ASICS Gel-Kayano 33
ASICS

Gel-Kayano 33

Daily trainer · FF BLAST MAX · no plate

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ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
ASICS

Gel-Nimbus 28

Recovery / easy · FF BLAST PLUS · no plate

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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.

Reviewers cited 6
Ben Parkes, Ben Is Running, Run Moore, and others
Methodology →

Specs at a glance

41 / 33 mm heel / forefoot
Stack
42 / 34 mm heel / forefoot
8 mm
Drop
8 mm
10.4 oz 295 g
Weight
9.6 oz 272 g · −23 g
FF BLAST MAX (EVA/OBC) top + FF BLAST PLUS (EVA/OBC bio-based) base
Midsole
FF BLAST PLUS EVA/OBC bio-based blend
None
Plate
None
Engineered mesh (recycled polyester)
Upper
Engineered knit
$170
MSRP
$170

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

— The Run Testers on the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33, source

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.

— The Run Testers on the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28, source

Nimbus 28 is streamlined a bit to differentiate from the Kayano

— EDDBUD on the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28, source

ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 — what reviewers say

Ride profile: high cushion , mild_stability stability .

  • 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"

    — Ben Parkes , source
  • Briefly mentioned as a stability daily trainer option for runners who need more support.

    — Ben Is Running , source
  • 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"

    — Run Moore , source
  • 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"

    — FORDY RUNS , source

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 — what reviewers say

Ride profile: high cushion , firm_responsive feel , low energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.

  • 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"

    — Ben Parkes , source
  • 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"

    — The Run Testers , source
  • Briefly mentioned as a very good ASICS daily trainer option alongside the Kayano.

    — Ben Is Running , source
  • 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"

    — Kofuzi , source

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.

Methodology. Specs come from manufacturer data and authoritative third-party catalogs. Reviewer verdicts are summarized, not copied verbatim, and each links to its source. We weight reviewer voices differently based on testing methodology and credentials — clinical and lab-verified sources carry more weight than community commentary — but the specific weights stay internal. Never sponsored, never paid placement.