Asics Gel Cumulus 22 Intro

The ASICS Cumulus 22 is an updated version of the ASICS Cumulus 21. ASICS upped their game with this version of the Cumulus line.

The upper has been redesigned and continues to offer the ride that those who run in ASICS have become accustomed to. The ASICS Cumulus 22 is very similar to the ASICS Gel Nimbus 22’s in terms of fit, style, comfort and ride.

The current cost information on the ASICS Cumulus 22 comes in at 119.95. This is in line with other shoes of this segment. The ASICS Cumulus 22 offers some upgrades to the ASICS Cumulus 21’s.

ASICS modified the upper to include a mesh that adds to the overall weight of the shoe.

Asics Gel Cumulus 22 First Impressions

My first impressions of the ASICS Cumulus 22 was that the shoe appeared to be right in line with the other ASICS models out there (sans the ASICS NovaBlast) and that nothing much had changed in terms of ascetics.

I tend to like predictability in my running shoes and that is what ASICS delivers with the ASICS Cumulus 22. The shoe is right in line with its predecessors.

After logging some miles in the shoes, I tried on a pair of the ASICS Gel Nimbus 22’s and I had a hard time discerning the difference.

That may be a benefit to some as the Gel Nimbus come in at 30 dollars more than the ASICS Cumulus 22. After logging some miles on the first run, I feel that my initial preconceived notions were spot on.

These shoes are ASICS through and through. There are some neat aspects to this shoe. A few items that ASICS states that the shoe (as will be discussed throughout) has in terms of product features include:

3D Print Upper
FLYTEFOAM® PROPEL TECHNOLOGY
FLYTEFOAM® MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY
AGAR SPONGE and
Reflectivity

Asics Gel Cumulus 22 Sole Unit

The sole unit of the ASICS Cumulus 22 includes some technology that aims to provide a cushioned and responsive run.

The Flyte Foam (FLYTEFOAM® PROPEL TECHNOLOGY, FLYTEFOAM® MIDSOLE TECHNOLOGY) seen in the shoe claims to offer assistance with responsiveness in your run and an, “energetic foam formulation that provides supreme bounce thanks to a unique elastomer compound.”

I see that these claims have it right but the cushioning was not something that I noticed as being exceptional on my runs. That is not to say that the ride was not comfortable…because it was.

It was just not something that was outright noticeable as it can be with other shoes that load the heel up with cushioning. The sole of the shoe contains the AHAR rubber.

This according to ASIC is what they call high abrasion resistant rubber. Overall the tread did not stand in the way of the overall flexibility of the shoe.

Asics Gel Cumulus 22 Upper Unit

ASICS Cumulus 22 comes with a 3D printed upper. This upper is breathable and porous but at the same times keeps your feet cool on runs. The 3D print upper material does lend itself to the overall flexibility of the shoe.

The shoe fit me like a glove…true to size with just the right amount of room in the toe box as well as a locked in heel. The ASICS Cumulus 22 also come with a “special reflective material designed to enhance safety and visibility in low light conditions.”

As I only ran in the daytime I cannot vouch for this… but the pair I have are all white and reflected the sun just fine.

Asics Gel Cumulus 22 Conclusion

I liked the ASICS Cumulus 22. They are not flashy, they are not on the leading edge of technology but they are a good buy for the money.

In my opinion, ASICS is a leading name in the running shoe game and this shoe demonstrates that with a few tweaks, a decent running shoe can be upgraded into a good running shoe that I will place in my regular rotation.

ASICS makes the claim that, “The GEL-CUMULUS® 22 running shoe is a recommended choice for neutral runners who want a soft, flexible everyday trainer with a great fit.” I agree with this statement.

The shoe fit well, was true to size, was comfortable on long and short runs and all the while I was still turning in 7 minute miles without the feeling of fatigue. All in all, ASICS continues to be my top shoe for running.

We purchased a pair of Asics Gel Cumulus 22 from runningwarehouse using our own money. This did not influence the outcome of this review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.