What replaced the Asics Gel-Cumulus 26?
Updated September 1, 2026. Specs are men's US 9.
Amazon links on this page pay us a commission. It never changes your price. Details
THE SHORT ANSWER
The Gel-Cumulus 27 replaced the 26 on May 5, 2025 at the same $140, and it exists largely to undo the 26. Asics cut the toe spring back to a neutral toe position, added a heel bevel and put more foam underfoot, at the cost of 0.3 oz. Doctors of Running, the 26 harshest critic, called the 27 far more comfortable and biomechanically correct than its predecessor.
- Asics Gel-Cumulus 26Sizes running outMen's at AmazonWomen's
- Asics Gel-Cumulus 27Men's at AmazonWomen's
Availability last checked Sep 1, 2026. Prices and stock change without notice.
At a glance
- The Gel-Cumulus 27 is 0.3 oz heavier
- Drop is unchanged at 8 mm
- New midsole foam
Every spec side by side, with the reason behind each change: Gel-Cumulus 26 vs 27.
Stay on your shoe, or switch?
Refined, same shoeThe apology version, and a good one. Asics reduced the toe spring that dominated complaints about the 26, added a heel bevel and put more foam underfoot, for 0.3 oz. Doctors of Running called it a great update and said the shoe finally fits true to size, and RunRepeat scored it 84 with high marks for daily running and stability. The trade is that the Cumulus keeps drifting taller and softer: RunRepeat measured over 40 mm at the heel and noted this is no longer a moderate-stack trainer. Energy return is still the weak spot at under 50 percent.
Stick with the Gel-Cumulus 26 if
- You want the lightest version at 9.0 oz and the 26 forefoot never bothered you
- You liked how low and connected the 26 felt; the 27 measures over 4 mm taller in the lab
Move to the Gel-Cumulus 27 if
- The 26 toe spring or short fit was your problem, because this is the version that fixes both
- You heel strike; the new bevel smooths the landing
- You want more cushioning for long runs without leaving the line
Where the Asics Gel-Cumulus is now
Two updates on, the Gel-Cumulus 28 (2026) is what sits on shelves today. Against the shoe you own rather than the one that directly replaced it:
- The Gel-Cumulus 28 is 0.7 oz heavier
- Drop is unchanged at 8 mm
- New midsole foam
- List price up $5
What loyalists said about the update
The most positive reception since the 25, and largely a story of relief. Reviewers who had criticised the 26 forefoot said the 27 fixed it, and the added foam and heel bevel drew praise for easy and long miles. The persistent complaints moved elsewhere: breathability, and the fact that the shoe gives very little energy back, which is the same criticism Believe in the Run levelled at the 26 when it compared the line unfavourably to the Novablast.
Still want the original?
Buy remaining Gel-Cumulus 26 stock
Sizes running outDiscontinued at retail. Amazon carries what remains, so treat an in-stock size as a closing window, and expect prices to swing.
Availability last checked Sep 1, 2026.
Ready to move on?
Beyond the Gel-Cumulus 27, these come closest to what the Gel-Cumulus 26 did.
- 10.2 oz
- 10 mm drop
- 36 mm heel
- $150 list
The head-to-head rival, and the closest match on this list. Both are neutral daily trainers built for comfort rather than speed. The Ghost 18 is half an ounce heavier on a 10 mm drop against the Cumulus 28 8 mm, and lists $5 more.
Against your Asics Gel-Cumulus 26: 1.2 oz heavier, 2.5 mm less heel stack, 2 mm more drop, $10 more at list.
- 10.1 oz
- 10 mm drop
- 37 mm heel
- $145 list
The other default daily trainer, and the firmer, snappier one. The Pegasus 42 runs a 10 mm drop and an Air Zoom unit against the Cumulus 28 softer FF Blast Max, and the two list within $5 of each other.
Against your Asics Gel-Cumulus 26: 1.1 oz heavier, 1.5 mm less heel stack, 2 mm more drop, $5 more at list.
- 8.9 oz
- 8 mm drop
- 38 mm heel
- $145 list
Same job, same 8 mm drop, and 0.8 oz lighter in the Ride 19. The Ride is the more responsive of the two; the Cumulus carries more foam under the heel and costs the same at list.
Against your Asics Gel-Cumulus 26: the same weight, the same drop, $5 more at list.
Questions runners ask
- Is the Asics Gel-Cumulus 26 still available?
- For now. Amazon still lists the Asics Gel-Cumulus 26, but the size run is thinning and prices swing with remaining stock. If your size is there, this is the late window, not the early one.
- Is the Gel-Cumulus 27 a downgrade from the Asics Gel-Cumulus 26?
- No. Most runners rate the Gel-Cumulus 27 as the same shoe done slightly better. The changes are real but none of them alter what the shoe is.
- How much heavier is the Gel-Cumulus 27?
- 0.3 oz heavier in a men's US 9: 9.3 oz against the Asics Gel-Cumulus 26's 9 oz.
- Is the Asics Gel-Cumulus still made?
- Yes. The current version is the Asics Gel-Cumulus 28, released in 2026, 2 versions on from the Asics Gel-Cumulus 26.
- What is the closest current alternative to the Asics Gel-Cumulus 26?
- The Brooks Ghost 18. The head-to-head rival, and the closest match on this list. Both are neutral daily trainers built for comfort rather than speed. The Ghost 18 is half an ounce heavier on a 10 mm drop against the Cumulus 28 8 mm, and lists $5 more.