Steady Strides: The ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 27 Keeps Rolling

Reliability.

It’s a word that often gets overlooked. Sure, we all understand its importance—whether in life, relationships, or even the gear we rely on daily. But let’s be honest: reliability can sometimes be seen as boring. Its why people leave jobs due to monotony, end relationships for excitement, or shell out another $225 for the latest high-tech running shoe. Sometimes, change is necessary. But we shouldn’t overlook the value of something that just works.

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That’s exactly what the ASICS GEL-CUMULUS line represents. Now in its 27th iteration, this shoe is all about consistency in its truest form. It doesn’t chase flashy innovations or demand attention. Instead, it fills a lane—and fills it well. There’s a reason it’s been around for nearly 30 years and continues to sell millions of pairs with each release. That, my friends, is reliability.

Looks:

As one of ASICS’ flagship models, the GEL-CUMULUS always comes in a variety of colorways. We loved the review color of the 26, but I am a little lukewarm about the review colorway of the 27. That’s not a knock on ASICS—it’s just personal preference.

If we had the choice to pick our review color, we might have gone with something different. That said, ASICS offers everything from neutral tones to bold, colorful options, ensuring there’s a style for everyone. No complaints there.

Construction:

Honestly, there’s not a lot of change between the GEL-CUMULUS 26 and 27. The midsole and outsole remain largely the same, offering the same dependable ride that longtime wearers expect. The biggest update is in the upper—not the most thrilling modification, but one that ensures the shoe maintains its signature feel. For those who love the Cumulus experience, this means getting a fresh pair with a familiar ride, without overthinking things.

Specs:

• Weight: 9.7 oz. (mens 10)
• Heel Drop: 8mm
• Stack: 38.5mm / 30.5mm (mens); 37.5mm/29.5mm in the (women’s)

https://runoregonblog.com/2024/04/01/spring-is-here-and-so-is-the-asics-gel-cumulus-26/

Upper:

The upper has been updated to an engineered jacquard mesh construction, the same material found in the NIMBUS-27. While the new design offers a solid fit, I do miss the stretchy tongue from the Cumulus 26—seriously, that tongue was amazing.

It added an extra level of comfort and locked down the fit up front, which feels slightly less dialed in on the 27. The minor weight increase in this version is negligible, likely due to these small tweaks, but overall, the feel remains familiar.

Midsole

No surprises here—the stack height remains unchanged, meaning the stability and ground feel are pretty much identical to the previous version. The midsole is still made with FlyteFoam Blast Plus, which keeps things lightweight and cushioned without feeling too mushy.

The base is nice and wide, giving your toes plenty of room to splay, which is always a welcome feature, especially in a shoe that manages to keep a relatively low weight profile.

Outsole:

The outsole carries over from the previous model, featuring the same FluidRide blended EVA/rubber compound. No major updates here, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it still delivers reliable traction and durability. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

Overall:

The ASICS GEL-Cumulus 27 isn’t here to shake up the running world—it’s here to provide the same reliable experience that runners have trusted for decades. If you’re looking for a shoe that delivers consistent comfort and performance without unnecessary frills, this is it. It may not be the flashiest option on the market, but reliability is its own kind of strength.