Who wins? Nimbus vs. Cumulus

You can read about the battle between Asics Kayano and Asics GT2000 here. But it’s a bit of the same scenario with this match. Asics Nimbus is perhaps Denmark’s best-known and most used running shoe, but can there perhaps be a serious challenger in Asics Cumulus? You can read our article about Denmark’s most popular running shoe here. But is there an alternative to this Asics Nimbus. Yes, there actually is, Asics Cumulus is a counterpart to Asics Nimbus. And below you can find out whether Cumulus wins over Nimbus, and which running shoe is the best for you.

* The article is based on Asics Nimbus 18 and Asics Cumulus 18

Can Asics Cumulus challenge Nimbus?

If you ask me straight up, I think that Cumulus can challenge Asics Gel Nimbus in some ways. But you also have to keep in mind that Nimbus is a fantastic class of running shoe, and it is no coincidence that so many pairs of that particular running shoe are sold in Denmark..
But having said that, I personally believe that it is because many runners and consumers are not really familiar with the Asics Cumulus and its functionalities. Many have no idea how close it really is to the Nimbus, and perhaps some would have a better experience with the Asics Cumulus than the Nimbus. Where we in the other Asics battle(GT2000 vs Kayano) talked about big and little brother, and found that it was a very even contest. So I would say that in this contest we can choose a little big brother.

What is the difference between Asics Nimbus and Cumulus?

There are some very tangible facts that of course make a difference between the 2 running shoes from Asics. There is a little bit of weight, and then of course there is also the fact that the price is a little less on Asics Cumulus versus Nimbus. That is certainly the case if we take the recommended retail price as a starting point. But since Asics Nimbus is probably the running shoe in Denmark where there is the greatest competition for customers, it is almost always down to around 1000,- in both physical and online stores. And if Cumulus then charges around 900,-, then the difference in price suddenly isn’t that big. Then Cumulus has to rely on weight.
Of course, it also has something to say, the fact that there is a 12 gram difference must mean something, but it is unlikely to be something we exercise runners will notice.

Another difference that I think should be mentioned – and among other things and why I call Nimbus the “little big brother” is the fit and the overall comfort of the running shoe. There are not many running shoes on the market that beat the Nimbus from Asics in this discipline, and neither is Cumulus. It is just a unique feeling to step into an Asics Nimbus running shoe, it fits perfectly around the foot, and it stays where it should. Everyone who has tried a Nimbus will be able to nod in recognition of the fact that the fit is unique.

Which is better, Cumulus or Nimbus from Asics?

In short, I would definitely say Asics Nimbus. As mentioned, it is no coincidence that so many pairs of Nimbus running shoes are sold in Denmark. But it is on some primary parameters that Nimbus wins. Especially comfort is a key point.
But now it’s not like Cumulus is a terrible running shoe, in fact it’s a pretty excellent running shoe, but in this competition where it’s up against Nimbus, it’s a nice 2nd. But Cumulus has a lot of the cool features from Asics, and is, on the surface, a really nice neutral running shoe..

See further down in the article who wins in basic things like running style, weight, price, etc.

This is what you get in the Asics Cumulus

You get a sublime running shoe with lots of cool features from Asics. It includes Sockliner Comfortdry, Seamless construction and many other cool things. You can read much more aboutThe Cumulus running shoe here.
But if you ask me what you get if you buy a pair of Asics Cumulus running shoes, you get a running shoe that in 9/10 cases would solve the needs of neutral runners. The disadvantage is that many neutral runners are used to Asics Nimbus, and then Cumulus will look a little “worse”. If you are new and are about to start running, I think Cumulus could be the perfect choice. You get both a cheaper running shoe, and the fact that it is also a little lighter could play a role. Whether you can feel the 12 grams, I will leave that unsaid, but they are there.
Where I think the Cumulus wins a bit in terms of comfort (although it’s hard to beat the Nimbus on that score) is in the flexibility when I run with it. The Asics Nimbus has a unique fit, but in some strange way I actually find the Cumulus has a better flex for me when I run. It doesn’t feel nearly as compact as the Nimbus does.

Is Asics Nimbus just a hyped name?

NO. It is a world-class running shoe. That’s what it says anyway. But then I will also allow myself to call it hype. Because it is one of Asics’ top models, and it has been very well marketed for many years. That is also one of the reasons why Asics Cumulus is sold in a minority in Denmark. When people need a neutral running shoe from Asics, they automatically think NIMBUS.
The fact that Nimbus is so popular also has something to do with the price. You can almost, almost all year round, acquire a pair of Nimbus running shoes for just under 1000,-. And at that price you really, really get a lot of running shoes for your money. And when a running shoe is sold in the number that Nimbus does, there will automatically be a price war on it. Everyone wants their piece of the pie.

Maybe that’s why Asics is now trying to hype Asics Cumulus a bit more? Who knows?

DID YOU KNOW THAT:

Cool facts about these 2 running shoes

The starting point is:
– Suggested price from supplier
– The weight of the shoe is from a size 42 (men’s)

If you have to, or rather I have to choose a winner, I would say that the Asics Nimbus wins. But much of its glory must be found in the price. Because if you assumed that the Nimbus also kept the price as the Cumulus would, then the Cumulus could be purchased online for around 900,- and a Nimbus should then cost around 12-1300,- And then I think that many would start to open their eyes to how good a running shoe the Asics Cumulus really is. But right here and now the Nimbus has to stand as the winner. It’s just a shame it has to be decided on the price.

I have of course, one is tempted to say, tried running in both running shoes, and I think you can feel that there is just a little more “of the good” in the Nimbus shoe, but on the other hand I have also mentioned before that I think the Cumulus has better flexibility for me when I run. And of course I am quite aware that it is very individual how you evaluate and feel about running shoes.

Libra:
So the difference is minimal, but of course it is there. I hardly think that the 12-15 grams difference that is in the ordinary exercisers can notice. But of course, if you run a marathon of 42 kilometers, then 12 grams per start is of course also worth taking with you.

Price:
Unfortunately, a bit of an uneven battle if I have to say something. Nimbus is in the recommended retail price 300,- more expensive than Cumulus, but almost from day 1 when a new Nimbus hits the streets, it drops to a price range of around 1000,- And that’s simply because a lot of people sell this running shoe, and everyone wants their share of the pie.
If you look at the 2 running shoes again soberly, and assess the price individually and not against each other, then the opinion is clearly that you get A LOT for your money in Nimbus, but you also get a really fantastic running shoe in Cumulus, which in most cases ends up at a price of around 899 or 999,- (New model) And if the offer price is tied at 999,- for new models, then it is not so strange that many more people choose Asics Nimbus over Asics Cumulus.

We have of course reviewed the 2 shoes

Since the shoes are among the best-selling, after all in Denmark, they have of course also been through our testing. And let’s just say it right away. Individually, they are 2 fantastic running shoes. So the above should not be seen as one running shoe being better than the other. The above should be seen more as something that you might look at differently when choosing running shoes. Maybe Kayano is the right choice for you?

Read test and review of Asics Nimbus

Read test and review of Asics Cumulus

Visit Asics’ own official website HERE

What can you save right now on the 2 models?

If you would like to see what the best offer is today, you can see a selection of the best prices for the 2 running shoes in the price tables below. There you will find prices from both Danish and foreign webshops.

Current price of Asics Gel Nimbus

Reseller	Leveringstid	Country	Total price	Read more
	1-2 dage		799 DKK	Til butik
	1-2 dage		1,375 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		1,375 DKK	Til butik
	1-7 dage		1,495 DKK	Til butik

Today’s price of Asics Cumulus

Reseller	Leveringstid	Country	Total price	Read more
	1-2 dage		859 DKK	Til butik
	1-7 dage		895 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		1,153 DKK	Til butik
	1-2 dage		1,200 DKK	Til butik

Experiences with Cumulus and Nimbus from Asics

We are always open to a good debate, and if you would like to share some good (or bad) experiences with one of the 2 shoes, or maybe both.