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The Cumulus 21 is a mainstay of the asics cushioning line, packed full of asics flagship technologies but with a great price tag.
The ASICS Gel Cumulus 21 is an everyday distance running shoe with durable, long-lasting and responsive cushioning. Cheaper than the more premium Asics Nimbus 22, but more than capable of dealing with all your everyday needs.
One of the workhorses in the Asics range, the Gel Cumulus has always been a shoe for logging the miles up in, with a no frills attitude to technology delivery. It runs and feels like a traditional running shoe, without any of the rockers or bouncy foams. It's great for anyone wanting a shoe that is reliable and hardwearing.
The forefoot fit is great and accomdates a widerfoot no problem with its seamless engineered jaquard mesh upper that is smooth and nice and breathable.
Cushioning is exactly as you would expect from an traditional asics shoe. Soft, bouncy but not pillowy, its got more than enough cushioning for almost anyone and isnt trying to be fancy.
What's New
While the Cumulus 21 looks similar to its predecessor, the upgrade from a Flytefoam midsole to Flytefoam Lyte gives this shoe a slightly softer and more comfortable ride. It's a great update to the cumulus range, with tweaks rather than wholesale changes.
The Cumulus sits in the middle of the neutral offering from Asics above shoes like the Evoride but below the Asics Glideride, Gel Quantum Shift and the wild Metaride.
Flytefoam is a great CMEVA - and holds up well over many miles. Asics have always been a reliable brand and this update is very much in that mould without being too fancy! The price is great and offers some value compared to the Nimbus 22 (which now features a more advanced Pebax midsole material for a lighter and more bouncy ride) so there is real market segmentation between these two shoes across the price now.
Visible gel in the heel at the crash zone is only for real heel strikers, anyone midfoot will miss the benefit, and the gel in the forefoot is almost not needed as it is so small - but that is common across the asics range.
The Impact Guideance System (two layers of different density foam that are anatomically shaped) is fantastic at delivering a smooth heel to toe trasition and easily one of the best technologies asics throw in their shoes - the Cumulus 21 is smooth and supportive from heel impact to toe off.
The woven jaquard mesh forefoot is light and breathable. It's seamless which will reduce the risks of irritation for sure. The upper also features a double layer of memory foam in the heel counter. This made the shoe snug and moulded to your heel fairly quickly providing that extra level of comfort, but it's very warm in hot weather. I didn't get the shoe too wet so I'm not sure how much water it will absorb, but it would be more than some other stripped down shoes.
The upper is more accomodating than its predecessor. It has a higher toe box allowing the foot more room so it should prove more appealing than the previous model. It is a minimal change but it does make the shoe more accommodating and roomy.
Full rubber outsole with no EVA ground contact delivers a solid and durable shoe. The grip is only for road and dry tracks, anything worse and these are slippy. Plenty flex grooves in the outsole promotes a flexible ride and there is no issue with any restrictive stiffness for this version of the shoe.
Compared to many shoes on the market, the Cumulus 21 is good value when you compare the technologies and performance against shoes at a similar price.
A traditional feeling running shoe that is resisting the move to rocker and ultralight foams. Solid, durable and reliable - if you are an asics fan, this is right up your running alley.
Gel Cushioning System uses a silicone-based gel for responsive shock absorption on impact.
Flytefoam provides lightweight and durable cushioning that is also environmentally friendly.
Guidance Line is a flex groove that runs vertically from the heel to the forefoot for improved gait efficiency.
Impact Guidance System (IGS) design creates a smooth and balanced heel-to-toe transition.
Asics High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) in the heel is made of carbon rubber for exceptional durability
Multi-directional Mesh comprises the upper, providing lightweight breathability for a plush, irritant-free fit.
Seamless Upper Construction allows for irritation-free sockless wear.
Personal Heel Fit (PHF) uses a two layer memory foam lining in the heel collar to provide an individualized fit.
Contoured Sockliner matches the natural shape of your foot for a better fit.
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| Gender | Mens |
| Year | 2020 |
| Season | Spring/Summer |
| Current model | |
| Release date | 2020 |
| MSRP | $120.00 |
| Weight | 10.1oz / 286g |
| Heal Drop | 10mm |
| Shoe Type | |
| Neutral | |
| Surfaces | |
| Road | |
| Light Trail | |
| Weight | |
| Light | |
| Regular | |
| Heavy | |
