Asics Gel Cumulus 23 Review: It is a cushioned trainer and very popular amongst the running shoes. We would like to prepare a quick guide which includes a complete list of details about the Asics Gel Cumulus 23 that will give you a foresight for a decision. To begin with, The Gel Cumulus 23 is neutral running shoe, and it is cushioned and responsive. We would like to begin with answering the question; why is the Gel Cumulus 23 the best for average runners? The First, it has a good balance between cushioning and the stability. The second, it is not as pricey as the some high-end products.
The most frequently asked question about the Gel Cumulus is its differences from the Gel Nimbus. Before, we go to an in-depth review of Asics Gel Cumulus 23; we would like to point out that the difference between the Gel Cumulus and the Gel Nimbus. The key points are the amount of cushioning, responsiveness and the price tag. We have prepared a standalone post that compares the Gel Cumulus vs Gel Nimbus product lines of Asics. One more point to discuss is the difference between the Cumulus and the Kayano Models. The Asics Gel Kayano is a stability shoe; the Gel Cumulus is a neutral running shoe. You can reach the review of Asics Gel Kayano via here.
The Asics Gel Cumulus 23 is at a very reasonable price, it is about $120. The price vs performance review of the Gel Cumulus 23 put it in the forefront. It is a cushioned model, but there is a good balance between the cushioning and the responsiveness. This model is very well for ground feeling; it has also the Asics’s Gel & FlyteFoam material like the Gel Nimbus Model. So, it is plush, and comfortable in each step.
Related Article: Best Running Shoes of the Year
Summary Table of Asics Gel Cumulus 23
We made a list of summary table for the Asics Gel Cumulus 23, as much as we can. Here is the full list:
| Review Criteria | Stand of Asics Gel Cumulus 23 |
|---|---|
| Type of Shoe | Neutral Shoe |
| Type of Cushioning | Balanced |
| Amount of Cushioning | Moderate |
| Sole | A bit rigid |
| Responsiveness | Good Ground Feeling, Moderate |
| Stability | Moderate |
| Design | Gender Specific |
| Comfort | Moderate |
| Forefoot-Comfort | Wide Forefoot for Toe Splay |
| Heel to Toe Drop | 10 mm (Men’s & Women’s) |
| Weight | 280 gr/ 9.9 oz – Men’s, 230 gr / 8.1 oz – Women’s |
| Weight Scale | Moderate |
| Cost | More budged friendly |
| Fit | True to Size |
Pros & Cons of Asics Gel Cumulus 23
Based on our review we would like to share our findings. Here is the list of Pros & Cons for the Asics Gel Cumulus 23.
| Asics Gel Cumulus 23 Pros | Asics Gel Cumulus 23 Cons |
|---|---|
| Cushioning: Gel Cumulus 23 is very comfortable due to Gel & FlyteFoam (but less cushioning than the Nimbus) | Not so bouncy |
| Ride: A bit stiff, but feels smooth and responsive ride. | Warm: Although the mesh upper is updated to increase the breathability, it still needs improvement. The collar and the tongue traps the heat, may be this is not the best shoe for the hot days. |
| Upper comfort: Very soft upper, locks the foot securely. Perfect fit. | |
| Extra Wide Width Option | |
| Wide Toe Box for Natural Toe Splay | |
| Traction: AHAR Lite outsole works very well. We did not encounter any slippage. Good choice for wet and dry surfaces | |
| Great Durability – long lasting Shoe |
What are the updates on the new edition, the Asics Gel Cumulus 23? The new version of the Gel Cumulus was released on the 1st of April, 2021. After that, we wondered what kinds of features are being updated on the New Gel Cumulus. Finally, we had a chance to test this beauty.
Asics Gel Cumulus 23 vs 22 – Updates & Key features
We would like to summarize the Asics Gel Cumulus 23 vs 22 comparison, updates and key features as follows:
- The New Gel Cumulus has more support and it is even smoother and softer ride. Asics re-designed the Gel Cumulus line and tailored its technology based on men’s and women’s need. So, it has a gender specific design that we will discuss in this section.
- To consider the natural anatomy of runners while in motion, more holistic design approach has been implemented on the upper and midsole formation.
- There is an extra wide fit option available on the new Gel Cumulus for the ones who need more width in their footwear.
- The upper is updated as well. Some of the fibers are more open to increase the breathability. Some targeted upper areas has more support to sustain the movement with the midsole. Therefore, New Gel Cumulus 23 has a smoother stride from footstrike to toe-off compared to the Gel Cumulus 22.
- Asics added the Trusstic technology to add extra support & stability to the new Gel Cumulus. The new Asics Gel Cumulus has a gender specific design. A unique technology 3D Cloud Construction on the Midsole has been implemented on the Gel Cumulus 23. This is a super soft support which has been added to new Women’s version since they prefer a softer forefoot.
- The 3D Space Construction has been added to the top layer of the midsole. What is 3D Space Construction? Basically, Asics planted a series of pillars within the midsole. These pillars allows for more compression in the specific areas and do not reduce the overall durability or the stability of the Gel Cumulus 23.
- These pillars have been implemented based on the gender specific needs. Therefore, the locations of the pillars are has been chosen based on Men’s and Women’s biomechanical data.
- As well as the other Gel Shoes of the Asics, the Cumulus 23 has GEL™ technology too. This soft material is positioned under the heel. The primary purpose of the gel is to absorb the shock, but it also improves the cushioning. In addition to the Gel technology, the Gel Cumulus 23 has the FlyteFoam material, which is being invented by the Asics. This foam material is so soft / plush, and creates a smoother and supportive ride in each step.
- Unlike the old Gel Cumulus 22, Asics introduced ASICS lite rubber on the Gel Cumulus 23. This material is soft, and unique for the high impact areas. The Cumulus 22 has AHAR™ rubber of outsole. This is a very durable compound to resist the wear. The new AHAR Lite on the Cumulus 23 makes it more plush and flexible while maintaining the durability of the shoe as the previous version. Although, AHAR Lite is lighter than the AHAR, due to the updates such as gender specific applications on the new version, the new Cumulus 23 is heavier than the Cumulus 22 around 0.6 oz.
| Comparison Criteria | Asics Gel Cumulus 22 | Asics Gel Cumulus 23 |
|---|---|---|
| Drop | 10 mm | 10 mm |
| Weight Women’s | 7.6 ounces / 215 gr | 8.1 ounces / 230 gr |
| Weight Men’s | 9.3 ounces / 263 gr | 9.9 ounces / 280 gr |
Bottom line for the Gel Cumulus 23 vs Gel Cumulus 22: We enjoyed while reviewing the new Gel Cumulus. Asics touched the right places to update the new Gel Cumulus. This edition has gender specific design which takes the needs of Men’s and Women’s biomechanical data as reference. The New Gel Cumulus 23 is more stable and supportive, has more breathability, smoother and softer ride.
Further Review of Asics Gel Cumulus 23
The Asics Gel Cumulus 23 is a bit stiff; this increases the responsiveness of the shoe. Also, the firmer structure of Gel Cumulus 23 provides a better energy return compared to the plush models. It is not the most comfortable shoe out there, therefore not for longer rides. This shoe is for the speed runs, shorter ride.
We liked the responsiveness of the Cumulus 23. It is our go to shoe whenever we want to have some ground feeling. If we need to place the Asics Gel Cumulus 23 in to some place, it will definitely be in between the Gel Kayano and the Gel Nimbus. It is not as stable as the Kayano and not as cushioned as the Gel Nimbus. But has a good balance between the stability and cushioning.
We have listed the all characteristic and key features of the Asics Gel Cumulus in the below table.
| Criteria | Asics Gel Cumulus 23 |
|---|---|
| Type of Shoe | Neutral Shoe |
| Type of Cushioning | Balanced |
| Amount of Cushioning | Moderate |
| Sole | A bit rigid |
| Responsiveness | Good Ground Feeling |
| Stability | Moderate |
| Design | Gender Specific |
| Comfort | Moderate |
| Forefoot-Comfort | Wide Forefoot for Toe Splay |
| Heel to Toe Drop | 10 mm (Men’s & Women’s) |
| Weight | 280 gr/ 9.9 oz – Men’s, 230 gr / 8.1 oz – Women’s |
| Weight Scale | Moderate |
| Cost | More budged friendly |
| True to Size |
List of the key technologies implemented on the Asics Gel Cumulus 23 are as follows:
- GEL™ technology: Improves impact absorption and cushioning
- TRUSSTIC™ technology: Improves stability
- FLYTEFOAM™ Propel technology: Increases the responsiveness
- ASICS LITE Rubber: Durable and light material for outsole.
- Engineered Upper: More flexible and moves with midsole. Forefoot fibers are more open to increase the breathability.
- 3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION: Improves compression at footstrike by using pillars in key locations. These locations are determined based on gender specific needs.
Asics Gel Cumulus 23 Size Chart
Men’s Cumulus 23 Size Chart
Size Guide for Men’s Gel Cumulus 23:
| US | EU | UK | CM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 36 | 3 | 22.5 |
| 4.5 | 37 | 3.5 | 23 |
| 5 | 37.5 | 4 | 23.5 |
| 5.5 | 38 | 4.5 | 24 |
| 6 | 39 | 5 | 24.5 |
| 6.5 | 39.5 | 5.5 | 25 |
| 7 | 40 | 6 | 25.25 |
| 7.5 | 40.5 | 6.5 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 41.5 | 7 | 26 |
| 8.5 | 42 | 7.5 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 42.5 | 8 | 27 |
| 9.5 | 43.5 | 8.5 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 44 | 9 | 28 |
| 10.5 | 44.5 | 9.5 | 28.25 |
| 11 | 45 | 10 | 28.5 |
| 11.5 | 46 | 10.5 | 29 |
| 12 | 46.5 | 11 | 29.5 |
| 12.5 | 47 | 11.5 | 30 |
| 13 | 48 | 12 | 30.5 |
| 14 | 49 | 13 | 31 |
| 15 | 50.5 | 14 | 32 |
| 16 | 51.5 | 15 | 33.5 |
Women’s Cumulus 23 Size Chart
Size Guide for Women’s Gel Cumulus 23:
| US | EU | UK | CM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 35.5 | 3 | 22.5 |
| 5.5 | 36 | 3.5 | 22.75 |
| 6 | 37 | 4 | 23 |
| 6.5 | 37.5 | 4.5 | 23.5 |
| 7 | 38 | 5 | 24 |
| 7.5 | 39 | 5.5 | 24.5 |
| 8 | 39.5 | 6 | 25 |
| 8.5 | 40 | 6.5 | 25.5 |
| 9 | 40.5 | 7 | 25.75 |
| 9.5 | 41.5 | 7.5 | 26 |
| 10 | 42 | 8 | 26.5 |
| 10.5 | 42.5 | 8.5 | 27 |
| 11 | 43.5 | 9 | 27.5 |
| 11.5 | 44 | 9.5 | 28 |
| 12 | 44.5 | 10 | 28.5 |
| 12.5 | 45 | 10.5 | 28.75 |
Our Verdict for Asics Gel Cumulus 23 Review
To begin with, we liked the new tailored Gel Cumulus 23. Asics updated right places and considered the gender differences such as gait pattern and foot shapes on its new design. The Asics Gel Cumulus 23 is very suitable for average runners who seek reliable and durable shoes. The Gel Cumulus 23 is a long lasting running shoe and it has a good balance between the cushioning and the stability. It is more affordable than the top cushioned model Gel-Nimbus and the top notch stability Gel Kayano models. This is why we recommend it to average runners.
If you are wondering the corresponding running shoe in Brooks Running Shoes family, you can check it via this link! This guide will help you to understand the main differences between Brooks and Asics brands and their products.