ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 vs Gel-Kayano 33
Gel-Cumulus 28 or Gel-Kayano 33? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want a soft, smooth everyday trainer? Get the Gel-Cumulus 28.
Want comfort-first stability? Get the Gel-Kayano 33.
Get the Gel-Cumulus 28 if
- You don’t need stability and prefer a neutral ride
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot
- You want the lighter shoe, by about 1.4 oz
Get the Gel-Kayano 33 if
- Your feet roll inward or you like extra support
- You’d like a little less squish underfoot
- You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
On the run
Gel-Cumulus 28: The soft, smooth everyday pick. Soft and smooth, with a softer gel heel and a gentle rocker. It’s comfortable, but there isn’t much bounce at faster paces, and its heel sits much higher than its forefoot.
Gel-Kayano 33: Comfort-first stability. Soft on landing at easy paces, with support that’s more gentle guidance than correction and a stiff, steady forefoot. It feels best slow, and at running pace some runners find it flat.
Specs side by side
| Gel-Cumulus 28 | Gel-Kayano 33 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $145 | $170 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 38.5 / 30.5mm* | 40 / 32mm* |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 9.1 oz | 10.5 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 7.9 oz | 9.1 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Stability |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard, Wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 250–350 miles | 400–500 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Gel-Cumulus 28. True to size, with noticeably more toe room than the Cumulus 27. Narrow feet may find the midfoot loose. Wide available.
Gel-Kayano 33. True to size. The toebox tapers on the little-toe side, so it suits normal-width feet. Plush heel and tongue. Wide available.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Gel-Cumulus 28 · Shop the Gel-Kayano 33 · Compare other running shoes