Cumulus 26 and Ghost 17 are two everyday trainers that don't have the latest technology like carbon-fibre plates or the most responsive foams. What they do have is comfort, durability and supportive rides.
The Cumulus 26 has an 8mm drop, and costs $140. The Ghost 17 has a 10mm drop, and costs $150. Which of these shoes is the one for you?
The midsole of the Cumulus is made from FF Blast+. There is an additional gel unit in the heel, hidden inside the shoe. The midsole of the Ghost is made of only DNA Loft v3 foam. There is no gel in the Ghost.
The ride of the Cumulus is medium-soft. It’s best suited to longer runs at relaxed paces. It doesn’t possess the firm forefoot for a snappy turnover on tempo runs. The ride of the Ghost is firmer than the ride of the Cumulus but it still has enough padding for long runs. The firmer midsole of the Ghost makes it more versatile- it’s also capable of tempo runs.
Both shoes are very stable. The Cumulus has a midsole which flares out at the bottom to create a large, stable base. The Ghost doesn’t flare out as much as the Cumulus but its firmer midsole results in no lean bias. The Ghost is more stable than the Cumulus.
The Cumulus’s midsole is one single piece of foam so when running in the shoe, the ride transitions are smooth. In the Ghost, the ride is even smoother than in the Cumulus.
With a drop of 10mm, the Ghost is more suited to heel strikers than the Cumulus that has a drop of 8mm. The Ghost has that extra foam in the heel for extra cushioning.
The outsole of the Cumulus is made from a new rubberised EVA layer. The Ghost has traditional, hard rubber on its outsole which provides more durability. Both shoes have great traction and grip well on wet and dry surfaces.
The Cumulus has a thick and padded upper made from a breathable, porous mesh. Its heel counter is soft and filled with generous amounts of foam. The Cumulus’s upper is superb at locking the foot down with zero heel slippage. The Cumulus comes in regular, wide and extra wide versions.
The Ghost has a thicker and more padded upper than the Cumulus but it isn’t as breathable. A smooth lining cocoons the foot for a comfortable and luxurious feel. The Ghost’s upper is also great at locking down the foot with no heel slippage or hot spots. The Ghost comes in a narrow version which the Cumulus doesn’t. It’s also available in regular, wide and extra wide versions.
If you’re a runner looking for a shoe with a spacious upper and a comfortable, cushioned ride which shines on long runs, get the Cumulus. The Cumulus has no major flaws and has velvety smooth ride transitions. There is a gel unit in the Cumulus for extra shock absorption.
If you’re looking for a shoe which is a versatile workhorse that can handle all types of runs, the Ghost is for you. The Ghost has a premium feeling upper which outclasses all other everyday trainers. Stability is better in the Ghost than in the Cumulus.
