ASICS Cumulus 26 Lite-Show vs New Balance 1080 v15
On paper, compared with the ASICS Cumulus 26 Lite-Show, the New Balance 1080 v15 is 15 g lighter, 2 mm less drop, 2 mm more heel stack, ₹12,000 pricier, Ride +1.5.
 ASICSCumulus 26 Lite-Show |  New Balance1080 v15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 7.17 | 8.17 |
| Ride | 7.0 | 8.5 |
| Design & Comfort | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Value | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹5,000 | ₹17,000 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Daily trainer | Daily trainer |
| Weight | 260 g | 245 g |
| Heel stack | 38 mm | 40 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 30 mm | 34 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 6 mm |
| Foam | FF Blast Plus | Infinion |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | – | – |
| Fit | wide | standard |
| Sizing | – | – |
| Recommended runner weight | Up to about 90 kg | Best under 90 kg; works above 90 kg with lower durability |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsRace dayBeginners | Easy runsLong runsBeginnersRunners 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 | Fun, jelly-like Infinion ride from 5 km to 30 km · More stable than the 1080 v14 · Light for its stack, about 240 to 250 g · Durable upper that will not tear easily · Premium tongue, heel padding and collar · 800 to 1,000 km expected under 90 kg |
| 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 | Thick upper is less breathable than other super trainers · Upper feels neither premium nor soft · Forefoot narrower than the v14 · Hard to find online in India · Expensive at ₹15,000 to ₹17,000 · Lower durability above 90 kg |
| 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. | Avoid the standard width if you have wide feet or bunions, and skip it at full price if ₹15,000 is a stretch. |
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 v15
It is one of my top 5 long-run shoes of the year and my favourite among them. I would not pay ₹15,000 or more for any shoe, so buy it on offer; on a tighter budget the Novablast 5 at ₹10,000 gives most of the fun.
Avoid if: Avoid the standard width if you have wide feet or bunions, and skip it at full price if ₹15,000 is a stretch.
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