The ASICS Cumulus 27 keeps its status as one of ASICS’ most well-rounded, neutral daily trainers. It’s not the flashiest or most hyped shoe, but that’s never been its goal. Instead, the Cumulus 27 leans into being a reliable, straightforward trainer that runners of all levels can count on. The newest version drops weight, boosts the stack, and maintains that smooth, familiar ride that’s kept this model going strong for over two decades. I think if ASICS drastically changed either the Cumulus or the Nimbus, there may be a riot.
Before trying the ASICS Cumulus 27, I had some questions:
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Has the ASICS Cumulus 27 been updated? Yes, you’ll notice some “bigger” updates, but overall it feels like the same Cumulus people know and love.
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Does the ASICS Cumulus 27 fit true to size? It does fit true to size, although some find the ASICS last more narrow.
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What is the ASICS Cumulus 27 made for? It’s made for the daily grind of training.
Now, let’s get into an honest review of the ASICS Cumulus 27.
Quick Facts
Price: $139.95
Weight: 9.2 oz (men’s), 8.1 oz (women’s)
Stack Height: 41 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot
Drop: 8 mm
ASICS Cumulus 27 Fit
The Cumulus 27 features a lighter engineered mesh upper that feels breathable and secure. The heel and midfoot are slightly snug, with ample padding that adds to the comfort without feeling bulky. The toebox tapers a bit, but the mesh does stretch out after a few runs.
If you’ve worn ASICS before, they generally run a bit narrow. They’ve gotten way better throughout the years, but they are on the more narrow side. ASICS also usually features a higher heel counter, and the ASICS Cumulus 27 is no different. It hasn’t bothered me, but I know it has bothered some people.
In running shoes, I wear between a size 10–11 wide, and the size 11 fits me the best. I haven’t had any issues with fit this year with ASICS, and that says a lot because at one point I couldn’t even wear a women’s size 11 wide, and 12 just felt too long. So I think the ASICS Cumulus 27 does fit pretty true to size.
ASICS Cumulus 27 Ride
The midsole is where the magic happens, right? For the most part, the ASICS Cumulus 27 is not flashy. It’s a daily trainer designed to get the job done. Some may find it “boring,” but honestly, it does everything it needs to do and stays consistent year after year.
The full-length FF Blast+ midsole gives the shoe a soft but slightly responsive ride. ASICS also incorporated their PureGEL in the heel, which you’ll mostly notice on heel strikes. The overall feel is cushioned but not squishy, and there’s just enough bounce to make easy runs enjoyable and tempo efforts possible.
While the 41 mm heel sounds max-stack, the ride feels more moderate underfoot. The posterior lateral bevel in the heel helps guide the transition, especially for heel strikers. The forefoot starts off a little stiff, but it loosens up with a few runs and ends up feeling more natural than previous versions.
Random but it’s so sad that you can no longer see the ASICS “signature gel” in the Cumulus. So many people came into the running store and would want to see the cushioning. I know it’s a thing of the past, but darn I miss it.
Where does the ASICS Cumulus 27 fit in my rotation? It’s an easy run/daily run trainer. It has enough cushion…now in the more maximum cushioned category (with that stack height of 41 mm). While it can handle some faster runs, it’s definitely made for easy and daily runs. There are way better shoes from ASICS that can handle faster runs.
Outsole
ASICS has always been one of the more durable brands, and the ASICS Cumulus 27 is no different. The outsole features ASICS’ FluidRide compound, which helps contribute to the overall softness of the shoe. I haven’t had any issues with sliding around and have taken it out on wet days as well as some sandy trails.
As far as durability, I anticipate the ASICS Cumulus 27 to last around 300–400 miles. I’ve never really had an ASICS shoe not last the full 300–400 miles, and the ASICS Cumulus 27 is no different.
ASICS Cumulus 27 Conclusion
The ASICS GEL-Cumulus 27 stays true to what it’s always been: a dependable, no-fuss daily trainer. The lighter weight and more refined forefoot make it a better all-around performer than its predecessor. It’s a classic daily trainer. While not a ton of hype, it’s an important running shoe in your rotation.
Who Should Buy the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 27
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Runners seeking a classic, neutral daily trainer that’s lighter and more versatile than many high-stack shoes.
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Athletes wanting a padded, secure heel and a slightly softer midsole.
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Those doing a mix of easy runs and light workouts without needing plated or aggressive rockered shoes.
Who Should Not Buy the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 27
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Those needing a high rocker or super soft ride. While cushioned, this is not a plush shoe.
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Those looking for a speed work shoe. Consider the ASICS Magic Speed, Metaspeed Edge or Sky. Even the Superblast 2 handles speed a bit better.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, New Balance 1080v13 Shoe Review , Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0 Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Nike Alphafly 3
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro ,Nike Vaporfly 3 ,
Curious about how I do gear reviews? You can read about that here.
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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 of running shoes.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite daily trainer?
Do you have a trainer you’ve used for years?