Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 Review: Max Cushion, Zero Comfort Compromise

Released on January 9, 2026, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 is Asics' premium comfort weapon. With its new FF Blast Plus foam, a reworked PureGEL (65% softer than standard GEL) and a weight kept down to 281 g (24 g less than the 27), it has one goal: to carry you through your marathon long runs without ever letting you down. We put it through its paces to see whether the 28th version really lives up to its reputation.

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28: Asics' premium mileage machine

For 25 years, the Nimbus line has been Asics' benchmark max-cushion daily trainer. Year after year, Asics refines the recipe without ever reinventing it. The Nimbus 28 sticks to that rule: it keeps the DNA of the 27 (maximalist stack height, moderate drop, FF Blast Plus) while getting lighter, thanks to a redesigned sole geometry and a reworked PureGEL.

In practice, the Nimbus 28 sheds 24 g compared with the previous version, which puts it at 280 g in a men's EU 42 and around 230 g in a women's EU 39. With 43.5 mm of stack height at the heel, that's an excellent ratio: only the Hoka Clifton 10 (248 g) and the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 (280 g) play in the same league at a similar volume.

RunMorph's advice: the Gel-Nimbus 28 isn't a shoe for every runner. If you want a lively shoe for tempo runs or intervals, look at the Asics Magic Speed 5 or the Asics Superblast 3 instead. The Nimbus 28 is built to eat up miles in zones 1 and 2, not to chase seconds.

© Asics, official photo used for editorial purposes

Objective specs

Three points deserve a closer look. The drop stays at 8 mm, which keeps the Nimbus in a comfortable zone for runners who need heel support, without going all the way to the classic 10 mm. It's the right compromise for an endurance shoe.

The reworked PureGEL is the real technical novelty: Asics claims 65% better shock absorption than traditional GEL, with no weight penalty. On the run, that translates into a softer heel feel, especially noticeable if you're a pronounced heel striker.

Finally, the drop to 281 g (vs 305 g for the 27) is a significant leap. Asics optimized the sole geometry (without making it any thinner) and lightened the upper with a new recycled mesh. For you, that means less fatigue on long runs.

Who is the Gel-Nimbus 28 for?

The marathoner who puts comfort ahead of performance

You're training for your first marathon or coming back after a break. You're aiming for 4 hours or 4:30, not an elite time. You know long runs will be the backbone of your build: 30 km, 32 km, 35 km in your legs is what makes the difference on race day. The Nimbus 28 is exactly the shoe you need for those runs: maximum protection, stability, durability.

The heavier runner (over 80 kg) or overweight runner

The more you weigh, the more cushioning you need. With 43.5 mm of stack height at the heel and its PureGEL, the Nimbus 28 soaks up repeated impacts perfectly. The wide base improves stability, and the Hybrid AsicsGrip + AHAR outsole stands up to the typical wear of heavier runners.

The runner coming back from injury

Plantar fasciitis, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis: when you build back up gradually, you need a shoe that cushions without demanding muscular effort from you. The Nimbus 28 is an excellent comeback shoe, as long as it's not your only pair (you'll need a livelier shoe alongside it once you return to quality sessions).

© Asics, official photo used for editorial purposes

Comfort and step-in feel

The recycled mesh upper is airy, with reinforced midfoot support and a well-padded heel counter. Step-in feel is instantly plush: it's like sliding your foot into a slipper. The padded tongue prevents pressure on the instep, a valuable detail on runs longer than 90 minutes.

The fit is fairly roomy in the forefoot (a bit more than the Nimbus 27), which runners whose feet swell on long runs will appreciate. Asics also offers a Wide version for broader feet, a welcome exception.

On the run

At easy pace (5:00 to 6:30 /km), the Nimbus 28 does exactly what you ask: it disappears underfoot. The subtle rocker helps the heel-to-toe transition, and the FF Blast Plus foam delivers decent energy return without making a big show of it. You don't feel fatigue creeping in, which is exactly what you want over a 60-minute run.

On long runs (1:30 to 3 hours) is where it truly excels. Protection is among the best in its class, stability stays spot-on even as fatigue sets in, and the PureGEL absorbs impacts right to the end. You can cover 35 km without joint or muscle pain.

At tempo pace (4:00 to 4:30 /km), the shoe shows its limits. No carbon plate, no supercritical foam, no pronounced energy return: the Nimbus 28 is protective, not responsive. For those paces, go for a Superblast 3 or a Magic Speed 5.

Outsole and grip

The outsole combines Hybrid AsicsGrip rubber on the forefoot and midfoot with AHAR on the heel (the main wear zone for heel strikers). The tread is wide and ground contact is stable, even with slightly uneven foot strikes.

Grip on dry surfaces is total; in the wet it's decent without being exceptional. Durability is excellent: expect 800 to 1,000 km of life, one of the best in its class thanks to the AHAR + AsicsGrip combination.

© Asics, official photo used for editorial purposes

How it stacks up against the competition

The Gel-Nimbus 28 enters the crowded premium max-cushion daily trainer segment. Here's how it compares with the benchmarks:

Hoka Clifton 10 (€155, 248 g, 8 mm drop, 42/34 stack): lighter, cheaper, same drop. The Clifton 10 has a more pronounced rocker and a livelier stride. The Nimbus 28 is more protective and softer at the heel.

Brooks Ghost 18 (€150, 289 g, 10 mm drop, 36/26 stack): more affordable, higher drop, less foam. The Ghost 18 is versatile across all paces; the Nimbus 28 specializes in long runs with better cushioning.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 (€180, 280 g, 6 mm drop, 38/32 stack): lower drop, bouncier ride. The 1080v15 is livelier on pickups; the Nimbus 28 is more stable and protective.

Saucony Triumph 23 (€180): very similar positioning, PWRRUN PB foam. The Triumph 23 is bouncier; the Nimbus 28 is more stable and roomier in the forefoot.

Head-to-head verdict: the Gel-Nimbus 28 is the ultimate comfort shoe for the amateur marathoner. Not the most responsive, not the cheapest, but probably the most protective in its class.

How to fit the Gel-Nimbus 28 into your RunMorph training plan

As a coach, here's where I'd put the Gel-Nimbus 28 in the rotation of a runner training for a marathon:

Easy runs and base endurance: yes, no reservations. This is its comfort zone. 80% of your weekly mileage can be done in it.

Long run (90 minutes to 3 hours): this is where it excels. Protection, stability, shock absorption: the Nimbus 28 is a benchmark for this session.

Tempo and threshold: no, not its territory. Switch to an Asics Superblast 3 or a Hoka Mach 7 for those paces.

Intervals: no. Too much weight, too much stack height for fast paces.

Racing: fine up to a comfortable half marathon, not recommended if you're chasing a time. On race day, go for a carbon super shoe (Adios Pro Evo 3, Vaporfly 4 or similar).

To structure your marathon build around a cornerstone shoe like this one, check out the RunMorph training plans: they guide you on pacing and the right shoe rotation.

© Asics, official photo used for editorial purposes

RunMorph Coach verdict

In 2026, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 is one of the best max-cushion daily trainers on the market. The 24 g saved over the 27, the new, more dynamic geometry and the reworked PureGEL make it more versatile than it has ever been. It stays true to the Nimbus DNA (protection, durability, stability) while gaining lightness and smoothness.

At €180, value for money is fair but not exceptional: the Brooks Ghost 18 and the Hoka Clifton 10 cost €25 to €30 less for comparable uses. Here you're paying for the Asics name and the PureGEL, which make a real difference on very long runs (3 hours and up).

RunMorph score: 8.5/10. It loses a point on price and half a point for its lack of pop at fast paces. It earns all its credit on protection, durability and consistency with the line's philosophy.

Key takeaways for your training

• Long-run specialist: the Nimbus 28 is built for 90-minute to 3-hour sessions, where comfort matters more than speed.
• 24 g lighter than the 27: not a trivial detail, it changes how the shoe feels on the run and reduces fatigue.
• Next-gen PureGEL: 65% softer than standard GEL, with heel shock absorption among the best in its class.
• Excellent lifespan: 800 to 1,000 km thanks to the Hybrid AsicsGrip + AHAR outsole.
• Pair it with a livelier shoe: the Nimbus 28 can't do it all, so add a Superblast 3 or similar for tempo work.