Shoes
Apparel
Bags
Gear
Electronics
Nutrition & Health
Sale
Gifts
Author: Wildfire Sports & Trek Date Posted: 27 February 2026
With a focus on "Sound Mind, Sound Body" over raw speed, this model combines a sleeker engineered knit upper with a durable Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole. It is an ideal choice for those who prioritise a smooth, effortless glide and lasting comfort.
As an ever-reliable, max-cushioned daily trainer, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 doesn’t inspire the same hype as ASICS’ fast and flashy running shoes like the ASICS Novablast, Megablast or Superblast.
However, ASICS’ Sound Mind, Sound Body philosophy is at the core of what it means to be a Nimbus runner. The ASICS Gel-Nimbus family isn’t about blazing first across the finish line, but making running more accessible for when you want to flow into a gentle rhythm, at an easy or recovery pace.
In this running shoe review, we’ll answer your key questions on the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28, compare it to its competitors and the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 to determine which is the best fit for you. Despite the similarities in specs and technologies on paper, the new ASICS Gel-Nimbus feels different.
The secret to a comfier running shoe isn’t always softer cushioning. Trending towards a firmer ride, the new ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 offers a fresh running experience.
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is your reliable workhorse, best for setting steady paces on the road with comfort that is consistent and trustworthy. It is a favourite choice for easy runs, long runs, or marathons, not to lead the pack, but to clock up the kilometres with reduced fatigue and reliable protection.
Shock absorption is where the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is the star of your shoe rotation, because there’s more to running than PBs (Personal Bests) and podiums. The ASICS Gel-Nimbus is also considered a good walking shoe and is viewed by some as one of the best ASICS running shoes for plantar fasciitis, thanks to the smooth rocker sole and max cushioning, which take the load off your feet. The new Nimbus meets the criteria for eco-conscious runners, with a high content of recycled materials in the upper to run lighter on the environment.
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is ideal for neutral foot types (medium arches) to supinated/underpronated foot types (high arches). They are free of additional support technologies, so runners requiring overpronation guidance (typically flat or low arched foot types) would be better matched with a stability running shoe, like the ASICS GEL-Kayano 32 or ASICS GT-2000.
With the same stack height and technologies, the differences between the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 and ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 aren’t clear until you step in, lace up and run. Here’s our breakdown of the new features and fresh feel of the Nimbus.
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 hugs your feet in a plush and snug wrap with a new engineered knit upper providing a sock-like feel with a blend of stretch and structure. It offers an improved, more streamlined fit in place of the jacquard mesh of the Nimbus 27.
ASICS have saved weight with their attention to detail, making subtle tweaks to the upper, such as a thinner elastic tongue. The heel counter feels structured and supportive, creating a secure lockdown that’s ideal for long runs when you want to flow into the zone.
Marshmallow-soft cushioning can mean you’re fighting the foam to move forward. The new ASICS Gel-Nimbus offers a denser formula of FF Blast Plus (ASICS’ comfort-focused cushioning foam) on a wider base, meaning your feet don’t have to work as hard to maintain stability and control. Paired with the strategic changes to the midsole cut-outs, the cushioning is firmer, ensuring you don’t sink into the foam. Like the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27, you also get the stress-reducing benefits of PureGel embedded beneath the rearfoot to create a heel striker-friendly ride.
The updated rocker geometry is designed to take more of the work off your feet, encouraging smooth and efficient movement as you roll from heel to toe. It’s not as gentle as the rocker geometry of the Nimbus 27, and not as aggressive as the ASICS Glideride Max 2, but it’s just right for easy runs.
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 features an upgraded Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole for durability and high traction. This outsole provides confidence on your long runs without weighing you down, with softer rubber in the forefoot for tacky grip, and harder-wearing AHARPLUS (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber Plus) in the rearfoot to help extend its lifespan. It’s more minimalist compared to the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 outsole to shave off grams, and also feels less flexible to support the gliding sensation of the midsole’s rocker geometry.
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 features a generous width that makes it accommodating for a variety of foot types. Some runners feel that the Nimbus 28 runs small in terms of length. We recommend testing out your standard size and a half size up in the Nimbus 28 to determine which is the right fit for you.
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is up against worthy competitors, neutral daily trainers and cushioned running shoes designed to take the edge off fatigued legs. Here’s how they compare:
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 feels significantly heavier in your hands and on your feet than the new Nimbus 28, but with a flexible and luxuriously soft feel, which encourages the cushioning to compress on foot strike. It’s hard to say which is more responsive, as feedback varies from runner to runner. As a general guideline, choose the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 if you prefer a plusher feel, and the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 if you want a lighter, firmer and more stable ride.
Sitting at a more budget-friendly price point than the new Nimbus, the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 lacks the premium max cushioning and rocker geometry, but it is lighter. The FF Blast Max foam also makes it more energetic, while delivering a greater focus on flexibility and having a connected feel with the road.
Your go-to daily trainer if you want to inject your runs with more fun, versatility and bounce. Even at an easy-going pace, the ASICS Novablast 5 feels lively thanks to the FF Blast Max foam, whereas the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is more about the protected feel. They complement each other in a shoe rotation, with the Nimbus 28 covering easy and recovery runs, and the Novablast 5 delivering trampoline-like energy return to shift up the pace a gear.
Classic, cloud-soft comfort for long runs with Brooks DNA Tuned. The Brooks Glycerin 23 surpasses the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 in rebound, however it doesn’t feature the rocker geometry that facilitates more effortless heel-to-toe transitions.
Plush yet more versatile, the Saucony Triumph 23 provides a blend of bounce and protection, while the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 focuses more purely on shock-absorbing cushioning.
The Hoka Clifton 10 and ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 are both fantastic as easy run and walking shoes, offering a rocker geometry and a protective feel. On long runs, the Nimbus 28 offers consistent comfort with the firmer, more resilient foam, whereas the cushioning doesn’t endure as far in the Clifton 10, despite it feeling softer on first step-in.
If your goal is enduring comfort, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is a running shoe to get excited about. With its lighter weight, firmer take on FF Blast Plus for stable landings and fine-tuned rocker geometry for smooth transitions, many runners consider it the comfiest ASICS Gel-Nimbus yet. It won’t win races, but it will protect your feet so you can power on (slow and steady) and stay consistent in your training.
Where it lacks in speed, it gains in reliability. It's a daily trainer that you can trust to help you turn your legs over, to increase your weekly mileage more effortlessly, and stay feeling fresher on your feet in between more challenging runs.
Happy running!
Teresa is passionate about lacing up and rejuvenating in nature. Located on the sunny Central Coast of Australia, on the weekends you’ll find her walking the golden beaches, hiking challenging terrain or baking trail treats for her next adventure.
Teresa has been in the running shoe industry since 2012, with a belief in the power of running and walking to nurture positivity, creativity and self-confidence that can be applied to everyday life.
