By Paul Freary
Always ASICS’ range-topping neutral cushioned running shoe, the Latest edition of the GEL-NIMBUS is the 27th in the line and offers the highest stack and highest amount of cushioning ever!
In this new update, the level of cushioning is up, yet the weight remains the same as the GEL-NIMBUS 26.
We also see revisions to the upper, which make for a good fit and should ensure the GEL-NIMBUS 27 keeps its loyal fans happy for another version of the NIMBUS model.
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Design
The FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole foam is carried over from the previous version, except here, it is increased in stack by 2.5mm throughout the full length of the shoe. Now, the GEL-NIMBUS has a 42.5mm stack in the heel, an 8mm (as per the previous model) and 35.5mm of cushioning in the forefoot.
Despite the increase in cushioning, the shoe manages to weigh in at the same weight as the NIMBUS 26.
Of course, the FF BLAST PLUS ECO is an umbrella term for the midsole cushioning foam, and in this new model, the foam's formulation has been ‘tweaked’ to increase the cushioning while keeping the weight constant.
The NIMBUS 27 retains the GEL prefix to its name, so, of course, the heel still features the brand’s latest version of GEL, PureGEL.
A new jacquard mesh upper replaces the knitted upper used in the NIMBUS 26 and compliments the stretch fit of the tongue and ankle collar, which is carried over from the previous model.
Stats
ASICS | Nimbus 27 |
|---|---|
Best for | Everyday training with high-level cushioning |
Support | Neutral |
Cushion | Max-level cushioning |
Stack Height | 43.5mm Heel /35.5mm Forefoot |
Drop | 8mm |
Weight | Men 305g (10.7oz) Women 260g (9.1oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $165 / £180 |
Fit | True to size |
Rating | 9/ 10 |
Fit and Feel
The new GEL NIMBUS 27 fits true to size in both length and width I found it to offer a very nice and welcoming fit, having a nice degree of stretch around the foot.
The jacquard mesh design allows the upper to hug the foot neatly, and although I have rather slim feet, the shoe fits well and allows some ‘wiggle-room’ in the toe box area.
Even with a broader foot, I don’t think the shoe will be particularly tight-fitting, and most people will be fine with the normal size.
The knitted tongue has the same stretchy feel as the previous model, which gives the shoe a premium feel. When pulling the shoe on and then pulling the tongue into place before fastening the laces, the fit has a reassuringly snug and premium-quality construction that, along with the plush padding around the ankle collar, hugs the foot like your favourite winter coat.
ASICS Gel Nimbus 27
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Performance
On the run, the shoe feels instantly comfortable. As soon as you slide your feet inside, the plush ankle collar padding and knitted tongue welcome you and hug your feet with a beautiful, wrap-around sensation.
The PureGEL heel cushioning absorbs heel strike, and the deep stack of FF Blast Plus Eco foam soaks up every bit of road feel. The 8mm drop and smooth-flowing geometry of the shoe roll the foot forward with an accomplished feel of control and balance. There’s simply no denying the exceptional cushioning qualities of this shoe.
The miles simply flowed by on my first run in the NIMBUS, and every run since has been an enjoyable, comfortable and cossetted experience.
For easy miles, the NIMBUS is a great shoe. When picking up the pace, be it on a few strides or a slightly more up-tempo 5k effort, the shoe handled a six-minute mile pace easily. Whilst it’s not a shoe I’d choose specifically for quicker miles, for the occasional faster effort, it showed up and performed well enough.
Comparisons
Comparisons to the GEL-NIMBUS 27 will come by way of premium neutral cushioned models that are range-topping shoes from other brands.
The first of two shoes that immediately comes to mind is the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14.
New Balance 1080v14
Very close in weight to the NIMBUS, the 1080 is New Balance’s premium cushioning model. It offers a 38mm stack height, so it is 4.5mm lower than the ASICS. While this seems much less, around 10%, in fact, the 1080 still manages to offer a very good level of cushioning.
The New Balance is a little less expensive but provides a fit and feel very similar to the ASICS, and the overall build quality is comparable.
Personally, I’m favouring the new ASICS model over the New Balance. Where the New Balance 1080v14 is better than its predecessor, the overall feel is still a little soft when compared to the NIMBUS, and the ASICS offers a slightly more snappy, responsive feel at toe-off, and it’s this level of feedback that I think gives it the edge.
HOKA Bondi 8
Another highly cushioned, deep stack model is the HOKA Bondi 8. It is worth noting that the Bondi is ready for an update, which will come early in January 2025, but the Bondi 8 is similar in weight and has a 39mm stack height.
The Bondi is, of course, like many HOKA models, a low drop model, with just a 4mm drop from heel to toe, compared to the 8mm of the ASICS. I prefer a slightly higher drop and feel more at home in around 8 to 10mm drop models. This said the same can be said for many who prefer the lower drop of HOKA shoes.
Cushioning in the HOKA is a type of compression moulded EVA foam, so it lacks any reel energy return or responsiveness. Any propulsive effect from the HOKA comes purely from its rockered geometry.
It might be worth holding out for the BONDI 9 if you are considering the HOKA. The update will have a nitrogen-infused type midsole, which promises a different ride sensation and one which should see it transforming into a much more lively, exciting shoe.
My Verdict
After around 50 miles in the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27, I’m beginning to settle into the shoe, and it’s finding a place in my shoe rotation going forward.
The increased stack of midsole works well, and the revision to the foam removes the sensation of ‘running in the sand’ that I began to find in the previous model. This super-soft feeling is apparent in many shoes, and while some runners enjoy this ride, personally, I prefer a little more feedback and response from the shoe.
Most of my running is at around 7 minutes 30 seconds per mile, but even on these easy miles, I’ll add a few strides where I try to pick up the pace. I prefer a shoe to feel a little more agile and able to give me a little feedback when I do pick up the pace.
The NIMBUS 27 has this ability, perhaps better than most high-stack models, and it’s surprisingly agile for such a large-stack model.
While the price of the new NIMBUS is competitively placed in the US, here in the UK, the price is towards the upper end of the current market and very much in the premium-priced trainer bracket. This is perhaps the biggest challenge for the new model, but if you are ok with the price (or can find a good deal), then it’s certainly a good shoe to try.
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