Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 | £140 | Tester: Laura Fountain

Soft enough for long runs, light enough for every day.

Image: Canva/Asics

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 often lives in the shadow of its bigger sibling, the Gel-Nimbus, but that might be doing it a disservice. While the Nimbus is ASICS’s premium max-cushioned cruiser, the Cumulus offers a more balanced approach, delivering plenty of comfort and protection without the extra weight and bulk.

For runners who want a dependable daily trainer that can handle everything from easy miles to longer runs, the Gel-Cumulus 28 could be the sweet spot in the ASICS range.

Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 technical details

Price: £140
Size: 3-10
Weight: 223g
Drop: 8mm
Foam: FF BLAST MAX cushioning
Tech: PureGEL technology

Image: Asics

Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 pros and cons

Pros

• Comfortable, well-balanced cushioning.
• Lighter and more versatile than many max-cushioned alternatives.
• Reliable fit and durable construction.

Cons

• Doesn’t have the energy return of newer super-trainers.
• Not the cheapest daily trainer.

Who and what thes Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 for?

I think the Gel-Cumulus 28 is ideal for runners who want a dependable daily trainer that can handle a bit of everything. For me, it works best for easy runs, steady training miles and longer efforts where comfort matters more than speed. If you don’t want an overly soft max-cushion shoe but still want plenty of protection underfoot, this sits nicely in the middle ground.

How does it fit?

I found the Gel-Cumulus 28 fitted true to size with a secure but comfortable feel straight out of the box. The engineered mesh upper feels soft and breathable, and I liked that there was enough room in the toe box for my feet to spread naturally without the shoe feeling sloppy.

Around the heel and midfoot, the fit felt secure without needing to over-tighten the laces, and the heel collar had enough padding to feel comfortable without becoming bulky.

Is it comfortable?

Comfort is where this shoe really works for me. The combination of FF BLAST PLUS cushioning and PureGEL technology gives the shoe a soft, cushioned feel, but not in an overly squishy way. I found it absorbed impact well on longer runs while still feeling light enough for everyday miles. The upper also feels smooth against the foot, and overall it’s one of those shoes I could happily wear for hours without noticing any irritation or pressure points.

On the run

On the run, I found the ride smooth, balanced and predictable. The cushioning softens landings nicely, especially on harder road surfaces, and the rocker shape helps the shoe transition smoothly through each stride. It’s not especially bouncy or aggressive, but I liked that it never felt dull either.

I found it most enjoyable at easy to moderate paces, where the softer heel and stable platform really come into their own. The shoe also felt lighter than previous Cumulus models I’ve worn, which made it easier to pick up the pace when needed.

Where can I buy it?

The Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 is available from Asics and selected running stores.

Looking for the perfect shoe? Check out our favourite Asics models.