Running shoe brands are constantly evolving and trying to outperform the competition. Shoes are getting lighter, foam is getting more energetic, and super trainers are becoming a common go-to for lots of runners. But with all this new technology and innovation, there’s something to be said for reliability, consistency, and dependability.
And it’s hard to find a more dependable shoe than the Asics Gel-Cumulus. Asics has constantly been adapting its running shoe lines and designing more options for the modern running shoe world. But despite all that, the Gel-Cumulus has remained a staple in the brand’s running shoe lineup.
The Gel-Cumulus was originally released in 1999 and is now on its 28th iteration. The shoe has gone through many changes since the first version, but loyal Asics fans continue to enjoy the reliable cushioning, durable design, and the brand’s steadfast commitment to comfort and support.
Over 28 different iterations, the Gel-Cumulus has earned a loyal fanbase. From beginner runners to experienced athletes and everything in between, the Cumulus has something for everyone to enjoy. So does the 28th version of this cornerstone Asics shoe live up to this hype?
Our Review Process
At Marathon Sports, we’re here to guide you through the ins and outs of all things running shoes. From all the nitty-gritty technical details to how the shoe feels on the road, we dive into every new model to give you the best possible information and insight as you’re searching for your next running shoe.
So when the Gel-Cumulus 28 landed in store, it was time to put this renowned Asics shoe to the test. The Cumulus 28 took us through long runs on the road, leisurely runs through light trails, intervals on the track, and more. Throughout each run, we took a closer look at what features worked in the shoe – and where there was some room for improvement.
Throughout this review, we’ll detail some of the key features you can expect in the Cumulus 28, cover our road test findings, and highlight some comparable shoes to consider throughout your running shoe search. By the end, we hope you’ll have all the information you need to make the right choice for your running or walking needs.
A Brief Overview of the Asics Gel-Cumulus 28
We have a lot of details and features to cover throughout this review. But before we dive in, here’s a quick overview of the shoe and all the tech we’ll be taking a closer look at.
- Advertised as a neutral, moderate cushion daily trainer
- Weight: 7.9 oz (W), 9.1 oz (M)
- Stack height: 37.5 mm/29.5 mm (W), 38.5 mm/30.5 mm (M)
- Heel-to-toe offset: 8 mm
- Midsole made from FF BLAST MAX foam for a soft yet responsive ride
- Updated PureGEL technology in the heel offers more shock absorption in each landing
- Flexible engineered mesh upper is paired with extra heel collar cushioning and a flexible tongue design for maximum comfort
- FLUIDRIDE outsole pairs rubber and EVA to increase durability
- AHAR LO rubber heel plug reduces breakdown and adds even more grip and durability
- Reflective detailing aids with visibility in low-light conditions
- Price: $144.95
Gel-Cumulus 28: A Closer Look at this Cloud-Like Trainer
Now that you have a better understanding of the main specs, let’s dive into all the details that make the Gel-Cumulus such a classic in the running shoe world.
Balanced and Reliable Midsole Foam
The Gel-Cumulus is most well-known for its soft, cloud-like cushioning and reliable underfoot comfort. So before diving more into the shoe, we wanted to be sure that the Cumulus 28 maintains the dependable midsole unit that countless runners and walkers have grown accustomed to.
Ultimately, the Gel-Cumulus 28 did make some changes to the midsole unit, shifting from the plush standard FF BLAST PLUS foam to the more responsive FF BLAST MAX.
The FF BLAST MAX midsole foam is relatively new, but we’re happy to report that it delivers the same iconic cushioning and comfort we’ve come to expect from the Gel-Cumulus. The foam is lighter and bouncier than the foam used in its predecessor, giving the shoe a lighter all-around feel. And while the foam is still soft and plush underfoot, the updated midsole unit offers some extra bounce to keep you moving forward in comfort during any type of run.
Iconic Asics PureGEL Technology
An Asics daily trainer wouldn’t be complete without incorporating the brand’s well-known PureGel technology. Asics has been integrating gel into its running shoes for years, and the upgraded PureGEL in the Gel-Cumulus 28’s heel provides more protected, plush landings than ever before.
The PureGEL embedded in the heel foam is 65% softer than previous versions of this technology, offering fantastic shock absorption and luxurious comfort as you roll through each stride. This softer gel also balances out the more responsive foam for a perfect blend of energy return and cloud-like plushness.
Soft Engineered Mesh Upper
With running shoes, the material and fit on top of the foot can be just as important as the midsole when it comes to providing the best possible running experience. Fortunately, the Gel-Cumulus 28 excels in this area, offering an upper designed around maximum comfort and a secure fit.
The engineered mesh is soft, flexible, and breathable, so you don’t have to worry about any hot-spots or discomfort in warmer weather. The shoe itself is also lighter than its predecessor, in part due to the lightweight upper construction.
The heel collar features some extra cushioning for even more security and comfort with every step. But one of our favorite features is the addition of a remarkably thin and flexible tongue. While the tongue isn’t particularly padded, the stretchy design creates a secure lockdown that comfortably hugs the top of the foot and reduces unwanted pressure.
Durable Outsole Design
One of our review team’s gripes with the Gel-Cumulus 27 was the outsole’s lack of traction and durability. So we were thrilled when we flipped over the newest Gel-Cumulus iteration and saw a new and improved outsole design.
The Gel-Cumulus 28 relies on a FLUIDRIDE outsole that blends EVA foam and rubber to improve overall traction and longevity. The grippy material makes the shoe more versatile, while the extra EVA material provides longer-lasting comfort and durability.
But the durability upgrades don’t end there. AHAR LO rubber is placed strategically throughout the outsole for added resilience in high-wear areas, so the Gel-Cumulus 28 can support you mile after mile.
Asics Gel-Cumulus 28: Road Test Findings
Understanding all the new features and upgrades is a key part in any shoe review. But the best part? When we get to lace up new shoes and take them for some test runs.
This road testing is crucial in helping us really understand how a shoe performs across different terrains and types of runs. So we put the Cumulus 28 to the test, lacing them up for some speed work, daily miles, treadmill runs, and more.
One standout element with the Gel-Cumulus 28 was the immediate out-of-the-box comfort. The upgraded engineered mesh eliminated the need for a break-in period, wrapping our feet in soft, flexible cushioning from the very first step.
As we started racking up mileage, a few other key features stood out. FF BLAST MAX foam made a name for itself in bouncy, responsive, and cushiony running shoes, and this springy foam really took the Gel-Cumulus 28 to the next level. The foam maintained a soft feel underfoot, but offered more energy return and versatility for speedier intervals. Paired with the renowned PureGEL in the heel, the Gel-Cumulus blends bouncy and plush elements for a perfectly balanced ride.
The upper was remarkably comfortable underfoot, but even with the flexible upper, some of our reviewers found the fit too narrow and tapered in the toe box. If you prefer a roomier fit, you may want to try the Cumulus in half a size up or in a wide width.
The Gel-Cumulus is a pretty standard daily trainer, and Asics didn’t reinvent the wheel with the newest update. Our team appreciated the reliable and dependable ride throughout daily mileage, but it’s certainly not the most energetic or exciting shoe in the world. The new foam is an upgrade and provides some needed bounce and responsiveness, but you’ll likely find the Cumulus 28 works best as an everyday trainer.
That said, for beginner runners or anyone looking for a single do-it-all running shoe for everyday miles, the Cumulus 28 is a great choice. The shoe is lighter than ever before, with a great balance of softness and responsiveness under the foot. It’s a perfect choice for daily miles, has enough plush cushioning to carry you through longer mileage, and while it’s not our top choice for speed, the more responsive foam can easily carry you through workouts in comfort.
Gel-Cumulus 28 Pros and Cons
Our road test uncovered a lot to love about the Gel-Cumulus 28, as well as a few downsides worth considering when you’re shopping for your next running shoe. Here are some pros and cons our review team found with this updated Asics daily trainer:
Pros:
- New FF BLAST MAX foam is light, responsive, and soft for a smooth and efficient ride
- PureGEL technology adds dependable softness and shock absorption for maximum comfort under the heel
- Outsole saw some major upgrades, incorporating a blend of EVA and rubber to improve grip and durability. Paired with extra rubber in the heel, the FLUIDRIDE outsole ensures you can enjoy everything this shoe has to offer for more miles
- Engineered mesh upper is soft and breathable, with a secure lockdown around the foot
Cons:
- Has a narrow fit in the toe box that may be too snug for some runners
- New foam is more responsive, but still lacks the energy return to truly excel during speed workouts or faster intervals
Is the Gel-Cumulus 28 Right for You?
Overall, we found that the Gel-Cumulus 28 works best when it comes to easy miles, long runs, or day-to-day wear. If you’re looking for a dependable running shoe that can handle most types of runs, you may want to consider the updated Gel-Cumulus.
However, both Asics and other top brands have plenty of other options to consider if the Gel-Cumulus isn’t exactly what you’re looking for.
The Cumulus shines as a daily trainer with some versatility. But if you want a single running shoe with maximum versatility, check out the Asics Novablast 5. This uptempo trainer uses the same bouncy FF BLAST MAX foam, but with a lighter, more performance-oriented design and trampoline-inspired outsole, the Novablast offers the pop and energy you need to pick up the pace. However, the Gel-Cumulus 28 incorporates a more full-coverage outsole, so you may not get as many miles out of the Novablast.
One of the Gel-Cumulus 28’s limitations is the narrow toe box and overall fit. While some runners and walkers prefer this snug fit, the toe box may feel too tapered for others. The Altra Experience Flow 3 shares a lot of features with the Cumulus, including the soft cushioning, stable and balanced ride, and a flexible all-around feel. But with a wider toe box, the Experience Flow 3 may feel more comfortable for those who need a more accommodating fit.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Next Daily Trainer
Having 28 iterations and years and years of growth speaks volumes about any daily trainer. Since its release, the Gel-Cumulus has become a staple in the daily trainer lineup, offering a perfect balance of cushioning and adaptability for a huge range of walkers and runners.
And while we appreciate the consistent comfort and reliability Asics brings to the Cumulus, we’re also big fans of the modern upgrades the brand brought to the Gel-Cumulus 28.The new cushioning feels fantastic underfoot, and the refined upper improves the overall running experience. We wouldn’t suggest the shoe for anyone truly looking to push the pace on their runs, but if you’re searching for a reliable trainer to help you tackle daily mileage, you can’t go wrong with the Cumulus.
But don’t just take our word for it – visit your nearest Marathon Sports and test the shoe out for yourself. You can take the Gel-Cumulus 28 for a spin and decide if it’s the right fit for you or if it’s time to try out some other options. And no matter what you decide, our dedicated footwear team will be with you every step of the way.
