Asics Cumulus 25 vs Saucony Ride 17: A to Z Comparison

Last year, I ran a 10K marathon with my friend wearing the Asics Cumulus 25. The comfort was top-notch, and the timing was precisely what I expected.

But, I was surprised to see my friend scoring a good timing, because he was never a quick runner.

I was curious about the mystery and discovered he wore the Saucony Ride 17. So, I’ve tried out the shoe, as we have the same shoe size, and compared the performance with my Cumulus.

Today, I’ll share my findings and provide the differences between Asics Cumulus and Saucony Ride to help you pick the best one.

So, let’s start.

Overview of Saucony Ride and Asics Cumulus

Asics and Saucony continue to move forward to push the boundaries of innovation in shoes.

The Gel-Cumulus series from Asics and Ride from Saucony are magnificent examples of true comfort and versatility.

Both shoes have been storming on the road and continuously marching ahead since the last decade.

Saucony Ride

The Saucony Ride first came out in 2008. In the last 17 years, they have released a total of seventeen models under this series.

It offers a combination of versatility and durability to every model.

The Ride is widely popular among runners for its exceptional responsiveness and capability to cover a variety of paces and distances.

Asics Gel-Cumulus

The Asics Gel-Cumulus first arrived on the market in 1999. It releases one model each year and has been doing the same for the last 25 years.

Cumulus is well known for its comfort, cushioned ride, and stability.

It is a good choice for runners who are looking for a shoe that can handle long distances and provide the utmost comfort.

These series from different shoe companies have a lot of differences in design, characteristics, and performance.

So, it’s a must to know about them before purchasing models from Gel-Cumulus and Ride.

Key Attribute Comparison of Asics Cumulus 25 and Saucony Ride 17

The Saucony Ride and Asics Gel-Cumulus series releases a single model each year. So, it’s much easier to compare the shoes from each year to understand the key characteristics.

Cumulus 25 and Ride 17 are the most recent shoes from their respective series.

Let’s take a closer look at the attributes of Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 and Saucony Ride 17 from below.

Feature Difference Between Asics Cumulus 25 and Saucony Ride 17

Saucony Ride 17 and Asics Cumulus 25 use different technology to construct the running shoes.

Therefore, they have numerous dissimilarities in their features and real-life usage. The overall product quality and performance impact the decision while buying a shoe from these series.

Let’s learn more about the differences between Cumulus 25 and Ride 17 from below.

1. Upper Material

The Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 uses an Engineered Jacquard Mesh upper. It got a massive upgrade from the engineered mesh used in the Asics Cumulus 22 and Asics Cumulus 21.

The upper material is thick, but the perforations on the vamp help to circulate air to keep it cool.

Asics Cumulus 25 has an impressive cushioning system around the heel and forefoot that gives sufficient comfort while running.

On the other hand, Saucony Ride 17 uses a Double Jacquard Mesh on the upper.

The material is thicker and less breathable compared to Cumulus 25. It feels nice in the winter, but very warm in summer.

Fortunately, there are large perforations on the vamp and midfoot area to improve the air ventilation.

2. Design & Aesthetics

The tongue mechanism is a bit off in the Asics Cumulus 25.

It uses a combination of a regular and waving lacing system. There are three eyelets and two waving loops at each side of the tongue.

The shoe contains a loop on the tongue that provides a snug fit and holds my feet in place. However, the width of the tongue is slightly narrow, which can move laterally in a quick running session.

There’s a pull tab at the back for wearing the shoes very easily.

Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 comes in 15 colors, including black, white, blue, grey, etc.

An Asics logo is visible on the medial and lateral sides of the shoes, and the Gel-Cumulus branding is above the heel.

In contrast, the Saucony Ride 17 uses five wavings and one regular lacing system on each side. However, the quality didn’t seem very strong while tightening the lace.

There’s no loop on the tongue to provide a better fit. But the tongue is wider and doesn’t move at all when running.

Saucony Ride 17 has a pull tab at the back for efficient wearing.

The shoe comes in 7 colors, including black, white, silver, etc.

There’s a big Saucony logo on the shoe’s lateral side, and the brand name is on the medial side. The Ride 17 model name is visible on the shoe’s heel counter.

3. Sole Technology

Asics and Saucony use their own technology to make the insole, midsole, and outsole of the Cumulus 25 and Ride 17.

Insole

The Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 uses an OrthoLite X-30 sockliner, and Saucony Ride 17 uses PWRRUN+ foam for the insole.

Both insoles are removable, and you can replace them with a better orthotics insole to get better comfort.

Midsole

There’s a midsole difference between Asics Cumulus 25 and Cumulus 24. The latest version uses an upgraded FF Blast+ to provide better cushioning and shock absorption.

The FlyteFoam covers the entire midsole to give an improved running experience.

It utilizes PureGEL technology at the heel area to provide a soft landing and lightweight cushioning.

On the other hand, Saucony Ride 17 uses PWRRUN+ foam for the midsole construction.

The midsole is slightly firmer than FF Blast+, but not as much to feel a significant difference.

It doesn’t have additional technology underneath to provide shock absorption or support. But, the Ride 17 does an excellent job in softer transitions with its pillowy-like foam midsole.

Outsole

The Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 uses a combination of AHAR LO (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) and AHAR Plus for the outsole.

It’s very comfortable and durable to run on dry and wet surfaces.

The Saucony Ride 17 uses carbon and softer blown rubber for the outsole. It’s hard and extremely durable on all types of roads and surfaces.

4. Size & Weight

Both Asics Cumulus 25 and Saucony Ride 17 fit true to size.

The stack height has a 2.5mm difference between the models, and the Cumulus 25 is a bit high.

But, the Ride 17 is heavier for its firm midsole and outsole, while the Cumulus has reduced the weight using the Gel technology.

5. Fit & Comfort

The Asics Cumulus 25 has a comfortable and soft upper. The material isn’t very stretchy, but I had no issue sliding my feet into the shoe.

It has a pull tab at the back that helps to wear the shoe.

The toe box and forefoot have ample space for movement and wiggle my fingers.

The tongue mechanism adjusts after several uses, and the padding gives a snug fit and comfort.

It contains a lot of cushioning around the heel collar and forefoot, which offers good cushioning while running a long distance.

The Asics Gel Cumulus 25 and Nimbus 25 uses the same PureGel technology. It offers a softer landing and feels very comfortable in running.

In contrast, the Saucony Ride 17 has less cushioning and feels slightly firm.

The pull tab is there to put on the shoe efficiently. But, the lacing system doesn’t convince me to tighten the lace properly.

Also, there’s no lace holder on the tongue. But the wide and thicker padding doesn’t let the tongue slide during running.

The midsole and outsole foam provide sufficient comfort in running a short distance. But after 10K, the comfort level starts to go down and doesn’t give a comfy ride.

However, the Saucony Ride 17 is excellent for people with foot problems and bunions.

It has a wider version in the store that gives a good space around your forefoot to give better and more comfortable fittings.

6. Stability & Support

Both Asics Cumulus 25 and Saucony Ride 17 have similar stability and support systems.

The Gel-Cumulus has better cushioning around the heel collar, giving good ankle support during running.

The midfoot is slightly curved, providing sufficient arch support for all types of feet.

Gel-Cumulus 25 has a zoned outsole pattern that focuses on stable landing and fixes your pronation in every step.

Similarly, the Ride 17 has foam around the heel collar. The amount isn’t high like Cumulus 25, but it’s sufficient for daily training.

It also has arch support and is suitable for both flat and high-arch people.

Unfortunately, none of these models has supportive plates or rods in the midsole to provide additional stability.

7. Durability & Performance

Asics is a champion in terms of shoe durability. But Saucony isn’t far behind with their Ride series.

I am using the Gel-Cumulus 25 as my everyday long-running shoe. So far, I’ve run around 200 miles wearing the shoes.

The upper and midsole are in perfect condition. The outsole has worn out a little but is in the normal range.

Its cloud-like comfort and impressive shock absorption provide an excellent running experience. I haven’t felt any discomfort in the Cumulus 25.

The Saucony Ride 17 is more of a versatile running shoe. It’s firm and gives an efficient ride in short to mid-distance running.

I’ve used it for over 150 miles, and the performance is very satisfactory.

The foam insole and midsole are in a good state. There’s no significant change in comfort after wearing the shoe.

The outsole’s durability is mindblowing. I would say it’s pretty much the same even after running all these days.

With good care and daily maintenance, I expect both shoes will serve me over 350+ miles very easily.

8. Price Comparison

Both Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 and Saucony Ride 17 are priced the same in the official store.

It will cost you around $140 in the retail shop.

However, the Cumulus 25 often comes at a discount in the official store, which provides additional value to your shoe.

Pros & Cons: Asics Cumulus 25 Vs. Saucony Ride 17

Depending on the usage, Asics Cumulus 25 and Saucony Ride 17 show advantages and disadvantages in regular running sessions.

Asics Cumulus 25

Saucony Ride 17

Asics Cumulus 25 Vs. Saucony Ride 17: Which Should You Pick?

Both the Asics Cumulus 25 and Saucony Ride 17 are fantastic for daily running sessions.

They have similar types of technology and are priced the same in the official store. So, the purchasing decision appears if they really suit your personal requirements.

If you are looking for a soft, cushiony, and lightweight shoe for long-distance running, the Asics Cumulus 25 is the best choice.

However, if you want a responsive shoe and run a short to medium distance, the Saucony Ride 17 is a better pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Asics Cumulus and Saucony Ride suitable for walking?

Yes, the Asics Cumulus and Saucony Ride series are ideal for regular walking. Cumulus is very soft and cushiony, which is perfect for long distances. On the other hand, Saucony Ride is firm and suitable for short- to mid-distance walking.

Is Ride 16 better than Cumulus 25?

The Saucony Ride 16 is firmer than the Asics Cumulus 25. The Ride 16 is a better choice for quick and responsive runs. Otherwise, the Cumulus 25 serves better as a running shoe.

Should you buy Cumulus 25 over Cumulus 24?

The Asics Cumulus 25 has a softer and better midsole than Cumulus 24. It’s suitable for running a long distance with great comfort. So, if you are looking for great long-running shoes, the Cumulus 25 is definitely an upgrade over the Cumulus 24.