Asics Gel-Cumulus vs Nike Pegasus
Comparing the current Gel-Cumulus 28 and Pegasus 42. Specs are men's US 9.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
Drop is the real difference: 8 mm on the Gel-Cumulus 28 against 10 mm on the Pegasus 42. Coming off the Pegasus 42, the Gel-Cumulus 28 loads your calves and Achilles harder for the first couple of weeks. Both sit in the same role (daily trainer). Both list at $145.
- Asics Gel-Cumulus 28Men's at AmazonWomen's
- Nike Pegasus 42Men's at AmazonWomen's
Availability last checked Sep 10, 2026. Prices and stock change without notice.
Every spec, side by side
| Spec | Gel-Cumulus 28 | Pegasus 42 |
|---|---|---|
| FIT AND WEIGHT | ||
| Weight | 9.7 oz | 10.1 oz |
| Widths | D, 2E, 4E | D, 2E |
| Upper | Engineered mesh with large ventilation holes and reflective detailing | Redesigned engineered mesh on a more anatomical last with a roomier toebox |
| CUSHIONING GEOMETRY | ||
| Heel stack | 38 mm | 37 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 30 mm | 27 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| MATERIALS | ||
| Midsole | FF Blast Max with a PureGEL heel insert | ReactX foam with a full-length curved Air Zoom unit |
| VALUE | ||
| List price at launch | $145 | $145 |
Which line changes its ride more often?
The Gel-Cumulus has done it 2 times in 8 versions, most recently with the Gel-Cumulus 26 in 2024, and the Pegasus has done it once in 6 versions, most recently with the Pegasus 41 in 2024. If you want a shoe you can rebuy without reading a review first, the Pegasus has the steadier record.
Buy the Gel-Cumulus 28
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Sep 1, 2026.
Buy the Pegasus 42
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Sep 10, 2026.
Chasing a specific older version rather than choosing between the current two? The Asics Gel-Cumulus lineage and the Nike Pegasus lineage track every version and what changed in each update.
Questions runners ask
- Is the Asics Gel-Cumulus or the Nike Pegasus lighter?
- The Gel-Cumulus 28, by 0.4 oz in a men's US 9 (9.7 oz against 10.1 oz).
- Can I switch from the Asics Gel-Cumulus to the Nike Pegasus?
- Yes, but ease into it. The drop moves 2 mm (8 mm on the Gel-Cumulus 28, 10 mm on the Pegasus 42), which changes where your foot loads at landing. Give it two weeks of easy running before a hard session.
- Which is more cushioned, the Asics Gel-Cumulus or the Nike Pegasus?
- They are close: 38 mm of heel stack on the Gel-Cumulus 28 against 37 mm on the Pegasus 42. Foam matters more than the millimeters here (FF Blast Max with a PureGEL heel insert against ReactX foam with a full-length curved Air Zoom unit).
- Which comes in more widths?
- The Gel-Cumulus 28. The Gel-Cumulus 28 runs in D, 2E, 4E for men's sizes; the Pegasus 42 runs in D, 2E.
- Which costs more, the Asics Gel-Cumulus or the Nike Pegasus?
- Neither. Both launched at $145 list. Street prices move independently, and whichever is further into its release cycle usually discounts first.
Updated September 10, 2026.