The ASICS GEL-Cumulus is the best-selling neutral ASICS shoe in the world. And not without reason.
The GEL-Cumulus is designed to make you keep performing due to the latest FlyteFoam Propel technology in the midsole, which guides you safely through all your runs.
On top of that, the Cumulus is suitable for almost every neutral runner due to its soft and flexible fit, which is built to last – whether you run 10k or 100k a week.
The GEL-Cumulus 22 is, in my opinion, the best version of the ASICS classic, to date. It is slightly lighter, provides a smoother run, and is suitable for everyday training for a wide range of different types of runners.
Read my complete review of the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22 below and learn more about the latest model.
Info about the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22
Brand: ASICS
Shoe type: Neutral
Weight: 242 grams (in a size 40)
Stack height: 22 mm/12 mm (women), 23 mm/13 mm (men)
Drop: 10 mm
Surface: Firm (Road, gravel, trails)
Predecessor: ASICS GEL-Cumulus 21
Short description of the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22
The ASICS-GEL Cumulus is the younger brother to the ASICS Nimbus and is a great everyday training shoe with brilliant shock absorption and high comfort. Compared to the Nimbus, the Cumulus is slightly lighter and a tad firmer/harder in the shock absorption. That makes the Cumulus feel significantly faster than the Nimbus.
The shoe has built-in GEL cushioning at the front foot and at the heel, which ensures outstanding shock absorption and a great feeling throughout your run.
The Cumulus has ASICS’ great midsole material, FlyteFoam, which is more breathable and way lighter than the standard EVA.
The FlyteFoam is an incredibly 55% lighter than the standard EVA material and 33% lighter than ASICS other midsole materials, the SoLyte.
If you liked the Cumulus 21, you will notice how ASICS has improved a lot of aspects from the predecessor to make the new model (even) better and smoother to run in. I can already tell you that they have managed to pull it off.
Fit
The Cumulus 22 is generally more close-fitting, compared to other running shoes I have tried. And I believe that is a good thing.
The shoe hugs nicely around the foot and, therefore, feels extremely safe to run in.
The sizing is true to size and designed with just the right amount of room at the toe box.
On top of that, it is made with a good and stable heel cap to keep your foot in place and safely supports your foot in its strikes.
I am a big fan of this as my heel tends to slide out of heel caps with less stability when I am running.
The ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22 will, therefore, guarantee support and safety.
The upper of the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22
The Cumulus 22 has a seamless one-piece mesh upper to provide the snug fit of the shoe.
This material ensures outstanding support and, compared to previous ASICS models, has more space between the mesh fibres thanks to the new design of the shoe’s upper. This reduces the total weight of the Cumulus with an impressive 20 grams and also improves the breathability, so it can keep your feet cool when you run.
On the shoe’s upper, ASICS has added a 3D print, which gives it a more flexible structure and increases the support at the front foot.
The Cumulus 22 also comes with a special reflective material to heighten the visibility and safety when you run in the dark.
Please be aware that the upper of the shoe can feel a bit tight when you wear it for the first time.
However, the upper will quickly adapt and feel more comfortable to wear after a couple of runs. That was my experience, at least.
The midsole of the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22
ASICS describes Cumulus 22 as an everyday trainer with a great fit, which is mainly due to the shoe’s midsole.
When it comes to the midsole in the Cumulus 22, there is a lot to talk about.
First of all, the ASICS Forefoot Twist Gel technology helps to position your foot to provide you with a more natural foot strike.
The better you move as a runner, the less energy you will waste, which means you will be able to run longer and faster. And this is where the soft material at the front foot of the Cumulus 22 helps to position your foot for every stride you take.
At the other end of the shoe, the Rearfoot Gel technology under the heel helps to reduce shocks and lowers the strain on your body.
ASICS has also improved the midsole on the Cumulus 22, so now it includes both the FlyteFoam and the FlyteFoam Propel foam whereas the midsole of version 21 only had the FlyteFoam.
This new combination delivers a more shock-absorbing but still responsive run in the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22.
It is not super bouncy but still delivers a soft and energetic experience.
The FlyteFoam is ASICS’ lightest midsole material and contributes to a super light and soft run in the Cumulus 22.
The outsole of the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22
In key contact areas on the outsole of the shoe, there has been added the durable rubber material AHAR (ASICS high abrasion-resistant) to increase the durability of the shoe and give you a better grip with the surface.
The outsole is divided into different zones which allow the shoe to guide your foot correctly in a neutral running style. The front foot is separated from the heel while the outsole now has more and deeper flex grooves for added flexibility.
The previous models, especially version 21, has often received criticism for being too flat or too firm. But this has changed with the Cumulus 22, which provides more flexibility for your foot.
I could, personally, feel the effect of the added flex grooves, which gives a more natural feeling and freedom of movement in the foot when I am running.
At the same time, I enjoy bringing my running shoes with me to the fitness centre when I am doing strength training. To this aim, the Cumulus 22 is very suitable due to its flexibility. This allows me to do all of my strength exercises that require a shoe with freedom of movement and flexibility. This is a great plus!
ASICS Cumulus 22 vs. ASICS Cumulus 21
When comparing the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22 with its predecessor, the Cumulus 21, there are clear differences.
First of all, the Cumulus 22 has 2mm more FlyteFoam, which gives it a softer and more shock-absorbing feeling to it.
However, the shoe’s biggest improvement is in the upper. The Cumulus 22 has kept the heavy, padded, and solid heel cap but the actual mesh material, which the upper is made from, has seen a great improvement.
The mesh material has fewer aesthetic details than the predecessor but is instead softer, lighter, and less stiff. This is also the reason why the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22 is an impressive 20 grams lighter, compared to the Cumulus 21. In addition, the shoe now has more room at the toe box than the predecessor.
When it comes to the shoe’s outsole, the Cumulus 22 now has 6 flex grooves at the front foot, whereas the Cumulus 21 only had 3. This makes it even more flexible than the predecessor, which has, as mentioned, received criticism for being too flat and firm.
ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22 has, therefore, received a complete transformation. And it must be concluded that it is a success on all parameters.
How it feels to run in the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22
What I like the most about the Cumulus 22, is the way it manages to blend with my run. In all honesty, the Cumulus 22 is not a shoe I notice when I am running. It does the job of offering great shock absorption, comfort, flexibility, and a bit of bounce. This allows me to focus on my own running without having to think about how I should be running with the shoe.
On top of that, the light weight of the shoe also makes it extremely nice to run in.
The shoe’s FlyteFoam and the Gel qualities create a soft feeling under my feet and simultaneously absorbs the repeated shocks, which my body is being exposed to on my runs.
Besides, the flex grooves at the front foot allow my foot to move more naturally. Because of that, I feel like there is a smoother movement from my heel to my toes in the landing phase, which feels extremely nice.
Which runner does the ASICS Cumulus 22 best suit?
The ASICS Cumulus 22 is a safe and good choice for the neutral runner who wants a light and comfortable shoe with outstanding shock absorption, which can perform on both daily and long-distance runs.
I have tested the shoe on various runs, as I knew the Cumulus is a versatile shoe, which can be used for different purposes.
I have, therefore, used it for the long-distance running, the interval training, and for the more regular runs. And it manages to perform on every run.
Because of this, it is possible to use the Cumulus 22 for different purposes.
The Asics GEL-Cumulus 22 is, in my opinion, a brilliant choice if you want an all-round running shoe that can manage everything.
ASICS GEL-Cumulus 22 delivers a good run – every time
To be honest, I do not have a negative thing to say about the Cumulus 22.
ASICS describes it as the recommended choice for the neutral runner who wants a soft and flexible everyday training shoe with a good fit. And I completely agree with them on this.
It is not a flashy shoe that will surprise you in any way. It has no wild features like some of the other ASICS models, but it does what a good everyday training shoe should do.
The Cumulus 22 is a very reliable shoe with good shock absorption from the midsole, a comfortable upper, and outstanding flexibility.
And then it delivers a good and light run every time. Both on the shorter and longer runs.
On top of that, ASICS has managed to rectify for the (too) heavy, stiff, and firm Cumulus 21, which, as a result, means the ASICS GEL-Cumulus is the best version of the beloved ASICS classic that has ever been made.
I would say that the Cumulus 22 is an early contender to the best do-it-all-shoe of 2020. Nice work ASICS!
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