Mizuno Wave Skyrise 7 vs ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28

Cushioning is the priority for the Wave Skyrise 7, a neutral road trainer for everyday running that is described on its SportsShoes listing as offering softness, energy return and a lightweight feel. In Mizuno's cushioned range it sits alongside the Wave Rider 30 with a lower 37.5 mm heel stack, and below the higher-stacked Wave Sky 9.

The midsole uses Mizuno's Enerzy NXT foam, paired with a Mizuno Wave plate, and the shoe has an 8 mm drop. Most of the changes for this version are in the upper: a new, more open engineered mesh, thicker padding around the heel and collar, and a wider, softer tongue. It comes in a standard width only and, unlike the plated Neo Vista 3, uses a conventional cushioned set-up aimed at easy and moderate everyday mileage.

Specs and features from sportsshoes.com, en.zalando.de and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.

Sitting below the Gel-Nimbus 28 in ASICS' neutral road range, the Gel-Cumulus 28 is a lighter everyday trainer with a lower stack, rated by ASICS for high rather than maximum cushioning. ASICS pitches it at a smooth underfoot experience, with what it calls cloud-like landings and a responsive toe-off.

This version moves to FF Blast Max, a foam ASICS lists among its most energetic and also uses in the Novablast 6. A PureGEL insert, which the brand says is about 65% softer than standard GEL, adds cushioning. The FluidRide outsole blends EVA and rubber, with AHAR LO rubber in the heel and other high-wear areas, and the upper is a lightweight engineered mesh over an OrthoLite X-30 sockliner. The drop is 8 mm, and ASICS offers it in standard and wide fittings for daily running.

Specs and features from asics.com and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.