ASICS Men's Gel-Cumulus 17 Running Shoe

I've been running in the Cumulus now since the single digit series.Generally it's a well built shoe, and holds up for a cushioned trainer. It does run a little small so I go 1 size up from my dress shoe size.I have experienced the toe hole seen in other reviews which you can see in the pictures I have attached.In the pictures I compare side by side a pair with just over 400 miles of running on them (street, trails, road, rain, snow, etc.) and a brand new pair right out of the box. Both are 17s.I do wish Asics would add a little extra material where the toe hole happens. That said, it's usually a couple hundred miles before I see it. My hunch is I just need to clip my toe nails more often, but it still shouldn't happen.I've never exeprienced issues with the sole coming delamenated like others have. I could just be lucky there, but after 15+ years of running in the shoe I would guess it is more likely an issue with how different people strike their feet when they land. I am pretty much a mid foot striker until I get exhausted and start going back on the heel (20+ miles in).My opinion is the right shoe is all a matter of trial and error. You may hate these shoes, or love them. Also it can take months for your feet & legs to adjust to a new shoe because of heel toe drop differences, cushioning, etc.

I thought I would make an observation of the Cumulus 17. I had the 16 a few years ago and they were perfect. Ran a full marathon and trained with them. Logged over 430 miles and completely wore out the souls. Loved them! But thinking that more expensive is a better shoe, I "upgraded" twice with the Nimbus 16 and 17. These Nimbus shoes caused a Achilles Tendon injury that had me on the sideline for over 3 months. I was in shape and decided to do intervals to increase my pace. However, I over did and ran to fast and hard and damaged my Tendon. The other reviews talked about this issue with Nimbus. But I then ordered a new set of Nimbus 17 thinking they may have fixed them, but with these the Achilles issue seems fine, the running was softer but the toe box is to narrow, even with the 4E. I had a blister on the front of my big toe the size of a quarter, even with two pair of socks! I tape it when I run now with the new Nimbus 17. But running a marathon with these I do not think that would be smart. So now I ordered these Cumulus 17 to see if it would be like my first pair. Went out and ran 4 miles, 2 miles up a steep grade and 2 miles down. The shoes are great! No discomfort in my feet or ankles and fit from the first try. I am convinced that the Cumulus shoe is the best one for my runs.

This shoe introduced me to the sport of running, not just for fitness but actually go out and run a 5k or 10k and enjoy it! I used to buy off the shelf at my local box store, after being frustrated with very painful knee issues, I just about said to heck with this running thing!! However, after some convincing, I went to a running store and they fitted me to this shoe. Almost immediately my knee pains went away and I was able to start to increase my distances.Never really put much faith in pronation and supination as a problem to address but I definitely do now. If you have either or just a neutral gate, find out and buy accordingly, it will make a huge difference in you runs and you joy of running.Others have indicated that the durability of this shoe is sub-par, I disagree. If fitted properly they can last quite well. My Asics have given me a season and a half of service (runs average 3-6 miles each).The Cumulus 17 to me, runs small. Every pair of shoes I own, from hikers to dress, are size 11.5 US. My Asics are size 12.5US thus I feel addresses the issue of the toe box wear over the big toe you see in so many reviews.I just ordered a second pair just in a different color and am very anxious to receive them and get on the road!!!!I would recommend this shoe over and over!!!

I have been buying Asics Cumulus shoes for years. It is often difficult for me to find running shoes that are comfortable because I have a fairly wide foot. By the end of the day, as my feet swell and spread, most running shoes feel too constricting in the toe box. These shoes a nicely cushioned under the heal and supported under the mid-foot. I will wear them as my every day shoe, on days I don't have to dress up and I will wear them for jogging on pavement. I am a loyal purchaser of Asics Cumulus shoes because of their comfort, having purchased 10 or 12 pair over the years.The negative for this particular shoe is that the sole is starting to separate under the ball of my foot. This hasn't happened with my previous pair, so I'm chalking this up to an unusual breakdown of this particular, rather than a problem with the model. I do plan to purchase another pair, but I will be cautious to see if Asics has changed the construction in a way that is shortening the useful life of this shoe.I do recommend.