I’ve put a lot of miles into different trainers, and honestly, the Nimbus and Cumulus always seem to end up at the top of Asics’ neutral lineup. There’s a reason for that.
The main difference? The Nimbus brings more premium cushioning (and a price tag about £20 higher), while the Cumulus delivers great value with a slightly firmer feel that works for most runners. Both shoes share a lot of the same design DNA, but the Nimbus is Asics’ flagship, while the Cumulus is a more budget-friendly option that doesn’t really cut corners where it matters.
Here’s how these two really stack up—cushioning, fit, and how they feel out on the road. Whether you’re after your first real pair of running shoes or you’re just thinking about an upgrade, knowing the differences can help you land on the right choice for your running style and wallet.
Asics Nimbus vs Cumulus: Head-to-Head Comparison
The Gel Nimbus and Gel Cumulus take different approaches to cushioning. The Nimbus is all about softness, while the Cumulus finds a sweet spot between plush and responsive. You’ll notice this in the midsoles, stack heights, and the way each shoe rides.
Cushioning and Underfoot Feel
The Gel Nimbus 27 uses FF Blast+ Eco foam and PureGEL units in both the heel and forefoot. It’s super soft—almost like running on clouds or marshmallows. On long runs, that plush feel sticks around, mile after mile.
The Gel Cumulus 27 relies on FlyteFoam Blast+ in its midsole. It’s firmer but still comfortable, with PureGEL only in the heel (no forefoot gel here). You get a bit more ground feel and a touch of bounce. It’s cushioned enough for daily training but does let you feel the road more than the Nimbus.
Key Differences:
- Nimbus: Maximum softness, top-notch shock absorption
- Cumulus: Balanced cushioning, more road feel and responsiveness
Stack Height and Heel-to-Toe Drop
The Nimbus 27 has a 25mm heel stack and 12mm forefoot stack, so a 13mm drop. That’s a lot of foam underfoot, which really cushions you from the pavement.
The Cumulus 27 sits a bit lower: 23mm heel, 13mm forefoot, and a 10mm drop. The lower stack feels a bit more natural and keeps you closer to the ground.
| Model | Heel Stack | Forefoot Stack | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nimbus 27 | 25mm | 12mm | 13mm |
| Cumulus 27 | 23mm | 13mm | 10mm |
The Nimbus’s extra foam gives you more distance from the ground, which feels plush but can get a little unstable if you’re picking up the pace.
The Cumulus, with its lower profile, connects you to the road more. I notice better stability on tempo runs or intervals—maybe not a huge thing for everyone, but it stands out for me.
Weight and Responsiveness
The Gel Nimbus 27 comes in at about 305g (men’s UK 9), thanks to all that cushioning and those gel inserts.
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Honestly, the Nimbus feels a bit sluggish if you’re trying to run fast. The soft foam soaks up a lot of energy, so it’s not really built for speed days.
The Gel Cumulus 27 is lighter—about 285g (men’s UK 9)—mostly because there’s less foam and fewer gel bits.
The Cumulus feels way snappier for quicker paces. The firmer midsole gives back more energy, so your stride feels springier and it’s just easier to turn over your legs. On long runs, I notice my legs feel a bit fresher in the Cumulus, probably because of the weight difference.
Fit, Features and Suitability for Runners
Both the Asics Gel Nimbus 27 and Gel Cumulus 27 use similar mesh uppers and support systems. They’re both great picks for neutral runners, but the differences in cushioning and weight mean they suit different needs.
Engineered Mesh Uppers and Comfort
Both shoes use engineered mesh uppers—breathable and comfy. The jacquard mesh lets air in but still holds your foot in place. I’ve never had hot feet in either, even on warm days.
The gusseted tongue is a nice touch. It stays put and doesn’t bunch up, so you don’t get weird pressure points across the top of your foot.
3D space construction in the upper gives a bit of structure without making the shoe heavy, so it holds its shape well over time.
Fit characteristics:
- Nimbus 27: Slightly roomier toe box, good for wider feet
- Cumulus 27: More streamlined, fits narrow to medium feet best
The heel collar padding is different, too. The Nimbus is more plush around the ankle, while the Cumulus is firmer and gives a snugger, locked-in feel.
Stability and Support for Neutral Runners
Both of these are built for neutral runners—no motion control or fancy stability tech here. The drop is 8mm on both, which feels pretty natural underfoot.
FluidRide tech in the Cumulus 27 adds a bit of responsive support, but it doesn’t feel stiff. The Nimbus 27 has something similar but layered up for even more comfort.
You won’t find any big stability posts in either. They rely on the shape of the midsole and the heel to give you some natural support as you run.
The platform is a bit wider on both, which helps you stay stable—especially when you’re tired at the end of a long run and your form starts to fade a bit.
Use Cases and Which to Choose
I recommend the Cumulus 27 for:
- New runners looking for a balanced daily trainer
- Anyone who likes lighter shoes (251g vs 305g for men)
- Folks mixing in some faster-paced work with their usual runs
- Runners keeping an eye on their budget
The Nimbus 27 is a better fit for:
- Long-distance runners who want all the cushioning they can get
- Heavier runners needing more impact protection
- Easy recovery runs after tough workouts
- Anyone dealing with joint sensitivity
Both shoes can handle daily miles, no problem. Nimbus leans toward those slower, steady runs, while Cumulus feels a bit more at home picking up the pace now and then.
