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Tag Archives: asics

Asics Cumulus 18 Review

July 15, 2016 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , 8 Comments

Asics Cumulus 18 Shoe Review

As most people know by now, I’m recovering from an injury, and I’ve been on the hunt for finding a shoe with enough cushion.  The first (of a few) shoes I chose was the Asics Gel Cumulus.  I’ve no stranger to Asics, and I’ve reviewed the Nimbus, Quantum 360 as well as the FuzeX.

Speaking of the Asics Quantum, it’s retired from running and is my favorite shoe to walk around in.  It’s been the shoe protecting my feet while recovering and I like the cushion for hiking too.

Back to the Asics Cumulus: I’ve worn previous Asics Cumulus models to work and run minimally, but I never posted a Asics Cumulus shoe review.  So with the latest update of the Asics Cumulus and running miles, I decided to post a review.

I’m not sponsored by Asics and they aren’t paying me to promote their shoes. I’ve run on a variety of surfaces including the pavement, treadmill, and alter G treadmill.

Asics Cumulus 18 Shoe Review

Asics Cumulus 18 Fit: 

The fit of the Asics Cumulus 18 is much better than previous models.  While most Asics shoes run narrow, the latest model is wider and able to accommodate wider feet like mine.  I usually wear a size 10, and it’s a good fit. The ortholite sockliner in the Asics Cumulus adds extra cushion.

Asics Cumulus 18 Shoe Review

Asics Cumulus 8 Ride: 

Like most Asics models, the Asics Cumulus uses gel.  I like having all of that cushion and feeling under my feet, and I feel the support.  The Asics Cumulus has more gel in the back of the heel as well as ankle.  Truthfully, I could use a little bit more in the forefront, which is probably why I prefer the Asics Nimbus or Asics Quantum for walking around.

The Asics Cumulus is still heavier than many of its rivals such as the Brooks Ghost or Saucony Ride. However, it is a lighter Asics shoe.  There is plenty of cushion whether you are running 1 mile (like me!) or 100.

Asics Cumulus 18 Shoe Review

Asics Cumulus 18 Conclusion:

If you need a neutral shoe with a sufficient amount of cushioning, the Asics Cumulus is a great model for you.  Personally, I like the Asics Cumulus, and I’ll keep it in my rotation for the entire duration of it’s running shoe life.

Asics Cumulus 18 Shoe Review

Similar models: Brooks Ghost, Mizuno Wave Rider, Saucony Ride or Asics FuzeX

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

Have you run in Asics? Have you tried the Asics Cumulus 18?

Do you like a heavy or light weight shoe when running?

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Asics Quantum Shoe Review

September 14, 2015 By in Gear Review, Running, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , 8 Comments

The Asics Gel Quantum came out a few months ago.  We brought in a limited amount at work.  Since I originally liked the gel nimbus I thought it would be a shoe I would like.

Is more gel better?  

The Gel Quantum has the most gel of any Asics shoe created.  Essentially runners wanted as much gel as possible and Asics listened to the feedback.  I tried on a pair at work and decided they were comfortable enough to try running in.

Asics Quantum Review

For those who don’t know I really liked the Gel Nimbus 16 but the 17s irritated the top of my feet.

Why run in a shoe that’s going to cause your feet to bleed?  After talking with a few in store customers I realized I was not the only one that the new upper effected.  Hopefully Asics is able to fix that in the gel nimbus 18.

Finally Asics did not send me these shoes and I’m not being paid to review the shoes. I’m just sharing my personal experience with the shoe.  Remember what works for me might not work for you because no two feet are the same.  I think that is the end of spiel.

Anyways to the Gel Quantum- 
Quick Stats:
Price: $170
Drop: 10mm
Weight 11.9 ounces for men and 9.9 for women

asics quantum

Feel: 

The top of the Asics Gel Quantum is a different material then other Asics models.  It’s got slits on the sides and the upper is completely different.  It breaths a little bit better then other models as well.  To be honest I also find the Quantum to fit the best of any Asics shoe I’ve tried.  I’ve always gone wide in the Asics brand but I have found this shoe to fit perfectly. I wear a regular size 10 which is the same as my usual size.

The Ride: 

There is gel across the entire bottom of the shoe.  Honestly it feels as heavy as you would imagine.  It’s the heaviest and most bulky running shoe I’ve ever owned.  It’s extremely comfortable but I can feel the weight of the shoe.  I like all of the gel and it’s a nice shoe to do my recovery runs in.

Overall thoughts:

I like the Asics Gel Quantum for recovery days. I think it’s a great shoe for feeling cushioned. I don’t foresee myself doing “normal” or fast paced runs because it’s too heavy. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a high cushioned shoe or someone who is injury prone.

Pros:

  • Lots of cushion
  • Breathable and one of the best fitting Asics Shoes
  • Jazzy style

Cons:

  • Expensive ($170)
  • Very heavy

I would recommend it for any neutral runner who likes a lot of cushion. I would also recommend this to anyone who runs in the Asics Cumulus or Asics Nimbus would enjoy extra cushion.  Anyone who runs in Hokas might enjoy this as well. It’s a high end and very cushioned neutral shoe.

Other Shoes I’ve Reviewed:
Hoka Clifton
Saucony Triumph
Saucony Zealot
Nike Vomero
Asics Nimbus

Questions for you:
Have you tried the Asics Gel Quantum?
Do you prefer high cushioned shoes or minimalist, light weight shoes?

Asics Nimbus 17 Review

March 23, 2015 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , 15 Comments

Asics Nimbus 17 Shoe Review

Shortly before my marathon and then afterward, I began running in the Asics Nimbus 17.  Since transitioning from Newtons (last year) into a more traditional running shoe, the Asics Nimbus has been a great shoe to me.  I reviewed the Asics Nimbus 16 a few months ago. The gel and high cushion in the Asics Nimbus support my feet well.  I like more cushion shoes.  I do not like lightweight shoes at all.

asics nimbus 17 1

Side Note: I’m always hesitant to do running shoe reviews because what works (or doesn’t) for me, won’t always be the same for others.  I like a lot of cushions and am a neutral runner.  This means that shoes such as the Saucony Triumph or Brooks Glycerin are good options for me.  This also means. Personally I don’t care for minimalist shoes.  Another thing to keep in mind is that I’m not a techy person.  Either the shoe feels good to me or it doesn’t and I’ll explain why.

I don’t care so much about the technical side of a shoe so I won’t review that part.  Plus, there are much better blog posts that review that anyways…I just give my personal experience with the shoe.  (And no Asics is not paying me to review their shoe).asics nimbus 17

Asics Nimbus 17 Price: 150

The price of the Asics Nimbus 17 is similar to other comparable shoes of different brands such as the Saucony Triumph (150) and Brooks Glycerin (150).

The Asics Nimbus 17 Fit:

The Asics Nimbus has always run a little bit narrow.  Right now, Asics takes the glove-like fit to a whole new level. The previous Asics Nimbus was entirely too narrow for my foot.  I found myself being comfortable in a mens shoe versus women. I have a widefoot, so I usually run in a wide.  With the Asics Nimbus 17, they opened up the toe box space, so my foot has plenty of space to breath.  I usually wear a size 9.5 wide woman’s shoe, and my feet fit comfortably into a size 9.5 Asics Nimbus Wide.

One problem I did have was the top inner toe box rubbed my foot raw.  I ended up bleeding through the shoe.  I know it wasn’t a sock issue.  The toe box fit my foot a little bit different and caused rubbing.  My foot got used to it within a few runs, but it was unpleasant to see the shoe had caused my foot to bleed.

I like the fit much better than the previous model of the Asics Nimbus.  I think Asics did a great job with it.

The Asics Nimbus 17 Ride: 

The shoe is much lighter than the Asics Nimbus 16.  I still feel as if I have the Asics Nimbus cushion I like but with a lot less weight.  I’m honestly not sure how I feel about that aspect. You don’t feel much shock during impact and roll through the gait cycle.

I still feel protected in the Asics Nimbus and I haven’t had any issues or problems with the shoe.  The Asics Nimbus 17 does feel a little bit lighter since it weighs less.  After about 50 miles on the shoe, I didn’t seem to notice much of a difference in weight.

Overall Thoughts of the Asics Nimbus:

I like Asics Nimbus a lot.  I feel comfortable doing my training in this shoe.  The major differences (more open toe box and lighter weight) don’t effect my training significantly.  I will continue to run in the shoe (as well as a new to me shoe the Saucony Triumph).

Edit to add: I’ve ran 104 miles in this shoe (both before and after the marathon).

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. This week I talked all about hydration.

In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. There are often giveaways as well as discount codes.

Questions for you:

What shoe do you train in?

Have you ever tried the Asics Nimbus?

Asics Nimbus Review

November 17, 2014 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , 23 Comments

Another shoe I have been running consistently in is the Asics Nimbus.  I purchased the Asics Nimbus before actually beginning to run.  I knew I wanted a maximum cushion heavy shoe.  While I had thought about the Brooks Glycerin (a shoe I dabbled in the Spring) I don’t care for the update on that shoe.  I had tried on the Asics Nimbus at work and decided that would be a shoe I would return to running in.

Photo taken from the Asics Website

asics nimbus

As always, experiences with running shoes are based on your personal gait, style and preferences of shoes….just because I think a shoe is awesome doesn’t mean you will too.  (That being said, I think the Asics Nimbus is awesome).  I bought the shoe and Asics did not request for me to post about this.  I have no incentive to post. 

Sizing:

Length wise, the shoe runs pretty true to size.  I wear a 9.5 in other brands…in Asics I also wear a 9.5.

Right off the bat, I would recommend seeing how you like the wide version of the shoe.  My only complaint is that I wish it ran a little wider.  The shoe is rather narrow.  It isn’t a problem for me since I could purchase a wide but I can see it being a problem for some people.

Overall feeling while running:

How I feel post running (via instagram)

How I feel post running (via instagram)

As most people I know, I ran in the Newtons for a while.  I supinate and run pretty far on my toes. I have always liked a cushioned shoe and I feel like the Asics Nimbus has a lot of cushion in the forefront as well as the heal.  That is just my personal opinion though.

I like the feeling of the firm yet soft gel underneath.  As opposed to the Hoka (which is soft and “pillow like”, these shoes are much firmer. I actually feel like (possibly because they are heavier) that I’m getting more support from the Asics Nimbus.  I honestly like them a little bit better.

Treadmill: I’ve run a few times on the Alter G.  They felt fine but as I have said before, who really knows with the Alter G.  I’ve also run once on a “normal treadmill”.  I had no issues and felt supported.  They felt cushioned and I didn’t feel like my shins were crying.

Alter G Treadmill

Pavement: I love that I cannot actually feel the pavement.  I feel like I have a lot of cushion under my feet (something I feel like I desperately need).  Since they are so firm, my turnover stays pretty normal.  (I don’t feel like I’m sinking into the shoe and slogging)

Grass: I’ve run on trails a few times in the Asics Nimbus.  They felt good and well cushioned.  I don’t remember tripping.

The Asics Nimbus (in my opinion) is a great shoe.  While it’s pricey (150), it’s worth it to me because I feel much more protected and cushioned.  (And due to the cushion, I’m not paying a deductible to insurance after running in them…ha) It’s a great shoe and one I wish I would have found earlier.

(I’ve run about 100 miles in this shoe and it will stay a staple in my running for a while).

Who would I recommend this shoe too?

Neutral runners who like extra cushion.  Someone that runs in the Brooks Ghost or Glycerin, Saucony Ride or Triumph or any Hoka model.  Also in my personal work experience, it seems to fit orthotics pretty well.

Have you run in the Asics Nimbus?

This is my first experience in it and I wish I had found it sooner.  I run in the Asics Nimbus and have been cross training and working in the Asics Cumulus (both I purchased).  I think Asics did a great update to both shoes.

A Change of Shoes…

October 28, 2014 By in Running Tags: , , , , , 45 Comments

New shoes?

I’ve completely changed my running shoes. I’m no longer running in Newtons at all. Right now I’m training in both the Asics Nimbus and the Hoka Clifton (neither have sponsored this post).

Why?

Both of these shoes are extremely cushioned which is exactly what I need right now. Looking back at the last 4 months of my training, I’ve been injured for three out off out of four months. I was in a weird limbo stage for the other month. So I can sum up the last four months as my running did not go well.  However, I’m not changing my shoes because my running left a lot to be desired.

First, I’ve never been a minimalist shoe person. With the exception of racing flats, I like a nice cushioned shoe.

 

Why leave Newtons, a shoe I’ve run in most of my running career?

But really...this was only a few pairs I went through...the orange model was my favorite

But really…this was only a few pairs I went through…the orange model was my favorite

 

For most of my running career that shoe was the Newton Gravity. In few shoes, Newton has gone through multiple shoe design changes. Newton went from 4 lugs to 5 and narrowed the toe box. Long story short, I haven’t run successfully in them.  I was getting away with running in the shoes but it didn’t feel as good to me as before.  Realistically, the changes they’ve made have been so drastic (for me personally), it’s a change of shoe anyways. (I hoarded a bunch of previous models when they were on clearance). Anything I begin running now is going to be different from the shoe I spent three years running in. Nothing lasts forever and while this shoe design may work for some, it doesn’t work for me. (I’m not blaming any of my injuries on Newtons, I’m just explaining my reasoning to switch shoes).

So that takes me to now is a perfect time to switch shoes. Why?

I haven’t run in almost two months and I have to progress into running slowly anyways. If I jump into miles too quickly, I’ll get injured. The same thing that would happen if I decided to run in different shoes at 70 miles per week.

So this is a good time for me to switch shoes.

Another random point, since my bone broke, my foot has gone up about a half size. My feet now measure at an awkward 9.5 WIDE. (My runner store nerd talking) But going up a half size to a full size in running shoes won’t hurt or injure you but too small of shoes will.

All of my current shoes are too small and my shoe of choice has been modified anyways. Things in life are not forever and it was good timing to switch shoes anyways. Lucky for me since I haven’t been racing, I was able to buy some new running shoes. New running shoe cost will take precedence over racing anyways (at least for me).  You can’t race without shoes…well some people can I guess.

Via my instagram (Asics Nimbus)

Via my instagram (Asics Nimbus)

So after running for a couple of weeks in both the Asics nimbus and Hoka Clifton, I’m happy with the cushion in both. The Asics nimbus is a little heavier and dense which I like. I’ve been running more of my Alter G miles in the Asics. I’ve been running more of my outdoors shoes in the Hoka Clifton.  I like both shoes a lot and so far I’m happy with both of the shoes.  It’s tough to say which pair I like better since I’ve put about 15 miles on each.  As my running (hopefully) picks up, I’ll be able to make more concrete thoughts.

Once I run another week in the Hokas I’ll have a review about them (I’ve gotten a lot of questions about them!)

Awkwardly trying on the clifton at Fitblog

Awkwardly trying on the Hoka clifton at Fitblog

I alternate each run in opposite shoes.   So far I am extremely pleased with both and I’m glad I have decided to switch shoes.   At work, we always preach don’t fix what ain’t broken.  (Don’t change your running shoes if you have stayed injury free).  That applies to the majority of cases in running but when a shoe goes through a drastic change or you are getting injured, it might be time to fix the shoe.

If you have any questions about either shoe feel free to ask and Ill try my best to find an answer.

Questions for you:
Have you changed running shoes completely?
What is your shoe of choice? 

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