Asics Gel Cumulus 26 Introduction
Now in its twenty sixth version, the Gel-Cumulus is without doubt 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, principally within the heel tab space and the tongue. Lastly, the outsole was modified to a brand new Fluidride™ expertise that claims to reinforce consolation and traction.
The adjustments on this shoe helps to tell apart it from each the Gel-Nimbus and the Novablast within the Asics lineup.
The Gel-Nimbus is certainly extra plush feeling and has a better 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 – making an attempt to offer the runner one thing that has tender cushion however sufficient of a trip to assist with these uptempo efforts.
The Cumulus shares the same midsole and tongue whereas the rocker expertise is what helps the marginally extra uptempo efforts.
Asics Gel Cumulus 26 First Impressions
After I first opened this field, I used to be impressed by the colorway and stylistic design of the shoe general. It simply appeared smooth and cozy.
It felt light-weight in my palms and all of the above was confirmed once I first put it on my toes. My first run within the shoe was a straightforward restoration run.
This shoe didn’t have all of the tender cushion I wished in a restoration run however I might 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 power return to this shoe however it’s not as pronounced as I assumed 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 below so it was flush towards my ankle.
Asics Gel Cumulus 26 Higher
The higher on this shoe was usually well-constructed. The whole higher is made of sentimental, stretchy engineered mesh. This helps the shoe conform to your foot whereas creating a luxurious really feel throughout.
The tongue is partially gusseted and feels as tender as the remainder of the shoe, although I had struggles initially conserving it flat on my ankle once I would initially put it on.
My solely subject 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.
In the event you don’t reply nicely to greater heel counters, this shoe might doubtlessly be an issue for you.
The lacing system was positive and the laces stayed tied with no double knot throughout all my runs.
Total, the shoe match true to dimension for me. This shoe does are available extensive widths choices.
Asics Gel Cumulus 26 Sole Unit
Much like the Gel-Nimbus, the midsole unit is fabricated from two main components: 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 top of about 38.5mm within the heel and 30mm within the forefoot. It’s a decrease stack top than the Gel-Nimbus and it’s fairly noticeable. The rocker expertise on this shoe is noticeable as nicely.
The sockliner may be very tender 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 nicely. I’ve seen a great quantity of damage and tear, although, after about 60 miles on the footwear.
I don’t assume this can be as sturdy as another footwear with totally different outsole rubber however it seemingly matches consistent with most every day trainers.
The grip was okay on moist surfaces and gravel surfaces. I usually will preserve this shoe to dry, clean roads solely and search for different footwear if I do know I can be on some grass, gravel, or moist roads.
Asics Gel Cumulus 26 Conclusions
Total, 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 a terrific 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, simple miles.
For these concentrating on 5k-10k distances, it is a nice every day miles coach.
On the $140 value level, I feel it’s a honest value to pay for every day coach that may log a great quantity of miles at numerous paces.
