Asics Gel Cumulus 24 Review: A Smooth, Stable Cruiser for Daily Miles

Introduction

The Asics Gel Cumulus 24 is a cushioned daily trainer built for easy miles. It weighs 321 grams in a UK size 11 (11.3 ounces in the equivalent US size), sits on an 8 millimeter drop, and carries a UK retail price of £130. Squeezed between the firmer, livelier Novablast and the softer Nimbus 24, it fills a deliberate gap in Asics’ cushioned line: a more stable, more controlled ride than the Novablast, at a friendlier price than the Nimbus.

After initial runs, it scores 10.4 out of 12 overall. Here is how it gets there.

Upper: Plush, Supportive and Unapologetically Traditional

The Cumulus 24 uses a thicker mesh than the Novablast, and the profile sits closer to the Nimbus 24. There is a very plush and supportive heel, a bootie-style gusseted tongue, and very little in the way of extras beyond a logo overlay and a couple of reflective strips at the heel. Asics treats it as a classic, conventional running shoe, and that shows in the fit.

On foot, it feels pleasantly plush, though noticeably present on top of the foot. You may find yourself loosening the laces a fair bit, and the laces themselves are a touch short if you like using a runner’s knot. Sizing runs true to Asics’ traditional fit. The main trade-off is breathability: the heel padding and tongue can feel like a sweat magnet in warmer climates, and the generous upper makes it less appealing for faster days. It earns 2.5 out of 3 here.

Midsole: Dual-Density Comfort with a Guided Feel

This is where the shoe earns its personality. The midsole uses FF Blast foam, the same material as the Novablast, but with a much more controlled application. Combined with classic Asics Gel in the heel, the rear of the shoe produces a very stable, guided sensation. If you found the Novablast too unstable or wobbly, this is likely the better match.

There appears to be a firmer, standard foam layer in the top section, giving it something like a dual-density feel, with the medial side noticeably firmer. The ride is smooth and responsive at around 8 minutes per mile (5 minutes per kilometer) pace, helped by an OrthoLite insole and a thin layer of soft foam underneath it for a comfortable underfoot feel. Asics also claims Gel in the forefoot, though it is hard to detect on the run.

At 321 grams, it is clearly not a speed shoe. It is about 20 grams lighter than the Invincible Run but around 35 grams heavier than the Adios 6, so easy miles and long runs are the natural home, not 5K or 10K repetitions. For heel strikers in particular, the stabilized ride is a genuine selling point. It takes 2.5 out of 3 for the midsole.

Outsole: Near-Full Coverage Rubber with Assured Grip

The outsole carries Asics’ high-abrasion rubber plus in the heel, in the same layout as the Nimbus 24, with lighter rubber filling the rest. If the Nimbus is anything to go by, the rubber should outlast the midsole foam itself. Grip was very assured on initial runs, including wet weather, which is likely down to the near-full rubber coverage and the fact that there are few nooks and crannies where dirt and debris can collect.

It is a 2.8 out of 3, the strongest part of the shoe so far.

Value: Who Should Pick This Over the Nimbus 24

At £130, the Cumulus 24 is a comfortable smooth cruiser, but its versatility is limited by the weight and that plush upper; it does not feel as snappy as the Novablast on faster runs. If you want something firmer and more responsive for the money, options like the Pegasus 39 exist. Where it makes more sense is as a training partner for the Nimbus 24: a similar feel on foot, a cheaper price, and arguably more durability, though it is not quite as soft and compressive.

Build quality is on point, and the shoe feels carefully put together straight out of the box. It scores 2.6 out of 3 for value, topping out at 10.4 out of 12 overall.

Things to Consider Before Buying

This is a daily-miles shoe, not a pace-work shoe. If your week revolves around tempo runs and intervals, something lighter and snappier will serve you better. If, however, you want maximum impact protection for easy sessions, a stable ride for heel striking, or a cheaper companion to the Nimbus 24, the Cumulus 24 hits the brief very well.

Buying Advice

Buy the Gel Cumulus 24 if you are an easy-paced runner who prioritizes comfort and a guided, stable ride, especially if you are a heel striker or have been put off by the Novablast’s instability. If you want a softer, plusher feel and budget allows, the Nimbus 24 remains the premium option; for firmer, faster daily training, look elsewhere.

Conclusion

The Asics Gel Cumulus 24 is a spot-on smooth cruiser: stable, cushioned, well made and durable, held back only by a weighty plush upper that limits its faster days. For daily miles and long runs, it is an easy recommendation at its price point.