Asics Gel-Cumulus 27 running shoes

The Asics Gel-Cumulus 27 running shoe is a versatile, neutral everyday running shoe, the origin of premium Asics running shoes. All other premium ASICS running shoes specialise in something compared to the Cumulus, but the Cumulus 27 is the running shoe that does a little bit of everything. It’s not heavy, which could make it fast, but it doesn’t have the most dynamic midsole. It’s very comfortable, but if comfort is your main concern, there are more comfortable ASICS. Despite being neutral, it has good stability, but if you need a stable running shoe, there are other ASICS for that too. The Cumulus is the cheapest and most average premium ASICS running shoe, and that’s the great thing about it. Not much has changed from the previous version, but it has a more comfortable upper and a more stable midsole. Its versatility makes it suitable for beginners as a first running shoe, but it can also be a good choice for more advanced runners for their everyday runs.

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 upper

The upper of the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 running shoe is made of engineered mesh material that provides good breathability. The shoe fits true to size with a slightly longer cut and medium width. The tongue is thinner than average, but cushioned, wide and fits the foot very well. The heel collar is low, stiff and well cushioned to keep the foot comfortable and stable. At the heel, the foam of the midsole is folded over the upper to keep the foot stable.

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 midsole

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 Running Shoe Midsole is made with FlyteFoam Blast Plus foam, a medium-soft, medium-dynamic midsole foam. The FF Blast+ foam gives a different feel depending on the amount of midsole foam, as we’ve seen in various ASICS running shoes, but at the amount used in the Cumulus 27, it’s a durable, stable midsole with all the dynamics. As the midsole is of average height but above average width, the stability of the shoe is very good. The midsole is upward curved at both the front and back, and is also slightly stiffer than average, with quick and smooth transitions. As the name suggests, there is a layer of Pure Gel under the heel, which improves the cushioning of the shoe when you land on your heels (most runners land on their heels).

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 outsole

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 running shoe outsole is not a traditional rubber outsole, but an EVA foam (midsole foam) with rubber mixed in, called FluidRide. There are advantages and disadvantages to this solution. The EVA foam mixed with rubber has the advantage of being lighter and giving the midsole extra shock absorption and dynamics. The disadvantage is that it wears out more quickly and does not have the same excellent grip. To overcome the disadvantages of FluidRide, ASICS has made this layer much thicker than average and the pattern much deeper than average. Overall, the Cumulus 27’s grip and outsole durability are average. Because the outsole completely covers the midsole, it gives the softer midsole a certain amount of stiffness. This doesn’t make the shoe too stiff, in fact it has a positive effect on stability and rolling, but it is noticeably stiffer than average.

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 vs. Gel-Cumulus 26, how is it different from its predecessor?

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 running shoe has changed mostly in the upper. It’s common for every second version of a running shoe to change significantly, and the Gel-Cumulus 27 is no different.

The upper is a softer, more comfortable mesh material. The previously fixed, flexible thin tongue has been replaced by a thin tongue with small padded areas, which is also fixed. The heel collar has been lowered, the heel collar of the previous version ended in a non-stiffened upper, which is no longer present on the Cumulus 27, instead there is a pull tab. As well as being lowered, the heel collar is also more cushioned, making it more comfortable and providing better support for the foot.

The midsole is made from the same foam as the previous version and has the same geometry, but has been lowered by 1mm.

The outsole is the same FluidRide, which is EVA foam mixed with rubber, but the Cumulus 27 outsole has lost the tiny patterns that were present on the previous version and which wore off quickly.

Overall, the Gel Cumulus 27 is more comfortable and stable than its predecessor. The changes have resulted in a weight increase of 12 grams, which is almost imperceptible.

Who and for what kind of runs is the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 running shoe for? Summary

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 Running Shoe is a comfortable running shoe with good cushioning, good stability, moderate but sufficient dynamics for the nature of the shoe. The Gel-Cumulus 27 is a versatile everyday running shoe that can stand up on its own, making it a good choice for beginners. You can run faster distances in it, but you can also run longer distances in it, so you can use it for most of your runs. It doesn’t have any standout features, but it doesn’t have any standout shortcomings either, and that makes it a good shoe. It can also be a good choice for experienced runners for their everyday, general runs.