There is a well-defined category of shoes that we can call “Fidelity Shoes.” It is those models that we do not just use but with which we build relationships that last for years and unravel between different versions. They are really about relationships because they resemble human relationships: when you “get” each other, you never want to leave each other. With shoes, the same thing happens: some runners develop the same relationship with their tools that started one fine day as a conversation and then resulted in a long relationship.
The same happens for some people with cars or cell phones (think of how many have always had the same one, but through different versions-here I am with my iPhone!).
As in all relationships you change: if anything, problems arise when you don’t change and then boredom takes over or when only one of you evolves and then the balance is broken.
Familiar but new
The new version of the much-loved ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 24 fits perfectly into this pattern: aesthetically it is in continuity with previous models but has changed over the years, culminating in this 24th release.
If you look at them and put them on, they are the good old reliable Cumulus you have known for years but there is something about them that has been a hallmark of ASICS for years now, or at least of the more popular and less extreme models: incredible balance.
As we often repeat, a shoe stands on at least three components: lightweight, responsiveness, and comfort/protection. Finding the balance between all these elements is an alchemist’s craft: it often happens that a very comfortable and protective shoe is unresponsive or heavy, or that a very light and responsive one is too dry and, in the long run, uncomfortable.
This is not the case with the GEL-CUMULUS 24, which instead manages to have low weight, excellent cushioning, and great thrust. And it is on this last aspect that it is worth spending a few words.
FF-BLAST
The secret is there, in a name and in a compound: that of the midsole, called FF-BLAST.
Derived from the FLYTEFOAM introduced in 2016, the FF-BLAST (where “FF” stands for “FLYTEFOAM”) is even lighter (-24 grams) and more responsive. Here’s how the CUMULUS 24 manages to express a remarkable racing flair even though aesthetically they might deceive, so dressed as quiet shoes.
Can you feel the presence of the FF-BLAST? And how can you feel it: comfort is great, but what benefits most is responsiveness. You never have the feeling that you are sinking into them without having any forward momentum in reaction to lunging on the asphalt-they are always relaunching you forward, tirelessly.
They then do so naturally and effortlessly, also confirming themselves as very protective shoes capable of communicating (real) safety while running.
To use the automotive metaphors we so enjoy, we are looking at the equivalent of a comfortable sedan in a sport version. Nothing is sacrificed for speed: neither comfort nor weight. A truly remarkable balance.
How they look on the feet and what feet they are for
The great advantage of this category of shoes is that they do not have to be explained: they are, indeed, familiar. Only by running with it, however, do you realize that there is something new and powerful underneath. They push more and they push you more to run. In addition to the fact that they always manage to “talk” to you in the words of the conversation you started years ago. In short: we always understand each other.
In short, those who do not aspire to stratospheric speed or performance love them. But even those who are used to traveling very fast can find them very interesting shoes for quieter workouts or long runs. Because, as the Neapolitans effectively say, with them, “you stay carefree.”
If you don’t want thoughts but like to run and well, there is an answer and it is theirs.
The ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 24 are on sale in the best sports stores and at the ASICS online store for 140 euros.