Improved Responsiveness for a Lighter Ride: The ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 28

ASICS's GEL-CUMULUS series is a long-standing favorite among runners, celebrated as a daily trainer that excels in cushioning and lightweight performance. While not as widely known in Japan as the GEL-KAYANO or GEL-NIMBUS, it has carved out a niche thanks to its smooth, straightforward ride, earning popularity both as a jogging shoe and a race day option for runners aiming to complete a full marathon.

So, what kind of updates does the latest GEL-CUMULUS 28 bring to the table?

Upgraded Midsole Material

ASICS categorizes its daily running shoes into three silos: the cushion silo for a comfortable, cushioned ride; the stability silo for support and comfort; and the bounce silo, which emphasizes a springy feel.

The GEL-CUMULUS belongs to the cushion silo, which also includes the popular GEL-NIMBUS, a model known for its premium cushioning. The distinguishing feature of the GEL-CUMULUS, however, is its balance of cushioning and light weight. The latest iteration, the GEL-CUMULUS 28, is said to deliver enhanced responsiveness for an even lighter ride.

"One of the biggest updates this time is the change in midsole material. While the previous model featured FF BLAST+, the new version adopts FF BLAST MAX. FF BLAST MAX retains the cushioning and lightweight properties of FF BLAST+ while boosting responsiveness," says Yoshinari Tsuruishi from the Product Planning department at ASICS Japan Corporation.

"It's the same material used in the NOVA BLAST 5, and by using FF BLAST MAX, we've achieved a lighter running experience."

Of course, the heel contains built-in PureGEL for shock absorption. The sole has a stack height of approximately 38.5mm in the heel and 30.5mm in the forefoot (for a men's 27.0cm size). This makes the GEL-CUMULUS 28 about 5mm thinner than the GEL-NIMBUS 28, which measures around 43.5mm in the heel and 35.5mm in the forefoot (for a men's 27.0cm size).

Enhanced Outsole Durability

The second major update is the outsole. Like its predecessor, the GEL-CUMULUS 28 features a very distinctive outsole. Most running shoes use durable, abrasion-resistant rubber for the outsole. In rare cases, some models focused on lightness and a smooth ride use EVA, but this typically comes at the cost of durability compared to a rubber outsole.

Since the GEL-CUMULUS 26, the series has used a FLUIDRIDE outsole, a rubber foam that blends EVA and rubber. This material combines the strengths of both, achieving a soft, smooth landing and high durability. When you run in the GEL-CUMULUS, you can feel a distinct softness and smoothness that differs from shoes with traditional rubber outsoles.

"For this model, we've strategically placed AHAR LO, a highly abrasion-resistant rubber, only on the outer part of the heel. This is because GEL-CUMULUS runners tend to be heel-strikers, so we reinforced the area that wears down the fastest. Of course, the overall soft and smooth feel of the outsole remains a key feature."

A More Breathable Upper

The updates aren't limited to the midsole and outsole; the upper has also been revamped.

"The GEL-CUMULUS 28 features an engineered jacquard mesh upper. Although the name is the same as the previous version, the material itself is now lighter and more breathable. We also used a stretchy knit material for the tongue to improve the fit."

A Soft and Smooth Ride with Zero Quirks

The moment you slip your feet into the GEL-CUMULUS 28, you're greeted with an incredibly comfortable fit. Your heel is locked in securely, with no stiffness, looseness, or chafing around the ankle. The soft, knit tongue adds to the overall plush feeling.

It shares the same last (foot mold) as the GEL-KAYANO 32, GEL-NIMBUS 28, and NOVABLAST 5, so if you're a fan of the ASICS fit, this shoe will feel right at home on your feet.

Out on the run, you'll notice its straightforward nature, just-right cushioning, and a super smooth ride. I could definitely feel a slight boost in responsiveness compared to its predecessor. While the midsole uses the same material as the NOVABLAST 5, the tuning and overall sole structure are different, so you don't get that intense, bouncy sensation. It's a beautifully balanced feel, distinct from the cloud-like softness of the GEL-NIMBUS 28, and that's what makes the GEL-CUMULUS 28 truly special.

Another major highlight of the GEL-CUMULUS 28 is its new FLUIDRIDE outsole, a blend of EVA and rubber. The feel at ground contact is noticeably different from a traditional rubber outsole, contributing significantly to the shoe's signature softness and smoothness.

This creates a unique kind of softness that's different from what you'd get from just a thick, plush midsole. If you haven't experienced it yet, you've got to give these shoes a try.