Asics Gel Cumulus 26 Introduction
Now in its twenty sixth version, the Gel-Cumulus is likely one of the longest tenured trainers within the Asics lineup but it has gone via a number of totally different redesigns in the previous few years.
For this version, Asics determined to alter the midsole and the heel flare from the final version whereas additionally dropping some weight. The higher had some slight redesigns, largely within the heel tab space and the tongue. Lastly, the outsole was modified to a brand new Fluidride™ expertise that claims to boost consolation and traction.
The modifications on this shoe helps to tell apart it from each the Gel-Nimbus and the Novablast within the Asics lineup.
The Gel-Nimbus is unquestionably extra plush feeling and has a larger outsole grip, which in the end screams premium.
The Novablast is firmer and designed for quicker runs.
The Gel-Cumulus tries to suit someplace in between – trying to present the runner one thing that has mushy cushion however sufficient of a experience to assist with these uptempo efforts.
The Cumulus shares an analogous midsole and tongue whereas the rocker expertise is what helps the marginally extra uptempo efforts.
Asics Gel Cumulus 26 First Impressions
Once I first opened this field, I used to be impressed by the colorway and stylistic design of the shoe total. It simply regarded modern and comfy.
It felt light-weight in my palms and all of the above was confirmed after I first put it on my ft. My first run within the shoe was a straightforward restoration run.
This shoe didn’t have all of the mushy cushion I needed in a restoration run however I may really feel the rocker expertise propel me ahead on a day that I didn’t have any propulsion my very own. It was very good.
My subsequent run was a long term. Once more, it felt like I used to be gliding. There may be an vitality return to this shoe however it’s not as pronounced as I believed the Gel-Nimbus was.
The higher of the shoe felt nice however I wasn’t impressed with the tongue. I needed to get used to tucking it beneath so it was flush towards my ankle.
Asics Gel Cumulus 26 Higher
The higher on this shoe was usually well-constructed. The complete higher is made of sentimental, stretchy engineered mesh. This helps the shoe conform to your foot whereas creating an opulent really feel throughout.
The tongue is partially gusseted and feels as mushy as the remainder of the shoe, although I had struggles initially retaining it flat on my ankle after I would initially put it on.
My solely concern with rubbing got here on the again of my ankle from the upper heel counter. I didn’t have points throughout my first long term however did on my second.
If you happen to don’t reply properly to larger heel counters, this shoe may doubtlessly be an issue for you.
The lacing system was nice and the laces stayed tied with out a double knot throughout all my runs.
General, the shoe match true to measurement for me. This shoe does are available in vast widths choices.
Asics Gel Cumulus 26 Sole Unit
Much like the Gel-Nimbus, the midsole unit is product of two main elements: the PureGel™ within the heel surrounded by the FF Blast™ PLUS ECO foam.
For these which might be Eco-conscious, the event of the FF Blast™ foam helps scale back the shoe’s carbon footprint by 25%.
The heel drop is 8mm, with a peak of about 38.5mm within the heel and 30mm within the forefoot. It’s a decrease stack peak than the Gel-Nimbus and it’s fairly noticeable. The rocker expertise on this shoe is noticeable as properly.
The sockliner could be very mushy and makes your foot really feel prefer it’s wrapped.
One improve on this model in comparison with Cumulus 25 is the Fluidride™ outsole.
It helps the shoe really feel lighter and helps the transition from heel to toe very properly. I’ve seen a superb quantity of wear and tear and tear, although, after about 60 miles on the sneakers.
I don’t assume this can be as sturdy as another sneakers with totally different outsole rubber however it seemingly suits consistent with most every day trainers.
The grip was okay on moist surfaces and gravel surfaces. I usually will maintain this shoe to dry, easy roads solely and search for different sneakers if I do know I can be on some grass, gravel, or moist roads.
Asics Gel Cumulus 26 Conclusions
General, the Cumulus 26 is an excellent every day coach that enables for some uptempo efforts.
For all ranges of runners, I can see this shoe being an important coach for marathon and half marathon coaching because it permits for a few of these uptempo efforts whereas nonetheless staying true to the every day, straightforward miles.
For these concentrating on 5k-10k distances, it is a nice every day miles coach.
On the $140 worth level, I feel it’s a truthful worth to pay for every day coach that can log a superb quantity of miles at numerous paces.