shoe’s upper design.
Like the Gel-Cumulus 26, the newest iteration features a light and breathable engineered mesh upper. This soft upper material securely wraps the foot, offering a snug fit while allowing plenty of ventilation.
As an everyday, workhorse running shoe, the Gel-Cumulus is designed with comfort and cushioning in mind. This focus on cushioning is evident in the extra padding Asics placed around the collar, heel, and tongue in this updated upper. This extra foam hugs the foot and ankle, reducing movement while creating additional comfort and support around the foot.
The Cumulus 27 also moved away from the stretchy tongue found in the previous version, opting instead for a slightly thicker, more structured tongue design. While some runners may appreciate the extra padding around the tongue, others may find the tongue stiffer and less secure around the foot than the previous design.
Traction and Durability
In the Cumulus 26, Asics introduced the new Fluidride outsole, a rubber EVA foam blend placed along the sole of the shoe.
The Gel-Cumulus 27 continues the use of the Fluidride outsole for extra cushioning, traction, and durability.
This EVA rubber outsole adds a touch of soft cushioning to the bottom of the shoe, aiding in smooth transitions and landings throughout daily runs. It also adds an extra layer of protection from wear and impact to help increase the shoe’s longevity and durability.
This rubber outsole also adds a bit of traction, so you can feel confident carrying the shoe over from pavement to treadmill to dirt roads. However, while the extra rubber does offer some traction, we found that it doesn’t have quite enough grip for slippery surfaces or more technical terrain.
Overall Fit
Like many Asics shoes, the Gel-Cumulus 27 fits relatively true to size. While every shoe fits differently and we always suggest trying on a shoe before making a purchase, you can feel pretty confident sticking with your typical running shoe size with the Gel-Cumulus 27.
Despite fitting true-to-size in terms of length, the Gel-Cumulus does have a slightly narrow fit, particularly in the toe box. Fortunately, the shoe is available in a standard and wide width for men’s and women’s sizes, and even an extra wide in men’s sizes.
Sustainability
Sustainability has been a major topic in the running shoe world in major years. Asics has set a standard in this area, working to reduce its carbon footprint and create more environmentally-friendly running shoe designs.
Asics aims to significantly reduce its carbon emissions over the next few years, and the Gel-Cumulus 27 is a great step in that direction. 75% of the upper is made with recycled material, so you can feel good knowing your money is going towards a company working to reduce waste and carbon emissions.
Putting the Gel-Cumulus 27 to the Test
At Marathon Sports, we love diving into all the nitty-gritty details of running shoes. But the most fun and exciting part of any review is when we get to lace up the shoes and put them to the test during long runs, speed workouts, and more.
Putting on the Gel-Cumulus 27 for the first time, there were a few things that immediately stood out. First, the addition of the stretchy pull-tab made the shoe so easy and convenient to slide on. The extra cushioning and padding around the heel and collar also led to immediate step-in comfort and a secure fit and lock-down.
When we took to the road, what truly stood out about the Cumulus was its consistency and reliability. The underfoot feel felt very similar to previous iterations of the shoe. Landings were responsive and well-balanced, with the iconic PureGEL technology adding a touch of extra softness under the heel.
The Gel-Cumulus 27 is advertised as a neutral, moderately-cushioned daily trainer, and these daily training runs are where the shoe truly shines. The FF Blast Plus cushioning isn’t particularly plush for long runs, or particularly energetic or snappy for faster workouts. But this no-frills daily driver can easily carry you through everyday runs or workouts in comfort, without any unnecessary bells or whistles.
While the shoe may not feel exceptionally exciting or energetic, it thrives when it comes to versatility and adaptability. With a moderate-to-high stack height and well-balanced, responsive foam, the Gel-Cumulus provides enough cushioning for long runs without feeling too soft when you want to pick up the pace. However, if you prefer a softer foam for long runs, you may find the responsive foam to be too stiff for longer miles.
Along with the balanced cushioning, the shoe also features a moderate 8 mm heel-to-toe offset and neutral, lightweight, flexible design. This gives the shoe a natural and grounded feel with plenty of underfoot cushioning and protection, making this a perfect option for casual runners or anyone looking for a good all-around trainer.
The Fluidride outsole did offer some extra softness and traction on runs, but overall, we found the Gel-Cumulus 27 to work best for runs on roads, treadmills, or tracks. The outsole has been wearing well over long mileage, but it doesn’t offer quite enough traction or grip on slippery terrain.
A few iterations ago, The Gel-Cumulus saw a complete overhaul. But with the Gel-Cumulus 27, Asics maintained what people love about the shoe while adding some subtle changes. Overall, the shoe continues to serve as a versatile, no-nonsense daily trainer that can work for a huge range of runners, walkers, gym-goers, or any athlete.
Pros and Cons
With 27 iterations, Asics has had lots of time to adjust and improve the Gel-Cumulus. Over time, the updates have made it one of the brand’s top selling running shoes, offering plenty of benefits for all types of runners. However, there are a few cons along with the pros to keep in mind when debating if the Cumulus 27 is the perfect shoe for you.
Pros:
- FF Blast Plus foam is responsive and well-balanced, making the shoe versatile and practical for any type of workout
- PureGEL technology adds some extra softness and protection under the heel with more responsive and energetic toe offs
- Engineered upper is soft and breathable, with increased cushioning around the heel and ankle for extra comfort
- Dependable and consistent design is ideal for loyal Asics fans looking for a familiar and reliable shoe
Cons:
- Fluidride outsole adds some durability and softness, but has limited grip and traction off-road
- Even with a lightweight design, the shoe is slightly heavier than its predecessor
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 27 vs Competitors: How Does it Stack Up?
Overall, the Asics Gel-Cumulus 27 has so many fantastic features that can benefit any runner. However, after trying it out on a variety of runs, we feel the Asics Gel-Cumulus is a great choice for any beginner or casual runners looking for one shoe that can do it all.
This shoe won’t offer all the plush, luxurious cushioning of some other shoes on the market today, nor will it be as remarkably lightweight and fast as designated speed shoes. But if you prioritize comfort, versatility, and reliability, you can’t go wrong with the Gel-Cumulus.
But Asics isn’t the only brand with a focus on this dependability and versatility. Runners looking to try a comparable shoe may want to take the Saucony Ride 18 for a spin. Like the Gel-Cumulus, this moderate cushion daily trainer offers a lightweight design, 8 mm drop, and responsive and adaptable midsole foam. While both shoes are great workhorse shoes, off-road runners may prefer the more durable, aggressive XT-900 outsole tread on the Ride 18.
Runners who prefer more bounce and energy return in their daily running shoes have another great option to consider from Asics. The Novablast 5 is in the same price range as the Gel-Cumulus 27 and also works as a versatile everyday trainer. But with a high stack height of propulsive FF Blast MAX foam and a lightweight construction, the Novablast 5 offers a snappier alternative to the Cumulus.
Asics Gel-Cumulus 27: Final Thoughts on the Newest Update
No shoe combines traditional, reliable designs with new, innovative updates quite like Asics. And with the Gel-Cumulus 27, the brand continues to deliver when it comes to producing comfortable, highly-trusted running shoes.
The 27th iteration of the Cumulus doesn’t stray too far from tradition, adding only a few minor updates from the previous version. But in the world of constantly changing running shoes, this consistency and reliability certainly has its place.
And while Gel-Cumulus 27 certainly isn’t reinventing the wheel when it comes to running shoes, we can appreciate the versatility, comfort, and proven success of this daily trainer’s design.
At Marathon Sports, we’re passionate about getting you in the right running shoes so you can hit the roads, trails, track, or treadmill in complete comfort. Whether that’s the Gel-Cumulus 27, another Asics shoe, or something completely different, we’re here to help you find the best option for all your needs.
Since its founding, Asics has aimed to help people achieve “a sound mind and sound body”. And with the right pair of running shoes and all the tools you need to run happy or healthy, you’ll be a step closer to improving your mind and wellbeing through movement and helping Asics achieve this goal.
