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ASICS Gel Cumulus 19 vs ASICS Gel Nimbus 20

ASICS Gel Cumulus 19 and ASICS Gel Nimbus 20 are the last versions of the most popular brand’s running shoes for neutral runners and underpronators. The numbers 19 and 20 in their names suggest these models have got a long history and stay popular, improving their characteristics and external design year after year.

Properly cushioned, stable, and comfortable – both Cumulus 19 and Nimbus 20 have something to brag about. But why are their price tags so different?

Let’s compare these ASICS sneakers to find out which one is best for you.

General Specs

Feature ASICS Gel Cumulus 19 ASICS Gel Nimbus 20
Runner Type Neutral, underpronator Neutral, underpronator
Best Used On Road Road
Best Used For Daily training, long-distance running Daily training, long-distance running
Midsole FluidRide Midsole with rearfoot and forefoot Gel Cushioning System FluidRide Midsole with rearfoot and forefoot Gel Cushioning System
Upper Seamless open mesh breathable upper. Seamless ASICS FluidFit upper construction.
Midsole drop 10mm 10mm
Size Men – 6.0 – 15.0

Women – 5.0 – 12.0

Men – 6.0 – 15.0

Women – 5.0 – 12.0

Price 80$ 160$
Estimated Lifespan Over 350 miles Over 400 miles
Release Date August 2017 December 2017

ASICS Gel Cumulus 19 vs ASICS Gel Nimbus 20: Key Features

Feature ASICS Gel Cumulus 19 ASICS Gel Nimbus 20
Fit Efficient fit right out of the box.

Feels a bit stiff in the forefoot section.

Not true-to-size (runs a half size smaller).

Comfy fit without a break-in period.

The toe box feels narrow.

Not true-to-size (runs a half size smaller).

Stability Stable enough to prevent injuries in neutral and underpronating runners. Great stability shoe for underpronators, an excessive amount of stability for neutral runners.
Support The Guidance Trusstic support system in the midfoot section prevents underfoot bucking and breakdown during the run. The Guidance Trusstic support system gives excellent support on a variety of surfaces, while the arch support is minimal.
Responsiveness Both models are characterized as highly responsive running shoes with the proper amount of cushioning.
Performance Good old technologies used in Cumulus 19 make this runner able to cope with long and short runs, providing the athlete with maximum comfort, support, and guidance. Featuring more updated technologies and being more lightweight, the shoe’s performance is very high. It delivers superior comfort, shock dissipation, and enhances foot function for a smooth ride.
Special Technologies I.G.S (Impact Guidance System) enhances the foot’s natural gait from heel strike to toe-off.

FluidRide midsole offers the ultimate combination of bounce back and cushioning properties with reduced weight and exceptional durability.

Rearfoot and forefoot Gel Cushioning System attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, allowing movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.

Guidance Trusstic System improves gait efficiency while providing midfoot structural integrity.

Guidance Line is a vertical flex groove, which decouples the tooling along the line of progression for enhanced gait efficiency.

Removable Comfordry Sockliner provides cushioning performance and moisture wicking for a cooler, dryer, and healthier environment.

AHAR rubber outsole allows for good grip and traction on the variety of surfaces.

I.G.S (Impact Guidance System) enhances the foot’s natural gait from heel strike to toe-off.

FluidRide midsole offers the ultimate combination of bounce back and cushioning properties with reduced weight and exceptional durability.

Rearfoot and forefoot Gel Cushioning System attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, allowing movement in multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.

Guidance Trusstic System improves gait efficiency while providing midfoot structural integrity.

Guidance Line is a vertical flex groove, which decouples the tooling along the line of progression for enhanced gait efficiency.

FlyteFoam midsole technology provides bounce back and responsiveness no matter the distance, utilizing organic super fibers to help reduce packing out.

FluidFit upper combines multi-directional stretch mesh with stretch reinforcements that adapt to the foot, creating a truly customized glove-like fit.

Heel Clutching System provides improved support and creates better heel fitting environment.

Ortholite X-40 Sockliner features higher rebound properties while providing excellent moisture management and a high level of breathability.

AHAR rubber outsole allows for good grip and traction on the variety of surfaces.

Size ASICS GEL Cumulus 19 comes in standard shoe sizes in narrow/medium/wide widths for women, and in medium/wide/extra wide for men.

Men: D, 2E, 4E; women: 2A, B, D.

ASICS GEL Nimbus 20 comes in standard shoe sizes in medium and wide widths both for men and women.

Men: D, 2E; women: B, D.

Weight Women’s – 257g

Men’s – 320g

Women’s – 249g

Men’s – 303g

  1. Design

asics gel

asics gel nimbus 20 2

Both ASICS Gel Cumulus 19 and Nimbus 20 feature the old school design that hasn’t evolved much. Available in a wide range of colorways, these sneakers have a rather attractive aesthetics. However, the Cumulus 19 looks a bit bulky.

1.1 The Upper

Seamless upper construction is a significant feature of the Nimbus 20 and Cumulus 19. Also, they’re both made of breathable mesh material.

Nevertheless, the Nimbus 20 has the FluidFit upper technology, which makes the fit maximally customized and glove-like, able to adjust to every foot. Also, the Nimbus has an external heel counter for more support in the heel area.

1.2 The Outsole

asics gel columbus 15 out

asics gel nimbus 20 outsole

ASICS High Abrasion Rubber is integrated into both Cumulus 19 and Nimbus 20 – it is a durable rubber material, which delivers good traction on the road and other surfaces. Also, there is a forefoot section of DuraSponge blown rubber for added durability in these two models.

1.3 The Insole

Additional underfoot cushioning is provided by the ComforDry Sockliner in the Cumulus 19, and Ortholite X-40 Sockliner in the Nimbus 20. Also, these removable insoles have an antimicrobial effect and moisture-wicking abilities.

1.4 The Midsole

Forefoot and rearfoot Gel cushioning system is a similar feature of both models, as well as the Guidance Trusstic System that integrates with the Guidance Line, FluidRide technology, and Impact Guidance System.

However, the foam of the Nimbus 20 and Cumulus 19 differs. The first one uses the FlyteFoam midsole, which is 55% lighter than standard EVA foams to supply runners with a more responsive, springy ride. Also, Nimbus 20 has the Gender Specific Forefoot cushioning for women: it’s injected with an extra Solyte foam layer for additional cushioning.

1.5 Heel-to-toe drop

The heel-to-toe drop is equal in both models and works great to provide a runner with a smooth transition through the gait cycle.

  1. Breathability

The upper of Nimbus 20 and Cumulus 19 is made of highly breathable mesh upper material, the interior fabric also allows for good ventilation, and the sockliners of both runners have awesome moisture-wicking abilities.

  1. Cushioning

ASICS Gel Cumulus 19 and ASICS Gel Nimbus 20 are built to be highly-responsive and properly cushioned running shoes – they’re stuffed with multiple technologies that make the ride maximally safe.

Being a pricey shoe, the Nimbus 20 also has advanced cushioning technologies: FlyteFoam midsole technology and a gender-specific extra layer of Solyte foam in female models.

  1. Comfort

Both shoes are described as comfortable and efficient right out of the box, without the need of break-in period. They have soft padded collars that hug the foot softly, preventing irritations.

The only drawback noticed in Nimbus and Cumulus is their narrow forefoot section that feels rather stiff, making the toes get pinched together too much.

  1. Flexibility

High level of flexibility in both models is the effect of vertical guidance line that decouples the outsole to let it bend and flex in all directions. Besides, the upper mesh material is stretchy enough to allow for free multidirectional movement of the foot.

  1. Safety & Support

Support and safety of the Nimbus 20 and Cumulus 19 are guaranteed thanks to supportive overlays that keep a foot in place. Also, the traditional lace-up closure with independently placed discrete eyelets, which disperse lace tension, makes the fit supportive yet adjustable.

The heel support in Cumulus 19 is given by the overlays, while the support of Nimbus 20 is more serious: an external Heel Clutching System provides improved support and creates better heel fitting environment.

  1. Durability

It’s well-known that durability is one of the ASICS’s strongest points – not many sports footwear companies can compete in terms of longevity of their runners with this brand. Eventually, both models can be described as highly durable and quality shoes.

Of course, due to its price, the Nimbus 20 was made a little bit better. For example, the shoelaces of the Cumulus 19 are not as strong as the ones in the Nimbus 20.

Bottom Line

Having thought about all pros and cons, our team concluded that Nimbus 20 and Cumulus 19 are both great running shoes, which are definitely worth the money.

If you are not looking for something extra or unusual, the Cumulus 19 is a perfect shoe to try. However, if you wanna have only the best materials and the newest technologies in your running shoe, opt for a pair of Nimbus 20 (but be ready to pay significantly more).

Talking about the price tag, it was also significantly higher in Nimbus series even if comparing the previous models with each other: Cumulus 18 VS Nimbus 19, and Cumulus 17 VS Nimbus 18.

Cumulus 19 is heavier than Nimbus 20 as well as Cumulus 17 was heavier than Nimbus 18, however, the middle models don’t follow this pattern so that Cumulus 18 is more lightweight than Nimbus 19, in spite of their rather bulky construction, which characterizes the whole Cumulus family.

Talking about the last three editions of both Cumulus and Nimbus, no substantial changes have been made. The Cumulus has rearranged the upper overlays system to increase comfort and slightly updated the midsole to improve shock absorption. As for the Nimbus, several minor changes in the upper overlays position and mesh structure have been made.

Thus, whether it’s ASICS Gel Cumulus 19 vs ASICS Gel Nimbus 20, Cumulus 18 vs Nimbus 19, or Cumulus 17 vs Nimbus 18, the main principle stays the same: if you’re looking for a pair of comfortable running shoes with proper amount of cushioning and stability, which is well-made and durable, both these options from ASICS are just perfect. The only issue is if you don’t mind paying more for premium materials and brand new technologies, the Nimbus is what you need; however, if the quality and performance are your main criteria, you won’t go wrong with ASICS Cumulus running shoes.

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