Editor rating:
8/10 on
COURTNEY ROY
User's rating:

PROS

  • Great cushioning and fit—feels like a premium shoe
  • Lightweight
  • Upper manages heat and moisture, even in hot and humid conditions

CONS

  • Sole unit could benefit from additional flexibility

OUR VERDICT

The Asics Cumulus 14 makes for a great long run shoe with ample cushioning and support. As the miles stack up through marathon training, they have held up well, and are a good everyday shoe. They’re a great overall package, and feel more like a premium shoe, despite the relatively low price tag.
SHOE INFO
Brand
Gel Cumulus 14
Model
Type
11.2 oz (M); 8.7 oz (W) oz. (318 gr.)
Weight
110 US$
MSRP
WHO IS IT FOR
Neutral runners looking for a reliable high-mileage shoe

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.

Asics Gel Cumulus 14 Price Comparison

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