The Asics Gel-Cumulus 27 is not revolutionary – it is still a familiar construction. The shoe is designed for everyday urban running at a moderate pace. It offers the same comfortable level of cushioning, solid stability and relatively low weight. The list of pros remains the same, as does the list of cons. The biggest drawback is still the outsole, which is not necessarily the most durable.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 27 is a very well cushioned hard surface running shoe designed for urban and suburban running. It works well on hard surfaces and sidewalks as well as compacted gravel paths. Its high level of cushioning makes it suitable for runners weighing up to 90 kg. It is the perfect choice for easy, recreational training, and if you are looking for a versatile everyday model, this one will do the job perfectly.
Pros
- very high and very soft cushioning
- good stability in the heel area
- safe, 8 mm drop
- very light, among the 14% lightest training shoes for hard surfaces
Cons
- outsole made of a rubber and EVA compound may not be very durable
Asics running shoes – lineup
The Cumulus has been one of the key models in the Asics lineup for years. The brand sticks to a well thought-out division of its running shoes according to the level of cushioning and additional stability. This makes it easier to navigate through their range.
We can therefore distinguish two main groups: neutral and stabilizing shoes, and within each group, shoes with different levels of cushioning. The Gel-Cumulus 27 is the second best neutral shoe, and its counterpart in the stabilizing category is the GT-2000 13. For runners looking for even more cushioning than the Gel-Cumulus, the Gel-Nimbus is the natural choice.
Want to see all the models? Check out the Asics running shoe guide.
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | HIGHT STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Gel-Nimbus 27 |  Gel-Kayano 31 | |
| very high cushioning |  Gel-Cumulus 27 |  GT-2000 13 |  GT-4000 4 |
| high cushioning |  Gel-Pulse 15 |  GT-1000 13 |
Similar to Asics Gel-Cumulus 27
The Cumulus is a versatile training shoe that is great for everyday use. No wonder it has so many competitors-in fact, some brands offer several models that serve similar purposes. Each one offers slightly different cushioning, dynamics, and fit, giving runners a wide range of choices based on their individual preferences.
To see all the alternatives to the Cumulus-and more-read our guide to everyday running shoes.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN’S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN’S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Supernova Rise 2 | 36/26 | 10 | 275 | 230 | 150 |
| Asics Gel-Cumulus 27 | 37/29 | 8 | 255 | 230 | 160 |
| Brooks Ghost 16 | 35/24 | 12 | 278 | 249 | 150 |
| Hoka Clifton 9 | 32/27 | 5 | 248 | 205 | 150 |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 28 | 38/26 | 12 | 273 | 235 | 160 |
| New Balance 880 v14 | b.d. | 8 | 270 | 209 | 160 |
| Nike Vomero 18 | 46/36 | 10 | 325 | 263 | 150 |
| On Cloudsurfer 7 | 32/22 | 10 | 245 | 205 | 170 |
| Saucony Ride 18 | 35/27 | 8 | 275 | 213 | 150 |
High cushioning
The midsole is composed mainly of FF Blast+ foam, which is responsible for most of the cushioning, shock absorption and comfort. In addition, as with the previous model, a small, invisible PureGEL insert is hidden under the heel. This material has the highest shock absorption capacity. No wonder it was placed in the area most exposed to impact.
The stack is high, but not significantly different from what competitors offer for this model. There is 37mm of foam under the heel and 29mm under the forefoot. This construction makes the cushioning most noticeable in the rear of the shoe. There is less cushioning in the forefoot. The whole construction is therefore soft, even very soft. The ideal user of this model will be a runner weighing up to about 90 kg, although there is nothing to stop slightly heavier runners from using it as long as they are running shorter distances. It will also work well for lighter runners who want exceptional comfort and soft cushioning.
It is also worth taking a closer look at the midsole, because in addition to the soft cushioning, the Cumulus also offers quite a bit of stability. This is made possible by a widened midsole that subtly extends beyond the upper to the sides and back. This solution improves stability and provides more secure support during landings. The heel counter, reinforced with a rigid wedge, is also important. In the category of everyday running shoes, this is a shoe that combines cushioning with stability. If you need even more stability, you can try the Asics GT-2000 13 – the equivalent of the Cumulus model for those looking for more stability and control of overpronation.
Rubberized EVA outsole
The outsole is definitely not the Gel-Cumulus 27’s strongest point. The outer layer of the sole is made of rubberized EVA foam, which covers almost the entire bottom of the shoe. Although the manufacturer does not provide any official information about its durability, experience has shown that the combination of rubber and EVA is usually not the most durable solution. This can mean faster wear, especially for runners who run long distances on hard surfaces. Runners who drag their heels a lot should also expect slightly less durability.
The texture of the outsole is a definite plus. Although the outsole appears smooth at first glance, the grooves are quite deep, reaching 2.4mm. This is quite a lot for a shoe designed primarily for urban running. Thanks to this, the Cumulus 27 should provide good traction, especially on dry surfaces.
Classic and solid upper
The Gel-Cumulus 27’s upper is a classic technical mesh construction in a standard running shoe thickness. It is a proven solution that combines durability with adequate foot protection. The material seems to breathe well, so your feet should feel comfortable even on warmer days. In terms of fit, the interior of the shoe is fairly standard. In a size 12 US, the widest point of the upper measures 104.0mm, which is slightly below average, but should fit most runners.
The tongue has a thin, lightweight structure on top and becomes softer and sponge-filled on the bottom for both lightness and comfort. It blends perfectly with the rest of the upper. Inside, it is integrated with the upper using a flexible material. This allows it to conform perfectly to the foot, eliminating lateral movement. At the same time, it makes the shoe comfortable by adapting to the movements of the foot.
The back of the shoe has no surprises either. Inside the upper, there is a stiff heel counter in the form of a clip, which is characteristic of training shoes designed for everyday use. For added comfort, the heel counter is surrounded by a soft, thick layer of foam. This creates a pleasantly soft yet stable collar around the heel, providing the right balance of comfort and support.
Weight – lightweight for training shoes
According to the manufacturer, the men’s Cumulus 26 weighs 255 grams and the women’s weighs 230 grams. These are almost identical to the previous version.
My measurements show that the men’s Cumulus 26 in size 12 US weighs 311 grams, an increase of 13 grams compared to the previous edition. But this is nothing. Compared to other training shoes on the blog, this model is among the 14% lightest. This result allows us to easily consider it one of the lightest shoes in its category. If you are looking for a well-cushioned but relatively lightweight sneaker, this one is worth a look.
Summary
If you’re looking for something new and innovative, the Asics Gel-Cumulus 27 is a boring shoe. It doesn’t surprise in any way and is surprisingly… similar to previous models. It’s a lightweight, comfortable shoe with nice cushioning that’s ideal for easy, everyday runs on urban surfaces. If you liked one of the two previous editions, the 27th edition will be right up your alley. If not, it’s worth a try! This may be the shoe for you.
