Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Asics Rear Foot & Forefoot Gel technology to help absorb some shock during impact and toe off phases of your stride• Jacquard mesh upper comprised of multi-directional stretchy mesh material for a close fit• Flytefoam Propel tech in the midsole for added responsiveness and cushioning• Flytfoam Lyte tech in the midsole, made of fibers that are 55% lighter than industries standards
Upper
Asics really upped their game with the 20th iteration of the Gel Cumulus by totally overhauling the upper. This new version features a stretchy jacquard mesh material that not only breathes better than older versions of the shoe, but it helps to provide a lighter feel as well. Gone are the heavy plastic overlays that we saw in the Cumulus 19. This new mesh material features multidirectional elasticity that provides a flexible and customized feeling fit. It’s reinforced in certain zones on the upper to help give a more supportive framework for your foot. The lacing system features Asics Discrete Eyelet system that has independent holes to help provide an even more custom fit as well as up the level of comfort.
Midsole
Instead of using a plastic support truss in the midsole area as previous iterations of the Gel Cumulus have been known for, the 20 features a softer and more bouncy FlyteFoam Propel layer. This is one of Asics newer technologies that utilizes a lightweight foam to help decrease drag during runs. The Propel provides runners with a high-energy return and an unrivaled toe-off which should ultimately help to maximize performance. This shoe also features Asics traditional FlyteFoam material for resiliency. This technology uses organic fibers to provide a cushioning in the shoe that is 55% more lightweight than other midsoles available on the market. The main component of the midsole is Asics FluidRide tech. This helps to give runners a responsive ride that is well-cushioned as well as a lower shoe weight and added durability – a home run for running shoe enthusiasts to be sure. Both the heel and forefoot of the 20 features gel inserts to help absorb shock and to aid with smoother transitions. An OrthoLight sock liner is present in the Cumulus 20 which helps to provide even further cushioning as well as help to protect the underfoot. The antimicrobial properties found in the sock liner ensure that the environment inside of the shoe will remain healthy and free from bacteria.
Outsole
The outsole of the Gel Cumulus 20 features two different types of materials – Asics High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) in the heel portion of the shoe and DuraSponge material, making up the rest of the outsole. The AHAR compound is found in high-wear areas and is present to help not only the durability of the shoe but the traction it provides as well. It is abrasion-resistant and runners will find that it can really take a beating. The DuraSponge material is made of blown rubber and is present to provide a comfortable underfoot ride as well as flexibility. By removing the stiff trussic plastic that was present in the 19, this newer iteration seems to provide a smoother ride. There are a ton of flex grooves with a segmented crash pad in the heel. Similar to its predecessor, the 20 has a single rubber lug over the midsole that runners will find takes the brunt of rearfoot landings.
Breathability
The upgraded upper in the Gel Cumulus 20 provides a new jacquard mesh material that helps to provide breathability for the wearer. It features a number of perforations in the material to allow for airflow to occur. This material will definitely keep your feet well-ventilated throughout any distance run.
Comfort
The Gel Cumulus 20 is a comfortable shoe. The upper features mesh that is both stretchy and conforming to the shape of each individual foot for a customized feeling fit. It features a soft heel padding as well as a roomy forefoot and toe box region, which would definitely appeal to runners who have issues finding shoes that have enough space in that section for their feet. Nearly all of the reviews that we perused praised how comfortable these shoes were to run, walk and live in. That said, however, one reviewer mentioned that while the shoe was comfortable enough, it didn’t have the entirely plush and cloud-like feeling that one would come to expect from a shoe with a cloud type in its title. Other negative comments regarding the comfort level of the Cumulus 20 were that it was an entirely different feeling than its predecessor. Some reviewers commented that the ride was firmer in this version, though that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Style
The Gel Cumulus 20 doesn’t stand out much, in terms of style. It is a typical running shoe, perhaps a little bland if anything. The men’s version is available in eight different color combinations from neutral colors like white, grey and black to brighter options like red and blue. The women’s version is also available in eight different options, though a little brighter and livelier choices are available here. Colorways range from black/coral to orange/fuschia and blue/pink.
Durability
It seems as if the Gel Cumulus 20 is more durable than its most recent predecessor. The structural integrity of the updated upper is stronger and more resilient than in the 19. The introduction of the FlyteFoam midsole in this 20th iteration really gives the shoe a longer lifespan than what was found in the Cumulus 19. The Asics High Abrasion Rubber found on the outsole of the shoe really helps the 20 level up in terms of durability as well.
Protection
As previously mentioned in our review, the Gel Cumulus 20’s outsole features Asics High Abrasion Rubber. This material will provide protection to the high-wear areas of the shoe as well as help to provide traction as well. The FlyteFoam and gel cushioning found in the midsole of the shoe not only give the runner a more responsive ride but these technologies help to keep the runner protected, too. When your shoe fits right, is breathable, and adequately comfortable, runners will be less likely to develop painful blisters and sores that can be caused by too much moisture being present in the shoe for extended periods of time. The new jacquard mesh is seamless as well, which is less likely to cause skin irritation on sensitive areas of the feet. Speaking of healthy feet, the OrthoLite sock liner not only provides additional cushioning for the runner but also boasts antimicrobial properties that ensure a healthy environment inside of the shoe. Also found on the upper is a reflective strip so that runners will be seen better in low-light conditions.
Responsiveness
Thanks to Asics FlyteFoam tech found in the midsole of the Gel Cumulus 20, these shoes give runners a consistent level of reaction, no matter the distance. The heel ride is particularly responsive as well, without feeling like you’re strapped into a set of bricks. In the 20th iteration of the Cumulus shoe, there is an introduction of a new layer of foam – FlyteFoam Propel – that helps to give the runner a feeling of a soft and bouncy ride. The Propel foam works alongside the regular FlyteFoam technology to provide the wearer with stability and cushioning as well as an all-around responsive ride. Also found in these shoes is Asics’ FluidRide technology in the midsole. This feature helps to provide runners with a bounce back and exceptional cushioning without adding to the weight or taking away from the durability of the product.
Support
One reviewer mentioned that it felt that the guidance system found in the Gel Cumulus 20 tries to control the landing mechanics of their gait. They felt these shoes would work well for folks who under pronate as they typically need a little extra support there.
Terrain
Though these shoes are far from a typical trail running shoe, the outsole actually provides an impressive amount of traction. Considering that the Gel Cumulus 20 is marketed as a road running shoe, most reviewers were impressed with how well the shoe stood up on trail surfaces. This is because the AHAR and DuraSponge materials that make up the outsole really provide a durable shoe that can take a beating. Though we wouldn’t necessarily suggest you wear these for all of your trail runs, especially long distance ones, you can rest assured knowing that they can stand up against some of the terrain Mother Nature throws your way on the trails.
Price
The MSRP of the Gel Cumulus 20 is $120. Consumers should be able to find some color and size options available on Amazon for less than the MSRP, though we noticed some of the size/color combinations skyrocketed to nearly twice the price.
Drop
The Gel Cumulus 20 shares the same heel-to-toe drop as its predecessor – a standard 10mm. The heel height for the men’s version is 23mm while the women’s comes in at 22mm. The forefoot height for the men’s shoe is 13mm and the women’s is 12mm.
Stability
The Gel Cumulus 20 uses Asics Impact Guidance System (IGS). The goal of this technology is to provide dynamic and adaptive stability for every runner that encourages the foot to move in a natural way. The shoe achieves this by working with each runner’s foot, rather than trying to overtake it. The heel of this shoe is cushioned and shock-free. This is definitely a great running shoe option for folks who prefer something that gives them a little more stability.
Flexibility
The outsole of the Cumulus 20 features a number of flex grooves for added flexibility. The forefoot offers some flexibility while the outsole’s AHAR and DuraSponge rubber materials delivered some degree as well. Many reviewers commented that the 20 felt less flexible than some of its predecessors, but that didn’t seem to deter them too much from purchasing the shoe anyway.
Traction
The traction in the Cumulus 20 has been greatly improved over the previous version of the shoe. The Guided Trusstic System we saw in the 19th iteration has been taken out and replaced with an entirely new tread pattern to help increase the traction capacity of the shoe. The AHAR material on the outsole is abrasion-resistant which not only helps up the level of durability in the shoe, but it increases the traction it can provide a runner as well. Reviewers mentioned that they wore these shoes in dry and slightly wet conditions and that the 20 held up just fine.
Bottom Line
The general consensus is that Asics really upped the bar with the Gel Cumulus 20. It seems to be better than its predecessor in nearly every way. The shoe is lighter, the upper fits better, and the outsole is more durable than ever. One of the negative comments we kept seeing during our research was the 20 felt to be a bit firmer of a ride than the previous iteration. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however. It depends entirely on the runner and their preference. A shoe that provides a firm and more supportive ride could be an attractive quality for runners who need that kind of support.
