ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 vs Gel-Nimbus 28

Gel-Cumulus 28 or Gel-Nimbus 28? 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 steady, protective cushion for long runs? Get the Gel-Nimbus 28.

Get the Gel-Cumulus 28 if

  • You want the softer, more cushioned ride
  • You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot
  • You want the lighter shoe, by about 0.8 oz
  • You’d rather spend $25 less

Get the Gel-Nimbus 28 if

  • You’d like a little less squish underfoot
  • You want more foam underfoot (5mm more at the heel)
  • You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
  • 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-Nimbus 28: The protective long-run cruiser. Max cushion that’s more supportive than plush, with a stiff, steady forefoot. It’s smooth but uneventful, and it feels blocky if you try to push the pace.

Specs side by side

Gel-Cumulus 28 Gel-Nimbus 28
Price $145 $169.99
Stack height (heel / forefoot) 38.5 / 30.5mm* 43.5 / 35.5mm*
Drop 8mm 8mm
Weight, men’s 9.1 oz 9.9 oz
Weight, women’s 7.9 oz 8.5 oz
Support Neutral Neutral
Plate None None
Widths Standard, Wide Standard, Wide, Extra wide
Built for Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear Easy days, Long runs, Recovery runs, Walking & all-day wear
Expected life 250–350 miles 350–450 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-Nimbus 28. True to size, with a stretchy knit that feels like a slipper as you step in. The toebox is average in width but low over the toes. Wide and extra-wide available.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

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