Category: Running (neutral)
Weight: 9.3 oz
Best for: Casual runners who want a cushy, stable ride
Star feature: P.H.F. (Personal Heel Fit)
Having run in the Gel-Cumulus for nearly ten years before switching in 2012 to something lighter, faster and more “barefoot” feeling, I took off for a run in Asics' latest Cumulus with a mix of curiosity and trepidation—the kind one feels when reuniting with an old, spurred friend.
And, as with an old friend, the spark was still there but faded somewhat. If you like the feeling of jumping on a hotel bed (and who doesn’t), the Gel-Cumulus 15 recreates that feeling pretty accurately. Enhanced cushioning—including Asics’ trademarked Personal Heel Fit (P.H.F.) memory foam—envelope the foot from toe to heel and all around the collar. The result is a bouncy, soft strike that feels akin to, yes, jumping on a high-end mattress.
For the runner who aims to finish a marathon in fine physical shape but doesn’t care too much about time, this is the shoe for you. For a runner who wants fast splits and as little hindrance as possible, try something else. Despite—or more likely because of—all that cushioning, my usual pace on a mid-distance run increased by a full minute per mile. Yes, my feet felt like they were at the spa, but the rest of me wanted to unload the extra pound of gear.
This is still a great shoe and one of Asics’ most popular models for casual runners. Colorways are classic but seem too strictly divided along gender lines. (The pink and purple combo, for example, is cloying, whereas red and blue feel overly masculine.) A high collar and cushioning at the heel give excellent support and micromesh fabric renders blisters obsolete.
Bottom line: At $115, it’s not the best value for the novice or casual runner, but for one who loves a cushy ride and lots of support—regardless of strike—there is no better option than the Gel-Cumulus. It keeps getting better. Heavier, but otherwise better.
Cary Randolph Fuller is a writer based in New York City. A finisher of six marathons and one 50-mile ultramarathon, this is her first contribution to Sneaker Report. Follow her @CaryRandolph on Twitter and Instagram.
