ASICS
Gel Nimbus 27
Product Judgment
Strong
8.6
Category: Daily Trainer
Release year: 2025
Price Judgment
Strong Buy
Common retail price: ~$125
Availability: Phasing Out
Description
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 is a flagship daily trainer built for runners who prioritize comfort, protection, and durability. Positioned as a Strong performer in its category, it delivers a reliable, high-cushion experience for everyday mileage and recovery.
Running in the Nimbus 27 feels exceptionally stable and protective, with a firm yet forgiving midsole that absorbs impact without excessive softness. The upper's plush fit and the shoe's inherent stability define its character, making it a safe and dependable choice for steady, easy-paced runs.
The Nimbus 27 earns its Strong rating by excelling at daily, long, and recovery runs where comfort and durability are paramount. While it lacks the lively energy return of some rivals, it remains a top pick for runners seeking a stable, cushioned platform for high-mileage road training.
Performance Scores
Comfort
9Ultra-thick midsole and plush upper deliver outstanding comfort for long runs.
Energy Return
6Firm FF Blast+ ECO foam provides a stable but muted and less bouncy ride.
Stability
8Wide platform, firm midsole, and reinforced sidewalls offer inherent stability.
Durability
9Robust outsole rubber and quality upper materials ensure high durability.
Fun to Ride
6The ride is safe and reliable but lacks energetic rebound or playfulness.
Run Fitness
Daily
9Excels at daily runs with its comfort, protection, and stable platform.
Long
9Maximal cushioning and durability make it ideal for long, steady efforts.
Tempo
6Firmness allows mild uptempo work but feels heavy and stiff at faster paces.
Race
4Weight and muted energy return limit race-day suitability.
Recovery
9Soft landings and plush upper provide excellent comfort for recovery runs.
Pros & Cons
- Outstanding cushioning
- Stable neutral platform
- Durable outsole
- Comfortable, breathable upper
- Firm, less lively ride
- Heavy for its class
- Stiff sole limits flexibility
Ultra-thick midsole and plush upper deliver outstanding comfort for long and easy runs.
Wide base and firm sidewalls provide a stable ride for neutral runners needing mild support.
Hybrid ASICSGRIP and AHAR outsole rubber ensure excellent durability on paved surfaces.
Jacquard mesh upper and padded heel collar offer a comfortable, breathable fit.
The firm midsole creates a muted, less energetic ride compared to softer or more responsive competitors.
At 299 g, the shoe is heavier than many daily trainers, making it less suitable for speed.
High torsional rigidity and a stiff sole reduce flexibility and casual comfort.
Specifications
Best for paces
5:30–7:00 min/km
Drop
8 mm
Stack height
43 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot
Weight
299 g
Drop
8 mm
Stack height
43 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot
Weight
299 g
Pronation
N/A
Width
medium
Terrain
Road
Technologies
FF Blast+ ECO midsole, PureGEL heel insert, Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole
Plate
no
Best for paces
5:30–7:00 min/km
Comparable Models
ASICS Novablast 5 provides a much more energetic, bouncy ride but with less inherent stability.
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Brooks Glycerin 22 delivers a softer, more luxurious feel but is less stable at slower paces.
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Hoka Clifton 10 is lighter and softer underfoot, but less structured and stable than the Nimbus 27.
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New Balance 1080 v15 is lighter and more flexible, but less protective for heavier runners.
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Saucony Triumph 23 offers a softer, more energetic ride but with less stability and structure.
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