Asics GEL-Cumulus 28 Men's Neutral Running Shoes — Dusty Fern/Ivory

The ASICS GEL-Cumulus 28 is ASICS' long-standing daily trainer, and this version brings the biggest change to the line in years — a new FF BLAST MAX midsole that trades the Cumulus's traditionally flat ride for genuine spring and energy return. In Dusty Fern/Ivory, it's a dependable, well-cushioned option for daily training and long runs.

---

Quick Technical Specifications

Category	Neutral Daily Trainer
Support	Neutral
Surface	Road
Weight	Approx. 252–259g / 8.9–9.1oz (Men's US9, manufacturer/reviewer stated)
Heel Drop	8mm
Stack Height	42mm heel / 34mm forefoot
Midsole	FF BLAST MAX foam (new for v28)
Heel Cushioning	PureGEL rearfoot insert
Outsole	FluidRide with reinforced rubber pods
Colour	Dusty Fern/Ivory
Ride Feel	Cushioned, notably springier than previous versions
Best Use	Daily training, long runs, easy runs, walking
Price Category	Mid-range daily trainer

---

Product Overview

The Cumulus has been ASICS' entry point into cushioned daily training for years, historically known for a reliable but fairly flat, uneventful ride. Version 28 changes that story significantly. ASICS replaced the previous FF BLAST+ midsole with FF BLAST MAX — the same foam used in the ASICS Novablast 5 and GlideRide Max 2 — bringing a noticeably livelier, more energetic feel that the Cumulus line hasn't had in years.

The stack height grows again for this version, continuing a multi-year trend of the Cumulus getting taller with each release, while independent lab testing shows the shoe has also gotten lighter — around a 3% weight reduction over the previous version. ASICS also redesigned the heel bevel for a smoother transition, so the shoe rolls forward naturally rather than feeling blocky through the rearfoot. The outsole has been reworked too, adding harder rubber pods alongside the existing FluidRide material to improve durability, addressing wear concerns some runners had with the Cumulus 27.

Who benefits? Runners who want a dependable, well-cushioned daily trainer that no longer feels flat or forgettable underfoot. It handles daily training, long runs and walking equally well, and remains genuinely light for its stack height. It's not the softest or plushest shoe in ASICS' range — runners chasing maximum cloud-like softness should look at the GEL-Nimbus 28 instead, which trades some of the Cumulus's newfound spring for a more substantial, plush feel.

---

Technology Explained

FF BLAST MAX Foam

What it is: ASICS' updated midsole foam, replacing the previous FF BLAST+ compound and shared with performance models like the Novablast 5 and GlideRide Max 2.

How it works: The foam is engineered for a livelier, more energetic compression and rebound than older ASICS foams, delivering genuine spring through the stride rather than just absorbing impact.

Why it matters: This is the single biggest change in the Cumulus 28, transforming what was historically a flat, unremarkable ride into something with real energy return.

Who benefits: Runners who want the reliability of a classic daily trainer combined with a more engaging, less monotonous ride.

PureGEL Rearfoot Insert

What it is: A gel cushioning element positioned in the heel of the midsole.

How it works: The gel absorbs and disperses impact specifically at heel strike, working alongside the FF BLAST MAX foam for targeted shock absorption.

Why it matters: This gives heel strikers extra protection exactly where they land hardest, without needing to add cushioning throughout the entire shoe.

Who benefits: Heel-striking runners who want dedicated impact protection at initial contact.

---

Ride Experience

Landing: Cushioned and protective, with the PureGEL heel insert adding targeted shock absorption on heel strike.

Transition: Noticeably smoother than previous Cumulus versions thanks to the redesigned heel bevel — the shoe rolls forward rather than feeling blocky.

Toe Off: The forefoot remains flexible for a smooth release, though this means it's not the stiffest option for runners wanting maximum forefoot protection.

Responsiveness: A genuine step up from previous versions — the FF BLAST MAX foam brings spring and energy return the Cumulus line hasn't had in years.

Comfort: Strong, with the tall stack height offering real protection over daily mileage.

Stability: Good for a neutral shoe with this much stack — the wider platform and raised sidewalls keep the foot feeling secure.

Ground Feel: Limited given the tall 42mm heel stack, though the shoe doesn't feel disconnected or unstable.

Cadence: Versatile across easy and moderate paces; also works well for walking.

---

Ideal Runner

• Beginner Runners: A forgiving, well-cushioned shoe that's comfortable and reliable from day one.
• Experienced Runners: Works well as a daily trainer or long-run shoe in a rotation.
• Neutral Runners: Built without stability features, for those with a neutral gait.
• Long Distance Training: The tall stack and PureGEL heel offer genuine protection for higher weekly mileage.
• Walking: The smoother heel bevel makes this shoe particularly comfortable for all-day wear.

Who might want to look elsewhere: runners wanting maximum plush softness should consider the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 instead; those chasing a firm, race-ready feel may find the tall stack here too protective for faster efforts.

---

Performance Ratings

Comfort	★★★★★
Cushioning	★★★★★
Responsiveness	★★★★☆
Stability	★★★★☆
Durability	★★★★☆
Daily Training	★★★★★
Long Runs	★★★★★
Walking	★★★★★
Overall Value	★★★★☆

---

Comparison Table

Model	Weight	Drop	Best For
ASICS GEL-Cumulus 28	~252–259g	8mm	Springy, versatile daily trainer
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28	~298g	8mm	Taller, plusher max-cushion trainer
ASICS Novablast 5	~254g	8mm	Bouncier, taller-stack performance trainer
Saucony Ride 19	255g	8mm	Lighter, more grounded daily trainer

Cumulus 28 vs Nimbus 28: The Nimbus sits taller and heavier with a plusher, more substantial feel, while the Cumulus 28's new FF BLAST MAX foam gives it a livelier, more nimble ride that some runners now prefer despite the Nimbus's traditional premium positioning.

Cumulus 28 vs Novablast 5: Both now share similar spring thanks to related foam technology, but the Novablast leans slightly more performance-oriented while the Cumulus retains more of its classic daily-trainer stability.

---

Key Features

• FF BLAST MAX midsole foam (new for v28)
• PureGEL rearfoot cushioning insert
• 8mm heel-to-toe drop
• Redesigned heel bevel for smoother transitions
• Reinforced outsole rubber pods for improved durability
• 42mm heel / 34mm forefoot stack height
• Roughly 3% lighter than the previous version

---

Durban Runner Expert Recommendation

The Cumulus 28 is a strong choice for runners who've wanted the reliability of ASICS' daily trainer without the flat, uneventful ride older Cumulus versions were known for. The new FF BLAST MAX foam genuinely changes the character of this shoe, and it's a great option for building weekly mileage toward Comrades or Two Oceans, or simply as a dependable everyday trainer for Durban's roads.

If you're deciding between the Cumulus 28 and the plusher GEL-Nimbus 28, come in for a fitting — the right choice often comes down to whether you prefer a more nimble, energetic ride or maximum plush protection.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 28 a neutral shoe?

Yes, it's a neutral daily trainer without dedicated pronation-control features.

What is the heel-to-toe drop on the Cumulus 28?

8mm.

What is the stack height of the Cumulus 28?

42mm heel / 34mm forefoot.

How much does the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 28 weigh?

Approximately 252–259g / 8.9–9.1oz for a men's US9, depending on the source.

What's new in the GEL-Cumulus 28?

A new FF BLAST MAX midsole foam (replacing FF BLAST+), a redesigned heel bevel for smoother transitions, a reinforced outsole for improved durability, and a small reduction in overall weight.

Is the Cumulus 28 good for long runs?

Yes, its tall stack and PureGEL heel cushioning make it well suited to long-distance training.

How does the Cumulus 28 compare to the GEL-Nimbus 28?

The Nimbus is taller and heavier with a plusher feel; the Cumulus 28's new foam gives it a lighter, livelier, more nimble ride. See our full comparison above.

Is the Cumulus 28 good for walking?

Yes, the redesigned heel bevel makes it particularly comfortable for all-day wear and walking.

Is the Cumulus 28 good value for money?

Yes, it sits at a mid-range price point while offering technology shared with ASICS' higher-performance models.

---

Ready to Try the ASICS GEL-Cumulus 28?

Come in for a professional fitting and let our team confirm whether the Cumulus 28 is the right daily trainer for your foot and your training goals.