By Paul Freary
Both the Kayano and Nimbus are flagship models from ASICS that have stood the test of time. The Kayano has always been the benchmark for supportive and highly cushioned shoes, and the Nimbus has been a leader in the neutral cushioning category.
Both models now feature the very latest midsole cushioning foams that give them super-smooth rides, and with the advances in midsole technologies, neutral shoes seem to be becoming more stable and support shoes, reducing the physical elements that were previously used to provide control.
So, do we need support in a shoe, and which of these two premium shoes should you choose?
If you click, or buy from, links on this page, we may receive compensation. Learn more
Kayano 33 & Nimbus 28
Stats
ASICS | Kayano 33 | Nimbus 28 |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Daily trainer for control | Daily trainer with max cushioning |
Support | Stability | Neutral |
Cushion | High stack with control | Max stack cushioning |
Stack Height | 40mm heel | 43.5mm heel 33.5mm forefoot |
Drop | 8mm | 10mm |
Weight | Men 298g (10.5oz) Women 259g (9.2oz) | Men 281g (9.9oz) Women 242g (8.5oz) |
Suggested Retail Price | $170 | $170 |
Fit | True to size | True to size |
Rating | 9/ 10 | 8.5/ 10 |
Design
Support in the Kayano 33 now comes from a FLUIDSUPPORT technology system. Gone is the 4D control of the last couple of versions, and here we have a system which adapts to the varying biomechanical needs of runners, providing guidance while allowing a natural foot motion for smooth, efficient transitions.
Kayano 33 & Nimbus 28 - Heel Stack
The Nimbus 28 goes beyond max-cushioning with a stack height over 40mm with 43.5mm in the heel and 33.5mm deep in the forefoot. The foam is FF Blast Plus.
The FF Blast Plus is becoming common place in ASICS’ training shoes now and suits the new Nimbus well. For this category of max-cushioned daily trainer it is what many will love.
Kayano 33 & Nimbus 28 - Heel
The Kayano uses a combination of FF BLAST PLUS and FF BLAST MAX. The FF BLAST MAX, while responsive, is slightly firmer than the FF BLAST PLUS and, in this shoe, provides the control. Having a higher volume of the firmer material on the medial side of the shoe helps reduce over-pronation.
PUREGEL features in the heel of both of the shoes and adds a little extra cushioning on heel strike.
Kayano 33
Shop Now at
Nimbus 28
Shop Now at
Fit
Both the Kayano 33 and Nimbus 28 fit true to size in both length and width and are great examples of ASICS’ premium fitting uppers and high-quality manufacturing.
Nimbus 28 & Kayano 33 - Uppers
The uppers of both shoes are soft and plush with neat padding around the heel, ankle collar and Achilles.
Performance
The Kayano features the FF Blast Max foam midsole for the first time. Originally found in the Novablast, it delivers a super-soft and bouncy feel. It is paired up with FF Blast Plus and PureGel in the heel to create a deep, max-stack shoe.
Nimbus 28 & Kayano 33 - Heel Collar
The blend of the two foams creates a modern version of a traditional medial post. The foams guide the foot throughout the stride into a natural and more neutral position. The feeling of control is very smooth and very natural. It is effective, but you don’t really notice that the shoe is doing any work to make this control happen.
The Nimbus now has a higher stack high and although you benefit from the extra cushioning, it does come at the cost of a little bit of stability. The Nimbus has often been a very stable and cushioned shoe, but the Nimbus 28 does feel just a little bit unstable.
Kayano 33 & Nimbus 28 - Heel Side
Both the shoes feel plush and welcoming from the moment you step inside and take your first stride. The deep cushioning is obvious and very welcome. It’s soft, smooth and very luxurious.
Once into your stride the Nimbus can feel a little unstable, whereas the Kayano’s support feels natural.
Nimbus 28 & Kayano 33
From a personal perspective, I feel the Kayano is a little bit more responsive. The combination of midsole foams gives a little more back than the deep single density of the Nimbus, which I think can feel a little like running on soft sand after a few miles.
The Nimbus undoubtedly focuses of soft cushioning, but sometimes I felt it was too soft and was asking for more effort from me in order to keep a pace.
My Verdict
While the Kayano 33 is aimed more at those requiring support, and the NIMBUS 28 is a purely neutral shoe, the support now provided by the Kayano is very fluid and dynamic.
Nimbus 28 & Kayano 33 - Lacing
Thanks to this, neutral runners can still pretty easily step into the Kayano without issues.
The combination of the FF BLAST PLUS and FF BLAST MAX midsole foams does give the Kayano a slight edge over the Nimbus in terms of both comfort and feel, but it is subtle.
The Kayano is the newer shoe (just) and so combines the latest technologies, but the margin is small. It will come down to foot type as to which you choose. If you require even a touch of support or control, then the Kayano is the better option. The higher stack height of the Nimbus, combined with soft cushioning, does feel a little bit unstable and may even tend to make previously neutral runners roll a little.
Nimbus 28 & Kayano 33
If you can, try the shoes in store on a treadmill before you buy and if you feel any instability, then opt for the Kayano.
It may be stating the obvious to say that if you need control, go for the Kayano, but the Kayano 33 now feels very natural, and the control comes without you even noticing it. The higher stack of the Nimbus undoubtedly gives a softer ride, but at the cost of a little stability.
Leave a Reply