The debate between Asics and Brooks has been circling around in the running community for nearly 10 years. This is is mainly in part because of how reliable, durable and mainstream that these brands have become over the years.
This article gives information on these two shoes, pros/cons, and compare and contrast between the two - Asics Gel Cumulus vs. Brooks Ghost.
Asics Gel Cumulus and Brooks Ghost are comparable daily running shoes. The biggest difference is that Gel Cumulus offers a lighter more responsive ride where Ghost is a staple for many runners due to their durability, midsole support and smooth transition.
Asics Cumulus vs Brooks Ghost
Asics Gel Cumulus 22 Review
Known as the more simple and affordable daily trainer in the Asics lineup, The Gel Cumulus 22 offers a design familiar to older versions, but with a smoother, lighter, and more comfortable ride.
Staying true to its roots, the Cumulus 22 offers a sleeker and more versatile function over its past interactions that can accommodate for easy runs, long runs, and even tempo runs.
Equipped with a Flytefoam midsole, this shoe provides some solid lightweight and responsive cushioning, and it is also environmentally friendly!
Overall the is a well rounded shoe that will give you everything you need for your daily training and long runs without sacrificing efficiency or durability.
To compliment this midsole foam, a Gel Cushioning System is a a silicone-based gel to allow for a more responsive shock absorption on impact. This will give you a little extra energy back into your stride without having to deal with too much impact.
To top off your foot, there is an Engineered Mesh upper, which provides lightweight breathability and a plush, irritant-free fit. To go along with this mesh, ther is also a Frictionless 3D Print Construction to allow for an irritation-free sockless wear.
The Asics Gel Cumulus sits at a stack height of 31mm in the heel and 21mm in the forefoot for a drop of 10mm, which is pretty standard for most daily trainers, especially from Ascics.
- FluidRide: FluidRide provides the ultimate combination of bounce back and cushioning properties with reduced weight and exceptional durability.
- Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems: Attenuates shock during impact and toe-off phases, and allows movement on multiple planes as the foot transitions through the gait cycle.
- FluidFit: ASICS FluidFit upper technology combines multi-directional stretch mesh with stretch reinforcements that adapt to the athlete's foot, creating a truly customized glove-like fit.
PROS
CONS
Brooks Ghost 13 Review
There is no question about it, the Brooks Ghost proves to be one of the most popular running shoes every year because of its soft landing, smooth transition, and lasting durability in the midsole and outsole.
The Ghost has a stack height of 32mm in the heel and 20mm in the forefoot, which makes a total drop of 12mm from heel to toe. This is pretty high for most daily trainers, but it is standard for the Brooks Ghost lineup. If you have liked it in the past then you should have no issues.
Seeking to grow upon the positives of the previous versions, the Ghost 13 builds off of the Ghost 12 but offers an even softer landing with increased amounts of the Brooks DNA LOFT midsole foam.
This contributes to a soft, yet springy toe-off compared to previous versions.
This midsole design also comes with a Segmented Crash Pad, which offers a customizable cushioning stability through the heel-to-toe off cycle.
Be sure to check out the full review of the Brooks Ghost here.
This Crash Pad also pairs with some Omega Flex Grooves that are implemented to offer forefoot flexibility without compromising cushioning in that area.
The Ghost 13 also features a Two-Color Knitted Upper to offer an soft instep feel that holds your foot into the shoe well without any excessive tightness around the top of the foot.
This revamped upper also comes with a reimagined Heel Counter to provide a more supportive heel fit.
- THIS MEN'S SHOE IS FOR: The Ghost 13 is for runners looking for a reliable shoe that's soft and smooth. The Ghost 13 offers improved transitions for zero distractions so you can focus more on what matters most: your run. This Brooks Ghost 13 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- SUPPORT AND CUSHION: The neutral support type provides high energizing cushioning. Ideal for road running, cross training, the gym or wherever you might want to take them! Predecessor: Ghost 12
- BALANCED, SOFT CUSHIONING: BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning work together to provide a just-right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability - yet it feels lighter than ever.
PROS
CONS
Full Evaluation - Gel Cumulus 22 vs Ghost 13:
Uppers: Asics Cumulus 22 vs Brooks Ghost 13:
When whose come from different brands, the uppers are bound to have differences. However, to be candid these uppers are not all that different in design, but they do share some differences to note about the lacing, support, and weight.
The Brooks Ghost 13 has a super comfortable lacing system that rolls right over your foot and sits on top of a padded tongue and heel collar.
Although both of these shoe’s uppers perform well, the Brooks Ghost 13 gets the nod in this category for its seamlessly comfortable lining, lockdown, and padding. This is regardless of being over slightly heavier.
This allows for a more premium feel even if the price tag is lower than the general cost of a true premium daily trainer. The Cumulus 22 has a comfortable upper for sure, but it just does not quite have as seamless of a lacing system.
The tongue and heel collar are both padded and comfortable though, so no worries there. Neither of these shoe models are know for being incredibly wide in the toe box.
Brooks more than Ascis is known to have a slightly narrow toe box, but this is not the case in the Ghost 13 as it feels like a pretty standard width that will work for most feet unless a larger width is needed.
Both engineed mesh uppers have the material and lockdown to keep your foot comfortably in place for a good amount of time, but the Ghost 13 does offer a slightly more comfortable “all-around” fit on your foot than the Cumulus 22.
They may both have a break in period for some, but blisters and rubbing shouldn’t be an issue on either the Asics Gel Nimbus 22 or the Brooks Ghost 13.
Sole Unit: Asics Cumulus 22 vs Brooks Ghost 13:
Now this is where things get tricky because both midsoles are pretty great in their own right.
The Asics Gel Cumulus 22 is going to offer a nice responsive ride with a little extra shock absorption with the gel unit, whereas the Brooks Ghost 13 is going to provide a plush ride complemented with a snappy toe-off.
The Ghost’s DNA Loft foam in the heel is super nice on impact, but overall it does add on a little extra weight for your feet to carry through those miles.
The Cumulus’ Flytefoam feel pretty lightweight and responsive, but I do doubt the durability of the shoe in the long run as compared to the Ghost.
Along the lines of durability, it definitely feels like the Ghost’s midsole foam will last longer on average than the Cumulus.
The DNA has just proven to be more resilient than the Flytefoam over time. It’s not really a knock on the Cumulus as much as it is kudos to the Ghost.
Overall, both shoes provide a good ride to take you through your daily training and will allow you to recover well without overstressing your feet or legs. Once again it feels like the Ghost 13 gets the upper hand in this area once again.
Verdict: Asics Cumulus vs Brooks Ghost
At this point it is probably no surprise that the Brooks Ghost 13 emerges as the better “all-around” daily trainer, as its comfortable upper design pairs well with its plush yet springy transition in the midsole.
In the end, this just feels like a shoe that would generally work better for more runners out there on the roads.
That is not to say that the Asics Cumulus 22 would not a great daily trainer for those seeking a reliable and versatile shoe, but it just feels a little bit behind in most categories when compared to the Brooks Ghost 13.
However, much of this is up to personal opinion so make sure to try both shoes for yourself to make sure you are getting the best shoe for you.
Depending on your stride and biomechanics both shoes can probably get around the 400-600 mile range. If you are looking to save on evert cent, then the Cumulus might be the better option for you!
In the end, it comes down to the accommodations you may need to fit your activity style. Both the Brooks Ghost 13 and Asics Gel Cumulus 22 will be good “do it all” trainers, but best for easy miles and long runs.
If the shoe you desire is a standard and reliable trainer with some plush cushioning and a snugger fit, then the Ghost 13 will probably be the one for you.
If you want something a little less expensive and are a proud user of the Asics brand, then the Gel Cumulus is the one you should opt for.
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Last update on 2023-06-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API