Our verdict
- asics gel lyte 5 pastel best cushioned running shoes (2023)
- asics gel lyte 5 pastel best running shoes for orthotics (2023)
Pros
- Tênis Asics Gel-Nagoya 4 Masculino Chumbo-Laranja
- Βρες Asics Asics Gel-Kayano 27στο Κορυφαίο Store.
- zapatillas de running ASICS asfalto amortiguación media constitución ligera talla 39 grises
- zapatillas de running ASICS pie normal talla 42.5 amarillas
- Snug performance-style fit
- mens black asics running shoes
- Sleek and sustainable design
Cons
- Lackluster breathability
- Not for wide feet
- Not responsive enough for high speeds
- Budget buster
Audience verdict
- ASICS Gel-Bnd 1021A211-020 running shoes
- ASICS Gel-Bnd 1021A211-020 comfortable running shoes
- zapatillas de running ASICS amortiguación media constitución fuerte ritmo bajo entre 60 y 100
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
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Audience score | 89 Great! | 88 Great! | 82 Good! | 87 Great! | |
Price | $160 | $140 | $150 | $165 | |
Pace | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | |
Arch support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 10.2 classic Asics runners 10.5 Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Lyte V Mint | 9.1 mens asics gt 2000 v9 knit 9 ASICS SportStyle Sneaker bassa 'Tarther' grigio bianco blu | 9.9 oz / 281g 10.1 oz / 286g | 10.5 Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Lyte V Mint 10.8 oz / 305g | |
Drop lab Drop brand | 7.8 mm 8.0 mm | 8.2 mm 8.0 mm | 9.3 mm 10.0 mm | 8.3 mm 8.0 mm | |
Strike pattern | Mid/forefoot | HeelMid/forefoot | HeelMid/forefoot | HeelMid/forefoot | |
Size | True to size | True to size | Half size large | True to size | |
Midsole softness | Soft | Soft | Soft | Balanced | |
Difference in midsole softness in cold | Normal | Small | Normal | Small | |
Toebox durability | - | Good | Good | Decent | |
Heel padding durability | - | Good | Bad | Good | |
Outsole durability | - | Bad | Good | Good | |
Breathability | Moderate | Moderate | Warm | Moderate | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Medium | Medium | Medium | - | |
Asics Gel Kayano Trainer Knit Reflective Pack | - | Medium | Medium | - | |
Stiffness | Stiff | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Big | Normal | Small | Normal | |
Torsional rigidity | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | |
concepts asics gel lyte iii pink salmon release date | Moderate | Stiff | Moderate | Stiff | |
Rocker | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | |
Heel lab Heel brand | 38.0 mm 41.5 mm | 36.8 mm 38.5 mm | 37.1 mm 39.0 mm | 42.7 mm 44.0 mm | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 30.2 mm 33.5 mm | 28.6 mm 30.5 mm | 27.8 mm 29.0 mm | 34.4 mm 36.0 mm | |
Widths available | NormalWideX-Wide | NormalWideX-Wide | Normal | NormalWideX-Wide | |
Orthotic friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Season | All seasons | All seasons | All seasons | All seasons | |
Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #148 Top 29% | #109 Top 36% | #231 Bottom 25% | #140 Top 46% | |
Popularity | #30 Top 6% | #69 Top 23% | #193 Bottom 37% | #28 Top 10% |
Who should buy
The product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus is a great choice for:
- Runners who enjoy a plush and bouncy ride from their daily trainers.
- Fans of long distance running who want a well-cushioned shoe to comfortably melt the mile markers aways with
- Saucony Progrid Triumph 4
- Mild pronators who don’t want a dedicated stability shoe
- Casual runners in the market for a comfortable shoe that’s also stylish enough for walks around town
Who should NOT buy
Our feet sank into the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s pillowy midsole too much for it to be an effective tempo-training partner. For a daily trainer that can pick up the pace while still feeling plush underfoot, we recommend the asics gt 1000 10 ps reborn blue reborn blueblack marathon running shoessneakers ASICS Gel-Nimbus 22 Reigning Champ Paris1021A516-020 Schuhe ASICS Gt-2000 10 1012B045 Lake Drive White 402 instead.
We were disappointed by the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s performance in our breathability test. The shoe just doesn’t provide enough airflow to keep our feet ventilated during our test runs, with the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus becoming a virtual sweat-bucket by the end of runs on muggy summer days. For a shoe that melts miles and not feet, we recommend the similarly maximal Asics Gel Lyte III Dragon Fruit.
Despite being named after what is essentially a storm cloud, the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus clearly isn’t built to withstand extreme weather. Apart from the less-than-stellar breathability we just mentioned, our freezer tests reveal that the shoe’s midsole softness and overall flexibility are more negatively impacted by the cold than the average road shoe. For runners living in colder climates, we recommend the zapatillas de running ASICS talla 41 azules entre 60 y 100 which, as our tests demonstrate, is virtually unaffected by the cold.
Cushioning
Heel stack
The product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s stated heel stack of 41.5 mm provided by ASICS puts the shoe beyond the maximum allowable specifications set by World Athletics for competition. However, using our caliper to measure the stack at the point set by that same commission, we found the stack to only be 38 mm high and still within competing range.
Nonetheless the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus isn’t a shoe that’s geared for racing, which makes this huge stack that dwarfs that of the average road shoe purely pleasure over performance. This amount of foam underfoot means that heel strikers can really sink into and savor the midsole cushioning during their daily runs.
product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 38.0 mm |
Average | 34.1 mm |
Forefoot stack
The shoe’s forefoot stack is also significantly taller than our current lab average, with 30.2 mm of foam underfoot. This is also slightly lower than the spec height of 33.5 mm as advertised by ASICS, a strange fact considering we also include the insole in our measurements.
As a result, forefoot strikers also have plenty of protective foam underfoot to ensure well-dampened landings even during long haul efforts.

product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 30.2 mm |
Average | 25.5 mm |
Drop
Despite the disparities we found in the shoe’s stack heights, the stated drop of 8 mm remains pretty accurate as the difference in our measurements leave the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus with an accurate offset of 7.8 mm. This mid-level drop is quite versatile and will suit the needs of runners of all experience levels and running styles.

product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 7.8 mm |
Average | 8.6 mm |
Midsole softness
We pressed our durometer against the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s midsole to measure how soft it is. With a reading of only 18.6 HA, the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s midsole is decidedly plush compared to our current lab average. This in combination with the tremendous stack really heightens our sense of perceived cushioning, making the shoe feel extremely comfortable and protective over any distance.
The midsole isn’t overly gummy either. While there is some sinking into the foam as we land, the midsole has a bouncy rebound which provides us with a good level of energy return that is adequate for most daily runs.
At the same time, the Gel Nimbus is a little too soft to provide that explosive pop that facilitates speedy sessions or helps smash PBs. The Schuhe ASICS Gt-2000 10 1012B045 Lake Drive White 402 fits that bill better with its Pebax plate providing a level of responsiveness that offsets its plush dual-density midsole.
product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 18.6 HA |
Average | 20.9 HA |
Chaussures ASICS Upcourt 4 1072A055 Black Fresh Ice 103 (%)
We placed the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus in our freezer to observe the effect of cold conditions on the shoe’s midsole. After chilling for twenty minutes, we took another durometer reading of the midsole foam and got a post-freezer reading of 25.4 HA. While this is quite a bit stiffer than the room temperature result, it’s still soft enough to provide us with a balanced level of cushioning that will keep our feet feeling comfortable and cared for even through the most bitterly cold winter runs.
We expect midsole foams to harden in the cold, but becoming 36.3% more firm means that the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus isn’t as consistent as the average road shoe under similar conditions. This means that the difference in the shoe’s ride will be quite apparent for runners living in colder climates.

product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 36% |
Average | 25% |
Insole thickness
Even the shoe’s insole is thicker than average, measuring 5.5 mm according to our caliper measurements. This gives us an amply padded and soft surface within the shoe that further contributes to the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s cloud-like ride.

product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 5.5 mm |
Average | 4.4 mm |
Size and fit
Size
ASICS product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus is true to size (163 votes).
product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | Pantofi ASICS Gel-Venture 8 1011A824 French Blue Hazard Green
Using our caliper to measure the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus at its widest point, we found it to be narrower than average at 95.6 mm wide. This is quite a snug fit and puts the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus more reminiscent of tight performance shoes than the generous roominess we want from a daily trainer. On the other hand, the combination of a tight toebox and a wide midsole further factors into the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s stable underfoot sensation as it effectively locks the foot to the shoe’s robust base
However, with the shoe running a little shoe for its size (260.4 mm vs the average of 265.3 mm for a men’s size 9), runners with wide feet should look into sizing up before abandoning hope on this shoe.
Монохромні чоловічі кросівки asics gel-quantum 360 4 1021a028 Asics Gel Lyte III Dragon Fruit product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus.
product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 95.6 mm |
Average | 98.5 mm |
Stability
Lateral stability test
We generally don’t expect much stability from shoes that sit on gargantuan stacks of plush foam like the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus. However, this shoe bucks the trend by feeling surprisingly well-planted as we shifted our weight from side to side.
As the following tests will demonstrate; the combination of the shoe’s wide base, rigid build and snug heel counter come together to make the shoe feel reassuringly stable underfoot for neutral runners as well as those with mildly pronating strides.
Torsional rigidity
We faced quite a fair amount of resistance when we bent and twisted the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus in our hands, earning it a score of 4 out of 5 on our subjective scale for torsional rigidity. This isn’t unusual for a shoe with so much foam in the midsole, with the result being a midsole that resists the natural rolling and contortion of our foot during our stride.
This leaves us with a level and stable landing platform with the cushy midsole meaning we don’t have to sacrifice too much in terms of underfoot comfort.
product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 4 |
Average | 3.4 |
concepts asics gel lyte iii pink salmon release date
We found the heel counter to be moderately stiff, putting up only a mild amount of resistance to us manually pinching and squeezing at it. This leads us to give the shoe a subjective score of 3 out of 5 for heel counter stiffness. This level of rigidity in the heel counter allows it to snugly hold our foot in place without squeezing in on our Achilles too tightly, allowing for some natural lateral movements.
product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 3 |
Average | 2.9 |
product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | Midsole width - forefoot
The biggest contributor to the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s stable ride is the fact that the midsole is girthy as well as tall. Measuring 119.4 mm at the forefoot according to our caliper, the shoe’s midsole is much wider than our current lab average. This hefty base made it feel like we were springing off massive clouds during our test runs, with no fear of being caught off balance and plummeting to the ground like Prometheus.

product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 119.4 mm |
Average | 114.1 mm |
Midsole width - heel
The shoe’s midsole is similarly substantial at the heel which measures 98.9 mm wide. This gives heel strikers much more of a landing platform than is afforded by the average road shoe aimed at neutral runners.

product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 98.9 mm |
Average | 90.8 mm |
Flexibility / Stiffness
We secured the Gel nimbus 25 to our workbench and used our force gauge to measure the amount of force needed to torque the shoe 90-degrees. With a result of 35.9N, the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus is quite a bit stiffer than our current lab average.
This is still flexible enough to be considered a comfortable daily trainer. Not to mention the added stiffness gives us a sensation of responsiveness and energy return that was more than welcome during our longer test runs.
product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 35.9N |
Average | 28.1N |
Stiffness in cold (%)
We also repeated the stiffness test after leaving the shoe in the freezer for twenty minutes, this time to see what effect the cold has on its overall flexibility.
With a post-freezer requirement of 55.5N to bend the shoe to the desired point, the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus definitely won’t feel as comfortable during the winter or if left outside on a cool evening; with a stiff ride that feels more akin to running in a carbon-plated shoe.
Becoming 54.5% more stiff after our freezer test means that the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus doesn’t perform as consistently as the average road shoe between warm and cold conditions. This means that runners living in countries with significant changes in temperature between seasons will find the shoe much less forgiving on the foot during winter runs.
product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 55% |
Average | 33% |
Weight
Despite skimping on outsole rubber as our previous sections demonstrates, the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus still weighs in at a heavier than average 10.2 Oz (289g). This isn’t devastatingly heavy though, and the shoe’s fluffy ride does help make it feel lighter than the scale suggests.
For a shoe that boasts a similarly large stack yet manages to be surprisingly lightweight, check out the lean, mean, running machine that is the Hoka Rocket X 2.
product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 10.19 oz (289g) |
Average | 9.38 oz (266g) |
Breathability
We pumped the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus full of smoke to get a visual idea of how well-ventilated the shoe is. The upper looks airy thanks to all those perforations throughout the shoe, but the test clearly demonstrates that the tongue lets out the majority of the smoke while the rest of the shoe slowly chugs out a thin haze. This lackluster performance indicates poor medial airflow, with the tongue providing the redemption needed to earn the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus a middle-of-the-road breathability score of 3 out of 5; explaining why we felt like we were running in a pair of toasters during our test runs.
Check out the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s much breezier cousin, the Las zapatillas de trail Asics Gel Sonoma 6 por 59 which absolutely aced our test by billowing out smoke quickly and evenly throughout the shoe.
Examining a cross section of the upper over a light, we can see that it is only able to shine through the holes in the tongue while the rest of the upper Chaussures seemingly blocks it out entirely.
The shoe’s ample padding and multi-layered upper mesh are the clear culprits of the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s poor airflow. While these elements contribute to the shoe’s overall comfort, it does come at the cost of making the shoe a toasty training partner that we wouldn’t recommend for hot summer runs.
product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 3 |
Average | 3.8 |
Durability
Outsole hardness
We pressed our durometer against the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s AHARPLUS outsole to measure how hard the it is and got a marginally softer than average reading of 78.4 HC. In our examination of outsole Chaussuress in the lab so far, we’ve found that this level of hardness provides a healthy balance between hard and durable versus soft and grippy.
For an in-depth look at outsole compunds offered by different shoe brands, check out this article that explores the matter using data we've collected in the lab so far.
product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 78.4 HC |
Average | 79.9 HC |
Outsole thickness
Using our caliper, we measured the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s outsole to be 2.9 mm thick which isn’t as much rubber as the average road shoe tends to have underfoot. Minimizing the amount of rubber, both in terms of thickness and total coverage, is an effective weight-saving measure that helps keep the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus feeling cloud-like rather than brickish underfoot.
On the other hand, this does give us less Chaussures to wear through and, given the somewhat soft rubber, means that we do expect to see some damage to the outsole after 400-miles of slapping asphalt.

product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 2.9 mm |
Average | 3.2 mm |
Misc
Grip / Traction
We had no complaints with traction during our test runs in the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus, with the tread providing good grip over a variety of surfaces; from asphalt to smooth cobblestones and even dewy grass.
Reflective elements
Clouds aren’t that visible at night, and neither is the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus. With only a small reflective element emblazoning the finger Canotta of each shoe, we recommend sticking to well-lit routes if running at night without additional high-vis gear.

product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | Yes |
Tongue padding
Further contributing to the product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s performance-shoe-feel is its paper-thin tongue, which we measured to be a mere 1.9 mm thick. This is barely any padding compared to the average road shoe, let alone daily trainers, and means that the laces did feel quite apparent over our instep, especially during our longer test runs.
While we would have appreciated a little more padding to avoid that annoying lace bite, ASICS does manage to effectively keep some weight off of what is already a heavier than average road shoe. Difficult trade-offs just have to be made sometimes.
product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | 1.9 mm |
Average | 5.8 mm |
Tongue: gusset type
The product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s tongue is semi-gusseted, with the gusset running down the top half of the tongue. This gave us a solid locked in sensation once laced up, and helped to prevent the tongue from slipping during our test runs.

product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | Both sides (semi) |
Heel tab
The product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus features an elegant finger Canotta at the heel that isn’t just practical in helping us slide the shoe on and off, but looks dang cool too!

product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | Finger Canotta |
Removable insole
The product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus’s insole isn’t glued in, making replacing it with a custom orthotic possible where necessary.
product eng 1026939 Shoes Asics Gel Cumulus | Yes |