Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 Complete Review

You know, it feels like just yesterday we were talking about the massive overhaul Asics did with the Nimbus 25, turning a classic daily trainer into a maximalist behemoth. Well, here we are with the Asics GEL-Nimbus 27, and honestly, it feels like the dust has finally settled. If you’ve been following the lineage of this shoe, you know it’s always been about one thing: comfort. But does the 27th iteration actually move the needle, or is it just a fresh coat of paint on a familiar ride? Let’s dive in.

Quick Take

Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Best For: Easy runs, Recovery days, Long slow distance, Heavy runners, Walkers

Key Strengths: Luxurious "cloud-like" cushioning, significantly improved breathability (thank goodbye to the hot knit!), stable neutral ride, exceptional outsole grip

Notable Limitations: A bit heavy/clunky for speed work, exposed midsole foam might worry trail runners, price has ticked up slightly in some regions

Visual Snapshot Summary

What Makes Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 Stand Out?

Here’s the thing: when you buy a Nimbus, you aren't buying it to feel the ground. You’re buying it to forget the ground exists. The GEL-Nimbus 27 doubles down on this philosophy but tweaks the recipe in a way that I think many of you will appreciate.

The standout factor here is really the refinement of the FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam combined with the new Engineered Jacquard Mesh upper. While the Nimbus 26 was comfortable, let’s be real—it could get a little toasty inside that knit upper. Asics listened. They swapped the knit for a lighter, more breathable mesh that wraps the foot without suffocating it.

It’s also fascinating how they’ve managed to keep the stability so high. Usually, when you stack a shoe this high (we’re talking 43.5mm in the heel for men!), it gets wobbly. But thanks to a wider base and some smart geometry, it offers a surprisingly stable ride for a neutral shoe. As one reviewer perfectly put it, the shoe provides a "luxurious, cloud-like cushioning experience that effectively absorbs impact". It’s that feeling of luxury that really separates it from your standard daily trainer.

Real Customer Experiences

Since the shoe dropped in early 2025, the feedback from early adopters and running shoe analysts has been rolling in. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding comfort, though there are the usual caveats about weight.

• ** The "Ahhh" Factor:** Almost every user mentions the immediate step-in comfort. The term "cloud-like" gets thrown around a lot, but in this case, it seems justified by the sheer volume of foam and the OrthoLite X-55 sockliner.
• Heat Management: A major point of relief for long-time fans is the upper. Users are noticing that their feet aren't overheating as much as they did in the Nimbus 26, thanks to that switch to jacquard mesh.
• The Weight Debate: While nobody expects a max-cushion shoe to be a feather, some runners do note that it feels a bit "blocky" or "bulky" when they try to pick up the pace. It’s definitely a cruiser, not a racer.

What people are saying:

"The shoe excels primarily at easy to moderate paces... providing a luxurious, cloud-like cushioning experience."

"The new engineered jacquard mesh... significantly improves breathability compared to the previous knit upper, addressing concerns about warmth."

Design and Build Quality

Let’s get under the hood, shall we? The construction of the Nimbus 27 is where the magic (and the money) happens.

Upper: A Breath of Fresh Air

As I mentioned, the big story is the Engineered Jacquard Mesh. It’s a shift away from the stretchy knit of the past. Why does this matter? Well, knit looks cool, but it holds heat. This new mesh is lightweight, soft, and importantly, made with at least 75% recycled content. It creates a secure midfoot lockdown without feeling like a corset. There’s also a stretchy knit tongue and a ridiculously plush heel collar that essentially hugs your ankle.

Midsole: The Marshmallow Core

The engine room utilizes FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam. This stuff is about 20-24% bio-based (sugar cane derived), which is a nice nod to the planet. They’ve added 2mm of stack height compared to the 26, bringing the heel to a towering 43.5mm (Men). Buried deep in the heel is the PureGEL™ technology. You can’t see it like the old-school Gel windows, but you can feel it. It’s lighter and softer than traditional gel, designed purely to eat up shock when you heel strike.

Outsole: Grip for Days

Asics didn't skimp here. They use HYBRID ASICSGRIP™, which is a mashup of their grippy rubber and their durable AHARPLUS™ rubber in high-wear zones. The traction is generally fantastic, even on wet roads. However, there are significant cutouts to save weight, which exposes the soft midsole foam. If you run on gravel, you might chew that foam up a bit.

Weight and Durability

It tips the scales around 305g (10.7 oz) for a US Men's 9. That’s not light, folks. It’s a cruiserweight. But the trade-off is durability. The outsole rubber is hard (measured at 89.4 HC durometer), meaning it’s built to last for hundreds of miles.

Comfort and Fit

If you’re reading this, comfort is probably your number one priority. And honestly, the GEL-Nimbus 27 delivers in spades.

Sizing and Width

Good news for the wide-footed runners among us: Asics continues to be generous. The shoe generally fits True to Size (TTS). But here is the kicker—the toe box is noticeably roomier than the Nimbus 26. If you felt cramped in the last version, you’ll likely feel a sense of relief here. They offer multiple widths:

• Men: Standard (D), Wide (2E), Extra-Wide (4E).
• Women: Narrow (A), Standard (B), Wide (D).

The Break-in Period

You know how some shoes feel stiff right out of the box? This one is mostly ready to go, but some users report a short "get to know you" phase. We’re talking maybe 10 to 50 miles for the heel cushioning to really soften up and mold to your stride. One reviewer noted it took about 50 miles for a specific pressure point from the toe guard to vanish, so don't panic if it feels slightly distinct on mile one.

"The highly padded heel collar provides a secure hold, resulting in excellent heel lock with no reported tongue slippage."

Style and Versatility

Let’s talk aesthetics. The maximalist trend isn't going anywhere, and the Nimbus 27 embraces that "chunky" look. It’s got a thick sole and a boxy shape that actually vibes pretty well with the current "dad shoe" or "gorpcore" trends seen in lifestyle sneakers.

Is it just for running? Surprisingly, no. Because of that stable platform and plush feel, this shoe is actually a killer option for:

1. Nurses or Retail Workers: Anyone standing on concrete all day will appreciate the stack height.
2. Casual Office Wear: If your workplace is chill, the sleek new colorways can pass as "tech-casual".
3. Walking: It’s arguably one of the best walking shoes on the market due to the rocker geometry.

However, don't try to use these for CrossFit or lateral gym movements. The stack height is way too high; you'll roll an ankle faster than you can say "burpee".

Quality and Durability

When you drop these prices on a shoe, you want it to last. The consensus is that the Nimbus 27 is a "high-mileage workhorse".

• Praise for Longevity: The outsole rubber is tough. Like, really tough. Reviewers are projecting 700-800 km (approx. 450-500 miles) of life out of these, which is above average for soft daily trainers. The foam also seems resilient; it doesn't bottom out or go "dead" quickly.
• Common Issues: The main vulnerability is cosmetic. Because of the weight-saving cutouts in the rubber, the exposed midsole foam will get scuffed and dirty if you run on anything other than pristine asphalt. It won't necessarily ruin the ride, but it might look beat up underneath. Also, watch out for that lace slippage—some found the laces a bit slippery, so double knotting might be mandatory.

Decision Matrix

To help you visualize where this shoe fits in your rotation, check out this matrix. It’s pretty clear where it shines.

Legend: ✓ = Good ○ = Average ✕ = Poor