ASICS Gel Cumulus 24

It's time to deal with one of the oldest cushioning and running shoes on the market: the Asics Gel Cumulus reach their 24th edition, and if I've learned something in the years I've been testing 9 shoes, is that if a brand repeats a model year after year, it means that many runners like it. And as the popular runner is increasingly demanding and the competition is wider, a shoe that has 24 editions is synonymous that things are doing well. Based on this premise, I admit that I wanted to try this model because of the good reviews I had read from other "fellow" testers and because I've been wishing to try an old shoe for some time after the good sensations I got from the Asics Gel Kayano 28

So I picked up these new Cumulus 24 at a time when I'm running to get fit, without a defined running goal. I've done a total of 20 outings with them. The shortest 5km, the longest 15km. If I had to reduce this review to one sentence: "The best Asics I've ever tried" .

What type of runner are the Asics Gel Cumulus 24 recommended for?

It's a running shoe, extremely comfortable, with an exquisite touch. It has the perfect balance between cushioning, comfort and reactivity. Perfect for runners up to 80-82 kg looking for a shoe for everything. For relaxed runs, to run a half marathon or a marathon at a slower pace of 4:45 m/km (approx.) but at the same time, runners who want to feel safe, protected and above all with great comfort.

It is a shoe for runners. To accumulate kilometers with the assurance that your feet are going in a sedan. With a dynamic and smooth transition from heel to toe. A pleasure for your feet.

What did we like most about the Asics Gel Cumulus 24?

I would like to highlight 3 aspects that surprised me the most in this model.

Firstly, the care with which Asics treats both men and women, with specific models and lasts for each gender (with the limitations that each foot is different).

Secondly, its commitment to manufacturing in a more sustainable way with an upper made from recycled materials .

And thirdly, their comfort. They are incredibly comfortable. You really don't get the idea. It's the typical shoe that when you go to the closet no matter what you're going to train that day, you see the Cumulus 24 and you don't hesitate. They are your choice.

I'm going to add a fourth point in their favor, their durability. These Asics are built to rack up the miles. They are natural running shoes and are ready to withstand the onslaught of hard asphalt or dirt trails for a long time.

Opportunities for improvement in the Asics Gel Cumulus 24

But as there is almost nothing perfect in this life, there are also aspects that in my opinion can be improved for future editions, first of all their sole, in wet asphalt, because they are slippery. We are from Bilbao and here it rains. On dry asphalt no problem. On wet asphalt, be careful, they are quite slippery, so on wet days you have to go out with low revolutions, or opt for another pair of shoes.

Secondly, their design. As I always like to say, it is a matter of taste. I particularly think that what we have seen of the range so far, it has a lot of sobriety. Flat, dark colors, except for a seawater green color that we have loved, but only available for women.

What shoes are in direct competition with these Asics Gel Cumulus v24?

Definitely, this is a complex answer, since these Cumulus 24 are placed in the section of neutral shoes with excellent cushioning, comfort and a contained weight. In other words, possibly one of the most competitive ranges on the market. But here are the ones that I consider their direct rivals:

New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12

Brooks Ghost 14

Puma Velocity Nitro 2

Nike Pegasus 39

HOKA Bondi 7

Adidas Solarglide 5

Conclusion

Rarely it happened to me, what has occurred with these Asics Gel Cumulus 24. Good sensations as soon as you put the shoe on, good sensations with the first kilometers in them, good sensations with the first long run. They are excellent running shoes, very versatile, comfortable, light (for the type of running shoe it is) and with apparently good durability. I put the "but" of the wet sole and I'm waiting to see the colorways that will be appearing of the model. But it is clear to me that this is a great shoe. Candidate for best cushioning shoe of the year.