Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.

Retro running shoes are having a moment, and ASICS just brought back one of its best

ASICS revives the GEL CUMULUS 16, bringing back its signature cushioning technology in a retro inspired sneaker built for comfort and style.

Published on: Jul 14, 2026, 15:21:12 IST

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Research-Backed Choices

Every product we recommend is chosen through a combination of Primary Research and Secondary Research.

The ASICS GEL CUMULUS 16 pairs signature GEL cushioning with a retro running silhouette designed for everyday comfort and contemporary style. (ASICS)

By Neha Ravi Khandelwal

Neha Khandelwal
Content Lead, HT Travel | Travel & Lifestyle Journalist
With over 10 years of content writing experience, Neha Khandelwal is a lifestyle journalist and the Content Lead at HT Travel. She specialises in destinations, hotels, aviation, luggage, travel gear, and practical guides that help readers plan smarter and travel better. Her work combines first-hand experience, expert insights, and extensive research to create stories that are informative, useful, and easy to follow.

Career Journey & Experience
Neha began her writing career as a freelance journalist in 2010 before entering mainstream media with The Times of India in 2022. She later joined Hindustan Times, where she has written extensively across travel, lifestyle, home, and consumer trends. Her professional background extends beyond journalism. Before moving into digital media full-time, she spent nearly a decade in interior design, managing residential projects from concept to execution. She also trained in visual merchandising with Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons and worked with women-led startups across design and operations. These experiences continue to shape her storytelling, especially in how she evaluates hotels, design-led stays, hospitality spaces, and travel experiences.

A naturally curious learner, Neha has completed beginner certifications in pottery, scuba diving, baking, creative writing, and other creative pursuits. She has read more than 2,000 books, trained in Bharatanatyam for 8 years, and ghostwritten a book on Ladakh tourism.

Subject Expertise
Travel is at the heart of Neha's work. She covers destinations, hotels, airlines, luggage, packing strategies, travel accessories, and emerging travel trends through a mix of reporting, product testing, and conversations with industry experts. A frequent traveller herself, she approaches every trip with a journalist's curiosity and a planner's mindset, focusing on experiences that readers can realistically recreate. From choosing the right cabin bag to decoding hotel openings and destination trends, her writing prioritises practical advice over promotional claims. Her background in interior design also gives her a distinct perspective on architecture, hospitality design, boutique hotels, luxury stays, and thoughtfully designed spaces.

Education & Professional Background
Neha holds a Master's degree in Interior Design. Her early experience in interior design, visual merchandising, and design operations gives her a unique understanding of aesthetics, functionality, and user experience, adding depth to her coverage of hotels, resorts, and travel spaces.

Editorial Philosophy
"As an avid, research-driven traveller, my goal is simple. To answer the questions you actually have before booking a trip. I cut through the promotional noise with honest reporting and expert insights. Making travel planning seamless, smart, and reliable so you always know where to go next."

Why sneaker fans are talking about the GEL CUMULUS 16

The biggest talking point is the return of ASICS' signature GEL cushioning system, created to absorb impact during movement. The technology helps soften landings, reduce shock on joints and deliver a smoother feeling underfoot. While it was first developed for runners, it has become just as popular among people who spend long hours walking, travelling or standing throughout the day.

The shoe also combines lightweight cushioning with a breathable mesh upper, making it suitable for all-day wear without feeling bulky.

What makes this release worth a closer look?

Signature GEL cushioning is designed for better shock absorption and lasting comfort
Soft, responsive midsole that supports long hours on your feet
Breathable mesh construction for improved airflow
Layered retro running design that fits current sneaker trends
Metallic silver detailing that stays true to the original GEL CUMULUS look

Why are retro running shoes everywhere?

Performance running shoes from the early 2000s have become some of the most sought-after sneakers today. Their combination of visible cushioning, layered panels and technical design has made them favourites for everyday styling.

The GEL CUMULUS 16 fits naturally into this trend, offering a silhouette that pairs easily with denim, cargos, relaxed tailoring and athleisure.

While this edition has been created with the Australian label EARLS Collection, the biggest takeaway for sneaker fans is the return of a sole that helped define comfort-focused footwear and continues to feel relevant years after its original launch.

Price and availability

The limited edition ASICS GEL CUMULUS 16 is priced at ₹18,999. It is available on the official ASICS India website, the ASICS store at DLF Mall of India (might be available at other stores too), VegNonVeg, Limited Edt and Superkicks.

For anyone looking for a sneaker that blends proven cushioning technology with today's retro aesthetic, the return of the GEL CUMULUS 16 brings back a familiar favourite with a fresh perspective.

Loading Suggestions...

Similar articles for you

5 ways to get your furniture ready for the monsoon; Expert shares tips and tricks

Best shoes for the monsoon season that will bring style and battle the rains with ease

Best shoes for HYROX: 12 competitors across 7 cities recommend shoes they trust for training and the race

Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neha Khandelwal
Neha Khandelwal Content Lead, HT Travel | Travel & Lifestyle Journalist With over 10 years of content writing experience, Neha Khandelwal is a lifestyle journalist and the Content Lead at HT Travel. She specialises in destinations, hotels, aviation, luggage, travel gear, and practical guides that help readers plan smarter and travel better. Her work combines first-hand experience, expert insights, and extensive research to create stories that are informative, useful, and easy to follow. Career Journey & Experience Neha began her writing career as a freelance journalist in 2010 before entering mainstream media with The Times of India in 2022. She later joined Hindustan Times, where she has written extensively across travel, lifestyle, home, and consumer trends. Her professional background extends beyond journalism. Before moving into digital media full-time, she spent nearly a decade in interior design, managing residential projects from concept to execution. She also trained in visual merchandising with Shoppers Stop and Pantaloons and worked with women-led startups across design and operations. These experiences continue to shape her storytelling, especially in how she evaluates hotels, design-led stays, hospitality spaces, and travel experiences. A naturally curious learner, Neha has completed beginner certifications in pottery, scuba diving, baking, creative writing, and other creative pursuits. She has read more than 2,000 books, trained in Bharatanatyam for 8 years, and ghostwritten a book on Ladakh tourism. Subject Expertise Travel is at the heart of Neha's work. She covers destinations, hotels, airlines, luggage, packing strategies, travel accessories, and emerging travel trends through a mix of reporting, product testing, and conversations with industry experts. A frequent traveller herself, she approaches every trip with a journalist's curiosity and a planner's mindset, focusing on experiences that readers can realistically recreate. From choosing the right cabin bag to decoding hotel openings and destination trends, her writing prioritises practical advice over promotional claims. Her background in interior design also gives her a distinct perspective on architecture, hospitality design, boutique hotels, luxury stays, and thoughtfully designed spaces. Education & Professional Background Neha holds a Master's degree in Interior Design. Her early experience in interior design, visual merchandising, and design operations gives her a unique understanding of aesthetics, functionality, and user experience, adding depth to her coverage of hotels, resorts, and travel spaces. Editorial Philosophy "As an avid, research-driven traveller, my goal is simple. To answer the questions you actually have before booking a trip. I cut through the promotional noise with honest reporting and expert insights. Making travel planning seamless, smart, and reliable so you always know where to go next."Read More

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.