ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 Introduction
The Asics Gel-Nimbus franchise is synonymous with comfort, both in its upper and overall ride quality. A few years ago, Asics took a bold step forward with the 25th iteration of the Nimbus, embracing the trend of more maximalist daily trainers. While the latest Nimbus 27 retains a similar aesthetic, subtle yet notable changes have been made to both the upper and midsole. Whether these updates are enough to keep it competitive in the fiercely contested premium daily trainer category is something we’ll explore in detail now.
A new mesh upper brings comfort but loses the snug hug of the 26
Ivan: The Nimbus 27 introduces a completely new single-layer Jacquard mesh upper, moving away from the more compressive knit upper featured in the previous version. While I’m not typically a fan of knit uppers, I do miss the snug fit the prior design provided. The new upper feels thinner and more breathable but also noticeably more relaxed on foot. Runners with medium to wide feet will likely appreciate this update, but I’ve encountered some challenges in achieving a secure midfoot lockdown.
The forefoot is particularly roomy, even to the point of feeling a bit baggy. Thankfully, the heel compensates with ample padding, offering a secure hold that enhances overall lockdown and comfort. The gusseted knit tongue remains consistent with version 26 – thin, stretchy, and effective. I’ve experienced no lace bite, and it stays firmly in place during runs.
As always, the Nimbus 26 delivers an excellent step-in feel. The plush materials, abundant padding, and knitted elements – from the tongue to the collar lining and pull tab – are a hallmark of the franchise, ensuring immediate comfort. However, I do wish the overall fit, especially in the forefoot, was more tailored.
Andy: Overall, I agree with Ivan’s findings about the Nimbus 27 upper. The initial step in comfort is great and the provided padding is in the right areas. However, I have had no issues with finding the forefoot too baggy. Although this may be due to wearing thicker socks to combat the negative temperatures which we have been experiencing recently.
That said, and I’m not sure whether this is a fit or ride problem, I did find myself getting hotspots under the balls of both feet. This happened on runs longer than 8 or so kilometres. As my typical morning run is about 9.5km, this was a bit of an issue. Changing lacing or socks made no difference. But, when I changed the insoles to a pair stolen from the New Balance SC Trainer v2, all those issues vanished. This meant that I could enjoy the comfort Ivan so eloquently described above.
The midsole offers more foam than ever before
Ivan: The most noticeable update to the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, as per the specs sheet, is the increased stack height – an additional 2mm added to an already substantial midsole. This change aligns the Nimbus more closely with many of its direct competitors in the “maximalist” category. However, it still feels like new territory for this classic model, which I’ve never associated with the “new-age” maximalist trend. So, does it feel like one? The answer is both yes and no.
There’s no denying the cushioning is enhanced even further. While the midsole still uses FF Blast Plus Eco foam on paper, it feels noticeably softer underfoot, and that’s not just due to the extra 2mm of stack. It seems as though there has been a change to the formula. Whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on your preferences. The softer ride makes the Nimbus 27 more suited for easy or recovery runs, in contrast to the previous version, which felt a bit more versatile. While the updated foam also does provide some added “squish”, the combination of its softness and the shoe’s overall heft in both weight and volume doesn’t encourage picking up the pace.
The ride is smooth and comfortable, with a slight rocker geometry and a notably stiff forefoot. The midsole’s depth and width are clearly designed to prioritize comfort, particularly for heavier heel strikers. However, for lighter midfoot strikers like myself with a higher cadence, the extensive cushioning can feel somewhat cumbersome and even energy-sapping over longer runs.
That said, the Nimbus 27 will likely resonate with the majority of runners who value comfort for easy, daily miles. For those seeking a lighter, more responsive ride, other options in the Asics lineup, like the Cumulus or Novablast, might be better suited.
Andy: From looks alone, there is no doubting the maximalist credentials of the Gel Nimbus 27. It is a whole lot of shoe. As Ivan pointed out above, it is definitely a slow day shoe. Weight, width and softness do not lend themselves to pace. The design of the shoe is definitely geared towards heel strikers with the stack and placement of the gel pad. As a forefoot runner, I find the ride rather slappy and loud for my tastes.
The cushion is undeniably present but I don’t think I make the most of the shoe with my gait cycle. That said, on days when I am tired, my legs are feeling beaten up, my foot strikes further back and I can appreciate them. This has happened a lot more recently with my move back to 100+ km weeks of running in preparation for the spring season.
I fully agree with Ivan that, for my personal tastes, the Nimbus 27 is a little clunky for most of my runs. Furthermore, I also find the spongy midsole to be a little like running in sand. It sucks up a lot of energy and doesn’t seem to give much back. It is a shoe which I will continue to wear but only on those super slow recovery days. Although, as Ivan says, if comfort is your thing, the Nimbus 27 has it in spades.
ASICS Nimbus 27 outsole does the job
Ivan: The Nimbus 27 features a wider outsole compared to its predecessor but with reduced rubber coverage, likely contributing to maintaining the same weight despite the added stack height. With more exposed foam, durability remains an open question that only time and mileage will answer.
In terms of grip, I’ve had no issues, even in challenging freezing Scandinavian conditions. However, the rubber compound feels and sounds slightly “slappy” at times. This effect might be amplified by my relatively flat midfoot strike, combined with the shoe’s wide platform, stiff forefoot, and only subtle rocker geometry.
Andy: Folkestone frost has been no problem for the Nimbus 27 outsole. I have never felt skittish in them. There is very little wear on the ASICS rubber after my runs in the shoe so far. As I mentioned in the ride section, I too find them a little slappy on the pavement. Enough so to distract from conversations on some of my chattier runs.
Does the Nimbus 27 have the X-factor?
Ivan: The latest Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 is a bit of a mixed bag for me. While the overall comfort is undeniable, I personally miss the snug fit of the knit upper found in previous iterations. The ride has noticeably become softer, which I believe will appeal to most runners. However, this added softness, combined with an increase in both height and width, slightly reduces its versatility. This trade-off makes sense for a better positioning in the lineup, given the growing popularity of Asics’ more versatile models like the Novablast and Superblast.
That said, the Nimbus 27 seems to be repositioned to compete more directly with other non-plated, top-tier maximalist trainers such as the Hoka Bondi 9, Brooks Glycerin Max, and the upcoming Nike Vomero 18. My only concern is that it might lack the “X factor” that makes some of those shoes stand out.
Andy: For me the Nimbus 27 is a bit of a one trick pony. It offers great comfort but, for me, that’s about it. With such a range of max stack shoes available, many offer the comfort and cushion of the Nimbus but with a little more to their game. It will stay in my rotation. However, I’m not sure I will pick up another pair when their lifespan ends.
