Asics
Gel-Cumulus 27 Running Shoe – Men's
$109.95
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The Grivet Take
The Gel-Cumulus 27 is ASICS's neutral daily trainer one tier below the Nimbus, built for everyday miles and long runs on a softer, lighter platform. The FF Blast+ midsole with PureGEL heel reads slightly softer and bouncier than the v26, and the reduced toe spring fixes the v26's aggressive forefoot rocker that some runners found uncomfortable. Two trade-offs to flag: the outsole durability runs below average per reviewer testing, so high-mileage runners should expect to see wear sooner than on the Nimbus 27; and the standard B-width fit may feel too narrow for runners wanting Topo or Altra-level toe room. Runners wanting a more cushioned premium daily should look at the Gel-Nimbus 27 in the same brand; runners wanting a wider toe box should consider the New Balance 880v14.
Fit & Feel snapshot
Fit
LengthHow the shoe fits compared with true-to-size expectations.
True to size
Toe box widthHow much side-to-side room the shoe has across the front of the foot.3 of 5
NarrowWide
Toe box volumeHow much vertical room the shoe has above the toes.3 of 5
LowHigh
MidfootHow snug or roomy the shoe feels through the arch and laces.3 of 5
SnugRoomy
Heel holdHow securely the back of the shoe holds the heel.4 of 5
LooseLocked
Ride
CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.4 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.3 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.3 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.3 of 5
DeadBouncy
Support
Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral
Stability
Motion Control
Neutral shoe with a wider, steadier base
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
Wider, steadier base
How it fits
Length runs true to size for most runners. The jacquard mesh upper provides a structured fit that secures the midfoot without locking down aggressively; the more open toebox accommodates normal-width feet comfortably and the redesigned upper improves overall containment versus the knit v26. Heel hold is secure thanks to the redesigned counter and the new posterolateral bevel that smooths heel-strike transitions. Women's sizing is offered in B (standard), D (wide), and 2E (extra wide), one of the broader width ranges in the premium plush daily category. Standard B-foot runners may find the upper roomy enough to consider sizing in a half size down depending on volume.
How it feels
The FF Blast Plus Eco midsole with PureGEL heel reads slightly firm and on the responsive side rather than mushy plush, despite the 43.5 mm heel stack. The new posterolateral heel bevel smooths landings considerably versus the v26, and the modest rocker geometry helps the foot transition forward through push-off. Energy return is moderate; the shoe handles easy miles, long runs, and the occasional moderate-tempo effort well. Flexibility is on the low side at this stack; the forefoot relies on geometry rather than flex. The ASICSGRIP outsole grips dry pavement reliably and lasts well at high weekly mileage.
Quick specs
- Category
- Long run trainer
- Surface
- Pavement · Treadmill
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 38.5 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 30.5 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 8.0 mm
- Weight (men's 9)
- 9.0 oz · 255 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 4 / 5
- Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
- Neutral
- PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
- Wider, steadier base
- Midsole
- FF Blast+ with PureGEL heel insert
- Outsole
- ASICSGRIP rubber
- PlateA stiff layer, usually carbon, nylon, or TPU, built into some shoes to add structure, snap, or propulsion.
- No
- WidthsThe width options this shoe is made in. Actual availability depends on current inventory.
- D · 2E · 4E
Tech, translated
FF Blast Plus Eco is ASICS's premium midsole foam used across the Nimbus, Cumulus, and Novablast lines, made with at least 24% bio-based content. The compound is tuned for balanced cushion and energy return rather than the soft plush of a PEBA stack, which is why the Nimbus 27 reads slightly firmer than competitor max-cushion shoes despite the high stack height.
PureGEL is a redesigned softer GEL compound integrated into the heel of the midsole to absorb impact at heel-strike. The combination of PureGEL plus the new posterolateral heel bevel is the v27's main contribution: it finally addresses the harsh heel-strike feel that older Nimbus generations always required the runner to manage.
The ASICSGRIP outsole is the brand's high-durability road compound, designed for long-mileage wear. There is no plate; the wide platform, modest rocker, and stack height handle stability and transition.
What changed from the previous version
The Cumulus 27 keeps the FF Blast+ midsole and PureGEL heel insert from the v26 and reduces the toe spring, replacing the v26's aggressive toe rocker with a more comfortable, neutral toe position. The midsole reads slightly softer and bouncier than the v26 while keeping the same 38.5/30.5 mm stack and 8 mm drop. The upper carries forward a normal-width, slightly thicker toe-guard fit; reviewers note the toe-guard mesh works best with socks. Net effect: a more comfortable forefoot and a slightly softer ride; v26 fans coming back will recognize the line.
Frequently asked
What changed from the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26 to the 27?
The Cumulus 27 keeps the FF Blast+ midsole and PureGEL heel from the v26 and reduces the toe spring, replacing the v26's aggressive toe rocker with a more comfortable neutral toe position. The midsole reads slightly softer and bouncier than the v26 while keeping the same 38.5/30.5 mm stack and 8 mm drop. The upper carries forward with a normal-width, slightly thicker toe-guard fit. Net effect: a more comfortable forefoot and a slightly softer ride.
How does the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 27 compare to the Saucony Ride 17?
Both are neutral daily trainers built for easy miles and long runs at standard prices. The Cumulus 27 has FF Blast+ cushioning with a PureGEL heel, an 8 mm drop, and a more rockered ride; the Cumulus reads slightly softer with the v27 toe-spring reduction. The Ride 17 uses Saucony's PWRRUN+ midsole with more bounce and a slightly snappier feel at moderate paces. Pick the Cumulus 27 for soft cushion with rockered transitions; pick the Ride 17 for a bouncier PWRRUN+ feel.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 firm or soft underfoot?
The Nimbus 27 lands on the slightly firmer side of the premium plush daily category, not soft and mushy. The FF Blast Plus Eco midsole is tuned for balanced cushion and energy return rather than the soft plush of a PEBA stack, and the PureGEL heel absorbs impact at heel-strike without going soft underneath. This is intentional per ASICS's line direction; the firmer ride helps the shoe maintain pace through long efforts. Runners looking for a softer max-cushion ride should consider the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 or New Balance 1080v15 instead.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 good for walking?
Yes. The 38.5 mm FF Blast+ stack, PureGEL heel, modest rocker, and stable-neutral platform suit walking paces and all-day wear well. The 8 mm drop reads naturally at walking speed. The Cumulus is a lighter and more affordable option than the Nimbus 27 for customers who want a daily trainer that handles both running and time on feet.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 good for treadmill running?
Yes. The FF Blast+ cushioning, PureGEL heel, and rockered geometry absorb the steady cadence of treadmill sessions well; the v27 toe-spring reduction makes the forefoot feel more natural on belt surfaces. The outsole durability runs below average for the category, so high-mileage treadmill runners may want to track wear; the Nimbus 27 is the more durable choice for heavy treadmill use.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
Saucony Ride 17
Choose the Cumulus 27 for FF Blast+ cushioning with PureGEL heel and reduced toe spring. Choose the Ride 17 for Saucony's PWRRUN+ midsole with more bounce and a slightly snappier daily-trainer feel.
Compare Saucony Ride 17 →
Brooks Ghost 17
Choose the Cumulus 27 for slightly softer FF Blast+ cushioning and the new neutral toe position. Choose the Ghost 17 for Brooks's DNA Loft v3 midsole and a more traditional daily-trainer fit.
Compare Brooks Ghost 17 →
ASICS Novablast 5
Choose the Cumulus 27 for a more traditional neutral daily with stable-neutral guidance features. Choose the Novablast 5 for a bouncier trampoline-style FF Blast Max ride in the same brand.
Compare ASICS Novablast 5 →
Hoka Clifton 10
Choose the Cumulus 27 for slightly firmer FF Blast+ cushioning at an 8 mm drop. Choose the Clifton 10 for a softer max-cushion daily with a more aggressive rocker and a 5 mm drop.
Compare Hoka Clifton 10 →
Buyer's guide
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