The ASICS Cumulus 25 is now 25 years old. It’s a classic daily trainer meant for the meat and potatoes of running. While not glamorous and usually not hyped, the Cumulus gets things done. Many everyday trainers (Brooks Ghost, Saucony Ride, New Balance 880) get almost no hype and excitement when updated, but they are the trainers that get you through most of the running (easy and daily runs).
What is the difference between the ASICS Cumulus 25 and ASICS Nimbus 25? The Nimbus is more cushioned and has more shoes. The Nimbus is the way to go if you want or need more pillows. The Cumulus has less cushion and is lighter. Right now, they do feel fairly similar and given the choice between the Nimbus and Cumulus, I would probably try the Cumulus 25 just because it’s cheaper.
ASICS Cumulus 25 Quick Facts:
Weight: 8.1 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 8 mm
Cost: $140
ASICS Cumulus 25 Intro:
A lot has changed with the Cumulus. It now features a higher stack height as well as being much softer. The weight has always dropped significantly, and it feels a lot lighter. ASICs use full-length Flytefoam Blast+ and a PureGel heel. Because of the PureGel heel provide plenty of cushion, the Cumulus can keep its name: “ASICS Gel Cumulus 25”.
ASICS Cumulus 25 Fit:
The ASICS line has always fit more narrow. I like to say it fits long and lean and favors the more narrow foot type. The mesh is thicker, which worries me since we are soon entering the Mojave Desert summer. I don’t need my feet overheating.
An exciting fact is that 75% of the ASICS Cumulus 25 is made with recycled content to reduce waste and carbon emissions. I’m always interested in brands becoming more sustainable with tangible things they do with their shoes. Not just “we are more environmentally friendly”…okay, so how? Over 90% of the Cumulus 25 upper is made from recycled polyester.
With the recycled upper, I’ve found it doesn’t breathe as well as if it was just a regular upper. That’s unfortunate. It’s not terrible, but the upper doesn’t breathe as I would prefer. I haven’t had a time where I felt like I needed them off immediately because the breathing was that bad, but I’ve noticed that they don’t breathe as well and my feet get overheated easily.
In running shoes, I typically wear between 10-11 wide. It’s been years since I’ve worn anything smaller than a size 11 in ASICS, and the Cumulus 25 is no different. The regular width size 11 fits well.
ASICS Cumulus 25 Ride:
The Cumulus 25 feels a lot different. If you’re used to the previous versions, this newest version will feel like a completely different shoe. The update includes:
- full-length Flytefoam Blast+
- PureGel insert in the heel. (This is weird because it’s always been the “gel” Cumulus, and now you can’t even see the Gel.
It feels much lighter than the Nimbus 25, and like a shoe, you can pick up the pace more easily. As mentioned, ASICS used to only to use Gel in their shoes, but they have since branched out a little bit. This is great to see because gel is more often clunky. This means that ASICS shoes are usually heavier and bulkier than competitive brands. Similar to cell phones, shoes have gotten lighter with more cushion. As they maintained being heavy, this means ASICS hasn’t been as competitive in the running shoe world.
Traction and Durability: ASICS uses AHAR+ rubber in most of their shoes and continues to use it in the ASICS Cumulus 25. I’ve never had an issue with traction or durability in ASICS shoes, and I don’t anticipate the Cumulus 25 to be any different. I’ve taken it in inclement weather and sandy trails without having any issues with sliding around. If you are looking for a durable trainer, you can’t get much more durable than the ASICS Cumulus 25.
When I first ran in the ASICS Cumulus 25, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Immediately when trying it on, it didn’t feel like any other version of the Cumulus. The shoe is very soft and then gets firmer as you run. Usually, I don’t need to break in shoes, but it felt like I needed a few runs to feel like I was enjoying the shoe. I appreciate the ASICS Cumulus 25 rolls quickly from the heel to toe; it transitions well. For me, the ASICS Cumulus has always been an easy run or daily run shoe, and while the Cumulus 25 feels like that, it also feels very different.
ASICS Cumulus 25 Conclusion:
Who should buy the ASICS Cumulus 25? If you are looking for a durable trainer to handle almost any training.
Who should not buy the ASICS Cumulus 25? If you are looking for a racing shoe or if you have wider feet. For more cushion, consider the ASICS Nimbus 25; for a “faster” trainer, view the ASICS Superblast.
In all, I’m a fan of the Cumulus 25. While it does feel different, it is a great trainer. I’m curious to see how those who have been Cumulus loyalists respond because it does feel very different.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: ASICS Cumulus 25, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12, Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro, Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Are you looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths about running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the ASICS Cumulus 25?
What is your favorite daily trainer?