Asics Gel Nimbus 27 Introduction
Now in its twenty seventh version, the Gel-Nimbus continues to be one of many longest tenured trainers within the Asics lineup.
Whereas we’ve got seen some vital adjustments prior to now, this yr’s version actually solely had two standout enhancements: added stack peak with out including weight and a distinct design for the higher to extend consolation and breathability.
The shoe weighs 10.8 oz for a Males’s dimension 9. In comparison with different comparable footwear, this can be a bit on the heavy aspect but it doesn’t at all times really feel that heavy when working. The Gel-Nimbus has a reasonably vast base that contributes to the very secure feeling when you’re gliding alongside on a run.
The Gel-Nimbus sits atop the cushioned line of Asics footwear (Gel-Cumulus is in that line as effectively).
That is thought of their plush, max-cushioned every day trainers according to the New Steadiness Contemporary Foam X 1080v14, the Mizuno Neo Zen, or the Brooks Glycerin Max.
Inside the Asics household, there’s additionally the Novablast 5 that has the identical midsole foam however is lacking the PureGel® expertise within the heel. Plainly the Novablast is softer and bouncier however a lot much less desk than the Gel-Nimbus. The outsole grip can be totally different because the Gel-Nimbus has their premier rubber referred to as HYBRID ASICSGRIP® that ought to give the runner higher traction on the roads.
The pricing of the shoe went up by $5 USD this yr to $165. You’re actually paying extra for the premium nature of the shoe and the added expense probably is a nod to the upper stack peak. Comparatively, it’s priced the identical because the NB 1080, $15 greater than the Mizuno Neo Zen, and $35 lower than the Glycerin Max. Is it value it? Learn on to search out out!
Asics Gel Nimbus 27 First Impressions
After I first opened this field, the shoe appeared nearly precisely just like the Gel-Nimbus 26 from final yr. Choosing up the shoe, it felt the identical. It is sensible that the shoe is identical weight and so it feels the identical and who can blame somebody for not noticing 2mm of added stack peak to the midsole?
That stated, placing on the shoe was a distinct story. The shoe had its customary plus really feel however the shoe felt much more secure than final yr’s model. It feels just like the shoe widened its base a bit. One factor on the detrimental aspect that stood out was that their felt like a slight pinch level on the prime of my foot the place the lace holes had been. It seems like there was a extra stable piece of one thing within the engineered higher that dug into the highest of my foot once I tightened my laces. It wasn’t the largest deal nor did it trigger any issues, however I felt it.
My first run within the shoe was a restoration run of three miles. Despite the fact that my legs had been drained, the shoe felt snug and I really was capable of go quicker than I anticipated. No irritations after this primary run however the shoe did really feel somewhat flat.
The following run can be a bit extra of a check because it was a daily simple run however with 4 strides on the finish. I used to be curious how the shoe would deal with the quicker tempo of the strides. To my shock, it did fairly effectively. I didn’t really feel just like the shoe was holding me again for these 20 seconds. On the time, I had my doubts that it may deal with that velocity for longer however it was comforting to know that I didn’t have to vary out footwear or choose one thing else out if I wished so as to add strides to a run.
I’ll say that it took till my subsequent run for the shoe to lastly really feel prefer it was damaged in (that was after about 11 miles within the shoe). So should you’re on this shoe, it would take a pair runs or extra to get them damaged in and feeling like they’re able to go.
Asics Gel Nimbus 27 Higher
The higher on this shoe is mostly well-constructed. Your complete higher is made of sentimental, stretchy engineered mesh. This helps the shoe conform to your foot whereas creating an opulent really feel throughout. The tongue is gusseted and skinny. It’s probably the most effective tongues on the market.
The one scorching spot that I had was on the highest of my foot close to the final lace gap. There was one thing within the engineered higher that was nearly like somewhat ball that dug into my foot barely. It didn’t damage however my foot felt sore in that space the subsequent day once I went for a run after I used it for a future.
The laces are effective and so they keep tied on a single knot all through all of my run.
General, the shoe match true to dimension for me. This shoe does are available in vast widths choices.
Asics Gel Nimbus 27 Sole Unit
The midsole unit is made from two main components: the PureGel™ within the heel surrounded by the FF Blast™ PLUS ECO foam. For these which are Eco-conscious, FF Blast™ foam is made from 24% bio-based supplies.
The heel drop is 8mm, with a peak of about 43.5mm within the heel and 35.5mm within the forefoot for an 8mm offset. Whereas the offset stays the identical from final yr’s mannequin, the general peak is 1.5mm larger. There was a little bit of rocker expertise added final yr to the heel and that continues to be for this model. It isn’t essentially the most pronounced rocker however it actually does make the heel-to-toe transition easy.
I discovered the experience of the shoe to be very secure and easy general. I didn’t assume it was a really delicate touchdown, although, for a max-cushioned shoe. I might label it extra agency and responsive than delicate. I imagine that could be a plus for this shoe, although, as a result of it makes the shoe rather more versatile.
It may deal with the simple runs right through the tempo paces. Stated in a different way, this shoe can probably deal with paces as much as the half-marathon for many newbie to intermediate runners in coaching. I feel there’s a giant subset of people that will really feel snug with this shoe as a marathon or half-marathon racing shoe should you’re looking for consolation over efficiency.
The midsole was not responsive sufficient to deal with the V02max sort paces (assume within the 5k tempo vary) for something longer than 1 minute.
The rubber outsole stays the identical as final yr and the design of the underside is comparatively related. I had no points with utilizing this shoe in moist or slushy snow circumstances. The steadiness of the shoe stands out.
Asics Gel Nimbus 27 Conclusions
General, the Gel-Nimbus 27 is a good every day coach that permits for some barely quicker efforts whereas offering nice stability and luxury.
That stated, the enhancements from the Gel-Nimbus 26 are very slight and I’m simply unsure it’s definitely worth the value improve. If you happen to love the Gel-Nimbus line, I’m sure you will discover the 26 on a reduction proper now and I’m in all probability buying that as a substitute.
I don’t assume the marginally larger stack peak is value it and the higher did create somewhat little bit of irritation for me.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a better stack shoe and have loved the Asics choices, then go for this shoe. In any other case, save your cash and buy the 26 whereas it’s on sale and in inventory. I might additionally take into account saving your self some cash and lean into the Mizuno Neo Zen.

