ASICS Cumulus 26 Lite-Show vs New Balance 1080 v14
On paper, compared with the ASICS Cumulus 26 Lite-Show, the New Balance 1080 v14 is 40 g heavier, Ride +0.5.
 ASICSCumulus 26 Lite-Show |  New Balance1080 v14 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 7.17 | 8.17 |
| Ride | 7.0 | 7.5 |
| Design & Comfort | 7.5 | 9.0 |
| Value | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹5,000 | – |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Daily trainer | Daily trainer |
| Weight | 260 g | 300 g |
| Heel stack | 38 mm | – |
| Forefoot stack | 30 mm | – |
| Drop | 8 mm | – |
| Foam | FF Blast Plus | Fresh Foam X |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | – | neutral |
| Fit | wide | – |
| Sizing | – | – |
| Recommended runner weight | Up to about 90 kg | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsRace dayBeginners | Easy runsLong runsRace dayBeginnersRunners 90 kg+ |
| Pros | Soft, plush FF Blast Plus midsole close to the Nimbus · Smooth heel-to-toe transition from the rocker · Stable thanks to a wide 120 mm forefoot and more midsole flare · Premium materials throughout · Lighter than the Nimbus at 260 g (US 9) · Great value at ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 on sale | Premium mesh upper you feel at step-in · Soft and comfortable but firmer and more versatile than before · Stable thanks to the wider platform · Thick rubber outsole with full coverage, no wear after 100 km · Likely more durable than the Novablast · Handles 4:00/km to slow runs and up to full marathon |
| Cons | Rubberised EVA outsole, grip expected to fade after about 100 km · Thick upper with poor breathability · Heat build-up beyond 10 km or faster than 5:00/km | Heavy at 300 g (US 9) · Breathability is limited · Expensive at ₹14,000 to ₹16,000 · Mostly offline in India |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you run long in hot weather or often on wet surfaces, as the thick upper traps heat and the EVA outsole grip fades. | Skip it at full retail price; wait for a 10 to 20% offer. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Cumulus 26 Lite-Show
If you want Nimbus-style premium cushioning in a lighter shoe, this is ASICS's answer. If the breathability and the fading outsole grip after about 100 km do not bother you, it is amazing value for money.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you run long in hot weather or often on wet surfaces, as the thick upper traps heat and the EVA outsole grip fades.
Read reviewNew Balance
1080 v14
If you want Novablast-style comfort with more stability and durability, consider the 1080 v14; it will be one of the top daily trainers of 2025. Buy it with a 10 to 20% offer, not at full price.
Avoid if: Skip it at full retail price; wait for a 10 to 20% offer.
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