By Paul Freary
Both these models have been in the respective brand’s lineups for over 20 years, the ASICS now in its 27th generation, and the Saucony Triumph the 22nd model of the shoe.
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 and Saucony Triumph 22 are two of the most popular premium cushioned neutral running shoes on the market right now, and each is the respective brand’s top-of-the-range model.
Here, we’ll take a look at how each of them measures up and try to decide which you should choose.
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First Impressions
The 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 of cushioning ever! Up from the previous model, the NIMBUS now offers a super-deep 43.5mm of FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam cushioning.
Of course, as a Gel prefixed model, the shoe still features the PureGel insert in the rearfoot of the midsole. The PureGel insert is only around 3mm thick, so it only goes some way to contributing to the cushioning, the new deep stack is doing all the work here.
The Saucony Triumph has long been the brand’s premium neutral cushioned daily training model. Now the Triumph 22 brings more cushioning, this time in the form of the brand’s PWRRUN PB foam midsole.
PWRRUN PB is part of the PWRRUN ‘family’ of foams. Its benefit is that it offers soft, shock-absorbing cushioning on impact, with a responsive feel that adds a little spring to push-off. The midsole's geometry is also tweaked a little to improve general stability.
Stats
Running Shoes | Triumph 22 | Nimbus 27 |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Logging the miles, day in, day out | Everyday training with high-level cushioning |
Support | Neutral | Neutral |
Cushion | Max-level cushioning | Max-level cushioning |
Stack Height | 37mm heel 27mm forefoot | 43.5mm heel 35.5mm forefoot |
Drop | 10mm | 8mm |
Weight | Men 286g (10.1oz) Women 250g (8.8oz) | Men 305g (10.7oz) Women 260g (9.1oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $160 / £170 | $165 / £180 |
Fit | True to size | True to size |
Rating | 8.5/ 10 | 9/ 10 |
What are the Latest Updates?
NIMBUS 27
The FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole foam is the same as that used in the GEL-NIMBUS 26, except here, it is increased in height by 2.5mm throughout the full length of the shoe. Now, the shoe has a 42.5mm stack in the heel, an 8mm drop (as per the previous model) and 35.5mm of cushioning in the forefoot.
Despite the increase in cushioning, the Nimbus 27 is the same weight as the NIMBUS 26.
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 again, is carried over from the previous model.
Triumph 22
PWRRUN PB makes up the midsole cushioning in the Triumph 22. It is the same midsole foam used in the Endorphin line of shoes, but it’s important to remember that while we see some foams used in various models, it can feel different and these material names tend to be somewhat ‘umbrella’ terms. Here the cushioning, while soft and responsive feels more stable and able to handle a higher volume of miles.
The XT900 rubber provides good coverage of the outsole but, the tread pattern is relatively smooth, so traction is at its best when on dry road surfaces. The spaces within the sole rubber do leave the PWRRUN PB foam exposed in parts and although it doesn’t affect performance, the foam can look a little worse for wear after only a few miles.
ASICS Nimbus 27
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Saucony Triumph 22
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Fit
Both the Nimbus 27 and Triumph 22 fit true to size in both length and width. The Nimbus feels a little more generous in the toe box volume but there’s no significant difference.
Both have plush, well-constructed uppers with adequate padding around the tongue, ankle collar and Achilles area.
Performance
Being premium cushioned models you’d expect both of these shoes to offer a plush ride and neither disappoint.
From the moment you slide your feet inside, both offer a soft, almost sumptuous fit with an instantly noticeable super-cushioned feel.
The ASICS feels a little softer initially, but the Saucony is a little ‘springier’ and that feeling tends to continue as you log the miles.
There is no getting away from the ASICS being a very well-cushioned shoe and it feels an improvement over the previous model in terms of responsiveness. But it’s just not quite as responsive as the Saucony.
The fact the cushioning used in the Triumph 22 originates in a racing shoe is the primary factor for making it the more responsive model. It has speed in its bloodline!
My Verdict
Whilst both these shoes are great for logging every day, easy miles.
The ASICS GEL NIMBUS 27 is very much an everyday cruiser. Its soft, smooth, cushioned ride excels at steady paces and feels a great place to be. It’s more stable than its predecessor and offers a little more feedback, but it is rather big and bulky, so it performs at its best at a steady pace.
The Saucony Triumph 22 is a good update. It offers a familiar feel but with a little more stability than the previous version but keeps the highly responsive and fun ride.
Deciding between the two is tricky. For strictly very easy miles on a daily basis, I’d go with the ASICS, but if wanting a shoe for both easy miles and faster-paced long runs, then the Saucony would be my choice.
Of course, I am being very specific here and assuming money is no object and can choose specific shoes for each day of the week. For the majority of runners, there is not a bad choice here and you’ll find both the Nimbus 27 and Triumph 22 great shoes.
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