More so now than ever before, people are beginning to take exercise and physical activity seriously. There are so many different methods and techniques that you can use to begin getting in shape so that you can utilize to finally achieve the body that you’ve always wanted.
One of the most effective ways to get in shape without having to spend too much money on different accessories and equipment is by running on a regular basis.
Running is a great way to train your cardiovascular system and overall endurance as it conditions your body to become used to high-stress situations without paying too much of a price.
Since running is very hard on the feet, you should always wear a pair of high-performance running shoes to ensure that you can maintain optimal performance at all times.
When it comes to choosing the right running shoe for your specific running style, it’s important for you to consider the length of your runs and your foot positioning to ensure that you gain maximum performance benefits from the pair that you select.
There are a lot of different running shoe brands and options available on the market, which can make it difficult to find the exact shoe that meets all of your design needs and functional use capabilities.
Factors such as the design of the midsole, outsole, upper, and more will all impact how much benefit you see in terms of all-around performance enhancement while wearing your selected pair of running shoes.
You need to make sure that you consider your personal needs as they relate to how you run, the type of terrains and environments you encounter on a regular basis, and what areas of your performance you see the potential for improvements.
Since there are so many different brands and companies on the market that produce running shoes, it can be difficult trying to find the perfect fit that has all of the features and design elements that you need and expect while running.
One of the leading running shoe brands out on the market today is Asics, the company is known for creating high-quality running shoes that are designed to provide you with the runner with enhanced performance capabilities and long-lasting support.
Two of the most popular options from the company are the Nimbus and Cumulus running shoes.
A blown AHAR rubber compound for enhanced cushioning and durability in the forefoot. ASICS energetic foam formulation that provides supreme bounce thanks to a unique elastomer compound.
Both of these shoes come with unique design elements and integrations that provide runners with personalized benefits according to their specific running style or stance.
If you’ve been looking for the right pair of running shoes that can help increase the level at which you perform but haven’t been able to find the right option for your exact needs, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’re going to go over all of the core features and design elements that you’ll gain access to when running in either of these shoes.
By the end, you’ll be able to choose which of these robust and fully capable pieces of footwear is the right selection for your desired running needs.
In the following section, we’re going to take a look at the core differences between the Asics Nimbus and Cumulus so that you can make an educated decision about which one will provide you with the performance-enhancing benefits that you need to begin running how you want when you want to.
Contents
Main Differences Between the Asics Nimbus vs Cumulus
Main Differences Between the Asics Nimbus vs Cumulus are:
- The Cumulus has more of an optimized fit right out of the box, whereas the nimbus has a fit geared more towards comfort
- The Cumulus has a stiff toe box design, whereas the Nimbus has a rather narrow toe box
- The Nimbus shoes are designed for those who deal with under pronation in mind, whereas the Cumulus shoes are crafted for those that need more midfoot support
- The Nimbus shoes use more advanced technology integrations, whereas the Cumulus shoes use traditional technology that has been included in previous versions of the shoe
- The Cumulus is slightly heavy, whereas the Nimbus has more of a lightweight design
To continue, let’s take a look at a brief history behind the company Asics so that you can gain a better understanding as to why they are a powerhouse in the industry today.
History Behind the Company: Asics
Kihachiro Onitsuka founded the company Asics in 1949 as a step towards realizing his long-term dream of providing Japanese youth with profound benefits that they can carry with them throughout their life journey by way of sports.
The company has a founding principle that states “a sound mind in a sound body” which represents the inherent values the company infuses into all of their products and footwear.
Asics puts an emphasis on incorporating new technology and design elements into their shoes which is shown throughout the pure quality and practical performance enhancements that you’ll experience when wearing any of their running shoe options.
2020 will mark the 70th year of the company Asics being in existence and there is no foreseeable end to the company’s continuous innovation and dedication to providing its customers with durable products that they can rely on no matter what their core interests or intended use may be.
At the core, Asics is dedicated to benefiting society in a sustainable and healthy manner so that further development and enrichment of people’s lives will be something that everyone has to look forward to in the future.
Asics will also be a gold partner for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 which lends to the credibility and production history of the company.
Now that we’ve gone over a brief history about the company and what their core beliefs are, it’s time to take a look at what some of the main differences are between the Nimbus and Cumulus shoe so that you will be able to make an educated purchase decision about which one of these options will provide you with the running performance and benefits that you’re interested in attaining.
Asics Nimbus vs Cumulus
When it comes to comparing the Asics Nimbus and Cumulus there are a lot of different features and elements that are similar, however, both of these shoes also vary in some core areas which is something that you’ll want to pay attention to before making your final purchase decision.
Two of the core areas where these two shoes differ is in the realm of their design and overall fit, depending on your preferred running style and the type of running activity that you engage in on a regular basis, both of these shoes offer distinct benefits which can help runners in both situations.
As you can see from the comparison above, there are some key differences in terms of how both of these shoes are designed.
All of these subtle yet impactful design differences will have a direct impact on the amount of performance and overall support you receive from your selected pair of running shoes.
Depending on your specific running style and the way in which you intend on using your shoes, these different design elements will be something you’ll want to keep in mind before making your final decision to ensure that you’re making the best choice that will provide you with the most practical benefit once out on the road or trail.
Use the comparison above when you begin looking for the right pair of running shoes to provide you with increased support and comfort so that you can personalize your decision according to what aspects you desire most in a high-quality pair of running shoes.
Now that we’ve gone over all of the main differences between both of these running shoe options, it’s time to take a look at exactly who they were designed for.
A blown AHAR rubber compound for enhanced cushioning and durability in the forefoot. ASICS energetic foam formulation that provides supreme bounce thanks to a unique elastomer compound.
Who are the Asics Nimbus and Cumulus?
Both the Asics Nimbus and Asics Cumulus were designed with those runners who want a reliable pair of shoes that they can depend on daily.
Both shoes are rated for 350+ miles so you can rest assured that they will last a long time once on your feet. Both shoes also have a 10mm drop integrated into their design which is perfect for absorbing a large amount of impact when striking virtually any type of terrain or environment.
Both of these shoes are designed with daily training and long-distance running in mind which is one of the common features that you will find throughout both options.
The core of where these two running shoe options begin to differ is in the area of fit, if you’re looking for a shoe that is optimized for long runs and consistent impact right out of the box, you may want to go with the Cumulus‘ over the Nimbus.
The Nimbus has more of a comfortable and relaxed fit when you take it out of the box however it is still very durable and can withstand a lot of impact over extended periods of time.
Another area where these two shoes are very similar is in the areas relating to their overall responsiveness and compatible cushioning that gives you extra support and stability while running.
At their core, both of these options are intended for those runners who want a reliable pair of shoes that they can use on a daily basis to tackle all of their training objectives and running goals.
If you want to invest in a premium running shoe that is outfitted with professional features and design elements that can help you elevate your performance, both of these shoes give you the opportunity to do so in style.
Now that we’ve gone over exactly who these shoes were designed for, it’s time to take a look at some of the core specifications about both of these options so that you will be able to make an educated purchase decision as to which selection provides you with the level of support and stability that you desire.
Experience lasting comfort with GEL-NIMBUS 22 running shoe from ASICS. Packed with technologies to improve the performance of neutral runners, the newest iteration of this iconic running shoe delivers soft cushioning and a responsive stride
Core Specifications: Asics Nimbus vs Cumulus
We’ve already covered some of the main differences and similarities that you can expect to encounter when choosing either of these options as your dedicated running shoes.
However, you’ve yet to see a full explanation and detailed breakdown of all the core features packed into these shoes so that you can select the right pair based on your specific running style and performance upgrades.
In the following section, we’re going to provide you with an up-close look at all of the core specifications that both of these shoes come with so that you can select which one will provide you with the most enhanced support and overall stability while out on your runs.
Make sure you read all of the information in this section in full so that you will be able to make the best decision about which one of these shoes comes with the key design features that you need and expect.
Asics Nimbus Specifications
The Nimbus has a very sleek and modern design that features and intercrossing pattern on the main body of the shoe.
The shoe also has an embossed 27 logo on the rear inside of a plastic-covered display and a white midsole that provides a nice colour contrast all around.
The toe box of the shoe is very pointed and you can tell by the overall design structure that they were made for long runs at fast speeds.
These shoes come in various different colourways and options which gives you the ability to get a pair of shoes that match your personal style regardless of what it may be.
This shoe is packed with tons of innovative technology enhancements and upgrades which are sure to translate into real-world performance once they’re actually on your feet.
Take a look at some of the core specs of the Nimbus below so you can get a better idea of what to expect once the shoes are actually on your feet.
- Impact Guidance System
- TRUSSTUC SYSTEM
- AHARPLUS Heel Plug
- FLYTEFOAM Propel technology
- SpEVA insole
All around, the Nimbus shoes are crafted with an intuitive approach to running and long-term performance in mind.
The new technology enhancements and upgrades that are integrated into the shoes really boost the overall amount of longevity and stability that you’ll experience once they’re on your feet.
Below is a more detailed breakdown of all the various features and technology improvements that are inside of the Nimbus shoe.
Asics has many GOOD contenders, but our aboluste favorite has to be the Gel Nimbus 20 (the 21 is also a good option - but more expensive). It has that perfect plush but firm feel, the ideal neutral running shoe. Comes in Men's and Women's.
TRUSSTIC SYSTEM
The TRUSSTIC SYSTEM is a technology enhancement that is designed to provide you with increased stability and overall support so that you can push yourself longer and harder on your runs.
The upper is made from a jacquard mesh material that ensures you maintain a secure fit while wearing the shoes regardless of what terrain or environment you may be in.
The material also allows for increased breathability and airflow so your feet remain cool while on long runs.
GEL TECHNOLOGY
These shoes use exclusive technology that the Asics brand is known for which is called GEL TECHNOLOGY.
This technology is implemented into the rear and front soles of the shoes to provide you with adaptative and energized cushioning support that reduces the overall amount of fatigue and possible injuries that you can occur on a run
. This technology is also rated for its very high shock-absorbing capabilities which are perfect for those runners that engage in heavy-impact exercises or routines on a regular basis.
FLYTEFOAM Propel
FLYTEFOAM Propel technology is a midsole insert that enhances the amount of bounce and to off inside of the shoe giving you increased ability to mitigate your positioning and stance while in the middle of the action.
It uses a lightweight foam material that is designed with a specialized high-energy return elastomer which helps to provide you with a nice spring in every leap or step that you take while inside of the shoes.
SpEVA Insole
The SpEVA insole that comes inside of the shoe is a design element that helps to prolong the overall life of the shoe while also giving you, even more, boosts while taking steps inside of the shoes.
The shoes also have an exterior heel counter which aids in holding your heels firmly in place during strenuous activity so that you can maintain optimal performance handling.
This also helps to keep your feet comfortable and protected from injury when running for prolonged periods of time.
AHARPLUS Heel Plug
The AHARPLUS Heel Plug is a feature on the outsole of the shoe which enables you to run for prolonged periods of time without worrying about becoming subjected to injuries.
This in combination with Asic’s exclusive Abrasion Resistance Rubber gives you extreme protection against any unnecessary wear or damage to your shoes when using them for an extended amount of time.
These shoes also have a reflective design detail on them which ensures that you’re still able to be seen in the dark.
If you’re looking for a shoe that was designed with the runner who pronates in mind, these are a great option for you as they provide incredible all-around support and stability enhancements to help you maintain high-performance at all times.
Asics Cumulus Specifications
The Asics Cumulus has a very sporty design with details running all along the main body of the shoe. It comes with a nice sleek outline that has black and white trim around the midsole and outsole areas.
The toe box design on these shoes is more rounded and they come in multiple different colourways so that you can choose what style you want to portray while wearing them.
These shoes were crafted with more of a traditional approach as they contain many of the same design elements and features that you will find on previous versions of the shoe.
The sheer amount of stability enhancements, performance upgrades, and protection that these shoes provide is incredible.
Take a look below to see some of the main specs about the Cumulus shoes so that you can get a more realized view of the performance benefits that they have to offer.
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL technology
- FLYTEFOAM Midsole Technology
- Durasponge Outsole
- AHAR Outsole
- HG10MM HEEL GRADIENT
- GUIDANCE Line Midsole Technology
- Fluidride Midsole
All of these performance integrations and design features combine to give you a reliable running shoe that is capable of taking on long runs and high impact without a problem.
Continue reading below so that you can see what all of these various technologies do for the shoe and your performance while running.
Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel Technology Cushioning System
These shoes come with a unique cushioning design known as the rearfoot and forefoot gel technology cushioning system and it helps to reduce the amount of direct shock felt when you toe-off inside the shoe.
This design feature also allows you to move in various directions and places as your foot transitions from one position to the next without exposing you to undue injury or discomfort.
If you deal with issues related to losing your proper stance or being hindered by the cushioning in your current running shoes, this is a feature that will help to alleviate some of those problems.
FLYTEFOAM MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY
The midsole on this shoe uses a specialized material known as FLYTEFOAM which is designed to add increased responsiveness and bounce for runners.
Regardless of how far or long you run, the FLYTEFOAM midsole will retain it’s support and comfort so that you can focus on optimizing your performance.
The midsole uses organic super fibres which reduce the amount of packing with other lower density foam options, which means that you’ll be fully supported when taking on runs of all types.
AHAR OUTSOLE
The Asics Cumulus uses a patented technology known as ASICs high abrasion rubber that is specially formulated to provide you with enhanced support and stability around the areas nearest the outsole.
This unique rubber material also helps to prolong the overall life of the shoes so that you can take on any challenges without worrying about your shoes falling apart during the process.
HG10MM Heel Gradient
The HG10MM Heel Gradient helps to move your body mass forward so that you can reduce the amount of pressure and strain that your legs are subjected to while running.
This is a very beneficial design integration that provides real-world benefits to runners who suffer from extreme pain in the lower body due to the direct impact on their limbs from running for prolonged periods of time.
FLUIDRIDE MIDSOLE
These shoes also have a specialized midsole that uses FLUIDRIDE technology to provide you with a powerful combination of bounce back capabilities in addition to superior cushioning support that helps you maintain optimal performance levels at all times.
The material used for the midsole is also very lightweight which helps reduce the amount of stress your body endures due to the added weight of most running shoes.
It’s also very durable so you can rest assured knowing that your midsole will be around for a long time even when exposed to excessive use.
GUIDANCE LINE MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY
In addition to all of the other midsole integrations and upgrades that are a part of this shoe, you will also gain access to a vertical flex groove that helps to decouple the tooling along the line of progression in the shoe for more gait efficiency.
This helps you maintain a more precise running stance without interfering with the natural anatomical configuration of your feet.
DURASPONGE OUTSOLE
The outsole on the shoe uses a combination of AHAR rubber to provide you with even more durability and damage resistance. It also helps to increase the amount of support that you experience in the forefoot for added protection against damage and early fatigue.
All of the materials used on this shoe are very breathable and resilient, if you’re looking for a pair of shoes that can withstand high-impact activities and long runs without causing you discomfort or impacting your ability to run, these are a great option for you to begin with.
Now that we’ve covered all of the main specifications about each of these shoes, it’s time to take a look at some of our top alternative recommendations.
Top Alternative Recommendations
If after looking at all of the specifications above you still don’t think that either of these shoes is the right choice for you, you’re in luck because this section is going to include our top alternative recommendations that you can choose from.
Keep in mind, all of these recommendations will vary in terms of the type of technology and overall design features that they contain.
Always consider your personal running style and preference to ensure that you’re choosing the pair of shoes which will benefit you most while out on your runs.
#1 Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2
The Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 was designed as a high-mileage and high-performance running shoe that is packing a lot of design enhancements and performance-focused features that can help you elevate your running game all around. T
he shoes have a very secure and tight fit which keeps your feet planted in a stationary position no matter how rough your runs may get.
They are also very lightweight and have a streamlined design which makes them efficient for taking on high-speed situations without worrying about losing your balance or damaging your shoes in the process.
The shoes also have several different design implementations which serve to make your overall running experience much more responsiveness and adaptable.
They also have a breathable upper and come with unique foam cushioning support so you can run for extended periods of time without subjecting your body to injury.
#2 Reebok Floatride Energy
The Reebok Floatride Energy shoes come with a 10mm drop and only weighs 331g which is on the moderate side for a running shoe.
The shoes feature exclusive float ride technology which uses a specialized foam material that provides an excellent amount of bounce back and overall responsiveness to the shoe.
The midsole provides an exceptional level of support and stability so that you can run for extended periods of time without feeling like your feet are being beaten up with every step.
On the outside of the shoe, you can see a white Reebok logo on the background blue that covered the majority of the shoe’s body.
A light blue heel design and contrasting outsole colour make this shoe one of the most visually impressive running shoe options that we’ve seen in a while.
The laces are standard and while the shoe has a lot of innovative and unique design elements, it’s still very easy to use and gets the job done for serious runners.
#3 Nike Zoom Air Pegasus 36
The Nike Zoom Air Pegasus 36 shoe has a 10mm drop and weighs only 280g which makes it a very lightweight running shoe.
This shoe features a shorter tongue design than previous versions which helps to reduce the amount of irritation that the front of your ankle feels when takin on long runs.
The shoe comes in many different designs and colour options all of which revolve around the main theme of electric green colour.
The upper and several other parts of the shoe are made from a very lightweight and breathable mesh material that is great for providing you with enhanced comfort on your runs however water can easily get through the surface. T
These shoes are a signature Nike running shoe and come with all of the features that you would expect out of one.
FAQs
Question: How do I clean my shoes?
A: You should clean your shoes using a regular shoe cleaner or another safe solution that won’t damage their finish
Question: Can I get a return?
Answer: Yes, if you purchase the shoes from the official Asics website you have 60 days after the initial date of purchase to return your items for a full refund to the original payment method
Question: How long do refunds take?
Answer: Refunds processed form the official Asics website takes about 3-5 business days before they will be reflected in your account.
Our Decision
After taking an in-depth look at both the Asics Nimbus and Cumulus, we’ve come to a decision about which one of these running shoes we feel is the better choice.
The Asics Cumulus comes out as the winner of this comparison for a few reasons, the technology integrations and enhancements that come with the Cumulus work in a much more seamless and fluid way as opposed to the Nimbus.
While the Nimbus is more of bare-bones running shoe, the Cumulus is a comprehensive shoe that takes into consideration all of the most important needs that most runners consider critical to their performance capabilities.
A blown AHAR rubber compound for enhanced cushioning and durability in the forefoot. ASICS energetic foam formulation that provides supreme bounce thanks to a unique elastomer compound.
Conclusion
Before you go out to purchase your next pair of running shoes, use all of the information and tips that we’ve included in this guide as an instructional guide so that you can make the right decision about which pair of shoes will provide you with the most benefit in terms of performance, enhancement and stability.
We’ve covered all of the most important facts and specifications that you need to know about both of these options in an effort to help you make an informed and educated purchase decision that will increase the quality of your runs for a long time to come.
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