The 13th round of the Cumulus is a reinvention of sorts, as a significant reduction in weight places the shoe squarely into the mid-weight range, and tweaks to the upper and midsole/outersole improve the articulation with the foot. The upper is a very similar open mesh with a bit of give to it, that allows it to move with the foot. The addition of Discrete Eyelets, here 3 separate pairs of linked eyelets, allows the lacing to better wrap the contours of the foot, as well as match its movement. The midsole is so-lyte ASICS’ high end foam compound, slightly adjusted by size for better flexibility, and an additional softer layer tops the women’s model to improve cushioning. The outersole is the same setup of AHAR carbon heel and blown rubber forefoot, but the addition of “Guidance Line” a longitudinal flex groove, gives the shoe a better feel as the the toes splay before toe-off.
Updates the Gel-Cumulus 12 • Price: $105 • Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15 (7-13,14,15 2E,4E); Women 5–13 2A,B (6-13 D) • Weight: Men 12.4 oz. (size 11); Women 9.9 oz. (size 8) • Shape: semi-curved • Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, solyte Strobel board • Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics