ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 vs GEL-NIMBUS 27

Which Running Shoe Is Better?

Products

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27

Tested using Methodology v0.8.2

Updated Jan 26, 2026 03:50 PM

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Tested using Methodology v0.9

Updated Jan 12, 2026 08:12 PM

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Our Verdict

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31

ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27

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.

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Variants

  • GEL-KAYANO 31 (Birch/Energy Aqua - (Women - US 7))
  • GEL-KAYANO 31 (Black/Black - (Men - US 9))
  • GEL-NIMBUS 27 (Amber/Neutral Pink - (Men - US 9))
  • GEL-NIMBUS 27 (Birch/Cold Moss - (Women - US 7))
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Main Differences for
Marathon Racing

Threshold 

0.10

Marathon Racing 
 

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Full Comparison

Design

Weight  

N/A
N/A

Right Shoe Weight Photo  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Right Shoe Weight Photo Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Right Shoe Weight Photo Sample

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Left Shoe Weight Photo  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Left Shoe Weight Photo Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Left Shoe Weight Photo Sample

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Weight 
 

Lock g (Lock oz)
Lock g (Lock oz)
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Stack Heights 
 

Stack Height Photo  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Stack Height Photo Sample

SAMPLE

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Stack Height Photo Sample

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Heel Stack Height 
 

Lock mm
Lock mm

Forefoot Stack Height 
 

Lock mm
Lock mm

Heel-To-Toe Drop 
 

Lock mm
Lock mm

Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop 
 

Lock mm
Lock mm
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External Shape 
 

3D Model Full Shoe  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 3D Model Full Shoe Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 3D Model Full Shoe Sample

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Outsole Heel Width 
 

Lock mm (Lock")
Lock mm (Lock")

Outsole Arch Width 
 

Lock mm (Lock")
Lock mm (Lock")

Outsole Forefoot Width 
 

Lock mm (Lock")
Lock mm (Lock")

Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio 
 

Lock
Lock

Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio 
 

Lock
Lock

Internal Shape 
 

3D Model Internal  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 3D Model Internal Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 3D Model Internal Sample

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Internal Length 
 

Lock mm (Lock")
Lock mm (Lock")

Internal Heel Width 
 

Lock mm (Lock")
Lock mm (Lock")

Internal Forefoot Width 
 

Lock mm (Lock")
Lock mm (Lock")

Wide Sizing Available 
 

Locked
Locked
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Other Features  

Other Features Photo  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Other Features Photo Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Other Features Photo Sample

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Tongue Gusset Type 
 

Locked
Locked

Plate 
 

Locked
Locked
Performance

Heel Energy Return 
 

N/A
N/A

Heel Compression Video  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Heel Compression Video Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Heel Compression Video Sample

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Heel Energy Return  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Heel Energy Return Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Heel Energy Return Sample

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Heel Energy Return 
 

Lock%
Lock%
Show Text 

Forefoot Energy Return 
 

N/A
N/A

Forefoot Compression Video  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Forefoot Compression Video Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Forefoot Compression Video Sample

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Forefoot Energy Return  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Forefoot Energy Return Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Forefoot Energy Return Sample

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Forefoot Energy Return 
 

Lock%
Lock%
Show Text 

Heel Cushioning 
 

N/A
N/A

Heel Cushioning Picture  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Heel Cushioning Picture Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Heel Cushioning Picture Sample

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Heel Cushioning  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Heel Cushioning Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Heel Cushioning Sample

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Energy Absorbed At 550N 
 

Lock J
Lock J

Energy Absorbed At 1100N 
 

Lock J
Lock J

Energy Absorbed At 1900N 
 

Lock J
Lock J
Show Text 

Forefoot Cushioning 
 

N/A
N/A

Forefoot Cushioning Picture  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Forefoot Cushioning Picture Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Forefoot Cushioning Picture Sample

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Forefoot Cushioning  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Forefoot Cushioning Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Forefoot Cushioning Sample

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Energy Absorbed At 800N 
 

Lock J
Lock J

Energy Absorbed At 1300N 
 

Lock J
Lock J

Energy Absorbed At 2050N 
 

Lock J
Lock J
Show Text 

Heel Firmness 
 

N/A
N/A

Heel Firmness  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Heel Firmness Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Heel Firmness Sample

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Firmness At 550N 
 

Lock N/mm
Lock N/mm

Firmness At 1100N 
 

Lock N/mm
Lock N/mm

Firmness At 1900N 
 

Lock N/mm
Lock N/mm
Show Text 

Forefoot Firmness 
 

N/A
N/A

Forefoot Firmness  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Forefoot Firmness Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Forefoot Firmness Sample

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Firmness At 800N 
 

Lock N/mm
Lock N/mm

Firmness At 1300N 
 

Lock N/mm
Lock N/mm

Firmness At 2050N 
 

Lock N/mm
Lock N/mm
Show Text 

Forefoot Long Run Cushioning 
 

N/A
N/A

Forefoot Long Run Cushioning  

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 Forefoot Long Run Cushioning Sample

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ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Forefoot Long Run Cushioning Sample

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Energy Absorbed At 10km 
 

Lock J

Energy Absorbed At 20km 
 

Lock J

Energy Absorbed At 30km 
 

Lock J

Energy Absorbed At 40km 
 

Lock J

ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31

ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27

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ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 vs ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27: Main Discussion

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