This ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 review covers the brand's max-cushion flagship. It costs about $170 at full price and weighs 281 g in the men's, lighter than the Nimbus 27. Independent testers praise the step-in comfort, shock absorption and stability for its size. It has poor energy return and a second US price increase, so it is a comfort shoe, not a speed shoe. Best for: runners and walkers who want maximum comfort and a stable ride.
Illustration drawn from the product’s specs — see the brand’s site for real photos and colors.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 Review (2026): $170?
3.8/5
our rating
our rating
$170Full price on ASICS’s site, checked Oct 7, 2026
Best for: Runners and walkers who want maximum comfort and a stable ride.
Skip it if: You want bounce and speed or a lower price.
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. Brands can’t pay for placement, and it never changes our picks. How we make money.
What we like
- True max-stack midsole with very good step-in comfort
- High shock absorption
- Lighter than the Nimbus 27 (281 g men's)
- Stable despite the stack and a grippy outsole
- Strong lockdown and good for cold weather
Watch out for
- Poor energy return
- Second consecutive US price increase
- Breathability could be better
On this page
Fit and sizing
RunRepeat's 69 owner votes call the Nimbus 28 true to size, with strong lockdown. ASICS offers Normal, Wide and X-Wide in the men's and Narrow, Normal and Wide in the women's, per RunRepeat. Compare widths in the running shoe finder.
Cushioning and ride
ASICS lists an 8 mm drop; RunRepeat quotes a 43.5 mm heel and 35.5 mm forefoot stack and measured the lab drop lower at 5.2 mm. The FF Blast+ foam with a PureGEL heel insert gives a high-cushion, stable feel. The outsole is a hybrid ASICSGRIP rubber.
How it performs for easy days and long hours on your feet
Reviewers say it suits easy runs and that stability is good despite the height. It also works in cold weather. Many walkers choose it for comfort. See our cushioned running shoes list for other options.
Price and value
At about $170 at full price, it is premium. A Nimbus 29 has been previewed but is not on ASICS's US page yet, so Nimbus 28 deals may appear.
Alternatives
The HOKA Bondi 9, Brooks Glycerin 23 and New Balance 1080v15 are direct rivals. For a lighter ASICS, see the Novablast 6. More on the ASICS brand page.
Who should skip it
Skip the Nimbus 28 if you want bounce, a light shoe or a lower price.
Specs
| For | Men & women |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured) |
| Extended fits | Wide widths |
| Weight | 281 g (9.9 oz) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 8 mm |
| Heel stack | 43.5 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 35.5 mm |
| Cushioning | Soft |
| Support | Neutral |
| Widths | Regular, Wide, X-Wide |
| Plate | None |
| Midsole foam | FF Blast+ with PureGEL |
| Surface | Road |
| Best use | Recovery |
| Good for | Running, Walking, Recovery, All-day standing, Long runs |
The verdict
A soft, stable, comfortable max-cushion trainer. It's expensive and not lively, but for easy miles and long days it is hard to beat. Skip it if you want bounce and speed or a lower price. Ratings here are editorial estimates, not our own testing.
Alternatives to consider
Frequently asked questions
Is the Gel-Nimbus 28 good for walking?
Many walkers choose it for the cushion. If you have lasting foot pain, see a podiatrist. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order.
Is there a Nimbus 29?
A Nimbus 29 has been previewed by third parties, but ASICS's US running page still listed the 28 when we checked. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order.
How much does the Nimbus 28 weigh?
ASICS lists 281 g (9.9 oz) for the men's shoe. Weights are the brand's stated figures for a men's size unless noted, and independent lab weights can differ slightly, so treat them as a guide. Prices move often with sales and new colorways, so treat the list price as a starting point and compare retailers before you buy.
Nimbus or Novablast?
The Nimbus is the plush stable one. The Novablast is lighter and bouncier. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order.
Sources and last checked · Oct 7, 2026
Notes: Official page 2026-10-07: $170, 281 g (9.9 oz), 8 mm drop; widths not listed on page (width selector present). Widths per RunRepeat: men's Normal/Wide/X-Wide; women's Narrow/Normal/Wide. Women's weight 242 g, stack 43.5/35.5 mm per RunRepeat quoting ASICS; lab 278 g, 5.2 mm drop, 39.5/34.3 mm. A Nimbus 29 appears in some third-party previews (gearuptofit lists $165, 295 g, 8 mm) but is not on ASICS's US running page as of 2026-10-07, so we use the 28. Sizing true to size (69 votes). Ratings estimated; we have not tested this shoe.
Specs and prices come from the sources above and change often; ratings are our editorial estimates, not lab tests. Spot something out of date? Tell us.