Asics Gel Cumulus 25 Introduction
The Cumulus has all the time been ASICS’ do-it-all day by day coach. I’ve run in 2 earlier variations of the Cumulus and I’ve discovered them to be actually snug, sturdy, balanced workhorses. The Cumulus has been one of the vital widespread ASICS trainers due to its affordability, availability and flexibility.
Nonetheless, 3 years in the past, ASICS launched one other mid-range, impartial day by day coach which was the identical worth 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 so that they have remodeled the Cumulus to fill a distinct function within the lineup. This 12 months’s Cumulus is now extra much like the Nimbus than ever earlier than and if it didn’t have the title “Cumulus” on it, it might 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 peak than final 12 months’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 attributable to 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 steady than the New Steadiness Insurgent v3 however clunkier. It felt nothing like several earlier Cumulus model.
After the break in interval, the Cumulus 25 felt a lot 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 snug 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 clean, thick and doesn’t breathe very nicely 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 without having 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 slender however a smidge wider than the Nimbus 25 so that you don’t need to go a half measurement up or get the broad model. The forefoot and midfoot are on the slender aspect so when you’ve got excessive quantity ft otherwise you want a roomy match, it’s best to go up a half measurement. It really works finest for me at true to measurement with skinny socks.
There are reflective patches in the back of the footwear, on the heel pull tabs for higher low gentle visibility however there can even be a Lite Present model which has much more reflective components.
Asics Gel Cumulus 25 Sole Unit
Should you’ve ever worn a earlier model of the Cumulus and also you have been disenchanted 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 comfortable trip which is corresponding to the $20 dearer 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 total 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 day by day coach to be launched this 12 months.
I benefit from the Cumulus 25 principally for simple or restoration runs once I’m not fearful about tempo. There isn’t a lot bounce or power return from the midsole but it surely feels very plush and is nice at absorbing shock. The quantity of cushioning that you just 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 needed characteristic as a result of I don’t really feel it in any respect. That is extra for custom than the rest: it was the signature Cumulus characteristic.
Stability is implausible attributable to its broad base and it’s a pleasure to do lengthy runs in as a result of it affords a excessive stage of assist 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 clean 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 have the ability to 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. It is 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 but it surely’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 obtainable on the identical worth or the Superblast for $60 extra.
I just like the Cumulus’ new positioning. With the Nimbus Lite now not round, the Cumulus 25 is a worthy substitute for these wanting a lighter, cheaper, extra versatile day by 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 long term coach attributable to its lighter weight and it’s additionally $20 cheaper.
I feel that each trainers have uppers that are too thick and too heat however they each really feel luxurious and really snug. The Cumulus has a wider mid-foot which is healthier suited to flat ft.
In comparison with different mid-range day by day trainers, the Cumulus 25 is the softest so in case you get pleasure from a agency trip, it’s best 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.