SHOE REVIEW: Asics Gel-Cumulus 26

The ASICS Gel Cumulus 26 has seen some major updates. Available now, the newest version has a reimagined upper and outsole, coupled with the same FF Blast Plus midsole ride that you loved in the 25. For me, the Cumulus is an ideal easy-day shoe that’s responsive enough but also keeps me feeling well cushioned underfoot. It’s a shoe that helps me recover, which is the exact purpose of an easy day.

Category: Neutral
Available: Now
Weight: 255 g (men’s) 220 g (women’s)
Drop: 8 mm
Stack height: 38.5 mm (men’s), 37.5 mm (women’s)
MSRP: CAD $180

Upper

The upper is relatively unchanged from the 25, with a highly breathable engineered mesh as the main material. It’s one piece of fabric, making the shoe more comfortable and helping to keep it light (both the men’s and women’s 26 are lighter than the 25). While this upper is not waterproof, the mesh dries and breathes very well, keeping your feet cool in warmer weather.

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Midsole

The midsole of the Gel-Cumulus 26 is the same as the 25–FF Blast Plus. This is the midsole used across many of ASICS’ beloved lineup of trainers, including the Superblast and the Novablast. This foam strikes a great balance of providing cushion without weighing you down. As always, the FF Blast Plus is coupled with Gel in the rear of the shoe, for added cushioning on landings.

It’s the kind of foam that helps you feel protected, but also energized. 

Outsole

The other major updates are in the outsole. The Fluidride outsole features a blend of EVA and rubber to provide better durability and grip–so you don’t have to replace your shoes as often! This foam also allows for a smoother and softer landing, as some foam has been left uncovered by rubber (which is only used in high-contact areas, as opposed to all over the bottom of the shoe). 

Final thoughts

The Gel-Cumulus 26 is ideal for the neutral runner who needs a trusty trainer. It’s great for an easy run, and pairs well with a Metaspeed or Magic Speed for race day or interval training. In my own shoe rotation, I use it for a 10K jog when my legs are feeling beat up from workouts.

However, if you’re a one-shoe-to-do-it-all kind of person, the Gel-Cumulus 26 is also a good buy. It can easily take you from a 10K run to the gym to a step class.