ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 Review
By Matthew Klein
ASICS Gel Nimbus 28Price: $169.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 9.9 oz, 280 g (men's size 9), 8.5 oz, 241 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: (M) 43.5 mm heel / 35.5 mm forefoot, (W) 42.5 mm heel / 34.5 mm forefoot
Drop: 8 mm
Shoe Purpose: Premium Daily Training Shoe
Pros: Light for stack height, snappy forefoot, highly stable neutral
Cons: Lace bite from thin tongue, firmer than expected, less outsole rubber, aggressive/stiffer geometry
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 is a premium daily training shoe for those that much a ton of stack height with a lighter, firmer and snappier ride. A new engineered knit upper provides a far lighter, lower volume but slightly wider width fit that helps drop the weight while keeping your foot on the platform. The same midsole and stack height carry over from the previous version, but it feels firmer, snappier, and lower than the listed 8mm drop. The Gel Nimbus 28 is the lightest Nimbus ever, feeling like a blend between the Nimbus Lite and Nimbus series. This makes the once-cushioned shoe lighter, faster, snappier, and more versatile for quicker paces while maintaining a towering stack height.
SIMILAR SHOES: Hoka Skyflow
PAST MODEL: ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 fits me true to size in my normal Men's US size 10. The upper is a lightweight engineered mesh that fits normal to slightly wide in width with a slightly lower volume upper. The upper has stretch to it and a toe guard adds some structure to the front. This structure tapers the toe box slightly and has caused some mild rubbing on my toes. This opens into a normal to slightly wider width but slightly lower volume forefoot. The upper in this area stretches and while the upper feels snug at first due to the knit, this stretches over time to offset the lower volume. Those with normal to slightly wide feet may be fine, but those with narrow feet struggle with the forefoot. This continues into a normal width midfoot. The tongue is highly gusseted and extremely thin. This was initially fine, but as I continued to wear them and tighten the laces, I experienced pain on the top of my foot from lace bite. This has required me to keep the laces loose, which made the midfoot feel a little less secure for me. This is somewhat offset by the stretchy tongue, but has been annoying.
The heel has moderate heel collar padding and a stiff, rounded heel counter. There is a large amount of padding in front of the counter, so it has not bothered me. Those with highly sensitive heels may still notice it. What has been a little irritating is the fact that the posterior-most aspect of the heel tilts forward and pushes into the Achilles tendon. This has not been as bad as the GT-2000 14, which was so bad that I had to cut the top of the heel in half. The inner liner is comfortable, but the scratchy tongue and toe guard make socks a necessity, and sockless running is not advised.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
How Flexible is the Shoe: Not flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Is This Shoe Orthotic Friendly: Yes
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 is a maximal, premium daily training shoe for those who want a ton of firmer protection. The midsole is still FF Blast Plus with a Pure Gel insert in the rearfoot like the prior version. However, this version feels far firmer and stiffer underfoot. While still providing a cushioned, protective ride with zero ground feel thanks to the over 40 mm stack height, the midsole is firmer and snappy. I am not fully sure why this is occurring, especially with dramatically less outsole. My suspicion is that the forefoot rocker is much sharper and later than prior versions, which makes the transition and ride stiffer and changes my underfoot perception.
The weight is noticeably lighter, coming in at under 10 oz for men's size 9. This makes it easy to pick up the pace for uptempo efforts, something prior versions were not as good at. Although this shoe is listed at an 8mm drop, it feels closer to a 5mm drop. The stiffer ride feels noticeably lower drop and both my calf muscles / Achilles tendon have been a bit sore after using this shoe. There is a large heel bevel that makes rearfoot landings smooth. The rearfoot is cushioned and balanced between firm and soft. The forefoot is both stiffer and a little firmer. The forefoot rocker is a little late and there is no flexibility at the forefoot (or any other part of the shoe). Those with toe mobility problems (Hallux rigidus) will do well with the stiffer forefoot but may also not due well due to the late stage forefoot rocker that can actually increase some stress into the toes. My forefeet have been a tiny bit sore after these shoes, most noticeably after a 13 mile stroller run that included quite a bit of uptempo running as a workout.
From a pace perspective, this shoe does fine with easy runs and long runs if you are okay with a slightly firmer ride. The firmness and lighter weight also lend to doing well during uptempo efforts. While not the fastest shoe, I have done several workouts, including broken up marathon pace efforts during a long run and a fartlek. The shoe performs well but I do start to notice the weight toward the end of workouts as I am more used to super racing shoes. Those who want a non-superfoam midsole, tons of cushioning in a firmer ride that can still handle some uptempo running may really enjoy this shoe. The pace versatility contrasts with the limited surface durability.
The amount of exposed midsole and limited outsole provides slightly below average traction on wet pavement. On dry pavement, it is fine but I have found myself slipping slightly on the wet roads of Northwest winter. Durability-wise, I am beginning to see some wear on the outsole rubber (more in the forefoot than heel due to the lower drop) and am concerned that I may rip off the posterior heel outsole. However, I have 55 miles on my pair and this has not happened yet, so while I suspect that durability will be average for a premium shoe, I will continue to test this.
Watch: Matt compares the ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 and 28
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 is a stable neutral shoe. There are no traditional methods of stability but there are several guidance-based methods including sidewalls, a wide base / sole flare and a stiff sole. The wider and firmer sole is one of the most stable components. The midfoot is filled in, which, combined with the higher heel/midfoot sidewalls, keeps the foot centered. There is also decent heel and forefoot sole flare, which also makes for a centered ride. The flare is not too excessive, so it also doesn't get in the way. The final major component that makes the shoe stable is the stiffer and firmer sole. While there is a mild guidance line through the length of the shoe that helps facilitate forward motion, the torsional stiffness and firmness of the shoe adds further structure and centeredness to the shoe. So while this is not a stability shoe, the shoe is definitely stable neutral throughout the length of the shoe.
Thoughts as a DPT: What is Lace Bite?
By Matthew Klein
A common experience among runners who tie their laces too tightly is lace bite. Lace bite refers to irritation or inflammation of the tendons on the top (dorsum) of the foot. These tendons are from the extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus muscles (and sometimes anterior tibialis), which function to extend the toes and dorsiflex the ankle. The toe extensor tendons are highly exposed on the top of the foot. To stabilize them and keep them on the foot, they are covered by a sheath. The tendons must move underneath this sheath, and excessive pressure can impair that movement. A shoe tongue that isn't thick enough and/or laces that are tied too tightly can create excessive pressure that not only impairs that movement but causes additional friction on and underneath the sheath. This is what can cause irritation of both the tendons and the sheath. This can lead to mild irritations for some and more aggravating symptoms with some people experiencing an inflammatory response.
The treatment for this is to remove the irritating agent, ie loosen up the laces. Several lacing techniques can be used to avoid pressure, including the Lydiard style of lacing and skipping the lace cross where the irritation is occurring. It caught quick enough; this will usually resolve within a few minutes if the laces are adjusted immediately. If it gets more irritated, it can take 24-48 hours for symptoms to calm down. Those who have longer symptoms may need some additional medical management, but most will recover fine on their own. This is why tongue development and design is so important, ie appropriately protecting the top of the foot and securing the foot with gussetting so the laces don't have to be tied so tightly.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: The weight drop of the Nimbus 28 is awesome, but the trade-off takes away what makes the Nimbus series special. The midsole is far firmer than expected, which overlaps with the firmer, more responsive midsoles of the lighter shoes in the ASICS line-up. My biggest suggestions are therefore to soften the midsole and to fix the tongue.
The softening of the midsole needs to come from a few parts. The first is the lengthen the forefoot rocker so the transition is smooth and less stiff, which may make the geometry less aggressive and may feel softer. Since this is still supposed to be FF Blast Plus, I believe the more aggressive geometry is what makes the shoe firmer, but no midsole is the same even between models, so the material may need to be softened.
The second major suggestion is to fix the tongue. A little padding isn't a bad thing, especially when used strategically to protect the top of the foot from the laces. Since the fit is a little wider than the last version, I would add a little bit of strategic padding to disperse pressure better across the top of the foot.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 is a firmer, snappier premium daily trainer for those who want a non-mushy shoe for easy, long and uptempo miles. The upper will work best for those wanting a wider forefoot, are not bothered by some toe box tapering and want a thin gusseted tongue (just be careful of tying the laces too tight). The sole will work best for those who want a firmer, snappier foam with tons of shoe underfoot with a lower drop feeling ride. The Nimbus 28 is a bit of a conundrum, given that "premium" is usually associated with softer cushioning. In this case, the premium comes from lighter weight, which will certainly work for some.
The current iteration of the Nimbus feels like a combination of the Nimbus Lite series and the Nimbus, but with a far better heel bevel (PS: ASICS I loved the Kayano Lite why did you kill it...). The $170 price tag is a little high for something this firm but despite the sparse outsole material, the shoe is lasting quite well at 50 miles so far. I will continue to get miles on this shoe to see if it holds up, but for now the Nimbus series has taken a different direction. I just hope ASICS is able to adequately differentiate the Nimbus from the Cumulus and its other shoes. The Novablast and GlideRide Max are still lighter and softer, so some work needs to go into making sure each shoe has a distinctive place in the vast ASICS line up.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: B+ (Slightly wider fit that stretches over time. Thinner knit upper with padded heel. Lace bit from thin tongue requires adjusting the midfoot)
Performance: A- (Cushioned but firmer and snappier ride. Pace versatility from long runs to uptempo runs. Light for stack height. Feels closer to a 5-6mm drop than 8)
Stability: A [Stable Neutral] (Wide midfoot/sole, significant sidewalls, stiffer ride)
Value: B+ (Not as cushioned as prior models with some concerns about outsole durability, but so far things are holding up well)
Personal: A- (I really like the snapper, firmer, quicker ride and how stable this shoe is. A little annoyed with the upper but was able to fix it. I tend to prefer firmer shoes, so not sure if others will like the Nimbus 28 as much as I do.
Overall Design: A-
SHOP | SUPPORT DORASICS Gel Nimbus 28Price: $169.95 at Running Warehouse
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FURTHER READING
ASICS highly rockered training shoe.
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