If you’re hunting for a dependable daily trainer that goes easy on your legs during those high-mileage weeks, the ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 might just be your dream shoe. ASICS didn’t reinvent the wheel here, but they did refine what already works: soft cushioning, solid stability, and a luxurious upper while tossing in just enough tweaks to keep long-time fans nodding in approval. Here’s what makes this version a standout and where there’s still some room for growth.
A softer, more forgiving ride
The midsole is still built around FF BLAST PLUS foam and a PureGEL insert at the heel, but this time around, the foam has a gentler, more elastic vibe to it. Landings feel smoother especially if you strike with your heel or tend to rack up serious miles. It’s not springy or explosive, and it’s definitely not trying to be a super-shoe. The ride is calm and cushioned, focused on soaking up impact and rolling you forward with quiet confidence.
What really sets the Nimbus 28 apart from older versions is how forgiving it is over distance. Whether you’re out for an easy 5K shakeout or stacking up back-to-back 20Ks, this shoe holds steady. If you’re someone who struggles with joint pain or the usual post-run soreness, the generous foam works overtime to ease that ground shock.
ASICS made comfort the star of the show here, no doubt. The midsole is stable and protective, but yeah, it’s on the stiffer side, it’s not the most flexible shoe around. That means you’re not getting much snap or bend, which is why most runners keep this one in the rotation for slower, steadier runs rather than intervals or speed days.
Upper
Where the Nimbus 28 really nails it is in the upper. The new engineered knit is lighter and more refined, wrapping the foot in a secure, cozy fit. There’s a padded heel collar, a stretchy knit tongue, and an overall plushness that just feels…right. Most runners report it fits true to size, with a roomy toe box that’s especially welcome on longer efforts. It adapts well to different foot shapes, too.
Unlike some overly cushy uppers that end up feeling like you’re lugging around a pillow, this one finds that Goldilocks balance: soft without being sloppy. The padded collar keeps your heel locked in, and the gusseted tongue stays put and prevents any annoying lace bite across the top of your foot. You can tell this design has been through multiple iterations; it’s dialed in.
Ventilation is decent, though not amazing. The knit allows some airflow, but there’s an internal lining that slightly limits breathability. For most weather, it’s fine. You might not reach for it on blazing summer days, but for spring and fall running, it handles temperature without fuss.
Outsole
While ASICS doesn’t label this as a stability shoe, the Nimbus 28 still feels plenty stable thanks to its wide base and firm heel counter. If you’re a neutral runner who appreciates a bit of support on tired legs, you’ll find the balance just right.
They also managed to shave off about 20–25 grams from the previous model, which helps it feel a touch more nimble. The new HYBRID ASICSGRIP outsole keeps rubber where it counts—heel and forefoot—and skips it where it’s not needed. The result? A shoe that’s still grippy and sure-footed on both dry and wet pavement, but not weighed down by unnecessary bulk.
Durability is another win here. ASICS focused the rubber layout on high-impact zones, so it holds up well where wear typically shows first. After putting over 100K on these, most runners report barely any outsole wear—a solid sign that this shoe is built to last.
Weight and performance trade-offs
Yeah, the Nimbus 28 is lighter than the 27, but let’s be real, it’s still not a lightweight. And that’s fine, because it’s not trying to be. It’s not built for tempo runs or race days. This is your comfort cruiser, the shoe you grab when you want to take it easy, clock some long slow distance, or give your legs a bit of a break.
Some folks point out that, even though this is the best Nimbus we’ve seen in a while, the midsole foam is starting to show its age compared to some of the newer high-cushion models out there. The bounce isn’t exactly jaw-dropping, and for the premium price tag, some runners were hoping for a bit more energy return.
That said, there’s something to be said for predictability. The Nimbus 28 isn’t chasing trends, it’s delivering on a promise. Plush, stable, consistent comfort. If your training involves a lot of base miles or back-to-back long sessions, it’s the kind of shoe that won’t let you down.
Comparisons to previous versions and competitors
If you’ve worn the Nimbus 27, you’ll feel the difference immediately. The 28 is lighter, softer, and the upper feels way more polished. It’s still very much a Nimbus, but with some fresh polish. Coming from a shoe like the Novablast or Saucony Endorphin Shift? The Nimbus is going to feel more grounded, less flashy.
As for rivals, the HOKA Clifton and Brooks Glycerin are the closest competitors. They all sit in the same cushioned daily trainer category. The Nimbus stands out for its high-quality upper and heel-strike friendliness. It’s not as lively as the Clifton, offers more structure than the Glycerin, and gives you a plusher ride than something like the Nike Pegasus.
Final thoughts
Bottom line, the Gel Nimbus 28 is a go-to option if comfort is your top priority. It’s a great neutral trainer for easy days, long mileage, and those moments when you just want a shoe that gets out of the way and lets you cruise. Heel strikers and runners who appreciate a secure, premium-feeling upper will be especially happy here.
If you’re chasing bounce or need a featherlight feel for race day, this isn’t it. But if you want a workhorse that’ll treat your legs right, run after run, the Nimbus 28 more than delivers. In a world of flashy foam tech and marketing hype, sometimes it’s nice to have a shoe that just…works.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptionally soft and forgiving cushioning | Quite stiff—limited flexibility and snap |
| Great for heel strikers and long easy runs | Midsole tech feels dated compared to newer rivals |
| Premium engineered knit upper with plush feel | Not suitable for tempo runs or race-day efforts |
| True-to-size fit with roomy toebox | Breathability could be improved |
| Excellent build quality and step-in comfort | Price is on the higher side |
| Stable ride despite being a neutral shoe | Lacks energetic rebound or “pop” |
| Durable outsole with solid traction | Slightly heavy for a modern daily trainer |
| Weight reduced from previous version |
Saucony Kinvara 15
