ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 vs ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
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
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.
Similar category but Nimbus is a neutral max-cushion shoe; Kayano adds stability without dramatically changing the feel
Nimbus 28 is softer, lighter-feeling, and more versatile with more energy return, but the Kayano 32 offers superior stability, firmer more controlled landings, and better outsole durability.
Nimbus 28 is streamlined a bit to differentiate from the Kayano
ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , mild_stability stability .
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A softer, better-balanced Kayano than before — comfortable and durable stability shoe for easy running and overpronators, though heavy with mediocre energy return.
Ride:Softer than previous Kayano versions with a natural, non-intrusive stability feel; best suited to easy running only.
In their words: "still one of the best stability shoes out on the market"
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Briefly mentioned as a stability daily trainer option for runners who need more support.
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The Kayano 33 successfully updates the heritage stability formula with a more universal fluid support structure and a wider, more comfortable fit than the 32, while adding forefoot pop and bringing weight down to 10.5 oz — making it a credible everyday trainer and marathon option for stability-seeking runners.
Ride:Dual-density FF Blast midsole with softer top layer and firmer base. Fluid stability structure wraps around the whole foot (wishbone-like outsole pattern) for more universal stability than the medial-specific 32. More forefoot pop-off than previous versions. Less clunky and stiff than older Kayanos.
Fit:Runs wider than the 32; reviewer went from 4E in the 32 to a standard D in the 33 — those who needed an extra width or half size up on the 32 may be true to size in the 33.
In their words: "more universally stable" · "stable, it's bouncy, it's got support" · "fluid feel to it"
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The introduction of Flight Foam Blast Max transforms the Kayano 33's ride into something dramatically softer than its predecessor, but at 314g and £180 it remains overpriced and overweight — the reviewer prefers the cheaper Saucony Omni ST 23 and Nike Structure Plus for most stability-seeking runners.
Ride:Ride massively improved over the Kayano 32 due to the new Flight Foam Blast Max top layer — much softer underfoot. Firmer Blast Plus on the bottom stiffens and stabilises the ride. Pure GEL tech in the heel adds cushioning. Full-length rubber outsole and wide base enhance inherent stability. New Fluid Support geometry system felt no different from previous 4D Guidance to the reviewer.
Fit:Fits true to size with a decent-width heel and acceptable lacing lockdown.
In their words: "night and day compared to the previous model" · "massively over-engineered" · "built-up support for people who really need it"
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , firm_responsive feel , low energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.
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An ultra-comfortable, max-cushioned easy-day shoe that doubles as an all-day casual/walking shoe, at the cost of being heavy and pricey for what is now dated foam.
Ride:A big slab of FF Blast Plus foam that prioritizes comfort over speed; amazingly stretchy knit tongue and heavy heel padding.
In their words: "definitely one of the most comfortable shoes out there"
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Grouped with shoes the hosts wouldn't personally pick in any category, viewed as unable to function well outside easy cushioned running.
Ride:Very cushioned but seen as limited to pure easy-day use
In their words: "wouldn't pick in any category" · "don't think they're winners for me"
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Briefly mentioned as a very good ASICS daily trainer option alongside the Kayano.
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Maximum comfort shoe for heel strikers featuring FF Blast Plus, a knit tongue, and plush memory foam heel cup padding; provides similar ride to Cumulus but with more cushioning.
In their words: "maximum level of comfort" · "plush, comfortable memory foam type padding" · "knit tongue just like in the Cumulus, which I absolutely love"
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-Kayano 33 if
- Overpronators and stability seekers who want a durable, cushioned daily trainer or marathon shoe that remains runnable and lighter than legacy Kayanos. — Run Moore
- Overpronating or stability-seeking runners who want a comfortable, supportive daily trainer for easy and long runs — The Run Testers
- Daily training and long runs for overpronators seeking a stable, cushioned shoe; suitable for marathon runners — Run Moore
- Runners who genuinely need maximum built-up stability support, particularly those with notable overpronation. — FORDY RUNS
- Runners who want stable-neutral feeling without a prominent medial post, or those needing forefoot stability; better fit for orthotic use than the Adrenaline — Doctors of Running
- Runners who need stability in a daily trainer — Ben Is Running
Consider the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 if
- Max-cushion easy daily training, recovery runs, treadmill miles, and all-day comfort. — Kofuzi
- Easy runs, recovery runs, and longer runs at easy pace for neutral runners who want plush cushioning with moderate stability. — 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
- Plush, comfortable easy and recovery runs, long base-building miles, and beginner-friendly cushioned daily use. — The Run Testers
- Runners who liked recent Nimbus versions (25, 26, 27) and want a lighter, faster-feeling max-stack daily trainer. — FORDY RUNS
- Easy runs for runners wanting cushioned comfort — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 and the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28?
The ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 is a daily trainer and the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is a recovery / easy. By the numbers, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 weighs 295g, has a 41mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 weighs 272g, has a 42mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $170 for the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 and $170 for the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28.
Should I buy the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 or the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28?
Run Moore on the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33: Overpronators and stability seekers who want a durable, cushioned daily trainer or marathon shoe that remains runnable and lighter than legacy Kayanos. Kofuzi on the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28: Max-cushion easy daily training, recovery runs, treadmill miles, and all-day comfort.
Per Run Moore, Kofuzi.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 and the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28?
Yes — The Run Testers and EDDBUD directly compared the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 and the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, EDDBUD.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 or the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28?
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is lighter, at 272g versus 295g (men's 9) — about 23g less.