By Brian Metzler
Let’s face it, running shoes aren’t cheap nowadays, and related to that theme, most are outrageously cushioned with new super foams. While we all love the energetic cushioning of modern midsole foams most of the time, sometimes it can be a bit much. And if you’re been running for more than a few years or if you’re on a budget (yes, both apply to me), then it’s easy to be a bit bewildered by both the high price tags and thick midsoles of many everyday trainers, even if those are sort of (but not really) independent variables. Fortunately, there are still some daily training shoes that are leaner and slightly more affordable, including the just-released ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 ($140). (And yes, I understand that $140 isn’t pocket change, but that’s the low bar of high-level shoes nowadays.)
There are numerous reasons to like the Gel-Cumulus 27, but what I like most about it is what it’s not. Namely, it’s not an oversized super-cushy trainer like its ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 ($165) cousin. Don’t get me wrong, that shoe is very good, but the Gel-Cumulus 27 offers an ample amount of cushion in a shoe that’s lighter, lower-to-ground, and much more stable. It might not be bucking the high-stack trend, but it’s also not following it either. If you’re interested in buying a versatile neutral trainer that is above-average when it comes to stability and proprioceptive feel for the ground, this is a very good shoe to consider.
What’s New: To be honest, not much has changed since the release of last year’s Gel-Cumulus 26. It has a similar midsole (FlyteFoam BLAST+ with Pure Gel inserts in the heel), similar design specs, and a similar outsole with a slightly enhanced (more breathable, more supportive, more comfortable) engineered mesh upper. But the minor changes were all this shoe needed.
Fit/Feel/Ride: The Gel-Nimbus 27 fits true to size with a medium interior volume and a toe box with plenty of wiggle room. The step-in feel is pretty average with a little bit of softness, but it’s definitely not uncomfortable. The soft gusseted tongue wraps the top of the foot to help create a locked-down fit with the upper. The ride is smooth, stable, and consistent, and it easily transitions from soft-ish shock-absorbing heel-strikes to a semi-firm feeling through the toe-off phase of a stride. It’s certainly not bouncy, but it can offer a bit of snappy responsiveness at faster paces.
Why It’s Great: It’s pretty great at doing everything pretty well. While some shoe-testers have bashed this shoe as being boring, that’s what makes it great for me. It’s a comfortable, versatile, and durable trainer that can be a good addition to your shoe quiver if you want a break from the marshmallow feeling of high-stacked max-cushioned trainers. While it doesn’t have the massive stack height of the Gel-Nimbus 27 or the bounciness of the Novablast 5, it offers a good blend of softness and stability. I liked it most because it offered a happy medium or perhaps a more balanced makeup compared to the heavier, cushier, and typically less stable shoes with super-thick midsoles. (The inherent stability of the Gel-Cumulus 27 comes from the semi-firm sensation from the midsole and a moderately wide footprint.)
Specs
Weight: 8.1 oz. (women’s size 8), 9.2 oz. (men’s size 9)
Heel-Toe Offset: 8mm; women: 37.5mm (heel), 29.5mm (forefoot); men: 38.5mm (heel), 30.5mm (forefoot)
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re only interested in running in very bouncy, maximally cushioned shoes, you won’t think the Gel-Nimbus 27 is very special. But if you perhaps quietly crave a slightly lower-to-the-ground shoe that offers a smooth-rolling sensation and the ability to “feel” the ground, you might like this shoe quite a bit. That proprioceptive connection to the ground – something that is generally muted in higher-stacked shoes – gives this shoe a bit more versatility than many daily trainers. It’s not a speed demon of a shoe by any means, but I found it easy to switch gears and roll from a moderate Zone 3 pace to a spicier Zone 4 tempo pace in a pinch. On a recent 10-miler, I ran the first half at a calm, under-control pace and then ran the last half at a punchier clip that was probably 30 seconds faster per mile.
What It’s Best For: I’ve found the Gel-Cumulus 27 best for Zone 2 and Zone 3 training paces, but I’ve also used it for Zone 1 (recovery runs) and Zone 4 (tempo and fartlek efforts). It’s plenty comfortable for long runs and is light and lean enough to run some faster paces.
Pro: At $140, this shoe might not be a bargain per se, but it does pack a lot of value, most notably the comfort and durability. Plus, it is $20-$30 cheaper than most “premium” daily training shoes (for example the Gel-Nimbus 27) and at least on par with similar shoes in this category, like the New Balance 880 v15, Nike Pegasus 41, and the Saucony Ride 18.
Con: My biggest complaint about the Gel-Cumulus 27 is that it feels a bit flat. There is a good amount of shock-absorbing cushioning, but it doesn’t have the forefoot spike of energy return of most modern trainers. While that might be a non-starter for many runners, it’s not necessarily a reason to disregard the shoe entirely, given that part of that sensation is tied to this shoe’s inherent stability and better-than-average feel for the ground.
