TRIED AND TESTED
C o l u m n
After several runs in the shoes , I decided that they would work best for me for longer training runs , where I want maximum cushioning and support , versus shorter speedwork or races , where I prefer a lower-profile , more responsive shoe with a more flexible forefoot . It is inevitable that the extra stack height will make this shoe feel less racy , but what you lose in responsiveness , you gain
in cushioning and comfort , hence I recommend them for long runs , as well as long races . In other words , I believe that the Nimbus 25 is still a great choice as a marathon or ultra-marathon shoe , and while it may not ‘ do it ’ for all previous Nimbus runners , I think that if you give the shoe a chance , you ’ ll find out how good it really is .
GET THEM HERE :
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 retails at a recommended price of R3499 , and is available through most leading running shoe retailers in SA .
Continued Cumulus Excellence
I ’ ve been a big fan of this shoe for many years , so I was keen to test the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25 , and in spite of some notable design changes , the shoe remains one of my favourites . – BY SEAN FALCONER
Men ’ s and Womens versions of the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25
When my fiancée took up road running a couple of years ago , she ran her first few short races in old , entry-level shoes that were past their best , but when she signed up for her first half marathon , I urged her to get new running shoes that would offer better cushioning and support . We duly went shoe shopping and I put four neutral shoes in front of her to try . I made sure not to choose for her , just gave her pointers on what to look for , and after several rounds of trying on and gentle jogging inside the store , she made her choice : The ASICS Gel-Cumulus . Excellent choice , I told her , adding that she wouldn ’ t go wrong with the Cumulus .
It has always been a superbly cushioned and superbly comfortable shoe , which is why it has long been one of the best-selling running shoes on the SA market . Many runners not only do their training runs in this shoe , but also race in it , as it offers both a fast , responsive ride for shorter , faster runs , and enough cushioning , shock absorption and durability for the longer runs .
Just like its ‘ big sister ,’ the Nimbus , the Cumulus has relied on a steady design recipe for many years , but this year ’ s 25th edition is a bit of a departure from the norm . Like the Nimbus , it has a considerably thicker midsole , with an increased stack height of 37.5mm in the heel , and a heel-to-toe drop of 8mm , but actually comes in some 30 grams lighter than the Cumulus 24 . It has a slightly firmer midsole , but offers more cushioning and shock absorption than the previous version , and happily , I found that the new Cumulus still feels wonderfully responsive underfoot , in spite of this stack increase .
Making My Feet Happy
Before taking the shoes out for a first run , I read a few other reviews , and in one , the tester said he found the shoe “ lumpy ” during his first run , due to how much the midsole compressed . Each to their own , but I found the shoe smooth and wellcushioned from the first steps . I suspect he is a much bigger runner than me , and would prefer the firmer Nimbus to the squishier Cumulus , but he did report that the shoe felt better from the second run .
I found the overall fit of the Cumulus a wee bit wider , and that more accommodating , than the Nimbus , but without feeling too loose , and the lockdown around my foot felt just right . The upper is smooth and comfy on the inside , while the ankle collar is well padded and equally comfy , and my feet let me know they were happy . This shoe has a really soft ride , and I find that I prefer the softer , more responsive feel of the thinner FF Blast + midsole of the Cumulus 25 to the higher stacked , slightly firmer FF Blast + Eco in the Nimbus 25 , as the Cumulus compresses a bit more .
As I have written in a number of reviews over the years , my personal preference is for lower-profile , lightweight , responsive shoes , so the Cumulus is more my style than the Nimbus . The Cumulus feels faster , more nimble , more grounded , in spite of its increased height , and it is slightly cheaper , too , but as I also write in all my reviews , this is a personal choice , and you ’ ll need to make your own mind up which of these shoes you prefer . Better yet , if you can afford it , get both , and then you ’ ll have shoes for both the longer and shorter training runs or races .
The lateral ( outer ) side of the shoe
A slightly wider sole provides a bit more support later in runs
A Taller midsole , but the same great cushioned ride !
Images : Courtesy ASICS
GET THEM HERE :
The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25 retails at a recommended price of R2899 , and is available at most leading running shoe retailers .
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