Asics Gel Nimbus 27 Review: The Ultimate Guide to Max Cushion Comfort in 2025
The Asics Gel Nimbus 27 has arrived, promising to elevate the legacy of one of the most beloved max-cushion daily trainers in the running world. With subtle yet impactful updates, this shoe aims to deliver unparalleled comfort for easy runs, long distances, and recovery days. Priced at £180 ($165), it’s a premium offering that blends cutting-edge technology with a familiar Nimbus feel. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore every facet of the Gel Nimbus 27—from its redesigned upper to its enhanced midsole and outsole grip—while comparing it to its predecessors and competitors. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a newcomer seeking a reliable, cushioned ride, this guide will help you decide if the Nimbus 27 deserves a spot in your rotation.
🏃 Design and Construction: What’s New in the Nimbus 27?
The Asics Gel Nimbus 27 builds on the foundation laid by its predecessors, particularly the Gel Nimbus 25 and 26, while introducing refinements that enhance comfort and performance. Let’s break down its key components and how they’ve evolved.
🔍 Upper: A Breathable Upgrade
The most noticeable change in the Gel Nimbus 27 is its upper, which transitions from the knit material of the Gel Nimbus 26 to a new engineered Jacquard mesh. This shift brings several benefits:
- Breathability: The Jacquard mesh offers improved ventilation, making it ideal for runners in warmer climates or those prone to sweaty feet.
- Structure: While still roomy, the upper provides a slightly more structured feel than the knit of the 26, enhancing lockdown without sacrificing comfort.
- Sustainability: Comprising 75% recycled content, it aligns with growing eco-conscious trends in footwear.
The tongue remains a standout feature—thin, stretchy, and knit with a gusseted design to prevent slippage. Paired with a plush, padded heel collar and a generous pull tab, the upper screams premium comfort. Runners with average to narrow feet will find the standard width accommodating, while wide and extra-wide options cater to broader foot shapes.
🛠 Midsole: More Cushion, Same Weight
At the heart of the Gel Nimbus 27 lies its midsole, featuring Asics’ FF Blast Plus Eco foam. This bio-based foam (24% bio-content) has been reformulated to be softer and more responsive, with an increased stack height:
- Stack Height: 43.5 mm in the heel and 35.5 mm in the forefoot for men (42.5 mm heel, 34.5 mm forefoot for women), up 2 mm from the Nimbus 26.
- Drop: Consistent 8 mm drop across both genders.
- Weight: 306g (10.8 oz) in a US men’s size 9, remarkably unchanged despite the added foam.
The Pure Gel insert under the heel, a hexagonal slab designed for shock absorption, complements the foam’s plushness. An Ortholite X55 sockliner adds a touch of step-in softness, rounding out a midsole built for long-haul protection.
👟 Outsole: Subtle Tweaks for Grip
The outsole features Asics’ Hybrid Asics Grip rubber, strategically placed to balance durability and traction. While not a drastic overhaul, the design has been refined:
- Reduced Rubber: Cutouts in the forefoot and a central channel slightly reduce rubber coverage, helping maintain weight neutrality.
- Traction: The grip is reliable on roads and pavements, even in wet conditions, though it falls short of the stickiest outsoles on the market.
This configuration suits the Nimbus 27’s intended use—easy runs on predictable surfaces—while offering enough versatility for light trails.
📏 Fit and Sizing: Roomy Yet Secure
The Gel Nimbus 27 fits true to size, consistent with previous iterations and most Asics running shoes. Here’s what runners can expect:
- Toe Box: Spacious and flexible, ideal for toe splay during long runs. Some testers noted it might feel overly roomy for narrower feet, though lockdown remains solid.
- Midfoot: A modernized lacing system—blending traditional eyelets with cord-like supports—replaces the ghillie loops of the Nimbus 26, offering a secure yet comfortable hold.
- Heel: A stiff heel counter paired with ample padding ensures stability without irritating the Achilles.
Available in standard, wide, and extra-wide widths (the latter primarily in the US), the Nimbus 27 accommodates a broad range of foot shapes. For a US men’s size 9, the fit aligns with expectations for a max-cushion trainer—generous yet controlled.
🏞️ Ride and Performance: Plush Comfort Meets Subtle Snap
The Gel Nimbus 27 is engineered for comfort over speed, excelling in its niche as a recovery and long-run shoe. Let’s dive into how it performs on the road.
🛌 Cushioning and Comfort
The reformulated FF Blast Plus Eco foam delivers a noticeably softer ride than the Nimbus 26, with the added 2 mm of stack height amplifying underfoot protection. Key impressions include:
- Plushness: The midsole absorbs impact effortlessly, making it a leg-saver for slow, easy runs or post-workout recovery.
- Responsiveness: A slight uptick in energy return adds a hint of bounce, though it’s not enough to transform this into a tempo shoe.
- Geometry: A gentle forefoot rocker aids transitions, smoothing out the stride for heel and midfoot strikers alike.
For runs ranging from 10 km (6.2 miles) to 40 km (24.9 miles), the Nimbus 27 remains a reliable companion, disappearing underfoot as you rack up the kilometers.
⚡ Versatility: Can It Pick Up the Pace?
While not designed for speed, the Nimbus 27 handles moderate efforts better than expected:
- Marathon Pace: Testers found it workable up to around 4:30/km (7:15/mile), though its 306g (10.8 oz) weight becomes noticeable at higher cadences.
- Limitations: Beyond steady paces, the shoe feels “slappy” and cumbersome, lacking the snappy transitions of lighter competitors.
This subtle versatility makes it a viable option for runners seeking a single-shoe solution, though dedicated speedwork calls for alternatives like the Asics Superblast 2.
🏋️ Stability: A Solid Foundation
Despite its max-stack height, the Nimbus 27 offers impressive stability for a neutral shoe:
- Wide Base: A broad platform and sole flare enhance ground contact, reducing wobble.
- Foam Tuning: The softer foam sacrifices a touch of the Nimbus 26’s firmness, but the overall structure keeps it composed on straightaways and gentle curves.
Heavier runners or those logging high mileage will appreciate this balance of cushioning and support.
🌧️ Durability and Traction: Built to Last
The Gel Nimbus 27 is a workhorse designed for longevity:
- Midsole Durability: With minimal compression after 60 km (37.3 miles) of testing, the foam promises to hold up beyond 800 km (497 miles).
- Outsole Wear: The Hybrid Asics Grip shows light scuffing in high-impact zones (e.g., heel), but exposed midsole areas remain intact, suggesting a lifespan competitive with premium trainers.
Traction is adequate for roads and pavements, performing well in wet conditions but lagging behind grippier options like the Brooks Glycerin 22 on slick surfaces.
⚖️ Comparison: Nimbus 27 vs. Predecessors and Rivals
How does the Gel Nimbus 27 stack up against its lineage and the competition? Let’s analyze.
📜 Nimbus 27 vs. Nimbus 26 and 25
| Feature | Nimbus 27 | Nimbus 26 | Nimbus 25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (US 9) | 306g (10.8 oz) | 306g (10.8 oz) | 306g (10.8 oz) |
| Stack (Heel) | 43.5 mm | 41.5 mm | 41 mm |
| Upper | Jacquard Mesh | Knit | Knit |
| Foam | FF Blast Plus Eco | FF Blast Plus Eco | FF Blast Plus Eco |
| Ride | Softer, Slightly Snappy | Firm, Stable | Dull, Stable |
- Vs. Nimbus 26: The 27 offers a plusher, more breathable ride with a smoother transition, though it loses a smidge of stability.
- Vs. Nimbus 25: A clearer upgrade, with improved geometry and softness addressing the 25’s “dull” feel.
🌍 Nimbus 27 vs. Competitors
| Shoe | Weight (US 9) | Stack (Heel) | Price | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asics Gel Nimbus 27 | 306g (10.8 oz) | 43.5 mm | $165 | Max Comfort |
| Asics Novablast 5 | 255g (9.0 oz) | 41 mm | $140 | Versatility |
| Brooks Glycerin 22 | 289g (10.2 oz) | 38 mm | $165 | Smooth Ride |
| New Balance 1080 v14 | 285g (10.1 oz) | 40 mm | $165 | Lightweight Energy |
| Hoka Bondi 9 | 310g (10.9 oz) | 39 mm | $165 | Firm Stability |
- Novablast 5: Lighter and more versatile, but less cushioned.
- Glycerin 22: A softer, smoother alternative with better grip.
- 1080 v14: Snappier and lighter, ideal for mixed paces.
- Bondi 9: Firmer and less plush, better for all-day wear.
👍 Pros and Cons: Is It Worth the Investment?
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for easy and long runs.
- Breathable, premium upper with a secure fit.
- Durable construction for high mileage.
- Subtle responsiveness adds versatility.
Cons
- Heavy at 306g (10.8 oz), limiting speed potential.
- Premium price (£180/$165) vs. lighter, cheaper rivals.
- Grip is adequate but not class-leading.
🎯 Who Should Buy the Gel Nimbus 27?
The Gel Nimbus 27 shines for:
- Comfort Seekers: Runners prioritizing plush cushioning over speed.
- Long-Distance Runners: Ideal for marathons or recovery runs beyond 15 km (9.3 miles).
- Heavier Runners: Its stability and durability suit higher body weights.
- Nimbus Fans: An upgrade that refines, not reinvents, the classic formula.
If versatility or value is your priority, consider the Novablast 5 or New Balance 1080 v14 instead.
💡 Final Verdict: A Comfort King Evolves
The Asics Gel Nimbus 27 doesn’t rewrite the rulebook but refines an already stellar recipe. Its softer ride, breathable upper, and steadfast durability make it a top-tier choice for runners craving max cushioning in 2025. While its weight and price tag limit its appeal for speed-focused athletes, it excels in its lane—delivering a plush, protective experience that’s hard to beat. If your runs are about soaking up miles with a smile, the Nimbus 27 is a worthy contender.
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