ASICS Gel-Cumulus 17 is the latest version of ASICS Gel-Cumulus which features the highest technologies of Asics and promises to bring to runners everything they need. What is the truth? Let’s look at the following general reviews and then determine whether ASICS is reliable or not.
Highlight features and technologies
As I mentioned above, these shoes are built with many advanced technologies and features of Asics. And now, I will summary some highlighted features.
Firstly, it has a new FluidRide Midsole, which is the newest midsole technology of Asics. This feature is very helpful in offering cushioning properties while still ensuring a weight reduction and very good durability.
The second updated feature is the Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel Cushioning System. This provides a significant improvement in enhancing performance as well as support. With the improved cushioning system, you will be more confident and secured thanks to the better shock absorption.
Trusstic System is also important in providing more support for your foot. It adds more gait efficiency and support to the integrity of the shoes’ structure.
Asics also uses the Full Length SpEVA 45 Lasting for superior underfoot comfort and protection. Additionally, ComfortDry™ Sockliner also provides more cushioning and great breathability for this shoe.
The last two highlight features of this shoe are the placing AHAR+ material on critical areas for an excellent grip and durability and designing the Impact Guidance System, which really improve the natural gait in each step of running.
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ASICS Gel Cumulus 17 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Built with many modern features and technologies
- The environment inside of the shoes is very dry and fresh
- Runners appreciate the great cushioning system
- Enough support and stability for neutral pronators
- The color options is lauded
Cons
- The added leather strips seem to make the shoes a bit tight across the top of the toes area
- A bit heavier than other running shoes
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 17 Review
Comfort and Fit
I bought ASICS Gel-Cumulus 17 as my first marathon shoes and they were super comfy. They are built to provide an excellent level of comfort. With the combination of sleek new Seamless Construction and improved midsole geometry, under-pronators to mild over-pronators have a chance to enjoy better comfort and fit of the GEL-Cumulus® 17. I am on my feet for long time most days and I can wear them quite fine. The new Seamless construction reduces irritation and friction to your feet and makes the ultra-sleek fit becomes more comfortable. There are plenty of rooms for my toes and no break-in time needed.
The Personal Heel Fit Construction including 2 soft and foam lining layers provide better protection and comfort on your heel. However, some users gave feedback about added leather strips make the shoe a bit tight across the top of the toe area. For me, it is not a big problem. I have a bit wide foot, but this shoe provides me with the lightly stretchy snug fit and makes my foot feel well supported and comfortable with its well-padded inside and soft materials in the upper.
The shoelaces are crazily long but if you do the “lace lock” to secure your shoe, they are at perfect length. I went to a store to try it on first so I knew what size I needed. I ordered half a size larger and feel wonderful.
Support
I have medium-high arches and plantar fasciitis. I am looking for shoes designed for my foot type. ASICS Gel-Cumulus 17 is the best thing I have ever found. It offers excellent support around my arch and heel! ASICS GEL Cushioning in the shoes provide great shock absorption upon impact. I bought these when my knees started to hurt (the result of wearing shoes with poor support) and after that the pain went away and also since I bought them, I have not had any pain. Besides, the Cumulus has moderate arch support recommended for under-pronators to mild over-pronators and it works really well. I have to say that it doesn’t have huge arch support. Therefore, if you need shoes with a lot of arch support, it is not for you.
Cushioning
The first impression is that I love how much cushioning there are. While there have been some pretty stiff, uncomfortable updated version, finally Asics brought back the true Cumulus with the old lovely cushioning and smooth ride. This shoe is added rear foot and forefoot cushioning units without increasing the weight. The SoLyte Midsole plays an important role in providing great amount of cushioning. It's like walking/jogging on air! It gives a little extra spring to my step, and there is a definite reduction in impact. Your smooth strides will become smoother with this newest version of the ASICS GEL-Cumulus. In addition to the cushioning, the sole is cushy enough that my feet never feel sore or tired.
Flexibility
It offers the right amount of flexibility. In the forefoot, the DuraSponge outsole, which is made from a blown AHAR compound offers responsive flexibility and cushioning. Thanks to this feature, you will be protected from shock and impact during running.
Stability
In terms of stability, the 17th version delivers enough stability for neutral pronators. Stability is handled by efficient and robust components in the sole unit. In fact, I consider this as a cushioned shoe. I don’t concern too much about stability and don’t have any problem with the lack of stability in this shoe.
Also read: Top stability running shoes on market
Durability
Durability is one of the most important features that you have to check carefully before buying running shoe, especially the shoes used for long running. Asics GEL-Cumulus 17 will not disappoint you. The SoLyte Midsole not only provides more cushioning but also improves durability. This shoe also uses a tough material in the outsole called AHAR+ for an excellent grip and traction even in wet conditions and especially enhanced durability.
Breathability
An open mesh covering the upper portion of the Asics Gel-Cumulus indeed offers great breathability. It ensures your feet always dry and cool even when you wear this for a long time. Besides, the upper also features an anti-bacterial material (the ComfortDry) is used to reduce the moisture and odor inside the shoes.
Use
I often use it for high mileage running to enhance my performance as well as in weight lifting and biking without issues. I also recommend these for playing tennis, walking, normal training and/or everyday use but not for speed work. If you want shoes for speed work, you should find running shoes with weight around 200-250 grams. Neutral runners or under-pronators to mild over-pronators can get benefits from this cushioned shoe. It has all necessary features that you need to run on track, road and gravel, and they are able to run for a much longer distance.
The price of the shoes is affordable in comparison with other cushioned shoes on the market. Overall, there are many other running shoes that are cheaper than this Asics ones, however, you should compare technologies and features used in this shoe to others and I make sure that you will satisfy with its price. I often buy shoes at store. But I bought these shoes online and received a much lower price at Amazon.com. So excited!
Look
They are good-looking shoes. I am very excited about the various color options. I bought the mint color with delight. When I received them, I knew that I made a right choice. I usually wear it for my daily activities because it is very easy to match with my usual clothes.
Weight
Generally, it is not lightweight shoes; however, it feels lighter than Brooks. The weight of the 17 version is significantly reduced thanks to the new FluidRide midsole that decreases 15% of previous versions’ weight while still providing more bounce back for smooth and bouncy ride.
Previous versions of Asics Gel Cumulus 17
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 16
In each new edition, Asics always improves features and effectiveness to provide runners with better running shoes. And ASICS Gel-Cumulus 16 is a typical example for this. The most impressing thing is the presence of the new FluidRideTM midsole which is the latest technology of Asics midsole. This offers great combination of cushioning properties and bounces back and enhanced durability without increasing the weight of this shoe. Aside from this, ASICS Gel-Cumulus 16 also updates Forefoot and Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System to improve underfoot comfort, a smooth transition as well as better shock absorption.
The Guidance Trusstic System is one of the noticeably updated features of the Asics Gel-Cumulus 16, which helps enhance gait efficiency and ensures mid-foot structural integrity of the shoes as well. This version features improved cushioning system, especially forefoot cushioning which is perfect for neutral runners. It is important to determine your arch type to avoid wasting your money and energy on shoes that don’t serve you.
Compared to the 17th , ASICS Gel-Cumulus 16 has a softer and wider area across the top of the foot. It is also considered to be tightly neat and generous in supplying the needed stability for runners to concentrate on achieving more than usual standards. With improved durability, great cushioning and enough support, the shoes are able to work well on different types of terrains such as dirt tracks and roads, even or uneven gravel roads and for longer distances.
Asics Gel Cumulus 15
The Asics Gel Cumulus 15 comes with great technologies and features that promise to create a big impact in runners’ career. In this version, Asics corrected mistakes made from the past and aimed to make better products. The noticeable updated feature in this version significantly improved durability and traction. Its high durability is able to deal with extensive and harsh daily training while improved traction ensure that you don’t have any slipping or tripping during a race.
The gel cushioning technology also provides great shock absorption and energy bounce. The Full Length SpEVA technology offers unparalleled underfoot protection and comfort. AHAR+ is still used for great durability and traction. In terms of arch support, The Asics Gel Cumulus 15 is a great option for people who have moderate to high arches or neutral pronation. The neutral pronators will have a natural gait cycle thanks to the support and stability provided by these shoes. It is not suitable for runners with flat arches or over-pronation because it doesn’t have needed support for these types of foot.
With great responsiveness, support and comfort, the 15th version works well on roads, gravels and tracks but not on harsh and uneven terrains. Keep this information in mind if you don’t want to get hurt. Runners chose this shoe not just because of the affordable price but also because of better performance during races and competitions
Asics Gel Cumulus 14
The first time these appeared on the running shoes market, it created strong impression to runners with a sleeker and glossier design. It’s lighter than its predecessors without decreasing the cushioning. In terms of cushioning, it has a GEL cushioning system placed in the forefoot and rearfoot, which reduces the stress runners’ feet during impact and take off. Other updated feature of the Gel Cumulus 14 is the X-40 Ortholite sockliner. This feature adds more comfort to your feet as well as provides cooler feeling. Aside from this, the shoe also has a breathable mesh cover which manages the moisture and heat inside your shoes.
The heel clutching system is updated in the 14th version for improved heel fitting and heel support. The durability of these shoes is improved because of the rubber material called AHAR+, which is used in the out sole. This feature also provides better impact absorption as well as cushioning to runners. According to many reviews, the 14th version offers more perfect fit than others. It is due to the A-Symmetric Lacing, which consists of the biomorphic fit in order to reduce injury and enhance safety while running.
Especially, the stability feature of the shoes is also improved that enhances balance in each step. This shoe is highly recommended for under-pronators to mild pronators. Besides, it can be used at high mileage roads with greater speed and full performance. Many runners decided to buy them because of its cheap price.
Similar running shoes Asics Gel Cumulus
If you are looking for relative replacements for the Asics Gel-Cumulus, Brooks Ghost, Brooks Glycerin and Karhu Forward Fulcrum Ride are 3 recommended running shoes according to many websites as well as reviews of runners.
Brooks Ghost
The Brooks Ghost has a good amount of forefoot comfort and a very high heel cushioning. At the same time, it has well-balanced features especially between these two important cushioning that will certainly provide softness and support as well as stability and performance. With great amount of cushioning and flexibility, these shoes can be used for any kinds of routine or workouts.
Brooks Glycerin
The Brooks Glycerin is considered to have the same weight as Asics Gel-Cumulus while providing higher heel cushioning and forefoot cushioning that means this will provide a more comfortable and softer ride for your running. However, it only provides a smaller amount of stability for runners than Asics Gel-Cumulus. Like the Asics, this is recommended for long distance runs.
Karhu Forward Fulcrum Ride
The last similar shoe to Asics Gel-Cumulus is the Karhu Forward Fulcrum Ride. It weights half of the Asics Gel-Cumulus’s but still provides great cushioning and protection. Especially it has a very high amount of heel cushioning to offer heel protection for heave heel-strikers. These shoes also feature the fulcrum in the midsole of the shoes, which allows runner to shift weight to their toes easily. Although its stiffness and stability is not as high as other shoes, its performance is really incredible.
Conclusions
Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems, the refined open-mesh upper, an updated FluidRideTM midsole and many other technologies used in these shoes built up an excellent product. With the help of ASICS Gel-Cumulus 17 running shoes, runners have a chance to push themselves in the best way.
My rating:
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8.5/10
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