Asics Nimbus vs. Cumulus might not be the battle you thought you’d be dwelling on, but here you are.
When you’re at the gym or the running court, you don’t really have the time to peep at what other people are wearing. But when you do, you notice a myriad of swooshes, obviously, and a few scattered triple-stripes because those are the trends that reign supreme. Or, are they?
When you take a better look at what other people are wearing (without lookin’ like a creep, of course), you might be surprised to see a crowd of curved, bisecting lines, too – and there’s a reason so many are wearing Asics.
Asics seems to have become somewhat of a staple for anyone who knows anything about sports.
Where do we even start? Asics makes and manufactures some of the most comfortable, supportive, and affordable sneakers that guarantee to get you through your workout pain and pressure-free.
And, Asics sneakers are easy on the eye, making them a favorite among people who want to feel good and look good at the same time.
But, how are you supposed to choose between two of the Asics’ best-selling sneakers? Because they’re crafted to go above and beyond, you might need to dig a little deeper to figure out which of the two would work better for you. Read more down below!
About Asics
Okay, the story of Asics might not help you decide on the Asics Nimbus vs. Cumulus battle winner, but who’s to say you won’t end up buying both when you hear how the brand managed to reign supreme from the get-go?
Asics might have started as Onitsuka Co., a company focused on producing and manufacturing basketball equipment, but that’s not what they are today.
It all started back on September 1, 1949, when a man by the name of Kihachiro Onitsuka started Onitsuka Co. because he wanted to make high-quality, hard-wearing footwear for the masses.
We mentioned that he focused on producing and manufacturing basketball footwear and gear, but he ended up making footwear for Olympic athletes around the world. Kihachiro started strong and continued to make history for years and years afterward.
Over time, the company grew bigger and Kihachiro decided to merge with two other companies – and that’s when Asics was born.
Kihachiro and the other two partners decided to name the company Asics as an acronym for the Latin phrase “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” (meaning, a sound mind in a sound body). Kihachiro was set to make the world a better place, and that’s exactly what he did.
Asics has since gone on to produce some of the most comfortable, cushioned, and durable sneakers out there. Whether you’re an amateur lifting weights at the gym or a serious athlete training 24/7, Asics’s got you covered.
Asics Nimbus vs. Cumulus: How do the two best-sellers compare?
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4.6
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4.6
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$119.90
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Now, Asics Gel-Nimbus and Gel-Cumulus are super freakin’ similar. Considering that they’re made by the same brand, we’re not surprised to see that the two are made with plenty of padding for comfort, great shock absorption, breathable fabrics, and lightweight outsoles.
Whichever of the two you decide to go with, know that you’re going to wear them for years to come. At the end of the day, Asics sneakers are high-quality and hard-wearing regardless of the style you opt for. And, that’s why you don’t need to worry about buying the wrong style.
With that out of the way, though, you might notice a few differences between the two that might sway you one way or the other. Both Nimbus and Cumulus are great options, but depending on what you’re searching for, you might be more drawn to one of the styles after reading. Go ahead, then!
1. History
We’re about to compare pretty much every aspect of each of the two Asics sneakers, from history and design to performance, fit, breathability, durability, and affordability. Buckle up for a jam-packed ride.
The first Gel-Nimbus running sneakers were released in 1999. Asics wanted to design comfortable running sneakers that would make you feel like you’re running on clouds – hence the name.
Asics Gel-Nimbus sneakers were built to be cushioned, breathable, and appropriate for neutral pronators. And 25 years later, Asics continues to work on the Gel-Nimbus collection, with Gel-Nimbus 25 taking comfort to new heights.
Gel-Cumulus came out the same year as a combination of comfort and versatility – Asics wanted to offer the masses a sneaker that was suitable for different sports. And Asics Gel-Cumulus continues to do that, considering they’ve recently released Asics Gel-Cumulus 25, too.
2. Design
Starting with Gel-Nimbus, they’re designed to make you feel like you’re walking on clouds.
From a soft knit upper that wraps around your foot and a knit tongue construction that ensures flexibility, to trademarked FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning and w PureGEL technology, there’s nothing these sneakers can’t do.
Gel-Cumulus sneakers don’t fall far behind, either. These bad boys emphasize rearfoot and forefoot cushioning to ensure you’re provided with added shock absorption. They’re made with a breathable knit upper, soft and responsive midsoles, and rubber outsoles. What’s not to adore, right?
3. Performance
We might have mentioned before that Gel-Nimbus sneakers were made for runners and Gel-Cumulus were made to encompass different sports and activities.
We’d argue that Asics doesn’t make mistakes when producing high-performing sneakers, but we might need to let you decide that for yourself.
Asics Gel-Nimbus are maximalist, highly cushioned sneakers made for runners that want a soft sensation underfoot and a rocker for easy runs.
Asics Gel-Cumulus are super similar, but they’re great for different workouts for those who want a softer ride without sacrificing support. They’re also appropriate for people with narrow feet.
4. Comfort and fit
Asics sneakers are the epitome of comfort considering they’re literally made to let you feel like you’re walking on clouds – we know we already said that, but that’s the brand’s biggest selling point.
Now, Gel-Nimbus kicks are equipped with plenty of padding and support, but they’re a little narrow for people with wide feet. They’re true to size, but they’re made with a narrow toe box.
Its Cumulus sibling, on the other hand, comes with an even snugger fit, so certainly not suitable for people with wide feet. After all, sizing up might not fix the narrow toe box problem. At the end of the day, they’re more than comfortable when you get the right fit.
5. Support and stability
Because of the plenty of padding that both Gel-Nimbus and Gel-Cumulus come with, you can count on them to keep your feet happy, healthy, and supported.
On one hand, Gel-Nimbus is equipped with a padded collar, an internal heel counter, and padding around the entire inside of the sneaker which makes it as supportive as you might think.
On the other, Gel-Cumulus is advertised as neutral sneakers, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t supportive. These kicks are equipped with excellent arch and ankle support without weighing you down.
Whether you suffer from flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or other foot-related problems, you can count on both Gel-Nimbus and Gel-Cumulus sneakers to get you through the day.
6. Breathability
We know what you’re thinking: “How am I supposed to choose between the two when they’re pretty much the same!?” We agree that both sneakers come with an array of favorable features, but the winner of the Asics Nimbus vs. Cumulus face-off depends on you.
Both styles are made with recycled polyester, a knit or mesh upper, and ACTIBREEZE technology to allow airflow and ensure they’re breathable and lightweight. Because of that, you can rest assured you’re going home with a pair guaranteed to keep your feet dry no matter what.
7. Durability
Asics focuses on producing high-quality, comfortable, and durable sneakers that are often deemed the best running sneakers around the world. That means that you’re going to wear them for years to come.
Asics makes sure that both Gel-Nimbus and Gel-Cumulus sneakers stay supportive and protective – but after 300 to 500 miles, you can expect them to start shifting and changing.
Depending on where you wear them, how you protect them, and how you take care of them, you should be able to rock both sneakers for a long time.
8. Affordability
Asics aren’t the most affordable sneakers out there. But we’d say that the brand manages to produce high-quality, hard-wearing runnings sneakers for a decent price. And, you can always wait for a sale and get them for a fraction of what you’d normally pay.
Asics Gel-Nimbus ranges between $70 and $180, and Gel-Cumulus between $60 and $140. Although they’re similarly priced, Asics Gel-Cumulus are more affordable at the moment.
Asics Nimbus vs. Cumulus: Which ones are better for you?
We’d be wrong to choose a Asics Nimbus vs. Cumulus winner considering how similar the two styles are. Whether you’re recovering from foot surgery, suffering from foot-related issues such as plantar fasciitis, or on the hunt for the perfect pair of runnings sneakers, feel free to go for either of the two. Good luck!
Read more: Asics GT 1000 Vs. 2000: Which Shoes Will Win This Epic Duel
