Now in its 26th iteration, the Cumulus has been the staple daily trainer in the Asics lineup. It’s popularity stems from its versatility and its consistent fit and feel from year to year. The Cumulus 26 costs $140. The Evoride 3 is a shoe designed to go fast. It has technology such as a Guidesole and rocker design and is the entry level shoe in the Asics Ride series. The Evoride 3 costs $120. Which of these shoes is the right choice for you?
The midsole of the Cumulus is made from single-density foam: FF Blast+. It has a medium-soft ride which can handle long runs and easy runs. The Cumulus has gel technology in its heel for shock absorption.
The midsole of the Evoride is single-density and made from FlyteFoam. The ride of the Evoride is medium-firm and is best suited to tempo runs up to the marathon distance. It has no gel in it but has a rocker which reduces ankle flexion and promotes an efficient ride with quick transitions.
The Cumulus has a drop of 8mm compared to a drop of only 5mm in the Evoride. Rearfoot strikers will find the Cumulus more comfortable as there is more foam in the heel to soften rearfoot strikes. Conversely, in the Evoride, it’s easier to get up on your forefoot when trying to increase speed and cadence.
The outsole of the Cumulus has no traditional rubber in it. Instead, it has rubberised EVA as an outsole which makes it less durable than the Evoride. The Evoride has hard outsole rubber on the high wear areas which give it less ground feel but more durability.
The upper of the Cumulus is made from a porous, breathable engineered mesh which is 3D printed. Its heel counter is generously filled with foam and the smooth lining inside makes the upper very comfortable. Foot lockdown is excellent and there is no heel slippage. The Cumulus fits true to size and is available in regular, wide and extra wide versions.
Both uppers are plush and filled with generous amounts of foam. The Cumulus has a thicker engineered mesh upper which is more breathable than the Evoride’s. The Evoride’s tongue is oversized and longer than the Cumulus’. They both offer superb foot lockdown and offer double last row lace eyelets to do heel lock lacing.
The Cumulus and the Evoride run true to size. The Cumulus comes in regular, wide and extra wide versions compared to the Evoride which is only available in a standard width.
If you’re looking for a shoe for mainly long runs at relaxed speeds, the Cumulus is for you. The Cumulus has a plush, comfortable upper which is better suited to cool temperatures. It has no major flaws and has gel units in the rearfoot for extra cushioning. With a drop of 8mm, the Cumulus is better for heel strikers.
If you prefer a firmer shoe for runs at tempo paces, the Evoride is the shoe for you. The Evoride has a breathable upper which is perfect for warmer temperatures and has rocker and Guidesole technology to make it easy to increase speed and cadence. Its drop of 5mm makes it more suited to midfoot/forefoot strikers.
