ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26

If you want a neutral **running shoe** for daily training, easy miles and long walks, the Gel-Cumulus 26 is built for that boring-but-important job: making repeated runs feel less taxing. It sits in the sweet spot for runners who want comfort and stability without moving up to a max-cushion shoe. ## What makes it worth it The headline is the ride. ASICS uses **PureGEL** in the heel and **FF BLAST+ Eco** foam, and the result is a shoe that reviewers consistently describe as cushioned and dependable rather than fast or flashy. Fleet Feet places it as a beginner-friendly daily trainer, while RunRepeat’s lab data shows a fairly high stack and an 8 mm drop, which helps explain the easy, familiar feel for heel strikers. It also runs on a broad platform, which adds a bit of calm stability without turning it into a support shoe. ## Where it falls short This is not a lively shoe. Reviewers note that the energy return is only average, so if you want a springy toe-off or something for tempo work, you will feel the limit quickly. Breathability also looks merely okay, so hot-weather runners may notice it. Buy it if you want a comfortable road trainer for everyday miles and long-distance cruising. Skip it if you want a faster, more responsive running shoe for workouts or races.

£119.99