ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 Review 2026: Still Worth It?

Are you thinking about buying the new ASICS flagship cushioned trainer? You are in the right place. I looked at lab data, long run reports, and runner feedback to build this review.

The Nimbus 27 has a taller stack, a new mesh upper, and a smoother heel. It also has a few quirks that some runners will not like. Read on to see if this shoe fits your feet, your pace, and your budget.

In a Nutshell

The Nimbus 27 is a max cushion daily trainer for easy miles and long steady runs. Here are the main points before we go deeper:

• Big cushion, firmer feel: The midsole stands 43.5 mm tall at the heel in the men’s version. It looks soft, but it feels slightly firm and steady, not mushy.
• Smoother heel landing: ASICS added a better heel bevel and a smaller rear flare. Heel strikers will notice a cleaner transition than in older Nimbus models.
• New jacquard mesh upper: The upper breathes well and gives the toes more room. The padded heel and the stretchy knit tongue hold the foot in place.
• Heavy for its class: The shoe weighs about 10.5 to 10.7 oz in men’s sizes. The wide base can feel blocky at faster paces.
• Strong grip and good durability: The outsole scored high in wet and dry grip tests. Most testers expect above average mileage from this shoe.
• Price of $165: That is $5 more than the Nimbus 26. The shoe offers fair value if you want comfort, stability, and long wear.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 Overview

Last update on 2026-10-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 is the latest version of one of the longest running premium trainers on the market. ASICS built it for runners who want the most protection under the foot. It sits at the top of the ASICS neutral daily trainer range.

The midsole uses a full length layer of FF Blast Plus ECO foam. A PureGEL insert sits in the heel to soften the landing. The outsole uses hybrid ASICSGRIP rubber for traction on pavement.

The upper is an engineered jacquard mesh. It replaces the knit upper that some older models used. The tongue is a thin stretch knit with gussets on both sides.

This is a shoe for easy days, recovery runs, and long steady efforts. It is not a race day shoe. It also works well for walking and standing jobs, because the soft heel padding feels good for hours.

The Nimbus line has a loyal fan base. Many runners buy each new version without a second thought. The 27 keeps the same basic formula but adds more stack, a new foam blend, and a smoother heel.

What Is New Compared to the Nimbus 26

ASICS kept the shape of the Nimbus 26 but made several changes. The biggest change is stack height. The men’s Nimbus 27 gains about 2 mm of foam, which brings the heel to 43.5 mm and the forefoot to 35.5 mm.

The foam has a new formula with the same name. ASICS says it is lighter than before. The weight dropped by only a few grams, so you will not feel it on the run.

The heel is the other big upgrade. The Nimbus 26 had a heavy rear flare that made landings feel awkward. The 27 has a cleaner posterior flare and a stronger heel bevel. Your foot rolls forward with less effort.

The upper also changed. The new jacquard mesh is more structured than the older knit. It holds the foot better and gives the toes a bit more room. The toebox height also improved after complaints about the Nimbus 26.

The price rose by $5 to $165. The drop stays at 8 mm. The fit still runs true to size, and wide sizes are available in some markets.

Runners who loved the Nimbus 25 and 26 will feel at home. Runners who found the older models too stiff at the heel will like the update. If you own the 26, the upgrade is nice but not essential.

Top 3 Alternative for ASICS Gel Nimbus 27

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Last update on 2026-10-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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The Nimbus 27 has strong rivals. Each one offers a different feel, so the right pick depends on what you want from a cushioned trainer.

The Hoka Bondi 9 is the first option. It gives you a thick, plush ride with a rockered shape. Pick it if you want a softer landing than the Nimbus offers. It also suits runners who spend long hours on their feet.

The Brooks Glycerin 22 is the second option. It uses nitrogen infused foam that feels soft and lively at the same time. It is lighter and more fun than the Nimbus at easy paces. Many runners who find the Nimbus dull prefer this shoe.

The New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 is the third option. It has a plush upper, a smooth ride, and a roomy fit. Runners who want a comfortable all day trainer will enjoy it. It is also a good pick for wider feet.

All three shoes sit in the same price range as the Nimbus. If the Nimbus feels too firm or too heavy for you, start your search with one of them. If you want stability and long wear, the Nimbus 27 still holds its own.

Cushioning and Ride Quality

Cushioning is the main selling point of the Nimbus 27. The shoe delivers excellent shock absorption in both the heel and forefoot. Lab tests show equal protection at the front and back, which is rare.

The midsole looks pillowy, but it is firmer than it appears. The foam measured firmer than the average running shoe. Some runners call this a letdown. Others see it as a plus because the ride feels steady, not squishy.

The ride changes with mileage. Early runs feel snappy and a little stiff. After about 30 miles, the foam softens a bit and the shoe feels more relaxed. Give the shoe time before you decide.

Energy return is low compared to many modern trainers. The foam gives back less energy than the average shoe. That means the Nimbus is not a bouncy shoe. It protects your legs but does not push you forward.

The forefoot has a late rocker, so the toe off feels a little firm at slow paces. The heel transition is the best of any recent Nimbus. The shoe feels smooth once you find your rhythm.

The ride suits easy runs, recovery days, and long steady miles. Some runners also use it for mild tempo efforts because the foam stays firm. If you want a lively shoe for speed work, look elsewhere.

Fit, Comfort and Upper

The Nimbus 27 fits true to size. Most runners should order their usual size. The shoe is also offered in wide sizes in many markets, which helps runners with broad feet.

The new jacquard mesh upper feels structured and breathable. The toebox gives your toes more room than the Nimbus 26. The widest part of the shoe measures about 97 mm, which is slightly roomier than average.

The heel is the comfort highlight. It has thick padding and a soft inner lining. The foot feels cushioned and locked in. A finger loop on the heel collar makes it easy to pull the shoe on.

The tongue is a thin stretch knit with gussets on each side. It wraps the midfoot well and stays in place. Some runners miss a thick, plush tongue, but the thin design avoids pressure on the top of the foot.

The midfoot can feel a little snug. Most runners will need to tighten the laces a touch to get a secure hold. After the padding breaks in, you may need to lock the heel down more.

The toe guard is firm and can rub bare skin. Wear socks with this shoe. Running sockless is not a good idea.

Airflow is good for a max cushion shoe. The toebox breathes best. The rest of the upper favors structure over ventilation, which helps hold your foot in place.

Stability, Traction and Durability

The Nimbus 27 is sold as a neutral shoe, but it feels surprisingly stable. The midsole is wide. The heel measures nearly 100 mm across, and the forefoot is just under 120 mm. That wide base gives your foot a big landing zone.

The shoe also has raised sidewalls at the heel and a very stiff sole. Lab tests rated the torsional rigidity at the top of the scale. You cannot twist this shoe easily. Runners with mild stability needs may find it a good fit.

The tradeoff is a bulky feel. The wide base and tall stack make the shoe feel bottom heavy at faster paces. It is happiest at easy speeds.

Grip is a strong point. The outsole scored 0.84 in traction tests, which is far above the average. It handles wet roads well. ASICS cut some rubber to save weight, so the midsole shows through in places.

That design suits pavement best. Hard trails and rough ground will wear the foam faster. Stick to roads, paths, and tracks.

Durability looks good. The heel lining resisted wear in lab tests. The toebox earned a solid mark. The outsole showed only small dents under harsh testing.

Runners who log 35 miles or more report almost no outsole wear. You can expect above average mileage from this shoe. That helps justify the $165 price.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 Pros and Cons

Every shoe has strengths and weaknesses. Here is a clear look at both sides of the Nimbus 27. Use this list to decide whether the tradeoffs work for you.

Pros:

• Excellent shock absorption in the heel and forefoot.
• Smooth heel landing thanks to the improved bevel.
• Stable ride for a neutral shoe.
• Wide base gives a secure platform.
• Breathable jacquard mesh upper with more toe room.
• Thick, comfortable heel padding and a stretch knit tongue.
• Very good grip in wet and dry conditions.
• Strong durability and long mileage.
• Wide sizes available in some markets.

Cons:

• Heavy at about 10.5 to 10.7 oz in men’s sizes.
• Feels bulky and bottom heavy at faster paces.
• Low energy return, so the ride is not lively.
• Firmer than many max cushion rivals.
• Stiff forefoot at slower speeds.
• Firm toe guard can rub if you skip socks.
• Outsole has exposed foam, so it is not made for rough trails.
• Price of $165 is higher than some better value rivals.

The shoe does a few things very well and a few things only fine. If the cons are deal breakers for you, check the alternatives above.

Who Should Buy the ASICS Gel Nimbus 27

The Nimbus 27 fits a clear type of runner. If you match the points below, this shoe could become your daily go to.

Buy it if you:

• Love the Nimbus 25 or 26 and want a refined version.
• Run easy miles and long steady runs at a relaxed pace.
• Want a firm, stable, high stack shoe, not a mushy one.
• Heel strike and need a smooth landing.
• Need a durable shoe that lasts many miles.
• Stand or walk for long hours at work.
• Have wide feet and need extra room.

Heavier runners and runners with sore joints often like this shoe. The thick midsole spreads out the impact. The wide base also gives extra control on each stride.

Skip it if you:

• Want a light, fast, or bouncy trainer.
• Prefer a soft, pillowy ride.
• Like to feel the ground under your feet.
• Plan to run on rough trails.
• Care most about price.

Runners who want speed should look at the ASICS Novablast or Superblast lines. Runners who want a softer feel should try the Hoka Bondi 9 or the Brooks Glycerin 22. Both are in the alternatives section above.

Be honest about your running style before you buy. The Nimbus 27 is great for the right person and just okay for everyone else.

Price, Value and Final Verdict

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The Nimbus 27 has a list price of $165. That is $5 more than the Nimbus 26. The average price for a running shoe in this class sits near $157, so the Nimbus is a bit above average.

Sales can bring the price down by a wide margin. Check the shoe often, because discounts on popular colors appear throughout the year. The Nimbus 26 is also a smart buy if you find it at a deep discount.

Is it worth the money? I say yes for the right runner. You get a premium upper, a stable ride, and very good durability. Long wear lowers the cost per mile.

Some testers feel the shoe is too basic for the price. They point to livelier foams in cheaper shoes. That is a fair view. If you want a fun, bouncy ride, you can spend less and get more excitement.

My final take is simple. The Nimbus 27 is a solid, dependable daily trainer. It does not chase hype. It gives you cushion, stability, and a smooth heel for easy and long miles.

I rate it 4 out of 5. It loses a point for weight and a flat feel. Buy it if you value comfort and mileage over speed. Skip it if you want a lively shoe.

FAQs

Does the ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 run true to size?

Yes. Most runners fit best in their normal size. The toebox is a little roomier than the Nimbus 26, and wide sizes exist in some markets. If you wear thick socks, you may want to try a half size up.

Is the Nimbus 27 good for long runs?

Yes. The shoe gives strong protection and a steady ride over many miles. The wide base and firm foam keep your stride stable when you tire. Some runners find it a little heavy near the end of a very long run.

Is the Nimbus 27 a stability shoe?

No. ASICS sells it as a neutral shoe. The wide base, heel sidewalls, and stiff sole make it feel more stable than most neutral shoes. Runners who need strong support should look at the ASICS Gel Kayano line.

How much does the ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 weigh?

The men’s version weighs about 10.5 to 10.7 oz, or roughly 299 to 305 grams. The women’s version weighs about 9.3 oz. It is heavier than the average running shoe, but it feels lighter on the run than the number suggests.

Is the Nimbus 27 better than the Nimbus 26?

Yes, in small but useful ways. It has more foam, a smoother heel, a better upper, and a roomier toebox. The weight and feel are close to the 26, so the jump is modest. Owners of the 26 can wait for a good deal.

Can I walk or stand in the Nimbus 27 all day?

Yes. The padded heel, thick midsole, and soft insole feel good for long hours on your feet. The stiff forefoot makes the shoe less flexible, but most people find it comfortable for walking and standing at work.