Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 Review

Name: Asics GEL-Nimbus 27
Brand: Asics

Founder & Lead Editor

Federico D'anna

Federico D'anna has spent 9 years reviewing sneakers with a methodology built on hands-on wear notes, side-by-side comparisons, and verified buyer feedback.

Learn more about Federico D'anna

Highlights

Positive

Experience ultimate cloud-like comfort with the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, offering exceptional cushioning for recovery runs and long-distance training.
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 boasts premium build quality and maximum cushioning, ideal for beginner runners or those prioritizing comfort above all.

Negative

The Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 can feel heavy, lacks versatility for varied paces, and some users report forefoot fit issues.

Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 Sizing & Fit Guide

The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 sets a benchmark in high-cushion performance, delivering an exceptionally comfortable daily training option that fits true to size (TTS) in linear length. Featuring a redesigned single-layer engineered jacquard mesh upper, the model provides a snug, structurally locked midfoot fit that eliminates heel slippage entirely. Its updated toe box geometry expands horizontally to allow comfortable toe splay and provide necessary lateral relief during long-distance training, making it an excellent match for runners managing foot swelling or metatarsal pressure.

Compare your current pair to find the best size match.

Swipe right to see fit notes.

Reference Shoe	Your Usual US	Buy in US	Your Usual EU	Buy in EU	Fit Notes
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 26	10	10	44	44	The GEL-Nimbus 27 offers a wider, less tapered toe box and deeper vertical depth in the forefoot compared to the shallower, narrower profile of the Nimbus 26. Standard-to-narrow feet will experience a more accommodating fit in the exact same size. However, because the single-layer jacquard mesh on the 27 is lighter and less restrictive than the 26's thick knit, runners with highly shallow feet might feel the upper is slightly loose and need to utilize a runner's knot to prevent midfoot shifting.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14	10	10	44	44	The New Balance 1080 v14 features a snugger midfoot wrap and a stiffer, lower-volume toe box cover that frequently presses down on the toes. While both models run true to length, the GEL-Nimbus 27 provides significantly more horizontal room and freedom in the forefoot. Runners who historically sized up a half-size in the New Balance solely as a compensation factor to alleviate vertical toe pressure should return to their true standard length (TTS) in the GEL-Nimbus 27.
Brooks Glycerin Max	10	10	44	44	Both models fit true to size regarding linear length. However, the Glycerin Max lacks alternative width configurations and has a strictly moderate toe box width. The GEL-Nimbus 27 provides a wider forefoot platform and offers standard, wide, and extra-wide options. Wide-footed runners do not need to size up in length to find lateral relief; they can confidently select their true length size in an expanded ASICS width SKU.
Hoka Clifton 10	10	10 (Standard) or 10.5 (For high insteps)	44	44 (Standard) or 44.5 (For high insteps)	The Clifton 10 provides generous vertical volume over the instep with a highly accommodating upper architecture. Conversely, the GEL-Nimbus 27 features a lower vertical clearance across the top of the foot and a more tapered standard ceiling. Runners with average feet can stick true to size, but those with exceptionally high insteps or high-volume feet may find the top of the Nimbus 27 too tight, necessitating either a half-size increase or transitioning to a dedicated wide version to gain vertical space.

Does the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 run true to size?

Yes, the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 runs true to size in terms of linear length based on comprehensive tracking data and laboratory measurements. Ordering your standard running shoe size provides an accurate fit with ample room at the front to prevent toe bruising over high mileages. While the vertical clearance directly over the toes and instep is relatively low-volume, the structured engineered jacquard mesh upper will adapt, stretch, and mold specifically to the contours of your foot after a brief break-in period of 10 to 15 miles.

Is the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 good for wide feet?

The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 is highly suitable for wide feet due to an updated, wider, and less tapered toe box geometry compared to previous iterations. The forefoot platform measures approximately 98.4 mm at its widest point, providing excellent lateral space for natural toe splay and unavoidable foot swelling during long endurance efforts. Furthermore, ASICS offers comprehensive wide and extra-wide selections—Standard (D), Wide (2E), and Extra-Wide (4E) for men; Narrow (A), Standard (B), and Wide (D) for women—ensuring wide-footed individuals can achieve an anatomically correct fit without having to size up in length.

How is the arch support on the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27?

Because the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 is classified as a neutral running shoe, it does not feature aggressive or rigid medial arch posts. Instead, it relies on exceptional inherent stability built directly into the midsole geometry. The footprint of the FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam is remarkably broad through the heel and forefoot to counteract lateral rolling, while the foam sidewalls wrap upward to cradle and center the heel during impact. This layout provides dependable, non-intrusive support for neutral runners, mild underpronators, and mild overpronators, while its deep heel pocket easily accommodates custom orthotics.

Ready to experience the Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 Review?

Get yours today with fast shipping from Amazon

Men's Sizes Women's Sizes

It feels like we were just talking about the big Nimbus 25 overhaul, when Asics turned a classic daily trainer into a maximalist beast. Now we’ve got the Asics GEL-Nimbus 27, and honestly, the changes feel more settled and intentional. If you’ve followed this line, you know the whole point has always been comfort. The real question is whether the 27 actually moves the needle, or if it’s mostly a refresh of the same ride.

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 (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

Infographic of the Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 highlighting cloud-like cushioning and recovery comfort, beginner-friendly design and drawbacks such as heavy feel for speed workouts and limited versatility as an all-in-one trainer. — Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 infographic emphasizing its cloud-like cushioning, sustainable build, and long-distance support—plus cautions about its heavy feel for speed, polarizing forefoot fit, and limited versatility for all run types.

What Makes Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 Stand Out?

When you buy a Nimbus, you’re not buying it to feel the ground. You’re buying it to forget the ground exists. The GEL-Nimbus 27 sticks to that mission, but it tightens up a few details in a way a lot of runners will appreciate.

The big story is the refined FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam paired with the new Engineered Jacquard Mesh upper. The Nimbus 26 was plenty cushioned, but that knit upper could run warm. Asics swapped it for a lighter, more breathable mesh that still wraps the foot securely.

What’s impressive is how stable it stays at this height. With a stack this tall (43.5mm in the heel for men!), you’d expect wobble. But the wider base and smart geometry keep the ride surprisingly steady for a neutral shoe. One reviewer summed it up well: a "luxurious, cloud-like cushioning experience that effectively absorbs impact". That sense of luxury is what separates it from a typical daily trainer.

Real Customer Experiences

Since the shoe dropped in early 2025, feedback from early adopters and reviewers has been steady. The tone is overwhelmingly positive on comfort, with the usual caveats around 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

The construction is where the Nimbus 27 justifies the price tag.

Upper: A Breath of Fresh Air

The big story is the Engineered Jacquard Mesh. It moves away from the stretchy knit of the last version. Knit looks great, but it traps heat. This mesh is lighter, soft, and made with at least 75% recycled content. It locks the midfoot down without feeling overly restrictive. You also get a stretchy knit tongue and a seriously plush heel collar that hugs the ankle.

Midsole: The Marshmallow Core

The midsole uses FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam, which is about 20–24% bio-based (sugar cane derived). They added 2mm of stack compared to the 26, bringing the heel to a towering 43.5mm (Men). Deep in the heel sits PureGEL™ technology. You can’t see it like the old-school Gel windows, but you’ll feel it. It’s lighter and softer than traditional gel, built to absorb shock on 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 weighs around 305g (10.7 oz) for a US Men's 9. That’s not light. It’s a cruiserweight. The trade-off is durability: the outsole rubber is hard (measured at 89.4 HC durometer), so it’s built to last for hundreds of miles.

Comfort and Fit

If you’re looking at a Nimbus, comfort is probably priority number one. The GEL-Nimbus 27 delivers that in a big way.

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

Some shoes feel stiff straight out of the box. This one is mostly ready to go, but a few users mention a short “get to know you” phase. Think 10 to 50 miles for the heel cushioning to soften and mold to your stride. One reviewer said it took about 50 miles for a toe-guard pressure point to disappear, so don’t panic if mile one feels a little different.

"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:

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

However, don’t use these for CrossFit or lateral gym movements. The stack is way too high, and you’re asking for an ankle roll.

Quality and Durability

At this price, you want the shoe 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.

Scenario ↓ / Criterion →	Comfort	Breathability	Rain/Grip	Style
Easy Runs (10k-21k)	✓	✓	✓	✓
Daily Walking / Standing	✓	✓	✓	✓
Tempo / Speed Work	○	✓	✓	✕

Legend: ✓ = Good ○ = Average ✕ = Poor

Who Should Buy

Perfect For

The "Cruiser": You run to clear your head, not to beat the clock. You want the softest landing possible.
The High-Mileage Runner: You log 40+ miles a week and need a shoe that protects your legs from the pounding.
The Heavy Striker: If you have a heavier build (\>85kg), the massive stack of foam provides protection that lesser shoes simply can't match.
The Wide-Footed Runner: Finally, a premium shoe that offers 2E and 4E widths that actually feel accommodating.
The Recovery Warrior: You need a specific shoe for those days when your legs feel like lead and you need a gentle hug for your feet.

Consider Alternatives If

The Speed Demon: If you're looking for ground contact, energy return, and a snappy toe-off for intervals, this shoe will feel like running in wet sand boots. Look at the Superblast or Novablast instead.
The Trail Explorer: The exposed foam on the outsole is not built for rocks and roots. Stick to the pavement.
The Minimalist: If you like 0mm drop and feeling the texture of the asphalt, the 43.5mm stack height will be your nightmare.
The Budget Conscious: If you already own the Nimbus 26 and it still has life, the upgrade isn't revolutionary enough to demand an immediate purchase.

Final Verdict

The Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 isn't trying to reinvent the wheel—it's just making the wheel much, much softer. It is a premium, high-mileage workhorse that successfully addresses the breathability issues of its predecessor while maintaining that signature cloud-like ride.

Is it exciting? Honestly, not really. It's not going to propel you to a PR. But that's not the point. It's reliable, protective, and luxuriously comfortable. It's the shoe you grab when you're tired, when you're sore, or when you just want to enjoy the run without thinking about your feet. If you want "ultimate comfort and protection" for the long haul, this is currently the gold standard.

Shop Men's Shop Women's

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our site so we can keep bringing you the best content!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of running is the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 best for?

The Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 is a specialized shoe that excels at providing maximum cushion for walking, standing for long periods, and slow-paced running. While perfect for recovery and easy runs, its versatility is a significant limitation, as it can feel heavy and sluggish during faster efforts.

Is the Gel-Nimbus 27 too heavy for speed workouts?

For many runners, yes. The Nimbus 27 is tuned for comfort-first cruising—easy runs, recovery miles, and long steady efforts—so it can feel bulky and sluggish when you try to push pace. If you want something better for tempo runs or mixed workouts, models like the Novablast or Superblast tend to feel much more responsive.

Does the premium price of the Gel-Nimbus 27 offer good value?

Its value depends on your needs. For runners prioritizing maximum cushioning for recovery, the superior comfort offers an excellent return. However, its value weakens for those seeking a versatile daily trainer, as competitors like the Nova Blast or New Balance 1080 provide better all-around value for the price.