Review of Asics Gel-Cumulus 21

Just to let you all know, some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you use that link to purchase, I will receive a small commission. I only include products and companies that I really like, use myself and I’m impressed with! Please remember that the decision to buy something is your own.

When I was accepted into the London ballot for 2020, I already knew I’d probably go through one pair of shoes during training and my trusty Brooks were probably not going to last. My Nike trainers were three years old, and not in the best nick, they were more for shorter distances and were lightweight enough to shove in my bag for running on lunch at work.

It took me a lot of research to decide on Asics, I had heard fantastic reviews and as I’ve been ‘blessed’ with wide feet; I needed something that were wider. I’d heard that the latest two styles of Asics Gel-Cumulus (the 21 and 22) were wider than previous models and I needed something that I could afford twice over (sorry Brooks). Also due to the wonderful genes of my parents,  I have ridiculously dodgy knees so I have to have something with great support. 

After much deliberation, going into various shops and trying on shoes – I’m sorry to any store that thought I was going to buy – and a lovely assistant at the Running Show in January; I decided on the Gel-Cumulus 21. A pair of the 2019 Autumn/Winter version and the 2020 Spring/Summer version.

The A/W 2019 version are a lovely pink/orange colour and very bright! Perfect for those darker nights and the S/S 2020 version are soft pink (I actually love these more than any other pair of shoes I own)

I’ve been wearing these for three months now, and wear them for all different runs, from 5K to 20 miles! The brighter pink ones have more wear, they have been worn for the countless miles I did for training in the early months of the year. They’ve been with me for the early morning rises to the dark evening club nights. I got a larger size due to my aforementioned wide feet and went up to a 7 (I’m normally a 5) to make sure I had the space for my feet. It was the best decision for me, but please remember to do what is right for you and your feet when buying trainers. I think it’s the norm to go up at least half a size, but I’m no expert! I’ve also had to re-lace the trainers to make sure my toes don’t go numb, a common problem for me, check the below image for ways on how to lace trainers for common problems!

The softer pink ones have only been worn twice! I didn’t want to get them muddy! They have a slightly better grip than their older counterpart, are a sliver wider and have ever so slightly softer cushioning at the back. I seem to be quite heavy-footed in my running as well but these seem to make me run lightly on my feet and are cushioned enough that my feet and knees don’t hurt after loads of mileage. 

All in all, these Asics are two of the nicest pairs I’ve had. I’m actually glad that I’ll probably still get to wear them for any marathons next year as they haven’t had nearly the amount of mileage I thought they would! 

I’d easily rate both pairs a five out five! I also need to thank SportsShoes.com for being so understanding when I bought three pairs, sent them all back for them to exchange for larger sizes and then rang them to change my mind again to get these. The lovely lady I spoke to on the phone back in January, was amazing and so friendly and understanding so thank you!