The Gel-Nimubs 27 is here. It’s Asics’ flagship shoe–the one the brand was founded on, and beloved by runners everywhere. Much like the Nimbus 25, the 27 has received some major tweaks. It has an updated upper and increased cushioning in the midsole–but do not worry, there is still Gel in there, too.
Category: Neutral
Drop: 8 mm
Weight: 305 g (men’s) 265 g (women’s)
Stack height: 42.5 mm (women) and 43.5 mm (men)
MSRP: $215 CAD
Available: January 2025
Upper
The upper is where the biggest change comes. The upper now features a new jacquard mesh overlay, which is incredibly comfortable and also considerably more breathable than previous versions. This sleek and minimal, very breathable upper is especially good for warm-weather runs (so it’ll be perfect if you’re planning a beach holiday this winter); with an extra pair of socks, it also makes a great winter shoe
This shoe fits bigger than the previous version, which I found fit a bit small. I generally wore a 9.5 in the Nimbus 25 and 26, however, a 9 is perfect in the 27.
Midsole
The midsole, like the 26, is made from FF Blast Plus Eco. The only change here is that Asics has added an additional 2 mm of cushioning. The FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning features roughly 24 per cent bio-based materials, so your shoes feel good underfoot and you can feel good about your environmental impact. Of course, there is a PureGel insert in the heel to provide even softer landings.
The feel is a lot like that of the Nimbus 26. The Nimbus is somewhat firmer than, say, the Novablast (which is a softer ride). This shoe gives you back the energy you put into it; if the Novablast is a trampoline, the Nimbus is a diving board.
Outsole
The outsole is much like the one in previous versions. It’s made of ASICSGRIP, which is a combination of ASICSGRIP and AHARPLUS rubber. This one-two punch delivers excellent traction coupled with great durability. While this isn’t a trail shoe, it can handle a snowy run or a winter sidewalk with no problem; its wide, stable base promotes confidence in tricky conditions.
Final thoughts
Overall I love the Nimbus. I’ve always loved this shoe–it was my first pair, as a kid! The tweaks are welcome additions: the upper keeps your feet comfortable, the midsole is snappy and well-cushioned and the outsole is extremely durable. If you’re looking for a workhorse, do-it-all trainer, the Nimbus is for you. If you’re looking for a trainer that fits into your pre-existing rotation, this is an excellent warmup or easy-run shoe.
