ASICS has truly revolutionized their brand over the past few years. Not long ago, the company was considered safe and predictable. But with the introduction of the stellar Metaspeed series, the immensely popular Novablast 3, SUPERBLAST and now the ASICS Gel Nimbus 25, their shoe lineup can go head to head foot to foot with any shoe brand out there. Here is my ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 review.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 Review
Weight: 10.3 oz., 292 g (US M9), 8 oz., 227 g (US W7.5)
Stack Height: 41.5 mm/33.5 mm (8 mm drop)
Price: $160
I’m on cloud 9 running in the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25, my first-ever Nimbus. I have to say, with the shoe’s substantial overhaul from the previous editions, it was well worth the 25-year wait.
ASICS says the shoe will make you feel like you’re landing on clouds, and others will describe the shoe as pillowy soft. I’m not the biggest fan of the cliched cloud and pillow imagery used to market many shoes. Personally, the shoe reminds me more of a blanket — a security blanket. It’s a shoe runners can depend on time and again to provide a supremely comfortable run with ample protection from the pavement and fatigue. Regardless of how sore or tired you are, the shoe keeps you fueled for miles well after you’re running on empty.
A lot of soft, max cushion shoes can feel like you’re trying to run through quicksand, but the Nimbus 25 makes it feel like you’re lying on the sand at the beach with a cool summer’s breeze. Ok, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, after all, this is running we’re talking about. But it’s that type of comfort that makes the shoe perfect for the day after a tough speed workout, long run, or leg day. Yet, it’d be a mistake to classify the Nimbus 25 as just a recovery day shoe. While not a tempo shoe by any stretch, it’s a great daily trainer that isn’t as difficult as you’d think to pick up the pace in.
Ride
The Nimbus 25 delivers an immensely soft ride without feeling too mushy. While I wouldn’t consider it a bouncy shoe, there’s enough of an energy return to liven up the ride. ASICS nailed it with the introduction of its new PureGEL™ technology, boasting “enhanced shock absorption, softer landings, and a smoother transition,” according to ASICS.
Upper
I absolutely love this new plush upper; it might be the most comfortable upper ever. It’s got an immaculate, stretchy knit tongue and the laces ensure an optimal lockdown. As soon as you slip on the shoe, you feel an immediate sense of calm. I want to wear these shoes all day and never take them off. In fact, the upper coupled with the high cushion make the shoe a great option for those working on their feet all day. My only gripe? Those humongous pull tabs!
Midsole
Boasting 41.5 mm in the heel and 33.5 in the forefoot, this baby got stack! 20% more FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam than the Nimbus 24, to be exact. Gone is the visible GEL® that looked as cool as a 7th grade boy gelling his hair for the first time for his first school dance. (It’s sure to be an awkward night for him!) In its place is the new, more popular, better-looking PureGEL™, hidden inside the heel. Similar to many plated shoes, you’ll just have to trust it’s in there ; ) Again, the 25 is my first Nimbus, but I can imagine previous editions didn’t come close to the magic of this midsole.
Outsole
There’s ASICS Lite rubber in the forefoot and AHAR in the heel to provide great durability. I’m digging the look of this outsole compared to previous editions and there’s no wear on the outsole after 80 miles.
Weight
It’s hard to believe a shoe with the looks of the Nimbus 25 isn’t heavier than 10.3 oz., 292 g (US M9) and 227 g (US W7.5). Most shoes with this much cushion and this cozy of an upper are closer to a weight of 11 oz. or higher.
Appearance
Looks wise, this shoe is an unquestioned upgrade over any previous Nimbus model. I just love the sight of the midsole on this shoe; seeing all that foam makes me feel secure running in the shoe. A minor personal preference: I wish I had gone with a black colorway instead of the red one. The red still looks nice, but black shoes just suit me better.
Price
$160 is no small fee, but it’s unfortunately the norm for max cushion daily trainers these days. By that logic, the price point makes sense and I certainly have no regrets buying the shoe.
Your word is “Nimbus”
“Nimbus” is a large, gray cloud that brings rain or snow. But contrary to its name, the Nimbus 25 doesn’t rain on a runner’s parade; it casts big rays of sunshine overhead on the run. Whenever I need a boost on those tough training days, I wrap my feet in the security blanket that is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25.
Note: I purchased the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 with my money and ASICS had no input or influence on what I wrote.
