ASICS Gel-Nimbus v28 vs Nike Vomero Plus
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
The consensus read
Each paragraph is a synthesis across every reviewer in our database for that shoe — what they collectively concluded after wear-testing. Not a quote. Not one person's take. The shape of the room.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus v28
A lighter, more balanced max-cushion trainer that improves on its predecessor with better transitions and modest energy return, though the midsole platform feels dated against newer competitors and limits it to easy paces.
Nike Vomero Plus
A bouncy, full-length ZoomX max-cushion daily trainer that recaptures the liveliness of the original Invincible while adding stability and durability; versatile enough for easy miles through tempo work, though some find it heavy and prefer firmer alternatives.
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Vomero Plus offers more versatility with better kick and rebound at a slightly higher price point of $180
Nimbus 28 is lighter than the Vomero Plus and more consistent underfoot for those who find the Vomero Plus foam too soft
Nimbus is over 20g lighter, more nimble, more responsive; Vomero Plus is plusher and softer but clunkier
Cheaper at £155 and features ZoomX foam, highlighting that the Nimbus needs to step up its foam game.
Vomero Plus is cheaper in the UK and feels like a step up on midsole performance
Vomero Plus is softer and plusher in upper but heavier and clunkier; Nimbus is more nimble and versatile
ASICS Gel-Nimbus v28 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , firm_responsive feel , low energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.
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The Gel-Nimbus 28 is a reliable, comfortable max-cushion shoe that benefits from weight reduction over the previous version, but lacks the excitement or performance edge of competitors. Megan rated it a B overall while Thomas gave it a C, both agreeing it is solid but uninspiring.
Ride:Plush max-cushion ride with a nice roll-through. EVA-based Flight Foam Blast Plus midsole is comfortable but lacks the rebound of more performance-oriented shoes like the Puma MagX 2 or Nike Vomero Plus.
Fit:True to size with no hot spots or rubbing. Heel counter and collar lock in well. Tongue is lighter and less padded than previous version but still comfortable. Upper is slightly more breathable.
In their words: "great for easy days, recovery days" · "very much a max cushion comfortable shoe" · "very sturdy, reliable shoe"
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The reviewers consider the Nimbus 28 the best version of the Gel-Nimbus line yet, praising its improved transition and lighter feel compared to previous versions. They prefer it over the Kayano 32 for its greater versatility and softer ride, though note it remains too heavy and bulky for faster-paced work.
Ride:Softer and more cushioned than the Kayano 32 with a bit more energy return. Noticeable heel compression on heel strikes. More versatile than the Kayano with a slightly lighter feel on foot. Improved heel-to-toe transition compared to previous versions.
Fit:True to size with a roomy toe box and good wiggle room. Thin knit tongue with no padding but comfortable. Spacious forefoot with a bit more give in the upper than the Kayano 32. Good heel lockdown.
In their words: "notably more cushioned and soft" · "favorite one of the gel Nimbus line" · "extra life to the Nimbus 28"
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Kofuzi finds the Nimbus 28 a leaner, more enjoyable max-cushion daily trainer than the 27, with welcome midsole geometry and weight updates, though he thinks the $170 price is too high.
Ride:Leaner and lighter than the 27 with a less dense, airier midsole; foam compresses and decompresses nicely but isn't springy or bouncy; trimmed midsole geometry allows more dynamic compression.
Fit:Fits true to size with the same amount of space as the Nimbus 27; also available in wide and extra wide; very comfortable knit upper with plush heel collar.
In their words: "a leaner, meaner Nimbus" · "a more lively and flexible shoe" · "optimal for my easy daily training miles"
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A good incremental update that shaves meaningful weight and feels lighter and more responsive than version 27, but the platform is starting to lag behind competitors using newer foams and needs a bigger innovation leap next cycle.
Ride:Max stack comfortable daily trainer that feels noticeably lighter and livelier than the previous version; picks up the pace better, felt good down to around 6:45-7:00 min/mile while still cruising nicely at 8:00 min/mile.
Fit:Fits true to size in UK 9.5 but the left shoe rubs the little toe on the outside over 10 miles; wide version is available and recommended for wider feet.
In their words: "definitely feels lighter on foot" · "Definitely feels more alive than the previous version" · "lot lighter, a lot faster feeling"
Nike Vomero Plus — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , low energy return , neutral stability .
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Honorable cushion daily trainer mention — the middle member of the Vomero family with a big stack of ZoomX foam offering comfort, bounce and versatility across paces.
In their words: "from easy runs to faster ones" · "big stack of Nike's bouncy Zumx foam"
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#4 long-run shoe — slid down from where the Invincible 3 sat. Less peppy than predecessor, slightly heavier, overly padded tongue/heel.
In their words: "a little less peppy" · "a little heavier overall" · "unnecessary foam padding in the tongue"
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#10. Best Nike shoe of 2025. Plush comfortable upper, reasonable weight and price, widely available. Great for easy recovery efforts and giving legs a break.
In their words: "Easy recovery vibes" · "the better max cushion shoes" · "best Nike shoe that they've released"
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What they hoped the Vomero would be. Effort is showing in Nike's trainers, not just racers.
Ride:Toned-down Vomero Premium in a more manageable package at ~45mm stack. Neutral and decently stable despite all the ZoomX and Air Zoom. Matt's #5. David's #3. Great versatility — can pick up pace when needed. Durability crushed at 100mi — basically no outsole wear.
In their words: "more manageable package" · "magnificent price point" · "nice and still feel plush"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the ASICS Gel-Nimbus v28 if
- Runners wanting a reliable max-cushion shoe for easy days, walking, and all-day comfort. Also suited for non-runners who need comfortable shoes for standing or walking all day. — Believe in the Run
- Plush, comfortable easy and recovery runs, long base-building miles, and beginner-friendly cushioned daily use. — The Run Testers
- Club runners wanting a do-it-all daily trainer — easy runs, long runs, aerobic efforts, and even marathons for lighter runners. — EDDBUD
- Runners who want a max-cushion neutral trainer that is actually runnable for long distance, not just a walk-around shoe — Run Moore
- Versatile daily training and uptempo miles for runners who want a snappier, firmer Nimbus — Doctors of Running
- Easy runs for runners wanting cushioned comfort — The Run Testers
Consider the Nike Vomero Plus if
- High-mileage daily training, easy runs, long runs, and recovery for runners who want max cushion with more energy and bounce than typical comfort-focused shoes — The Run Testers
- A high-stack do-it-all daily shoe for runners who are not racking up the longest long runs. — Ben Parkes
- Everyday runners who want a great long-run shoe at a lower price and don't want the softness of the Superblast 3 or the narrow fit of the Megablast. — FORDY RUNS
- Runners wanting a max-cushioned daily trainer that can also handle long runs with an uptempo finish, and Invincible fans looking for a replacement. — Ben Is Running
- Runners looking for the spiritual successor to the Nike Invincible 1/2 — a fun, plush, do-it-all daily shoe with enough versatility to race in. — Ben Parkes
- Easy days, recovery runs, and lifestyle/walking use — EDDBUD