The Cumulus often sits squarely in the shadow of its more deluxe sibling, the Nimbus. Round 26 shows a bit of narrowing in the gap between the two. The upper benefits from the upgrade in materials and techniques afforded running shoes in the 2020’s specifically the stretch meshes and welded overlays available to designers. This time out, the upper receives a stretchy, well vented tongue, a structured upper which adjusts to the foot, and a smooth interior for next to foot comfort. Welded overlays at the lace throat and form stripe provide support with almost no extra weight, and the linings all but eliminate friction inside the shoe. The midsole is a firm but bouncy amalgam of PureGel in the heel with FF Blast+ in the forefoot – which is code for “comfortable ride for your running habit.” The outersole is toughened foam, keeping the weight down and the miles up. The overall effect is a shoe that can manage high mileage in comfort without requiring a loan payment plan.
Updates the Cumulus 25
Price: $140 • Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15,16; Women 5–13 • Weight: 10.0 oz. (men’s 11); 7.9 oz. (women’s 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted • Recommended for: low- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics