The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 is a max-cushioned daily trainer for neutral runners who want a protective, stable ride for easy miles, recovery runs, and longer outings. However, its heavy, bulky build and muted rebound make it feel sluggish when you pick up the pace, limiting its suitability for faster workouts or racing.
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Our Verdict
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 isn't built for race day performance. While it offers impressive cushioning and decent stability for longer efforts, it lacks the energy return, snappiness, and lightweight design typical of modern marathon racing shoes. Its EVA-based midsole compresses well for comfort but doesn't rebound efficiently, and it's considerably heavier than most race-day options. This makes it more suitable for marathon training or long, easy runs than actual racing.
Impressively cushioned.
Satisfactory lateral stability.
Heavy.
Terrible energy return.
Unplated.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 isn't suited for shorter races. Despite having a moderately firm forefoot, its heavy build, low midsole rebound, and lack of a plate make it feel sluggish when picking up the pace. Runners looking for a versatile race-day shoe will find it too bulky for anything faster than aerobic efforts.
Heavy.
Terrible energy return.
Unplated.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 is a good choice for long, easy runs. Its cushioning remains protective as distance builds, while the wide platform provides reassuring stability. The fairly stiff rocker also helps maintain a controlled rolling motion through the stride. However, its heavy build and poor energy return make it less appealing for faster long runs where you want a lighter, more energetic ride.
Impressively cushioned.
Satisfactory lateral stability.
Cushioning remains protective over long distances.
Rocker holds its shape well under load.
Heavy.
Terrible energy return.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 is a good daily trainer, particularly for easy miles and recovery runs. The great cushioning absorbs impacts effectively, while the broad platform keeps the ride stable and predictable. The forefoot rocker provides some rolling assistance, helping you move through each stride despite the shoe's bulk. However, its considerable weight and muted rebound limit its versatility when you want to pick up the pace.
Impressively cushioned.
Satisfactory lateral stability.
Rocker holds its shape well under load.
Heavy.
Terrible energy return.
Changelog
- Updated Sep 16, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.15, which replaces Responsiveness with three specific performance usages: Bounciness, Snappiness, and Roll. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Sep 02, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.14, which adds new lace-specific results. We've included a close-up photo of the laces, as well as details including lace type, width, thickness, and stretch. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Sep 02, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.13, which identifies the different foams used in the shoe's midsole. We've included a microscopic image of the foam cells to give you an idea of what the microstructure looks like. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Jun 17, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.12, which fixes how we measure firmness, a component of the Stability and 5K/10K Racing usages. There may be inconsistencies between the text and the scores for these usages, but the scores should still be considered valid. We've also brought back the Energy Return score and added two new usages: Daily Training and Long Run. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
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Updated Jun 09, 2026:
We modified the writing due to the new test bench. We've updated the Responsiveness box text to reflect the new scores and added text to the True to Size box.
- Updated May 26, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.11, adding two new rocker measurements to the Design section, and three new responsiveness tests to the Performance section. The Energy Return usage score has been replaced with Responsiveness. Check out the details in our changelog.
- Updated Mar 25, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.10, adding a new set of fit tests to the Design section and an overall fit performance usage. Check out the details in our changelog.
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Updated Jan 12, 2026:
We added a mention of the ASICS GLIDERIDE MAX 2 in the Popular Running Shoe Comparisons section of the review.
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Updated Dec 08, 2025:
We updated the Popular Running Shoe Comparisons to include some new releases like the ASICS GT-2000 14.
- Updated Oct 28, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
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Updated Oct 20, 2025:
We've adjusted this review's writing to align with the new test bench, including updates to all usage scores, and test boxes for Cushioning, Firmness, and Energy Return.
- Updated Oct 20, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
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Updated Aug 04, 2025:
We updated the Forefoot Cushioning box to ensure the text remains in line with the latest test bench scores.
- Updated Aug 01, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.1, which mainly updates the score components for the Marathon Racing and Lateral Stability usage boxes to improve accuracy.
- Updated Jul 04, 2025: Review published.
- Updated Jun 27, 2025: Early access published.
We've bought and tested more than 300 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
Test Results
Energy Return
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 has terrible energy return. The foam rebounds inefficiently in both the heel and forefoot, leaving the ride feeling flat. It provides little energetic assistance as you move from one stride into the next.
Terrible energy return.
The foam in the forefoot offers little to no bounce on toe-off, which can make the ride feel dull during midfoot or forefoot striking. While this setup works fine for relaxed paces, runners looking for pop will be underwhelmed.
This model offers very poor energy return at the heel. The soft FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam compresses easily but doesn't rebound with much force, making it feel sluggish during transitions. This dampened sensation is noticeable on heel strikes, especially over longer distances, where the lack of responsiveness can contribute to an overall flat ride.
Stability
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 offers great lateral stability, especially for such a tall shoe. The wide base, gusseted upper, and firmer forefoot help compensate for the soft heel foam and reduce unwanted side-to-side movement, even on longer runs when fatigue sets in. It's a reliable option for runners who prioritize comfort but still need some help underfoot.
Gusseted tongue secures the upper.
Forefoot has some firmness.
Big and wide platform.
Big and soft chunk of foam at the heel.
Up front, the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 is quite firm. Still, it's softer than the previous iteration, offering a great balance between control, road feel, and plushness.
The heel of the shoe feels noticeably softer than the previous ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26. This softness contributes to its smooth and cushioned ride, but it may feel unstable or overly squishy for runners who prefer a firmer rearfoot landing.
Cushioning
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 has great cushioning. It delivers a plush, protective ride with ample underfoot foam in both the heel and forefoot. With a padded and structured feel and effective shock absorption, it provides great comfort for longer efforts, walking, or recovery runs. If your priority is comfort and impact protection over responsiveness, the Nimbus excels.
Impressively cushioned.
FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole absorbs impacts really well.
Cushioning is one of the standout features of the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27, and the thick, soft slab of foam under the heel offers great shock absorption and impact protection. It's a noticeable improvement over the previous version and provides a smooth, protective landing, especially for heel strikers on longer runs.
The forefoot cushioning is excellent. There's plenty of foam up front, and it dampens the road well, giving the shoe a forgiving, plush feel on toe-off. This makes it a comfortable option for those who land more forward on the foot and want sustained protection.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 maintains great forefoot cushioning over longer runs. Most of the loss in protection happens early, after which the decline slows considerably and cushioning largely stabilizes. It also provides more protection than the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 throughout the run, making it a more capable choice for longer outings.
Bounciness
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 isn't very bouncy. The midsole doesn't compress very deeply, leaving little room for the foam to rebound. Since the foam also returns energy poorly, that limited movement feels damped, with little bounce beneath either the heel or forefoot.
Terrible energy return.
Modest compression depth means it doesn't feel bouncy.
Snappiness
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 is only moderately snappy. Its firm foam and stiff forefoot provide a solid, structured push-off, but the front of the shoe springs back inefficiently after bending. The modest forefoot rocker angle also keeps toe-off from feeling especially quick.
Forefoot has some firmness.
Modest forefoot rocker angle limits assistance at toe-off.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 is quite stiff through the forefoot despite having no plate. It resists bending during push-off, providing a firm lever and helping preserve the shoe's rolling motion. However, that structure doesn't have strong spring-back.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 has a moderate forefoot rocker with a relatively forward apex. It's less pronounced than that of the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26: the angle is similar, but the lower toe spring keeps the front of the shoe closer to the ground. Its gradual upward curve helps guide the foot through toe-off without creating an abrupt tipping sensation.
Bending energy return is poor. The forefoot loses a substantial amount of energy as it bends and straightens, so there's little elastic spring-back during toe-off. This helps explain why its stiffness doesn't translate into a particularly lively snap. The ASICS MEGABLAST offers much livelier spring-back after bending, giving it a snappier toe-off.
Roll
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 has good roll. Its rocker and forefoot are both fairly stiff, helping maintain a curved, structured platform to roll over during toe-off. However, the heel and forefoot rocker shapes aren't particularly aggressive, so the transition feels gradual and controlled without strongly tipping you forward.
Rocker holds its shape well under load.
Modest forefoot rocker angle limits assistance at toe-off.
True To Size
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 fits superbly well. The length is true to size, and the forefoot and arch have an accommodating fit, so most runners can confidently buy their normal size. There are also Wide and Extra Wide versions of the shoe.
Length is true to size.
Accommodating width in forefoot.
Available in Wide and Extra Wide.
This is a heavy shoe, even compared to other premium max-cushioned trainers like the Saucony Triumph 22. While it's not the bulkiest in its class, it still sits on the heavier side of the spectrum and isn't ideal if you're looking for something nimble or fast. That said, it weighs about the same as the previous ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26, despite an increase in stack height, so ASICS has done a good job keeping the added volume from becoming an even greater burden.
This shoe uses FF BLAST PLUS ECO, an EVA-based foam made partly with bio-based ingredients. It's one of ASICS' cushioning-focused training foams and is also used in the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31, the brand's premium stability trainer.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 is a premium neutral max-cushioned daily trainer built with comfort and long-distance protection in mind. While much of the industry is shifting toward higher-rebound foams and aggressive geometry to bring bounce to everyday miles, the NIMBUS remains firmly committed to its safe, protective identity. What sets it apart isn't energy return or responsiveness; it's the plushness, shock absorption, and smooth transitions that make it ideal for recovery runs, easy jogs, or long days on your feet. That said, in a market where many max-cushion shoes now pair softness with liveliness and lightness, the NIMBUS feels somewhat dated in character. Runners looking for a dynamic and fun trainer may find it too squishy or unresponsive. It's common for flagships to evolve slowly, and the NIMBUS is no different. While this update is a step in the right direction, it might not be large enough to keep pace with the fast-moving industry.
Within ASICS' lineup, the GEL-NIMBUS 27 stands as a max-cushioned, premium daily trainer, but it's far from the most versatile. The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 offers a more modern take on daily training, with plenty of protection, a lighter build, and more bounce. For those who need added support, the ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 and the ASICS GT-2000 14 are good options with built-in stability features. Meanwhile, the ASICS SUPERBLAST 2 delivers a responsive ride for runners who want a lightweight, unplated uptempo trainer. Another max-cushioned shoe in the lineup is the ASICS GLIDERIDE MAX 2, which is a lighter, slightly more performance-leaning trainer with a partial plastic plate and a pronounced rocker for smoother, rolling transitions. The NIMBUS still holds its place for those prioritizing pure cushioning and reliable landings, but runners seeking versatility or higher performance will be better served elsewhere in the ASICS ecosystem.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, as well as the best running shoes for men and the best running shoes for women.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 5 and ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 are both neutral daily trainers built for comfort but cater to very different preferences. The NOVABLAST 5 is a modern, high-stack trainer that combines soft FF BLAST+ ECO foam with a responsive geometry, delivering a fun, energetic bounce while remaining light and super cushioned. It's the more playful of the two, capable of handling some pace variations and offering a more engaging ride for runners who like to feel their shoes give them something in return for their efforts. The GEL-NIMBUS 27, in contrast, is ASICS' flagship soft-cruiser, focusing on plushness and stability. It provides excellent impact absorption for all types of easy runs. However, it's noticeably heavier and less dynamic than the NOVABLAST 5, and it lacks the versatility and excitement of its sibling.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 and HOKA Bondi 9 both fall into the premium daily trainer category. The ASICS midsole features FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam and a PureGEL heel insert, which delivers a soft, plush ride. It delivers less energy return, though, so it's a more difficult shoe to pick up the pace. The HOKA's supercritical EVA midsole delivers a fun, energetic ride, with more bounce and responsiveness than the NIMBUS 27. Though the HOKA is firmer than the ASICS, both offer great protection, stability, and comfort.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 and HOKA Clifton 10 are both protective daily trainers, but they sit at different points on the max-cushion spectrum. The ASICS is the more true max-cushion option, with a bigger stack, a plusher and more premium feel, and a ride that prioritizes softness and impact dampening above all else, especially for easy days and long recovery-focused mileage. The HOKA, with this iteration, pushes closer to that territory than past versions, offering a protective high-stack that works well for everyday training, but it still stops short of the ASICS in pure depth and plushness. On the flip side, the HOKA feels lighter and more stable, which makes it compelling if you want a daily trainer that doesn't feel quite as bulky.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 and the Nike Vomero 18 are both daily trainers designed for comfort, but they offer distinct experiences underfoot. The ASICS is higher-stacked overall and noticeably more cushioned in the forefoot, delivering a plush, soft ride ideal for runners prioritizing impact absorption and an easygoing feel. The Nike, by contrast, is firmer throughout, with a more structured platform and a slightly snappier forefoot, giving it a bit more responsiveness during toe-off. While the ASICS excels in softness and step-in comfort, the Nike edges it out for stability and liveliness, making it a better fit for runners who want a more grounded, supportive ride without sacrificing cushioning.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 and Brooks Glycerin 22 are contemporary premium daily trainers from their respective brands. The ASICS is the softer, better-cushioned of the two, and it holds up much better over long runs. The Brooks isn't the fastest shoe, but it has much better energy return than the ASICS, and is also much more stable, thanks to its firmer midsole and lower stack height.
The Brooks Glycerin Max and ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 are two popular max-cushioned daily trainers on the market, each designed to deliver a plush, protective ride. Both are similarly soft underfoot and close in weight, offering maximum comfort for easy miles or long days on your feet. The Brooks shoe has a slightly higher overall stack and absorbs impact better. The Brooks also benefits from a more pronounced rocker geometry, making transitions feel smoother and more rolling, especially for heel strikers who want a bit of help moving forward. In contrast, the ASICS feels more traditional in its underfoot feel, prioritizing softness and impact absorption over forward momentum.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 and ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 are two iterations of ASICS' premium cushioned trainer, and cushioning remains the headline in both, but the update shifts the feel in a meaningful way. The GEL-NIMBUS 28 trims weight, making the ride feel more cohesive and less bottom-heavy, and it sits a bit lower at the heel with a slightly reduced drop while still providing plenty of protection for easy miles and recovery runs. If you want the more comfort-cruiser take on the lineup, the GEL-NIMBUS 27 fits that role well, but if you want even more premium protection in a lighter, more polished package that feels easier to use across more of your training, the 28 is the better evolution.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 and Saucony Triumph 23 are both highly cushioned daily trainers that prioritize cushioning over performance. However, the Triumph 23 is noticeably lighter and has more bounce than the NIMBUS 27. This weight difference is largely due to the NIMBUS 27's much higher stack height, and the taller stack of foam in the ASICS shoe does provide better impact absorption.
The ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 and ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 are both daily trainers offering high cushioning and comfort, but they serve slightly different runner profiles. The GEL-NIMBUS 27 is a neutral max-cushion trainer focused on plushness and impact absorption, delivering a very soft underfoot experience that excels on easy runs and recovery days. Its smooth, pillowy ride makes it ideal for runners who prioritize comfort and don't mind a bit of extra weight for the sake of protection. The GEL-KAYANO 31, on the other hand, is ASICS' flagship stability model, designed for runners who need extra lateral support. Thanks to its new 4D Guidance System, it provides stability without harsh posting or stiff medial foam. The ride is firmer than the Nimbus, especially at the forefoot, and it lacks some protection for longer runs.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 and ASICS GLIDERIDE MAX 2 are both max-cushioned trainers, but they deliver protection in different ways. The GLIDERIDE is the more performance-leaning option: it's lighter, uses a partial plastic plate, and has a more pronounced rocker, so transitions feel smoother and more rolling. The GEL-NIMBUS 27 is the more traditional max-cushion shoe. It doesn't rely on a plate or an aggressively guided rocker to move you forward, so the ride feels more relaxed. Cushioning also differs: the NIMBUS tends to feel less cushioned in the heel but more cushioned in the forefoot. Overall, the NIMBUS 27 is usually the better pick for pure recovery, where you just want comfort without thinking about the shoes you're wearing, while the GLIDERIDE MAX 2 makes more sense if you still want max protection but with more substance and a smoother geometry.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 in men's US size 9, as viewable on the label for our pair. The color shown here is Carbon/Mojave. This model is also available in several other colorways, including White/Glacier Grey, Black/Graphite Grey, Flash Red/Black, Citron/Cream, White/Fawn, Black/Khaki, Black/Lake Grey, and two LUXE editions with special visual designs. Width options include regular, wide, and extra-wide for men, and narrow, regular, and wide for women. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other sizes and gender variants to perform similarly. ASICS also offers ATC and TR versions of the GEL-NIMBUS 27, which are respectively an 'ASICS Trail Club' design inspired by the 1980s and a trail-specific edition. Those may feature different materials or constructions; our results do not apply to those variants. As for other sizes and gender variants, the design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect those to perform similarly.
