The Cushion is Real: Reviewing the Asics GEL-CUMULUS 25

After a few years of Asics-less running, I have started to ease back into some of this classic company’s catalog. The Asics GEL-CUMULUS 25 is a long standing shoe in their arsenal and as such, is pretty reliable. It’s a nice daily trainer that gets some modifications in its 25th go around – and I think it holds up.

See all our reviews on Asics Here!

Looks:

The Asics GEL-CUMULUS 25 features a sleek and modern design that will appeal to many runners. There are a baker’s dozen of color choices are limited, but we absolutely love the white on white (on white on…) colorway is awesome. This isn’t always the best style for PNW running, but for at least a few runs, we will be looking crisp and new. The other colorways offer a variety of options in a more “traditionally-running” style.

Fit & Construction:

This 25th version has an added 2.5mm of stack (up to 37.5mm / 29.5 mm) and decreases weight along the way. Some more specs:

• FF BLAST™ PLUS technology
• PureGEL™ technology
• AHAR™ outsole rubber
• OrthoLite™ X-30 sockliner
  • Produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by ~33% and carbon emissions by ~45% compared to the conventional dyeing technology
• Engineered jacquard mesh upper
  • At least 75% is made with recycled content

Upper:

The Asics GEL-CUMULUS 25 upper has a durable construction that is designed to withstand the wear and tear of running. The upper is updated and constructed of a breathable mesh material that allows for airflow. Honestly, the upper – including the rear heel and the tongue – is absolutely money. It almost fits like a comfort shoe than a true running shoe. The laces hold things in place nicely and have held up amazingly well along runs – no stopping to adjust needed

The upper is not the thinnest construction in the world and if they slimmed it down, they could probably knock off even more weight. But hot dang this upper is a hug in a shoe.

The toe box is pretty wide allowing for most food widths to be accommodated (though there is also a wide version available).

Midsole:

The midsole of the Asics GEL-CUMULUS 25 is made with FlyteFoam technology, which is designed to provides a responsive and cushioned ride. The shoe also features PureGEL cushioning in the heel and forefoot, which helps to absorb shock and provide a comfortable ride.

Honestly, the combo of the two techs creates a super soft sensation. I love a softer landing, but it was almost too soft initially. It took me some getting used to, as I prefer a little bit more road feel than bounce. But, if you are looking for something super soft and cushioned- the 25 is an amazing option.

Even with a soft and springy construction, my foot did feel pretty supported laterally and I didn’t feel like I was gonna spring out and roll my ankles with each step. It’s really a solid training shoe where you desire some shock-absorbing miles and need less snap and pop along the way.

Outsole:

The outsole of the shoe (what some people would dub “gum rubber” provides excellent traction on various surfaces. The outsole also features flex grooves that allow for a more natural range of motion when running.

The outsole of the Asics GEL-CUMULUS 25 is made of a durable rubber material that provides solid traction and stability on a variety of surfaces. It is strategically placed on the four quadrants of the outsole. Durability is TBD, but it seems like it will do the trick.

Overall:

Overall, the Asics GEL-CUMULUS 25 fits a nice niche in your run planning. As mentioned previously, this is a solid shoe that falls in the middle ground of runs. It may not be your speed tempo shoe or half marathon racer. However, it is an excellent option for medium-to-short distance miles at an easier pace. Your legs and feet need time to recover, and these provide a great level of support to do just that.

All things considered, these sit at a nice pricepoint as well – $140. With many running shoes scanning in at $170+, these accomplish a lot with a lower tag attached to it.