ASICS Cumulus 27 vs ASICS Noosa Tri 16
On paper, compared with the ASICS Cumulus 27, the ASICS Noosa Tri 16 is 2.1 mm less drop, 5.2 mm less heel stack, Ride +0.5.
My take
Cumulus 27 for beginners and comfort. Noosa Tri 16 for speed, circuit training and a lighter, versatile feel.
 ASICSCumulus 27 |  ASICSNoosa Tri 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 7.83 | 7.17 |
| Ride | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 8.5 | 6.5 |
| Value | 7.5 | 7.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹5,319 | ₹5,039 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Daily trainer | Tempo |
| Weight | – | 217 g |
| Heel stack | 38 mm | 32.8 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 30 mm | 26.9 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 5.9 mm |
| Foam | FF Blast Plus | FF Blast Plus |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | – | neutral |
| Fit | standard | narrow |
| Sizing | true to size | – |
| Recommended runner weight | Suitable for heavier beginners of 80 to 85 kg | Up to about 90 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsBeginnersRunners 90 kg+ | Tempo |
| Pros | Balanced FF Blast Plus ride that doesn't tire you out · Very stable: heel counter, gusseted tongue and midsole flares · Upper more breathable than the Cumulus 26, with a taller toe box · No rubbing over 18 km in heavy rain · Durable upper and midsole (about 800 km expected) · Thick 8 mm outsole, no visible wear after 35 km · Excellent value at ₹8,000 to ₹8,500 | Highly energetic FF Blast Plus foam · Very light at 220 g · Light, breathable upper · Good lacing and a decent heel counter · Durable, high-traction outsole · Outstanding value at ₹6,000 or less |
| Cons | Rubberised EVA outsole may lose traction after about 400 to 500 km, especially in the wet · Less soft and bouncy than the Novablast 5 · Not for wide feet · PureGEL makes little noticeable difference · Not worth the ₹12,000 to ₹13,000 retail price | Low stability for weak or unstable ankles · Snug, narrow fit with limited toe box space · Aggressive rocker for fast running, not for absolute beginners |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you have wide feet, or if you mostly run in the rain and plan to keep it well past 400 km. | Avoid it, or try it in a store first, if you are a beginner, overpronate, need ankle stability, have narrow-fit issues or dislike rockers. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Cumulus 27
One of the best shoes in the ASICS line-up for beginners and recreational runners who want a stable, durable daily trainer. At ₹8,000 to ₹8,500 I don't think any other brand matches it, but I wouldn't recommend it at the ₹12,000 to ₹13,000 retail price.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you have wide feet, or if you mostly run in the rain and plan to keep it well past 400 km.
Read reviewASICS
Noosa Tri 16
The Noosa Tri 16 is the most underrated ASICS shoe and my best value-for-money shoe of 2025; at the ₹6,000 I paid, I see no negatives. It suits fast runners with strong, stable ankles, not absolute beginners.
Avoid if: Avoid it, or try it in a store first, if you are a beginner, overpronate, need ankle stability, have narrow-fit issues or dislike rockers.
Read reviewNot sure which one is right for you?
Answer 8 quick questions and get matched with shoes you can buy in India.