Alternatives to the Asics Nimbus 26

The Asics Gel Nimbus is one of the original max cushioned running shoes.

Here we will mention what other shoes you should consider if you’re undecided, or if you are a Nimbus loyalist and want to try something different.

Asics Alternatives to the Nimbus 26

• Asics Cumulus 26 – Cumulus is the “take down” to the Nimbus. It’s a daily trainer with very similar characteristics to the Nimbus, but with slighter less cushioning. It is also cheaper.
• Asics Novablast 4 – If you enjoy the cushioning of the Nimbus but want to try something faster and more stable, the Novablast 4 deserves a trial.
• Asics Kayano 31 – The ride of the Kayano is very similar to the Nimbus, but with added stability. Good to try if your ankles are not all that stable, especially at the end of a long run.

Nike Alternatives to the Nimbus 26

• Nike Pegasus Plus – the normal Nike Pegasus, at least in the 41st version, is not soft enough to be comparable to the Nimbus 26. But the new Pegasus Plus has a squishy and relaxed ride, great for those slow, long miles.
• Nike Vomero 17 – The original max cushioned Nike daily trainer, the Vomero version 17 is one of Nike’s best trainers in the 2024 lineup. It delivers a cushioned, stable ride. Its balanced ride is suitable for most types of runs.

Brooks Alternatives to the Nimbus 26

• Brooks Glycerin 21 – The main Nimbus competitor in Brooks’ lineup is the Glycerin. It is a good max-cushioned trainer with a supportive, deeply cushioned ride that’s best suited to slow running. It doesn’t have a very lively ride but it feels luxurious and has plush landings.
• Brooks Ghost Max – Released last year, the Ghost Max is Brooks’ attempt to energise a franchise shoe that is now a little stale. The Ghost Max comes with 6mm drop and great, soft cushioning that works well both for long runs and for slightly faster efforts.

Adidas Alternatives to the Nimbus 26

• Adidas Supernova Prima – The Supernova Prima is an excellent max-cushioned trainer which excels in versatility. It’s suitable for distances up to a marathon and it has soft, structured Support Rods on its outsole for stability and efficiency. Its thick midsole returns a good amount of energy and shock dampening while its soft outsole adds a level of dynamism rarely felt in max-cushioned trainers.
• Adidas Ultraboost 5X – The Ultraboost is a shoe that definitely has sold more because of its lifestyle/trend appeal than for its running performance. Not only is this newest version of Light Boost lighter than before, but there’s also more of it. With much of the industry moving towards more stack, the Ultraboost 5X now joins in on the fun. 38mm in the heel and 28mm in the forefoot makes the shoe feel more like a max cushion shoe while still maintaining the 10mm heel to toe drop. Because of the foam compression, the drop height is not as noticeable as other trainers. It feels more like a 8mm.

Hoka Alternatives to the Nimbus 26

• Hoka Skyflow – The Skyflow strikes a fine balance between everyday comfort and performance without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent choice for runners who value cushioning, stability, and versatility
• Hoka Mach 6 – The HOKA Mach 6 is an everyday shoe that has enough stack height in the midsole to give you that comfortable ride for those long runs and light enough to make you pick up the speed. If you’re interested in a well-balanced midsole that is responsive underfoot this can be the shoe for you.
• Hoka Bondi 8 – The Bondi 8 rolls down the road incredibly smoothly and my feet didn’t seem to struggle to load through the midsole. The Bondi is cushioned but they lacked responsiveness and I found that my happy place in the shoe was at a slower consistent pace.

New Balance Alternatives to the Nimbus 26

• New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 – The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v13 is a highly cushioned daily trainer that will feel soft and bouncy on your feet. It’s a great all-around shoe that can handle high mileage along with the occasional speedier runs.

On Alternatives to the Nimbus 26

• On Cloudsurfer Next – The On Cloudsurfer Next is a shoe that has it all. It’s a top-quality shoe packed with the newest technology. It is a daily trainer but with the cushioning of a max cushioned trainer.
• On Cloudstratus 3 – The On Cloudstratus 3 is a plush everyday trainer that looks fresh and keeps your feet feeling the same. If you don’t mind spending a pretty penny, these will definitely become one of your favorite shoes to wear.

Puma Alternatives to the Nimbus 26

• Puma Magnify Nitro 2 – The Puma Magnify Nitro is a max cushioned shoe that can be an all-around shoe for most runners. It’s not the softest or most plush shoe in the max cushion category but it is a very smooth shoe that helps make paces feel faster while also having awesome grip on the road.

Saucony Alternatives to the Nimbus 26

• Saucony Triumph 22 – In the max-cushioned trainer category, the Triumph has been the king of versatility for many years now. While most max-cushioned trainers are only good for slow, easy runs, the Triumph’s energetic midsole made it capable of picking up the pace. Its TPU midsole also made it one of the most durable when it comes to cushioning retention.

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