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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28: The King of Comfort Returns, Lighter Than Ever
In the running world, some shoes pass through the years without ever losing their status. At ASICS, the GEL-NIMBUS is one of those icons—the pair you recommend to a coworker getting into running, to a marathoner logging endless miles, or to anyone who swears by comfort. First introduced in 1999, it has supported generations of runners. And for its 28th edition, the Japanese brand brings a lighter model that stays faithful to its DNA: maximum cushioning, maximum comfort.
| –20 g on the scale: XXL comfort, minimal weight
Research on running economy consistently points to one idea: lighter shoes help runners spend slightly less energy per stride. It’s become one of the major design battles in the industry, with brands finding creative ways to shed weight without sacrificing cushioning.
Here, the GEL-NIMBUS 28 succeeds: it’s nearly 20 g lighter than the previous version. It may not sound like much on paper, but it’s instantly noticeable once you start running. The transition feels smoother, the ride more natural, and the trademark plush Nimbus cushioning blends perfectly with this newfound lightness.
ASICS didn’t simply remove material—they redesigned the whole structure:
✔ New HYBRID ASICSGRIP™ outsole for dependable traction with optimized weight
✔ New engineered mesh upper, softer and more breathable
✔ Redesigned heel—sleeker, more modern, and lighter
The result: the Nimbus DNA is alive and well… but with an even springier road feel.
| FF BLAST PLUS + PureGEL: the Nimbus signature cushioning formula
The Nimbus is ASICS comfort at its finest: soften every impact, smooth out the stride, disappear on the run. The 28 pushes this philosophy even further.
FF BLAST™ PLUS
ASICS’ flagship foam provides soft rebound, high protection, and a smooth transition. It offers a near-perfect balance between plushness and controlled responsiveness.
PureGEL™ under the heel
An evolution of the brand’s famous GEL™, this new version is lighter while still highly effective at absorbing shock. Placed strategically under the heel, it delivers a soft landing and reduces muscle fatigue over long training hours.
In short: classic Nimbus comfort—modernized, better distributed, and even smoother.
“Our approach to the GEL-NIMBUS™ 28 shoe reflects ASICS’ Kaizen philosophy, continually refining every detail to create better experiences for runners. Through thoughtful updates to the outsole, upper, and cushioning, the GEL-NIMBUS™ 28 shoe takes comfort to even greater heights. This process ensures that every runner can move both their body and mind with greater ease and enjoyment.”
Keita Ozawa, Performance Running Footwear Developer at ASICS
| A redesigned mesh upper for a softer, more streamlined feel
To improve step-in comfort, ASICS updated several features of the upper:
✔ More breathable engineered mesh
✔ Softer, more adaptive fit
✔ Redesigned tongue for easy entry and secure lockdown
✔ Refined lacing eyelets for a cleaner, more modern look
The Nimbus has one mission: support runners mile after mile with no irritation, no hotspots, and no pressure points.
| Who is it for, and for what kind of training?
The GEL-NIMBUS 28 is not meant to be a performance racing shoe. It’s not a Metaspeed Sky; it’s not built for chasing 5K PRs or hammering track reps.
Its playground is everyday running—the 90% of training that builds a runner’s foundation:
➜ Easy runs
➜ Recovery runs
➜ Long runs at relaxed pace
➜ High-volume training weeks
➜ Comfort-focused sessions
With prior Nimbus models, runners often logged 800–1000 km (500–620 miles) per pair. The new Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole suggests that durability will remain a strong point.
Yes, it can pick up the pace, but that’s not what it’s designed for. It’s built to go long, often, and comfortably.
That’s why it speaks to so many runners, regardless of level:
➜ Beginners seeking protection and comfort
➜ Regular runners stacking mileage
➜ Marathoners needing a reliable training shoe
➜ Athletes prone to joint discomfort
Tech Specs
- Category: Premium comfort / daily trainer
- Foam: FF BLAST™ PLUS + PureGEL™
- Weight: 281 g
- Stack: 43.5 mm heel – 35.5 mm forefoot (8 mm drop)
- Best for: Easy runs, recovery runs, long runs
- Gait: Neutral
- Level: Beginner to advanced
- Available: December 1, 2025
- Price: $170
More lightweight, more refined, and as comfortable as ever, the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 continues a tradition of looking after the runner. It’s not a shoe for breaking records—it’s a shoe for running again and again with comfort, ease, and no unnecessary fatigue. A dependable classic. A daily companion. ASICS delivers a strong update that will undoubtedly appeal to countless road runners.
✔ Find the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 from December 1 on ASICS.com for $170.
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
