Asics Gel Cumulus 14 General Info
In keeping with the success of past incarnations, Asics was conservative with their updates for the Cumulus 14, though that isn’t to say that there haven’t been some important changes for the new edition. The two most significant changes–an extension of Asics’ Guidance line through the entirety of the sole and a slightly firmer overall ride–are intended to improve runner efficiency and make the shoe more responsive. Both the men’s and women’s version are lighter and have a slightly lower profile, improving the overall package and allowing the runner to connect with ground without sacrificing cushioning.
Asics Gel Cumulus 14 Impressions
I was surprised by how quickly I felt comfortable in the Cumulus 14. I haven’t spent much time in Asics shoes for several years, and I was expecting a bit of a transition period as I adjusted to the fit and overall feel of the shoe. From the first run, however, the Cumulus 14 felt natural for me, and have held up remarkably well as I’ve taken them through trails, roads, and the track throughout the summer during marathon training.
The Cumulus 14 feels a bit firmer than comparable shoes like the Brooks Ghost 5, but doesn’t lack in support and comfort. Even at the end of 14 and 15 mile runs, they still held up great, providing just enough cushioning to stay comfortable as the miles piled up.
Asics Gel Cumulus 14 Sole Unit
The sole unit saw two significant changes for the Cumulus 14: the amount of foam in the midsole was slightly reduced (which lowered the overall profile of the shoe) and the Guidance Line now runs through the length of the outsole, rather than just through the mid to forefoot sections as in the Cumulus 13.
By reducing the amount of foam in the midsole, Asics was able to shave about half an ounce off of the total weight, and also brings runners slightly closer to the ground (1.3 mm closer in the forefoot and nearly 3 mm in the heel). The change didn’t result in a major loss of cushioning, but does make the shoe a bit more responsive. Similarly, the lengthening of the Guidance Line makes for a slightly more responsive shoe and encourages a more efficient gait.
Rounding out the construction of the sole unit are Asics’ SoLyte foam in the midsole, which is found in many of their other offerings, as well as additional durable rubber on parts of the outside to increase durability. Overall, I found the sole unit to fulfill everything I was looking for, without loads of bells and whistles to get in the way of my runs and weigh me down. They provided just enough cushioning and support and delivered a nice smooth ride.
Asics Gel Cumulus 14 Upper Unit
The upper unit is definitely my favorite part of the Cumulus 14. The collar and tongue have plenty foam to create a secure, comfortable fit, and the mesh overlays do a great job of managing moisture and heat, and helps the shoe dry out quickly after rainy runs. What made the upper stand out, though, was the heel fit. The collar is lined with two layers of memory foam, which molds to your heel for a perfect fit.
It should be noted, however, that some longtime users have noticed a slightly narrower fit in the forefoot, which means that some runners may need to order a different width for this edition. While I appreciated the closer fit, it could cause issues for runners with wider feet. II would definitely recommend trying on the Cumulus 14 to ensure a proper (and blister free!) fit.
Asics Gel Cumulus 14 Opinion
I was pleasantly surprised by the Cumulus 14, and it’s a great option for neutral runners that are looking for a stable, reliable shoe for long runs. The overall fit of and feel is fantastic–just enough cushioning and a close-fitting upper that keeps feet dry and comfortable.
We thank the nice people at Asics for sending us a pair of Cumulus 14 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.
price comparison
 | Asics - Gel-cumulus 14 (purple/white/lime) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns | $79.95 |
 | Asics Gel-cumulus 14 Men Storm/white/royal Holabird Sports Free shipping over 69.95$ | $79.95 |
 | Men's Asics Gel-cumulus 14 Running Shoe - Charcoal/blue 7 RoadRunnerSports Free shipping, 60-day perfect fit guarantee: possible to exchange shoes after using them for two months. | $104.95 |
 | Asics - Gel-cumulus 14 (men's) - Lightning/jet Blue/black Shoebuy Free shipping, free return shipping, price guarantee and no sales tax | $109.95 |
Written by Courtney Roy
Courtney lives and runs in New York City. When she’s not running through her favorite parks, you can find her shopping, cooking, or watching her favorite football teams.
Forefoot tightness is very pronounced with the 14′s. In fact so much so I took them off as quickly as I put them on. Went on line & stockpiled up with half a dozen 13′s which were being sold at discount pricing. Almost the opposite with the Nimbus which has improved forefoot roominess over past model.
The shoe fits 1/2 smaller than normal. It also lacks of forefoot cushion, I know that the trend is to remove layer of midsole for reduce weight but it’s a nonsense for a heavy miles running shoe IMHO
Agree 100% with Walt K. For a shoe known for it’s accommodating fit, they changed it dramatically. I couldn’t even go a few strides in the store without feeling the pinch towards the toes. Instant pass.
The Cumulus 14 is very different from the Cumulus 13. I’ve run 700km on the 13 with no problems, but hurt my knees running just a short distance with the 14. Went back to using the 13 and my knees are ok again.
The midsole support and heel stability are different.
Normally I take a size 10 1/2…needed to buy a size 12 for the Gel-Cumulus 14.
What’s with that?
I’ve worn the Asics Cumulus for many years and I HATE the 14′s, so much that I switched to another brand. I can’t pinpoint exactly my problem with them, other than they just are not comfortable. I ran 150 miles in one pair, thinking I’d give them a fair chance, but I never started to feel comfortable in them. I’m very disappointed with the changes. Over the years, I liked some versions a little better than others, but never any that I couldn’t run in. I never once contemplated switching, and was a huge Asics fan until now.
This is not a rating on the shoe, instead a suggestion to date your review articles. It would also help to add the release date of the shoe in the reviews, so we can tell which season the shoes are from.
Completely agree with Kim! The 14s are awful and I too have been researching other brands to try. As an ASICS fan, it’s not ideal but these are such a different feel than the 13s. I’ve been wearing them, but have continued to feel disappointed.
I have been running in the cumulus since the 10′s. The 14 are a huge dissapointment. I feel beat up after every run, no matter the distance. This has never happened to me since wearing the cumulus, after 3 weeks in the 14, i switched to a different brand for the first time in 4 years. Very sad to say goodbye to asics, happy to be comfortable in my nwe brand!
Have worn cumulus since the 10s. Got the 13s and HATED them. When the 14s came out, I read a bunch of the reviews and decided they had made enough changes that I would give the 14s a try. LOVE THEM!!! Love the lower profile, have had no knee pain (a big problem with the 13s), and feel like these are the best incarnation of the Cumulus yet! (Although I seem to be in the minority). Have purchased three pairs just in case the 15s go back towards the 13s.
I have to agree with those who dislike this new update. They are much stiffer, less cushioned and as a result were killing my feet. For the first time in years, I’m forced to switch from Asics.
Switched the brand because of 14s
The shoes, to me, seem ok. All the talk about the tight foot box makes me laugh. I wonder if any of these comments are even from ‘real’ runners. Any person who runs a lot knows that shoes come in wider options. If the standard shoe box it tight, then just buy the EE option, which is wider.
Overall, i haven’t found the shoe a miracle, but it is a decent all around shoe.
Review date: April 6, 2013
Bought these shoes over a month ago now…They are awesome. From running in minimalist shoes to this is like running on a cloud. I can easily run 10k plus without any problems what-so-ever. I love the stiffness, and the support is unreal, which i really need being a 220 pound runner.
I am putting a good on here for the 15′s which I just picked up… so far they are great… I feel more cushioning than my 13′s.. hopefully they fixed things from the 14′s???.. when you list a 15 review I will repost. Just wanted to give your readers a quick opinion on the 15′s..
Hi Walter,
Thanks for the update! Our review of the 15′s should be up soon!
Courtney