Head-to-head · Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 vs Nike Pegasus 42

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Nike Pegasus 42 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about high-arch runners who want one firm, versatile shoe for easy runs, light speed work, and everyday wear — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28

4.2

$144.95as of Jun 7

The Gel-Cumulus 28 is the value pick: a lighter, more affordable sibling to the Nimbus with plush cushioning, a wide stable base, and a very high effective drop that suits heel-striking high-arch runners. RunRepeat measured a 42.8mm heel stack and praised its plush, stable geometry for heel strikers, though it flagged the limited pace range.

Strengths

— Plush cushioning on a wide, stable platform — great for heel-striking high arches
— Light for its cushioning at about 8.9 oz
— Very high effective drop (RunRepeat measured 13.3mm) reduces Achilles strain

Watch-outs

— Tall heel-biased geometry feels extreme for forefoot strikers
— Limited pace range and modest energy return
— Less premium upper and outsole grip than the Nimbus

$144.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

Nike Pegasus 42

4.5

$145as of Jun 8

The Pegasus 42 is the versatile do-everything pick: a firm, durable neutral trainer with a curved Air Zoom unit that adds bounce and a very high effective drop that suits heel-striking high-arch runners. RunRepeat scored it 90/100 and called it highly versatile, while Run To The Finish rated it 92% as an easy-day shoe that can transition to uptempo work.

Strengths

— Highly versatile — handles easy runs, moderate uptempo, gym, and all-day wear
— RunRepeat measured a strong 90/100 CoreScore
— Curved full-length Air Zoom unit returns noticeably more energy than the Pegasus 41

Watch-outs

— Moderate stack doesn't match its fairly hefty weight
— Firmer, less plush than max-cushion rivals — less impact protection for very long runs
— Specialist range; pushed too far it wants more cushion and pop

$145 · Buy at nike.com Full review →

How they stack up

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28

A lighter, cheaper alternative to the flagship ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 with a similarly plush but more heel-biased ride. Its very high effective drop matches the Nike Pegasus 42 and Brooks Ghost 18, and it is softer and more cushioned than the moderate-stack Pegasus while less bouncy than the ASICS Novablast 5.

Nike Pegasus 42

Firmer and lower-stacked than the plush ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 and bouncy ASICS Novablast 5, but more versatile across paces. Its high effective drop mirrors the heel-biased ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28, and it competes most directly with the Brooks Ghost 18 as a do-it-all neutral daily trainer.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28	Nike Pegasus 42
Weight	8.9 oz (M)	10.1 oz (M)
Drop	8mm (13.3mm measured)	10mm (14mm measured)
Stack height	42.8mm heel / 29.5mm forefoot	36mm heel / 22mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral	Neutral
Cushioning	High (FF Blast Plus)	Moderate (ReactX + Air Zoom)
Width options	Standard, Wide, Extra Wide	Standard, Wide, Extra Wide
Upper	Engineered mesh	Engineered mesh

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