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The Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 is taking plush and cushioned to new levels. Literally in foam stack height, but also in the thought they continue to put in to this shoe. The shoe that was once voted a runner favorite, so what do we think about this mega max shoe?
I really wanted to picture the 26 next to the new 27, but I couldn’t find it. This says a lot about how many shoes I’ve been running in and I’m kind of embarrassed…but not enough to stop. Because it’s SO FUN to compare all the different cushions and see what changes from year to year.
This is one of the biggest shoe stacks we’ve tested and it feels like it (Brooks Glycerin Max is higher). The shoe feels like a max shoe. I mean they only added about 2mm to the shoe, but it just looks like a chunk and yet, the weight is far less than you’d expect!
After finishing my last 8 mile easy run, I had to come jot down thoughts for you immediately!
There isn’t a single ideal running shoe that suits every runner, so our goal is always to share the pro’s the con’s and help you decide if the update is a win for your training.
Who Is It Good For?
Who is Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 a good fit for? Let’s break it down with some categories we use on all shoes:
- Wide Feet: While there is room in the midfoot, it’s shallow, so opt for the wide version when available
- Heavier Runners: Absolutely a great option for getting that comfortable foam which should last over the miles
- Long Runs: 100% the max cushion is for recovery and longer miles
- Front of the Pack: Only as an easy run shoe, this is not a tempo or speed shoe.
Does everyone need this level of cushion? Probably not and we really recommend getting on top of ankle strength with these max cushion shoes. It absolutely feels nice though!
Can I also tell you that I’m kind of obsessed with the 2XU compression crew socks? My feet are tired from all the miles and these just feel good.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 Overview
My impression of the 27 was very different from the 26 which is probably due to a reformulation of the foam. Now this is the plushest running shoe in their line up and I would whole-heartedly agree.
My first thought in putting on the shoe was a little Sir Mix-A-Lot “I like big butts and I cannot lie”. I mean this is a lot of shoe and I was pretty darn happy to be running in it the day after a hard workout. 7 miles flew by and I didn’t think a whole lot about the stack after getting started.
This is a max cushion running shoe for recovery runs to long easy miles that has some bounce and is a winning update from the last model.
The midsole is still FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning, made from 24% bio-based materials to keep moving toward a goal of sustainability. I love that they are putting a carbon footprint number inside the shoe too. This is great focus to see among the brands.
Amazingly they added 2mm of cushion to the stack height, but the weight didn’t go up!
Does this shoe feel huge? Yes. No.
I’m very aware of the cushion and the stack putting on the shoe. I mean just look at it. But honestly within a few steps, I’ve forgotten all about and generally feel really stable due. It’s not so soft that I sink in and not so firm that I wonder why the heck it’s so tall.
With the 42mm stack height, they did manage to retain a feeling of stability. The firmness that I wasn’t a huge fan of with the last one (because why should a max shoe feel firm) is gone and now it’s just a big cushioned ride. For me personally, I can’t say it’s a shoe I’d wear for anything other than easy runs. I certainly wouldn’t turn to it for tempo work or a race where a PR is the goal.
BUT would I turn to it for a 5+ hour marathon? 100%. It’s going to feel like a nice steady ride for that time on feet.
Would I use this for every run?
No. Because it’s soft and that means you lose the pop or energy return of something like the cushioned Novablast. I’ll compare them more below if interested!
This is a running shoe that’s great in your rotation for recovery days or possibly for some long runs. I say some because you need to make sure that you don’t allow yourself to sink in the cushion when fatigued, that can cause lower back pain while running.
One update from the 26 that remained is the grippier outsole thanks to Ahar+ rubber. Not everyone will notice this so much, but if you run in the rain or do any road to gravel path, it’s a nice switch.
Gel-Nimbus 27 Specifications
- Heel toe drop: 8mm
- Weight: 9.2 oz women’s, 10.7 oz men’s
- Stack: 42.5 mm
- Usage: Recovery or long run shoe
- Available in four colors
- Available at Asics.com and RunningWarehouse.com $165
I said the 26 didn’t feel like a max cushion, but that is absolutely NOT the case with the Nimbus 27. It has wrapped itself in all the lovely max cushion things.
Honestly, I was prepared not to like this shoe. Am I supposed to say that?
But it’s moved from my gear testing room in to my closet, so you can expect it to remain in rotation.
Gel-Nimbus 27 Fit
In general, Asics running shoes are a pretty standard width and length. I wear an 11 in all their shoes and in most other brands, so that felt the same.
What I noticed was a change in the mid-foot and overall shallow feeling of the shoe. The shoe felt like there was some extra width available in the midfoot, but I had to play with the lacing to get the fit along the top of my foot to feel better.
And the toebox just felt shallow. I didn’t have any blister issues or anything, but if you have any kind of a high arch or like a wider toebox this is going to feel constrained.
What they fixed was issues with the tab on the back rubbing! That was a massive complaint for me with the previous version.
The tongue is attached and laced through a tab, so no issues with it moving around and no issues with the tongue hitting too high on my ankles.
Additionally, they redesigned the upper to an engineered mesh, instead of the fully knit upper on the Nimbus 26. I can’t say it changed the feel a ton, but again helped keep the weight down.
Similar Shoes to Gel Nimbus 27
What’s currently out there to rival this massive cushioned shoe? We’ve tested a few that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:
It feels a little firmer than the NB 1080 that we’ve talk a lot about and we think that actually is a good thing for a lot of runners. The Nimbus is going to be a bit more stable and give you a little more push back from your stride.
Asics Novablast 5 vs Asics Gel Nimbus 27
One of the issues I have with many brands right now is their shoes are getting so similar, but withe latest updates Asics has made big strides to ensure you know these are two very different shoes.
The Novablast feels like it could pick up the speed a bit more and the Nimbus is your plusher cushion.
Key Differences:
- Nimbus is a heavier shoe by 1-2 oz
- Same heel to toe drop
- Novablast is slightly firmer shoe
- Both are cushioned, but the Novablast feels like it can pick up the pace some
- Tongue on the Nimbus hits a tad higher on the ankle
- Novablast has a bit more rocker effect
- Same stack height to both
- Different rubber on the outsole, the Novablast feels a little stickier
The other potential comparison some of you are looking for is the Nimbus vs the Superblast.
In brief, the Asics Superblast 2 is lighter, and thus pricier, it is also incredible for long runs and can pick up the pace. It doesn’t feel quite as cushioned and may not be quite as durable.
Gel-Nimbus 27 vs Gel-Kayano 31?
If you’re looking for this match up, I did a more in-depth review for you so you can check that out.
Asics Gel Kayano vs Asics Gel Nimbus >>
Carbon Neutral Running Shoes
Sustainability is something we want to see brands pay attention to, so we’re happy to shout it out!This is important to all of us runners who want to keep spending miles outside in great fresh air!
Asics has stated, “We’re committed to reducing our CO₂ emissions throughout the value chain, so we’re being transparent about how we measure and continuously work to reduce our emissions.”
One way you’ll see is this is on the note inside the shoe which is measuring it’s footprint.
This is done with a combination of the upper being made from recycled materials and a dying process that reduces water emissions by 33%. They also continued with the 24% bio-based foam AND this time 75% of the upper is made with recycled content.
All right there you have it! Our review of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27!
Go check it out at Asics.com and RunningWarehouse.com $165
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