Asics Gel Nimbus 28 Review: Best Supporting Actor

Introduction to the Asics Gel Nimbus 28

MEAGHAN: The Asics Gel Nimbus 28 is here, and it’s about as exciting as a Nimbus ever gets (which is to say, not very). This shoe is the background character that holds the whole movie together. Not the flashy superstar, but the dependable one who always shows up, hits their mark, and never misses a cue, even if you’re never exactly thrilled to see them on screen.

So what’s changed in this max-cushion workhorse? Not much, and that’s very much the point. The midsole remains FlyteFoam Blast+, with a towering 43.5 mm stack in the heel and 35.5 mm in the forefoot for an 8 mm drop. Underfoot, the familiar mix of AsicsGrip and AHAR+ rubber returns, delivering the same predictable durability and traction as before.

The updates are subtle and mostly confined to the upper: a slightly less padded, more elastic tongue, and a lighter, more breathable mesh overall. The most meaningful change, though, is weight. My US W7.5 tips the scale at 8.2 ounces, about half an ounce lighter than the Nimbus 27.

So the question is simple: is this marginally lighter land cruiser worth the premium price, or should you grab the Nimbus 27 while it’s on sale? Let’s get into it.

THOMAS: Meg said it out loud, so I don’t feel bad saying it again: I don’t get excited to review this category of running shoes. They aren’t bad, they’re the melatonin of running shoes. Effective, sure, but absolutely designed to put you to sleep. Nothing here gets the blood flowing. Nobody has ever stopped me mid-run and asked, “Yo, have you tried the new Nimbus?”

The Nimbus is the physical embodiment of a podiatrist’s prescription pad. Asics has done a respectable job dragging it into the 21st century, but respectable isn’t exactly thrilling. At this point, the Nimbus doesn’t need another tweak — it needs a personality. I would love to see a Nimbus that actually blows my mind. Because the Nimbus is a legend… and legends should be exciting, just ask Zelda.

What we like about the Asics Gel Nimbus 28

MEAGHAN: I received the white/Arctic Blue/Velvet Purple colorway, which has received mixed reactions overall. From a design standpoint, it matches the Gel Nimbus aesthetic that Asics has used since version 25, which I like.

The step-in feel is characteristically plush, with a soft underfoot sensation that prioritizes comfort over responsiveness. The midsole provides noticeable compression and cushioning at landing, resulting in a smooth, forgiving ride rather than a springy, energetic one. Because of this, the shoe feels well-suited not only for easy runs but also for walking and all-day wear.

I found myself lacing the Nimbus for errands and walking to work quite often. For runners familiar with the Nimbus series, the ride will feel largely unchanged. I would put this shoe into the same category as the New Balance 1080v15, Hoka Clifton 10, Nike Vomero Plus, and Saucony Triumph 23.

THOMAS: The Nimbus delivers exactly what it’s designed to do. Its upper fits well, its FF Blast Plus cushioning is plush, and the ride is smooth through the entire gait cycle. The Nimbus 28 even managed to drop some weight, which is a welcome upgrade. Overall, it’s a clear improvement over the previous version.

What we don’t like about the Asics Gel Nimbus 28

MEAGHAN: I think the stretchy tongue lost a bit too much padding. It’s not a major problem, but in a plush, max-cushion shoe like the Nimbus 28, comfort should take priority. This is one of those cases where I’d gladly trade a little weight savings for a softer, more luxurious feel.

THOMAS: On the run, the shoe still feels blocky. It’s not terrible, but in a world full of fun, light, well-cushioned trainers, the Nimbus starts to feel like it belongs more on a long walk than a daily run.

Final thoughts on the Asics Gel Nimbus 28

MEAGHAN: Overall, the Nimbus 28 continues to do exactly what the line has always done well: serve as a dependable, max-cushion trainer. It’s not the breakout star, it’s the reliable supporting actor that holds everything together.

That said, if I were shopping for a Nimbus right now, I’d be heading straight for the Nimbus 27 on sale and grabbing a pair for $125. Unless, of course, one of the new colorways really speaks to you.

THOMAS: If you’ve owned any Nimbus from 1 through 27, you’ll be perfectly happy with the 28. But if you’re shopping for a max-cushion daily trainer and don’t have brand loyalty, we’d probably steer you in a different direction. If what you actually want is an excellent all-day comfort walking shoe, though, this might be one of the best options out there.

You can pick up the Asics Gel Nimbus 28 for $170 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.