ASICS GEL-Cumulus 28 Review: Is It Worth It for Triathletes?
What to Look For
The ASICS GEL-Cumulus 28 arrived in February 2026 as the latest iteration of one of running’s most trusted daily trainers. For triathletes, the Cumulus has long been a popular choice for long training runs and brick sessions — offering a balance of cushioning, durability, and responsive feel. The 28th version brings meaningful improvements that make it worth considering for your training rotation.
Key Features to Consider
- Weight — The Cumulus 28 has been trimmed to approximately 259g for women and 290g for men through a redesigned upper and updated outsole. For a cushioned daily trainer, this weight makes it versatile enough for both training and B-race use.
- FF Blast Max cushioning — ASICS’s latest foam compound gives the Cumulus 28 a livelier, more responsive feel than previous generations without sacrificing the comfort the range is known for. Particularly noticeable on medium-paced training runs.
- Engineered knit upper — A streamlined knit upper improves breathability and reduces material bulk. For triathletes doing long brick sessions, the lighter upper means less foot heat buildup during extended efforts.
- Hybrid AsicsGrip outsole — The new outsole design improves traction on wet UK roads, a useful upgrade for spring and autumn training conditions.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: ASICS GEL-Cumulus 28
The Cumulus 28 is a genuine upgrade on its predecessor. The improved foam and lighter build make it noticeably more enjoyable at paces between 4:30 and 6:00 min/km, which covers most long-run training territory for triathlon. It works well for easy runs, moderate tempo efforts, and long brick sessions. Athletes who prioritise durability (the Cumulus typically lasts 500+ miles) over maximum speed will find it excellent value.
Best Value: ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 (Previous Generation)
If maximum cushioning is your priority and you’re happy with the previous-generation GEL-Nimbus 28, look for it at reduced prices now the Cumulus 28 has launched. The Nimbus sits above the Cumulus in ASICS’s range with a deeper stack height — ideal for ultra-long training runs or recovery sessions where you want maximum underfoot protection.
Best Premium: ASICS Superblast 3
Launching in early 2026 alongside the Cumulus 28, the Superblast 3 is ASICS’s high-performance training super shoe — a plated, high-stack trainer for faster workouts and B-race use. At approximately £210, it’s significantly more than the Cumulus, but athletes looking to maximise performance on faster training runs or in triathlon run legs will find the Superblast 3 a worthy investment.
Buying Tips
- ASICS sizing tends to run true-to-size for most runners, but if you have a wide foot, consider going half a size up in the Cumulus — the knit upper has less stretch than previous mesh versions.
- The Cumulus 28 is best suited for easy-to-moderate paced runs (5:00–7:00 min/km). For races or speed work, a lighter shoe like the Superblast 3 or Metaspeed series will serve you better.
- Buy early in a new model cycle — prices often rise once initial stock sells through, and colourways you want may sell out.
Care and Maintenance
Allow your Cumulus 28 to air dry naturally after wet sessions — never use a direct heat source like a radiator. Rotate between two pairs of training shoes if possible, as foam needs 24–48 hours to fully decompress between runs. Replace when midsole cushioning feels noticeably flatter, typically around 500–600 miles for the Cumulus.
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