REVIEW: ASICS GEL-CUMULUS™ 28.
An Upgrade for Everyday Running

Are you looking for a reliable daily running shoe that brings together comfort, cushioning, and responsiveness? Or are you already a fan of the ASICS Gel-Cumulus™ range and wondering whether the latest model is worth the upgrade?

We asked our ambassador Sophie Michels to put it to the test. Having logged around 200 km in the Gel-Cumulus™ 27 and approximately 40 km in the latest version, she offers a practical, real-world comparison, highlighting what’s new, what’s improved, and whether the update truly makes a difference for your daily runs.

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ASICS Gel-Cumulus™ 28 vs Gel-Cumulus™ 27

Sophie’s side-by-side comparison

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First Impressions: Subtle Design & Dynamic Feel

The ASICS Gel-Cumulus™ 28 features a sleek design and is available in a range of colourways to suit different preferences. I opted for the Bluebell/White design, which I really like as it adds a modern and fresh touch to the overall look. If you prefer something more subtle, there are also options in white, grey, or black that feel a bit more minimal and versatile.
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When putting the shoe on for the first time, the step-in comfort is immediately noticeable. The Gel-Cumulus™ 28 fits true to size and offers a comfortable overall fit. Runners who prefer a slightly roomier feel may consider going half a size up.
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In terms of weight, the running shoe feels well-balanced and, at around 6 g less, is slightly lighter than the previous model.

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Upper: Lightweight, Supportive & Breathable

The upper of the Gel-Cumulus™ 28 feels lightweight, flexible, and adapts well to the foot, providing a secure fit. There’s particularly good support around the midfoot, which helps maintain stability during daily runs.
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Despite the refined engineered mesh, breathability remains largely unchanged from the Gel-Cumulus™ 27, which was already very good.
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Additional features such as reflective details and the use of recycled materials add both a practical and sustainable touch to the Gel-Cumulus™ 28. The padded tongue sits comfortably against the foot, stays in place, and doesn’t create any pressure points—much like the previous model.

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Midsole & Cushioning: More Balanced & Responsive

The cushioning in the Gel-Cumulus™ 28 feels well-balanced with a slightly firmer edge, offering a good mix of comfort and responsiveness. There’s a noticeable level of energy return thanks to the FF BLAST MAX midsole. Compared to the Gel-Cumulus™ 27, the biggest upgrade shows in the more dynamic and cushioned ride.

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Outsole: Improved Grip & Reliable Durability

The outsole of the Gel-Cumulus™ 28 offers a solid balance between flexibility and stiffness, thanks to an AHAR LO rubber compound in key areas that feels both firm and adaptable.

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The grip on asphalt is reliable and feels noticeably improved, which provides more confidence when running . Durability appears consistent with the earlier model, which was already known for its robustness.

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Best Use: Reliable Daily Training Partner

The Gel-Cumulus™ 28 is one of the best daily training running shoes from ASICS, designed for consistent road running and jogging over distances of 5 to 10 km.

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It offers a very dependable combination of comfort, cushioning, and responsiveness which makes it a natural running shoe for both beginners and intermediate runners. Compared to the Gel-Cumulus™ 27, the latest model feels slightly more versatile thanks to its improved responsiveness, which also allows for faster runs.

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Sophie's Verdict: A Noticeable Step Forward in Performance

What’s New in the Gel-Cumulus™ 28?

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎● ‎ ‎ Slightly firmer, more responsive ride

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎● ‎ ‎ Improved outsole grip on asphalt

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎● ‎ ‎ More dynamic feel for faster efforts

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎● ‎ ‎ Weight reduction for a smoother ride

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Overall, the ASICS Gel-Cumulus™ 28 is a really solid update and a reliable choice for everyday training. What stood out to me most compared to previous models is the cushioning,overall it feels more balanced and responsive, which makes the ride feel a bit more dynamic without losing that comfort.

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While the cushioning may still feel slightly firm for runners who prefer a softer experience, it positions the Gel-Cumulus™ 28 nicely between more cushioned models like the Gel-Nimbus™ and more energetic options like the Novablast™.

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