Asics Gel Cumulus 25 Introduction
The Cumulus has at all times been ASICS’ do-it-all every day coach. I’ve run in 2 earlier variations of the Cumulus and I’ve discovered them to be actually comfy, sturdy, balanced workhorses. The Cumulus has been probably the most widespread ASICS trainers due to its affordability, availability and flexibility.
Nonetheless, 3 years in the past, ASICS launched one other mid-range, impartial every day coach which was the identical value because the Cumulus however much more versatile with a extra distinctive trip: the Novablast.
The Novablast did plenty of issues higher than the Cumulus: it was lighter, it was extra energetic and it had a extra thrilling trip. Over time, the Novablast gained reputation and cannibalised gross sales of their stalwart, the Cumulus.
ASICS wanted to reimagine the Cumulus in order that they have remodeled the Cumulus to fill a unique position within the lineup. This yr’s Cumulus is now extra much like the Nimbus than ever earlier than and if it didn’t have the identify “Cumulus” on it, it may simply be mistaken for a Nimbus.
This model of the Cumulus is without doubt one of the most vastly totally different variations from its predecessor. It has a a lot thicker midsole stack top than final yr’s model and it weighs 1.1 oz (31 g) much less. It’s additionally $10 greater than the Cumulus 24.
Asics Gel Cumulus 25 First Impressions
My first run was a really gradual, 9km restoration run. I didn’t benefit from the Cumulus 25 on that first run. The toe field felt actually tight as a result of I used to be carrying thick socks and it felt tremendous sluggish. The factor that stood out most was how lumpy the outsole felt on account of how a lot the midsole compressed.
The thick higher jogged my memory of the Nimbus 25 whereas the trip jogged my memory of a firmer model of the New Steadiness Insurgent v3. The Cumulus felt rather more secure than the New Steadiness Insurgent v3 however clunkier. It felt nothing like every earlier Cumulus model.
After the break in interval, the Cumulus 25 felt significantly better and after doing about 15 kilometres in it, it began to develop on me- the outsole didn’t really feel lumpy anymore and the trip was a lot smoother. The toe field additionally stretched a tad and it felt extra comfy with skinny socks.
Asics Gel Cumulus 25 Higher
The higher of the Cumulus 25, identical to the Nimbus 25 is constructed for consolation and I actually loved not solely working in it however carrying it casually too. The mesh is easy, thick and doesn’t breathe very properly so it’s extra suited to Winters and funky climates.
The tongue of the Cumulus 25 is thicker than the Nimbus so the Cumulus feels even hotter. It’s semi-gusseted and it doesn’t slide throughout runs.
Foot lockdown is nice with no need to make use of a runner’s knot and there’s no heel slippage current. The within of the collar is generously padded so it feels very plush.
The toe field is slim however a smidge wider than the Nimbus 25 so that you don’t must go a half dimension up or get the vast model. The forefoot and midfoot are on the slim aspect so you probably have excessive quantity toes otherwise you desire a roomy match, you need to go up a half dimension. It really works finest for me at true to dimension with skinny socks.
There are reflective patches behind the sneakers, on the heel pull tabs for higher low gentle visibility however there may even be a Lite Present model which has much more reflective parts.
Asics Gel Cumulus 25 Sole Unit
In the event you’ve ever worn a earlier model of the Cumulus and also you have been disillusioned that its trip didn’t really feel cloud-like, that gained’t be the case with the Cumulus 25.
The Cumulus 25 has a tremendous mushy trip which is corresponding to the $20 costlier Nimbus 25 in softness, however The FF Blast+ foam in its midsole compresses extra simply than the FF Blast+ Eco within the Nimbus 25. The Nimbus 25 has a squishy high layer with a firmer backside layer however the Cumulus 25’s whole midsole has extra compression.
The Cumulus midsole is thinner and fewer stiff than the Nimbus so that you get extra floor really feel and fewer of a rockered trip within the Cumulus. The Cumulus 25 can also be the softest mid-range, impartial every day coach to be launched this yr.
I benefit from the Cumulus 25 largely for simple or restoration runs after I’m not anxious about tempo. There isn’t a lot bounce or power return from the midsole nevertheless it feels very plush and is nice at absorbing shock. The quantity of cushioning that you simply get for such a maximist coach can also be spectacular contemplating it solely weighs 9 oz (255 g) for a males’s US9.
It doesn’t have any seen gel within the midsole like earlier Cumulus’ however there’s a silicone gel pad hidden in its heel. I don’t suppose it’s a vital function as a result of I don’t really feel it in any respect. That is extra for custom than the rest: it was once the signature Cumulus function.
Stability is unbelievable on account of its vast base and it’s a pleasure to do lengthy runs in as a result of it provides a excessive degree of help for a shoe with such a tall midsole (37.5 mm within the heel).
The brand new outsole has a flat design so it was stunning that the trip felt lumpy within the break-in interval. Transitions are smoother than the Cumulus 24 as a result of the rubber lugs don’t stick out anymore. Grip is disappointing on easy surfaces and I slipped one time going round a good nook.
There’s thick rubber on the excessive put on areas whereas the uncovered foam may be very sturdy so that you’ll be capable of get a great quantity of mileage out of the Cumulus 25. On my pair, the one noticeable put on is on the lip of the outer lateral heel the place the rubber stops a pair millimetres wanting the sting. This can be a design flaw.
Asics Gel Cumulus 25 Conclusions
In my view, the Cumulus 25 is a superb replace. Not solely is the midsole thicker than the Cumulus 24 nevertheless it’s additionally over an oz. lighter (31 g). It isn’t as versatile as earlier variations however in order for you versatility, the Novablast 3 is offered on the identical value or the Superblast for $60 extra.
I just like the Cumulus’ new positioning. With the Nimbus Lite not round, the Cumulus 25 is a worthy substitute for these wanting a lighter, cheaper, extra versatile every day coach than the Nimbus 25.
After testing each trainers, I discovered myself liking the Cumulus 25 greater than the Nimbus 25 as a result of it feels extra nimble and has extra floor really feel. It’s a greater future coach on account of its lighter weight and it’s additionally $20 cheaper.
I believe that each trainers have uppers that are too thick and too heat however they each really feel luxurious and really comfy. The Cumulus has a wider mid-foot which is best suited to flat toes.
In comparison with different mid-range every day trainers, the Cumulus 25 is the softest so should you take pleasure in a agency trip, you need to skip it. It’s additionally not as versatile because the competitors and it performs finest at gradual paces. It has a very plush, maximalist trip and it feels prefer it ought to price greater than its $140 RRP.
