If you translate the word “cumulus” from English into Russian, you get “cumulus clouds”. The name was not chosen by chance, because in many ways it is similar to the name of the “big brother” Asics Nimbus. But if “Nimbus” is fluffy, light clouds, then “Camulus” is dense clouds.
The Cumulus fully lives up to its unusual name - the damping is more compliant and dense than that of its closest “relative”, but still suitable for long-distance races.
"Camulus 21" — the return of one of the most legendary solutions in sports shoes in a new, modernized design. The sneakers can be classified as the best options from the Japanese manufacturer, where balance and amazing comfort are skillfully combined.
General information about the Asics Gel-Cumulus 21 model
The Japanese manufacturer implemented the most innovative solutions in the previous twentieth model, so the changes in the 21st Camulus are rather cosmetic in nature:
- By combining two types of foam Flyte Foam and SpEVA-45, the sole of the shoe has become more responsive.
- The usual jacquard mesh has been replaced with thin fabric. Due to this, Asics improved breathability.
- The space in the front area has been increased.
- The tongue and heel area received large soft padding. Thanks to the innovation, the manufacturer has increased the level of comfort and made the fit of the leg more snug.
One of the most important aspects of the brand philosophy is convenience, to which the Japanese manufacturer pays special attention. Therefore, Cumulus 21 is equipped with the same perforated lining that athletes who use Nimbuses liked. The same purpose is pursued by a pillow made of high-quality foam material. It adds more comfort to the sneakers when wearing them, especially in the shin area.
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Reference. The Asics Gel-Cumulus 21 is the best option for athletes with average weights, because they cannot boast as much damping as Nimbuses.
Construction and design
The Japanese manufacturer has implemented many innovative solutions in the Camulus line. Some of them affected the appearance, others were reflected in the design of the product. More details about this in the review.
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Despite the somewhat outdated, conservative appearance, the design of the upper area of the product is modern, additionally reinforced. The outer part consists of two layers of jacquard fabric.
The upper hugs your foot tightly and fits like a glove on your hand, helping to keep your foot in place during sudden movements and turns. The mesh itself is thin, allows air to pass through well, providing excellent ventilation.
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Reference. Many athletes note that even in hot weather there are no problems with foot overheating.
Perhaps someone will prefer the more streamlined shape of the previous model.However, the fit of the 21 version is more suitable for training. The Japanese brand has changed the traditional mesh, using a more flexible one, softer the pads in the collar area surrounding the nose and ankle, and added a little volume in the nose and midsection. Moreover, the recognizable Asics latch, located at the back, remained unchanged.
The secret to keeping the fit snug and comfortable is the rigid exoskeleton around the heel. It provided reliable stability, making the 21st Asics universal for most areas of use of sports equipment.
The brand also produces a demi-season version of 21 Camuluses. The jacquard mesh in such models is replaced with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. Of course, the shoes are less ventilated, but they are an excellent solution for running in cold rainy weather.
Cushioning and outsole
The Japanese brand of sportswear and accessories is famous for its love of calling each innovative technology with loud terms. And the 21st “Camulus” was no exception. So, to ensure better shock absorption, Asics uses several modern technologies:
- Gel Cushioning. Gel cushioning system located in the ankle and nose areas. This technology is the main product of the brand, made on a silicone basis. This is what the company uses in all models when it comes to providing better shock absorption and impact energy absorption systems. Most of the composition is located in the rear area of the platform, therefore it is suitable for athletes who place their feet on their heels.
- Flyte Foam and Flyte Foam Propel. They are a foam material located in the middle of the outsole.It is needed to ensure optimal foot push-off and good responsiveness under low loads. Working together, the foam compounds give the 21st Asics a special softness that the previous model cannot boast of.
- High Wear Resistance Material and Dura Sponge. Rubber inserts located over the entire surface of the outsole not only increase the life of sports shoes, but also improve grip on the road surface.
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In general, the 21st Camulus is a softer type of twenty. Although the feeling of comfort is always pleasant, it is especially noticeable during short runs.
Another advantage of the Asics is the well-designed outsole. The products cope equally well with both dry and wet road surfaces. In addition, miniature grooves built into the bottom of the platform ensure sufficient compliance even at high speeds.
Landing on the leg
Many argue that 21st Asics are not the most popular type of sports shoes. The latest technology has spoiled runners. They are used to weightless sneakers with a springy platform based on E-TPU. “Camulus”, on the other hand, has a more complex upper part and outsole, in which the emphasis was placed not on the return and absorption of energy, but on softness. Therefore, such a decision seems like a step backwards.
However, the sneaker looks stylish, and the padded tongue and collar around the rear foot provide a comfortable fit. The ankle feels securely secured, but the shoes themselves may seem a little heavy.
The soft cushion makes it much easier to put the shoe on, making the fit in the rear area more comfortable.Athletes note an increase in comfort in the middle of the foot, because the brand replaced the hard “twenty” inserts with soft openwork material.
Asics Gel-Cumulus 21 is the optimal solution for running on asphalt or hard ground. For beginner athletes, the sneakers are suitable both as training and performance shoes. Professional runners will find it useful during recovery or long hours of training. Lovers of long walks and forays into nature will also appreciate the sneakers. Overall, the Cumulus 21 is a versatile solution suitable for sports and everyday wear.
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