ASICS

GEL-Cumulus 21

GEL-Cumulus 21
Daily trainer · Neutral · Road
Above average (64%)

Shoe details

Weight
10.1 oz
Release
2019 Q2
MSRP
$120
Stack Height
29mm heel - 19mm toe
Drop Height
10mm

Ratings & Reviews

Above average (64%)

Rated better overall than 64% of all shoes.
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This score rates better than 64% of other shoes we judged.

Our ratings use detailed reviews from knowledgeable runners, ratings for shoes in the same product line, and reliable product information from trusted retailers.

Rating breakdown

Percentile vs. all shoes. Shaded bars reflect our uncertainty.
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Rankings are based on real review data, but there is always some uncertainty.

The shaded bar shows a plausible range for this shoe’s rank based on the review data we have and normal variation in runner feedback. More reviews usually narrow the range.

Overall

Above average (64%)

Durability

Above average (67%)

Cushioning

Above average (61%)

Comfort

Average (53%)

Value

Below average (38%)

Appearance

Bottom tier (2%)

All Running Shoes

Better than 64% of 2,492 running shoes ranked.

Above average (64%)

Daily Trainers

Better than 61% of 1,818 daily trainers ranked.

Above average (61%)

GEL-Cumulus Family

Better than 77% of 10 gel-cumulus family ranked.

Good (77%)

ASICS

Better than 84% of 256 ASICS shoes ranked.

Very good (84%)

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Reviewers rate this shoe better than the GEL-Cumulus 20.
  • Popular shoe among LetsRun.com readers.
  • Rated among the top 10% of shoes overall.
  • Rated among the top 25% of shoes on comfort.
  • Rated above average on cushioning.

Compared to other shoes

See how this shoe compares to others like it.

Current shoe
Reference shoe
Lightest
Newest / Best overall / Best comfort
Shoe properties
Type
Daily trainer
Max cushion
Daily trainer
Pronation
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral
Weight
10.1 oz M
8.1 oz M Lightest
Stack
29/19mm
41/33mm
Drop
1mm
8mm
Release
2019 Q2
2025 Q1
2025 Q2 Newest
MSRP
$120 Lower MSRP
$140
Best price
$129.95
Ratings
Overall
Very good (81%)
Excellent (96%)
Exceptional (100%) Best overall
Comfort
Average (53%)
Excellent (92%)
Exceptional (100%) Best comfort
Cushioning
Above average (61%)
Excellent (91%)
Exceptional (99%) Best cushioning
Durability
Above average (67%)
Very good (90%)
Exceptional (99%) Best durability
Appearance
Bottom tier (2%)
Good (80%)
Exceptional (99%) Best appearance
Value
Below average (39%)
Very good (86%)
Exceptional (100%) Best value
Specific shoe

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More from ASICS

Reader Reviews

14 reader reviews

Review a shoe

Showing 1–5 of 14 reviews

For easy and long runs

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

4/5

Overall

I was looking for a comfortable shoe, softer than my usual Mizuno Wave Rider. A store salesman suggested me the Cumulus and I really liked the cushioning. The fit is true to size. They are very comfortable, with a lot of padding around the foot, front to back. My feet are locked down around the ankle and I still have some room in the toe box. But I had mixed feeling after my first runs: although very comfortable and not feeling tired after my runs, I felt like sinking at every step due to the softness of the sole, its weight more on the heavy side and its lack of responsiveness. Slow pace was ok, but it was very difficult to pick up speed and keep a faster pace. I really had to put more effort than I wished. After 100km with them, this actually changed. The sole became harder, I didn't have that much sinking feeling, and I even started to feel some rebound. I'm definitely more confident that I can use these shoes for long runs, up to marathon distance.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
4/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
4/5

ASICS Cumulus - stable but ugly

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

Love ASICS. Having been wearing the Cumulus for years. Still a comfortable, stable shoe but awful ugly. Years ago, it was a cool white with blue and grey ASICS logo. Now, it’s an ugly grey with a mush mash of blue, yellow, and orange. I only continue to wear it for its comfort and functional purposes.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
3/5
Value
5/5

Good shoe outsole wears somewhat quickly

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

4/5

Overall

I like the cushioning and overall wear of the shoe. I supinate and the rubber outsole wears to the plastic midsole a little quicker than I would like. Lasts much longer if I run on trails.
Comfort
4/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
4/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
4/5

I like this shoe

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

I have ran over 300 miles in it and it has held up so well. The cushioning decreases after a while but that's to be expected. Overall i love this shoe and it was a great investment.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
5/5

Great fit, Road Warrior

Anonymous runner · Sep 28, 2025

5/5

Overall

I have been running on the ASICS Gel Cumulus for about 4 months now on all sorts of terrain--grass, dirt, sidewalks, roads, and treadmill. I run between 4 - 5.5 miles/day. They have felt very good from the beginning to now feeling great, as the shoes have continually conformed to my feet. They look great; the bottom tread has lasted much longer than many of my other shoes; fit has been superb; and, appearance wise (mine are red), they have drawn compliments. I see myself buying another pair in the near future.
Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
4/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
5/5
Value
5/5