There aren’t many running shoes which have more history than the Nimbus series. It’s one of the most popular neutral trainers in the running shoe world and is ASICS’ plushest, softest running shoe.
Every year, the Nimbus gets entirely revamped. This comparison will tell you which version is better for you.
Gel Nimbus 26
Gel-Nimbus 25
Verdict
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 is a cushioned daily trainer that is an everyday shoe for most runners of all abilities. It has great outsole grip, soft enough cushion, and a stable, responsive ride.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 is a maximalist, highly cushioned trainer with a gentle rocker. It’s not the softest max-cushioned trainer on the market nor is it the most energetic but it’s still a supremely comfortable trainer (as long as you size up or get the wide version because it has a very narrow toe box).
Version 25 uses the brand new FF Blast+ Eco midsole foam. It feels firmer than the Nimbus 24 but it has more cushioning and stability thanks to the increase in midsole stack height and width. The redesigned outsole results in smoother transitions and better durability.
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training, long distance racing
Cushioning type
Responsive/balanced
Balanced/plush
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
medium
Stability
some stability
very stable
Sizing
true to size
buy half size bigger
Retail price
US$159.95
US$160
The newest Nimbus 26 has the same midsole as the Nimbus 25 which is made from FF Blast+ Eco (EVA and OBC blend).
The Nimbus 26 has a slightly firmer ride but the difference is negligible. Both versions have very plush, padded landings and super smooth rides designed for easy running. The midsoles of both versions are very wide so stability is good.
The Nimbus is designed for slow paces so both versions have the same use: easy and recovery runs. They have 42 mm of cushioning in the heel, 34 mm in the forefoot so cushioning is very deep.
There’s a hidden silicone gel pad in the heel of both versions to absorb shock and to increase cushioning but you don’t feel the gel at all.
The biggest difference between the 2 version is the outsole. The Nimbus 26 has more aggressive lugs which are able to bite into surfaces better. This results in better traction in the Nimbus 26.
The Nimbus 26 has a more comfortable upper than the 25 thanks to its redesigned upper which is wider in the forefoot and toe-box. The 26 also has more ventilation on the top of the toe-box so breathability is better in the 26.
Both uppers have knitted constructions with flat, stretchy tongues that don’t slide during runs. The fit is very narrow for both version so the majority of runners will need to go up a half size or will need the wide version. There is also an extra wide version available.
The Nimbus 26 is the better version if you need a more breathable upper with a wider fit. The 26 is also better for you if you need better traction for wet surfaces.
The Nimbus 25 is the better option if you need a warmer upper for cold conditions or if you have a very narrow foot. It also weighs less than the Nimbus 26.
Both versions have a very similar feel and ride so the differences are minimal.
