ASICS Gel-Cumulus 24 Review: A Versatile Comfort Running Shoe
When it comes to running shoes, I have never been a fan of change. I’m a believer in tried and true and if it’s not broken, then don’t fix it. Accordingly, ASICS has been my shoe of choice for over a decade.
As a competitive runner since high school, I have a narrow foot and a history of injuries. ASICS fits my foot better than any shoe I’ve ever come across. And I’ve stayed relatively injury-free since becoming an ASICS loyalist during my freshman year of college.
That being said, I’ve also stuck with the same pair of shoes since college. But my mileage is half of what it was during my collegiate years and speed workouts are no longer a part of my vocabulary, so I decided it was time to try out a new pair of shoes. The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 24 caught my eye.
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 24 Review
Gel-Cumulus 24 Specs
- Materials: Engineered mesh, foam cushioning, OrthoLite sockliner, reflective accents
- Weight: 8.8 oz.
- Midsole drop: 8 mm
- Price: $130
First Impressions
Out of the box, the Cumulus 24 fit my narrow foot well and didn’t require excessive fidgeting with the laces to find a comfortable fit. On preliminary walks around the block, the shoes fit and felt comfortable.
Typically, I run three to five times per week (anywhere from 3 to 10 miles) and alternate between road and trail runs. I live on Oahu, so trail runs can range from a well-maintained fire road to a climb up the side of a cliff. The Cumulus is advertised as a versatile shoe, so I assumed it would perform well on both the road and mild trail runs.
In my first week with the Cumulus 24, I took them on two road runs, a mellow trail run, and two walks around town. They felt good out of the gate, and they didn’t seem to need a lot of time to break in like most shoes. They performed well on both the road and the fire road-type trail, both in dry and wet conditions.
Technical Features
The Cumulus 24 is designed with comfort top of mind. It features FF Blast and FLYTEFOAM cushioning that absorbs impact while simultaneously returning energy. The shoe’s Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Technology Cushioning System reduces shock during impact and toe-off phases. And it allows movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.
Additionally, the shoes have an OrthoLite X-30 sockliner for a soft surface when slipping into your shoes (this is also helpful for the unfortunate days when you forget socks).
This shoe advertises maximum comfort, and it delivers. Regardless of what type of socks I wore or the length of my run, the shoes felt comfortable from start to finish. Outside of running, I could see myself reaching for these shoes for long walks or travel days, as they are comfortable enough to wear all day long.
Other thoughtful features include an engineered mesh upper for improved breathability (I appreciated this on runs in the Hawaiian heat), reflective accents for improved visibility, and a full-ground contact design that allows for a smoother and more efficient run. And for sustainability, ASICS makes the shoe’s upper with recycled materials, which I appreciate.
Who It’s For
The Cumulus 24 is specifically designed for neutral runners who don’t require a lot of extra support — it caters to those who are neutral or underpronate. It offers mid-level cushion and delivers a springy step, providing energy and comfort for any length of run.
If you’re someone who needs extra support or typically runs in a stability shoe, the Gel-Cumulus might not be a great fit. But if you don’t have many injury issues and want a comfortable, neutral shoe, the Gel-Cumulus 24 gets the job done.
Final Thoughts
Designed to be a versatile running shoe, the Gel-Cumulus 24 feels lightweight, responsive, and comfortable. It provides a moderate amount of support and is very breathable, making it a great option for hot summer days.
As someone who has run in a stability shoe for years, the Cumulus 24 wouldn’t be my top pick. The first few days running in it went well but by the third day, my knees were bothering me a bit.
I think this shoe would be a good option for me for walks or shorter days, but for long days I plan to continue to wear a stability shoe. If you prefer a neutral shoe and don’t require extra support, the ASICS Gel-Culumus 24 would be a great option.
Its comfort is unmatched, and the Cumulus 24 performed well on a variety of surfaces, making it a solid pick for the all-around runner.
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