Are ASICS Gel-Cumulus 23 Shoes Suitable for Disc Golf?

Disc golfers know that having the right shoes can make a big difference in performance. But, with so many options out there, it can be tough to know which shoes are the best fit, so to speak, for YOUR needs. So that’s why, in my latest disc golf shoe review, I’m taking a closer look at a potential option, namely the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 23, and I’ll be exploring whether or not they’re a good option for disc golf players.

Well, let’s get the obvious out of the way. The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 23 version are not designed specifically for disc golf. And even with the ’24 and ’25 versions out now at the time of writing, they still focus on the same thing, namely running. And they are a very popular running shoe to boot, excuse the pun. They are well known for their comfort and versatility. It’s that versatility and, of course, the comfort that means they could be a good choice for playing disc golf, depending on whether you like that sort of thing (comfort and vesatility).

Some folks like a bigger shoe or something more stable, like hiking boot footwear such as the Keen Voyager or the Merrell Moab. I like both types of shoe, one that’s more trainer-like and the boot type, that can cope with more challenging surfaces, depending on the weather and the course.

What you get with these Asics is a somewhat moderate midsole density, which provides cushioning without feeling too firm or too soft. There is nothing like having an overly squishy soft shoe that offers you very little ankle and sole support, and you feel like you are just sinking into the turf each time you take a stride. Unless you like that feeling, but it won’t pose well when you are twisting through high-energy shots and blow out your knees.

Like a lot of trainers, the upper layer of the midsole is crafted from engineered mesh, which allows some air through tiny pockets so your foot can breathe. So from the ground up, these Gel-Cumulus 23’s are a great option for runners, but the main question now arrives – How Do They Stack Up For Disc Golf?

So with disc golf, you need a shoe that has both good traction and stability on a whole pile of varied surfaces. Could be grass, could be gravel, hilly and choppy terrain, wild brush and scrub, sand, blacktop – and all on the same course. Once you add in some surface water, mud, marsh, heavy rain, woodland trails, and rocky roads, you can begin to see why you need a multi-functional shoe. It’s a choice of either picking between a jack of all trades or honing in on a single shoe type that specializes in one or two areas. So if you don’t go for a multi-jack shoe, then you would go for a shoe that does one or two things really well.

So with that limitation, you have to choose your shoe to suit a particular course or choose one according to the weather. And if that’s the case, you’re going to have to cough up the cash for a lot of different disc golf shoes to cope with different courses and varied weather patterns.

 

 

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 23’s At A Glance

• The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 23 are a very comfortable running shoe that can also be suitable for disc golf.
• The shoe’s durable rubber outsole provides excellent grip on several terrain types, and it features ‘3D Space Construction zones’ for extra support.
• While the Gel-Cumulus 23 can be a good option for disc golf, there may be other ASICS models that are better suited for the sport, with better stability and support (see below).
• Lightweight 290g shoe with FLYTEFOAM cushioning, which offers moderate support for runners, so on the disc golf course, it will perform well on flat surfaces and okay on more uneven ground.
• Keenly Priced almost half the price of the 25 version
• Very stylish looking
• Wouldn’t suit marshy woodlands and roughed-up terrain

 

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 23 Overview

Like the Asics Gel Kayano shoe the Cumulus has been designed for daily running training. So it does have some medium-level cushioning to deaden the impact from bouncing off hard surfaces. This means the cushioning is also not super-soft, which can be a nice asset on the changing terrain you’ll find on many disc golf courses.

The Gel-Cumulus 23 has a durable rubber outsole that provides excellent grip on both wet and dry surfaces. The shoe’s 3D Space Construction zones in the midsole give an extra layer of compression to support different running styles, and this will help absorb shocks and bumps when you’re making quick cuts or pivots on the course. And you’ll be doing a lot of pivots from the Tees and on challenging surfaces all day long on some of the top disc golf courses. But is this enough to make them a good choice for disc golf? Let’s take a closer look.

What’s It Got Under The Hood?

These shoes are equipped with several technologies that aim to justify their price tag. And now that the 24 and 25 versions of these shoes are out, they’re almost half the price of the $100+ Gel-Cumulus 25, so you can get a good deal on the 23’s. One of the most beloved features of this shoe is its cushioning system. The shoe uses ASICS’ signature GEL technology in the heel to provide some well-nice shock absorption from the heel right up to the toes with each stride. The cushioning is medium-firm, as that’s what you need out on the open road. And this also works really well for planting your foot on the disc golf fairway.

It has a lightweight foam material named FlyteFoam on the top layer of the sole that provides that responsive and bouncy feel, making each step feel effortless. It’s also got something called 3D Space Construction in the midsole, which is Asic’s way of saying it provides extra support for your dorsum (top layer of foot) and ankle via a compression layer that hugs your foot. Those sportswear companies always gotta come up with some crazy name for their new feature – it’s a great USP.

 

Design and Construction

The toecap has a soft, comfortable mesh upper that allows your foot to breathe and gives your toes some wiggle room.  The shoe’s chunky AHAR rubber outsole is extra reinforced in high-wear areas and provides adequate support on flat wet and dry surfaces. The heel has a load of gel in it to counter shocks and provides some stability.

So if you like the comfort of a pair of trainers while out on the course, this neutral shoe has ample cushioning and support and has a good layer of grip in the wet.

 

Performance and Comfort

So while this shoe is designed to be a daily trainer for runners, it does have good crossover appeal as it also works well for disc golfers who need a shoe that can handle long hours of walking and standing on the course.

Cushioning and Responsiveness

The Gel-Cumulus 23 features ASICS’ signature GEL technology in the heel and forefoot, mid-tier shock absorption on hard surfaces, and a good bit of cushioning. This technology helps to reduce the impact of each stride, and on many courses, you won’t run into major issues with them.  The layer of FlyteFoam just below the midsole provides a bit of bounce to your ounce as well.

 

Suitability for Disc Golf

This neutral trainer is designed for everyday training and can provide the stability and grip you need to perform well on many disc golf surfaces. It has a padded tongue and collar that makes it a snug fit. The shoe also has the lightweight ASICS’ Trusstic System, which stops the shoe from twisting, which can be important when making quick darting movements, and pivots on the course – especially if you’re a ninja and regularly pull out wacky flex shots all day long.

For stability and grip, the Cumulus 23’s have a toughened rubbery outsole that is good across a multitude of terrains, both wet and dry. You might not want to wear them in heavy snow or mud, but then again, you might not want to be out in such conditions in the first place. The forefoot area has grooves in it that can help support flexible foot movements and give you a bit of traction, so you can make those quick twisting 300-foot drives without landing on your posterior, and run up hills. So naturally, it is good for smooth putts and off-the-tee haymakers, and on slight gradients.

 

Balance and Transition

Balance is certainly your friend in the disc golf game. This is a flexible shoe, and the mixture of the cushioned heel, the flytefoam that runs the entire length of the shoe (sits just above the outsole), and the grippy flex grooves provides comfort and traction from your heel to your toe and allows you to have better control and balance during your throws. The construction of the shoe is also breathable and flexible, which helps to reduce the risk of blisters and discomfort during long rounds of disc golf.

 

Comparison with Other ASICS Models

ASICS has hundreds of models of shoes. Here’s how the Cumulus 23 stacks up against itself in the 24 and 25 models and against the Nimbus and Kayano models.

Gel-Cumulus vs. Nimbus

The Nimbus is another ASICS running shoe that is also designed for road running. There are some key differences between the two. The Nimbus is known for its more plush-like cushioning and is often recommended for long-distance runners. It also has the famous gel unit in the heel and forefoot for added shock absorption. Though saying that, the Gel-Cumulus 23 is definitely a bit more useful for a wider range of activities, such as the old disc golf. Especially in the balance and traction departments.

 

Gel-Cumulus vs. Kayano

The Kayano is designed for runners who need more support and stability. So for this, Asics has put in a firmer midsole and a more structured upper to help prevent overpronation. So it has greater arch support. So this would be a good shoe if you need something to preserve your arches, if your feet tend to flatten, or if you have arch supports in your normal footwear to prevent your arches from collapsing.  So the difference with the Gel-Cumulus 23 is although it does offer some support, it’s not designed for severe overpronators. If you need a shoe with more support, the Kayano may be a better option.

 

Gel-Cumulus 23 Vs 24 & 25 Models

So what’s the difference between the 23-25 models? Asics has tweaked the heel, and the tongue has more padding on the updated versions. The heel gets reworked with some reflective strips, but there is not a massive difference, and the materials and design is still basically the same. All Asics Cumulus models are primarily aimed at rearfoot dominant runners, so all have plenty of support around the heel. The newer models offer a bit more of that plush comfort, but the 23’s still remain excellent value for money, especially at the reduced price.