Paris Marathon 2026: ASICS unveils a special GEL-Nimbus 28 collection

The Nimbus, the DNA of ASICS

Since its debut in 1999, the Nimbus has established itself as the most comfortable shoe in the ASICS lineup. With every generation, the Japanese brand fine-tunes the formula without ever straying from the model’s original purpose: absorbing impact, protecting the runner and making every stride feel softer. It’s the Kaizen philosophy applied to running: constantly improving a product that was already excellent. Today, walk into a specialist running store and the Nimbus is one of the models most often recommended, especially for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning to feel good on the move.

And while the Nimbus is a benchmark among daily trainers, ASICS regularly gives it special treatment for major running events. The Paris Marathon is one such occasion, with the Japanese brand serving as an official partner. Every year, a dedicated capsule celebrates both the race and the capital. For the 2026 edition, the GEL-Nimbus 28 gets an elegant Paris-inspired design, combining references to iconic landmarks with graphic details linked to the course. Spoiler: it’s a beauty.

© ASICS

An edition inspired by Paris

Of course, the GEL-Nimbus 28 stays true to its DNA: maximum cushioning, premium comfort and an exceptionally smooth ride. For this special edition, though, ASICS has given the design a distinctly Parisian touch. The shoe comes in a bright white that emphasizes the pair’s clean lines and evokes the elegance of the capital.

On the sides, the iconic ASICS logo takes on a metallic, rather stylish finish. It’s a nod to one of Paris’s most recognizable landmarks: the Eiffel Tower. Underfoot, the outsole features a deep blue that calls to mind the flow of the Seine, which runners will follow for several kilometers during the race. One discreet but symbolic detail: GPS coordinates sit above the heel. They mark the race’s start and finish points on the Champs-Élysées. That’s a classy touch.

© ASICS

© ASICS

© ASICS

To finish things off, a few iconic landmarks appear on the back of the shoe: the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Pyramid and the Eiffel Tower. There’s even a small croissant logo, along with pigeons flying above the monuments. ASICS has clearly paid attention to the details. It’s a genuine tribute to Paris and the marathon course.

© ASICS

These special editions have become genuine collector’s items for runners. Visitors passing through the expo will inevitably be drawn to this little beauty. Owning a limited-edition pair is also a way to take home a tangible souvenir of the race, whether you’re on the start line or watching from the sidelines. In the Nimbus’s case, it’s an especially good deal because this is already a benchmark shoe in the running world. Thousands of runners use it during marathon training, and some even race in it on the big day. You get both the collector appeal of a unique design and the shoe’s technical, performance-focused qualities.

With this Paris Marathon edition, the Nimbus 28 shows that a great running shoe can also tell a story: the story of a city, a legendary race and the thousands of runners who will set off down the Champs-Élysées on Sunday, April 12, 2026. It’s a date.

The Nimbus remains the comfort benchmark

Behind the collector’s-edition design, the Nimbus 28 retains all the technologies that made it a success.

FF BLAST™ PLUS
➜ A lightweight, soft foam that delivers softer landings, a smoother ride and lasting comfort over the miles

PureGEL™
➜ ASICS’s signature impact-absorption technology. It improves comfort while keeping the shoe’s structure lighter.

HYBRID ASICSGRIP™
➜ An outsole compound that improves traction and stability on the road.

Finally, a redesigned heel helps streamline the silhouette and modernize the overall look.

In a market dominated by carbon-plated shoes and ever-taller midsoles, the Nimbus sticks to a winning formula. The goal here isn’t to run faster, but to run longer and more comfortably. The Nimbus is built to absorb endless miles: recovery runs, long Sunday-morning outings, daily jogs and more. With its protective cushioning, it has remained one of the world’s best-selling running shoes for more than 20 years.

Read our full article on the Nimbus 28 for all the shoe’s technical details.

© ASICS

Running the Paris Marathon in the GEL-Nimbus 28

As race day approaches, the question of which shoes to wear inevitably comes up. With its comfort and high-quality cushioning, the Nimbus could suit a wide range of marathon hopefuls. Choosing a shoe like the Nimbus means prioritizing comfort, stability and protective cushioning.

However, if you’re a fast runner targeting a sub-3:30 finish, the Japanese brand offers other models with a stronger performance focus, including the Superblast 3, Megablast, Sonicblast and the carbon-plated Metaspeed Tokyo series. For most runners, though, particularly those targeting four hours or more, a carbon-plated shoe is a false good idea. Carbon plates and superfoams create a fairly unstable platform and can negatively affect your stride. What’s more, your running power may not be enough to take advantage of the technologies used in this type of shoe. With its FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning, the Nimbus will do an excellent job of delivering a comfortable underfoot feel and carrying you the distance.

© ASICS

© ASICS

© ASICS

© ASICS

© ASICS

Every year, the ASICS x Paris Marathon capsule makes one thing clear: running is also about culture and place. With this Paris Marathon edition of the GEL-Nimbus 28, ASICS has pulled off a stylish combination of technology and standout design. It’s a tribute to the capital packed with detail. A comfortable, elegant shoe loaded with symbolism. And for those lining up in April, it could become much more than a shoe: the ideal partner for covering 42.195 km along the most beautiful avenues of the City of Light.

✔ The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 Paris has been available since March 1 on asics.com for €200.