ASICS Men's Gel-Cumulus 23 Trainers

Product Information

The midsole has ASICS’ FLYTEFOAM™ Propel cushion. While this isn’t the most cushioned ride, it still provides a ton of support, responsiveness, and ground feel. I think this cushion will last a long time and remain responsive, even after a few hundred miles on them. It also doesn’t feel like an exciting shoe. It does however feel well-rounded, well-built, reliable and luxurious.

Compared to other mid-priced, neutral daily trainers from other brands, the Cumulus receives the most updates annually which keeps things exciting and fresh. Wrapping the foot with an even softer feel, the engineered mesh upper adds strategic support in targeted areas while leaving some of the fibers more open to improve breathability. The upper also works more closely with the midsole's movement, which creates a smoother stride from footstrike to toe-off. Walking around in the Cumulus 23, I could feel that the layer directly underfoot was less spongy than the Nimbus 23 with less of a sink-in sensation. Saucony Ride 14- The best in class 2020 trainer only gets better in its 2021 edition, with an improved fit and rideIf you were to Google image search “daily training running shoe”, the odds are high that the Asics Cumulus would be one of the first images that pop up. Another gender-specific feature is the 3D cloud construction in the midsole. Both midsoles in the men’s and women’s shoes provide support specifically for their foot shape. It gives you that built-for-you feel, which makes this shoe that much more comfortable. The Cumulus 23 is softer than the Ghost 13, Ride 14 and Pegasus 38 but not as soft as the Clifton 7 so it doesn’t feel like you’re sinking down with every foot strike. I know I’ve mentioned forefoot flexibility a few times already, but I want to point out that it is not overly flexible to the point of being a little tedious to run in. I had that experience a little recently with the Brooks Ghost 13 where there was too much forefoot flex resulting in forefoot fatigue towards the end of my 6-8milers. There is none of that here. Some combination of the smooth and firm midsole keeps things turning over easily. I’ve had a really good run of testing daily trainers of the more traditional variety lately and this is one of my favourites. While the Nike Pegasus, New Balance 880, Saucony Ride and Hoka Clifton receive upper-only updates every other year, you can expect the Cumulus to get a brand new upper, midsole and outsole every year.

I had a little heel slip, but there’s a second lace hole at the top of the patter and the laces are long enough to do a modified lacing technique that solved any issues.

How Does the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 23 Perform on the Run?

I recommend this shoe to my friends because I love putting it on. Seriously, I can’t get my foot out of it. I like wearing it all the time, even when I’m not running. This shoe is just a great and reliable ride. What’s Special About the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 23? Top Three Things: Personal: C+ (I want to like this shoe, but the heel absolutely killed this. These are relegated to work shoes) That’s because the Cumulus is the textbook definition of a comfortable, daily trainer with a versatile ride character. It’s a multipurpose, do-everything shoe which is why it’s been such a crowd pleaser for over two decades. Flytefoam has come a long way. What used to be a really firm, unforgiving foam only suited for fast runs, has now become softer, more lively and more versatile.

The outsole pattern along with relatively soft rubber up front, contributes to the softness at the forefoot and an easy flex which instead of having a set flex point is long and gradual. I think the rubber could be a touch firmer upfront to give the shoe a touch more response and pop at faster paces. Grip has been solid and durability as always with ASICS should be good. Stability: B- (Neutral shoe. However narrow midfoot and posterior/lateral heel flare creates excessive load/instability)You want a budget, lightweight shoe. If weight is your focus, the ASICS Hyper Speed is still budget-minded but almost 2 ounces lighter. You want a soft plush ride. Although the Cumulus is padded, its sibling the Gel Nimbus is a better option for those that want a plush feeling underfoot. Sam: Agree with Derek above on all points. As with the Ride 13 I do think the Cumulus has a slightly softer and more cushioned ride. As an all arounder I lean ever so slightly towards the more responsive, slightly firmer 880.