ASICS Gel Cumulus 28 Review: A Daily Trainer That Finally Feels Exciting
- FORDY RUNS
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The daily trainer category is crowded, and if I’m honest, most of them feel very similar. Shoes like the Saucony Ride 19 and others in this price range all do the basics well — decent foam, comfortable uppers, and reliable performance. But rarely do they stand out enough to feel genuinely exciting. That’s why the ASICS Gel Cumulus 28 surprised me.
As soon as I started running in it, it felt different. ASICS has made some meaningful changes here, and the result is a daily trainer that feels more modern, more comfortable, and more enjoyable to run in than previous versions.
Price and Key Specs
The ASICS Gel Cumulus 28 comes in at £140, putting it right in line with other premium daily trainers.
Key specs include:
Stack height: 38 mm heel
Drop: 8 mm
Weight: 276 g (UK 9.5)
Midsole: FF BLAST™ MAX foam
Cushioning: PureGEL™ in the heel
Outsole: Full-length FLUIDRIDE™ outsole
Upper: New engineered mesh
The geometry of the shoe has also been updated, including a new heel bevel and overall shape refinement.
Upper and Fit
The new engineered mesh upper feels noticeably improved. It’s softer, more flexible, and has a higher-quality feel compared to previous versions. The fit is excellent. It locks down securely without feeling restrictive, and there’s plenty of comfort around the heel and midfoot. The tongue is thinner and more streamlined, helping reduce overall weight while maintaining comfort. The platform itself is wide, which gives the shoe a very stable feel underfoot. This makes it suitable for a wide range of runners, including those who value stability in a neutral shoe. Overall, comfort is exactly what you’d expect from the Cumulus line — but elevated.
Midsole and Ride
The biggest upgrade in the Cumulus 28 is the introduction of FF BLAST™ MAX foam. This is the same foam used in shoes like the Novablast and GlideRide Max, and it completely transforms the ride. Compared to older Cumulus models, this version feels significantly more cushioned, smoother, and more responsive.
The ride is soft without feeling unstable, and it delivers a smooth transition from heel to toe. It’s not overly aggressive or designed for speed sessions, but it excels at what daily trainers are meant to do: providing comfortable, reliable miles.
This is the kind of shoe you can use for:
Easy runs
Daily training
Social runs
Club runs
Parkruns
General mileage
It’s versatile, dependable, and extremely comfortable over longer distances.
Outsole and Durability
The outsole is outstanding. The full-length FLUIDRIDE™ outsole provides excellent grip and durability, and it’s clear this shoe is built to last. Combined with the wide platform, it adds stability and confidence underfoot. This is the kind of outsole that will handle hundreds of miles without issue. Durability is a major strength of the Cumulus 28.
On-Foot Feel
Despite the high stack and cushioning, the shoe doesn’t feel heavy. At 276 g, it strikes a nice balance between cushioning and usability. It feels light enough for daily use while still providing plenty of protection. The ride is smooth, stable, and consistently comfortable. It doesn’t try to do anything flashy — it simply does everything well.
Who This Shoe Is For
The ASICS Gel Cumulus 28 is ideal for runners who want:
A reliable daily trainer
Maximum comfort for easy miles
A stable and durable platform
A versatile shoe for regular training