ASICS Gel Cumulus 23

Greatly anticipated by many of its loyal fans, the ASICS Gel Cumulus 23 has arrived. Whilst it doesn't have many radical changes compared its previous version, the upper and the midsole feature significant improvements and adjustments, so it still maintains the essence of a daily training shoe with soft, lightweight and comfortable cushioning and a simple design. This is a shoe that never fails to provide the confidence required for long distance runs.

In order to have a closer look at the ASICS Gel Cumulus 23 running shoes, we must emphasise that the Japanese brand designers have opted for a new redesign of its upper and also a change of concept in the midsole, continuing with its characteristic cumulus cloud-based inspiration as seen on the shoe's design and blue colour.

Most important new features of the ASICS Gel Cumulus 23

Whilst we stated that ASICS Cumulus 23 bear no radical changes, there has been an important change in concept, which is that the new silhouette now has an exclusive and gender-specific cushioning. The idea is that the design adapts to the runner's anatomy while running.

Due to this, both the shock-absorbing capacity of Cumulus men's and women's running shoes has improved. The reason being that the midsole foam compresses better and more efficiently at each landing phase.

The cushioning system of these ASICS Gel Cumulus 23 is a clear example of its evolution, as it incorporates the innovative 3D Space construction in the upper part of the FlyteFoam midsole. These act as a kind of strategic pillar that help the foam to increase its degree of compression, without affecting stability or durability. In addition, this technology also contributes to increase the model's flexibility in each stride.

The other important aspect of the ASICS Gel Cumulus 23 is found in the total redesign of its one-piece upper. This strategic point of the shoe includes an engineered mesh, but with the added value of being 3D printed, which offers a more personalised fit for the male and female foot. This type of mesh not only wraps the foot better and softer, but also adds extra support at certain points of the model.

The reconfiguration of this iconic shoe's upper also improves its breathability, since certain fibres of the technical mesh remain open. The goal was to create a more adaptive mesh with a soft and comfortable fit and support.

These significant changes of the new ASICS Gel Cumulus 23 provide an even smoother stride throughout the entire stride cycle from landing to toe-off.

ASICS Cumulus 23 vs ASICS Cumulus 22

Whilst the shoe's updated reconstruction is significant, the ASICS Cumulus 23 are very similar to its predecessor, the ASICS Cumulus 22, in terms of materials and technologies. However, we must remember that the Cumulus 22 underwent a very noticeable jump in quality, resulting in a lighter, more flexible, and more comfortable shoe.

In a comparison of one model to the other, the most outstanding technologies are:

• FlyteFoam foam in the midsole to ensure a soft, lightweight, responsive and supportive cushioning level with every stride.

• GEL foam in the heel, that characteristic silicone base for improved shock absorption.

• Engineered mesh upper to provide a soft, lightweight fit, eliminating seams and adding more breathability.

• 3D printed upper construction to prevent friction and irritation.

• High-abrasion AHAR+ rubber in the heel, combined with ASICS Lite rubber, to ensure exceptional durability and strength.

So far, more or less, these technologies are present in both the Cumulus 23 and the Cumulus 22 from ASICS. The main new technological feature of this latest version of the Japanese brand's iconic running shoe is the following:

• 3D Space construction to adapt the shoe's design to the anatomy of each gender, offering different levels of foam compression.

Technical details of the ASICS Cumulus 23

Regarding technical specs, despite the reconfiguration of the shoe, these ASICS Cumulus 23 maintain their standard 10mm drop, while the weights more or less remain the same: about 280 grams for the men's version, and about 240 grams for the women's model.

Aimed at neutral runners, the ASICS Gel Cumulus 23 offer excellent cushioning with smooth, soft, light and comfortable transitions. This is topped off with a more personalised and adaptive fit. The Cumulus 23 are also suitable for runners who are new to the world of running, as well as those who are looking for a long distance running shoe with optimal cushioning performance and high comfort in each step.