ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 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
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.
More fun, bouncy and energetic; the Nimbus feels muted and dull in comparison
Vomero Plus is softer and plusher in upper but heavier and clunkier; Nimbus is more nimble and versatile
Vomero Plus is cheaper in the UK and feels like a step up on midsole performance
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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A well-cushioned long-range cruiser with improved outsole traction over previous versions and resilient foam that won't break down easily, making it a solid value pick for steady running.
In their words: "a good long range cushioned cruiser" · "plush materials in the heel" · "more ridges and better traction here in wet weather"
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A softer, smoother, maximally cushioned shoe built for all-out easy-mile comfort, but heavy and limited to slower paces.
Ride:Soft, highly cushioned max-stack ride with a wide stable base and good heel bevel for smooth heel-to-toe transition; can feel slappy and heavy, lacks agility and pop for faster paces
Fit:True to size with a roomy, accommodating toe box and slightly more width than the Ghost; good midfoot and heel lockdown with well-padded heel collar
In their words: "softer, smoother, protective road eating comfort" · "a bit slappy from time to time" · "wide, high volume"
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Dr. Klein prefers the Nimbus 27 over the Diadora Cellula — the foam change made it firmer and more resilient, what he wished the Cumulus could be.
Ride:Bigger direction change: v25/26 were soft, now v27 feels more resilient and slightly firmer; rolls really nicely and feels balanced; approaching stable-neutral without being full stability shoe
In their words: "very different than Nimbus 26 and 25" · "it's not soft anymore" · "broke in very nicely"
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A cool-looking max-cushion trainer that the reviewer liked aesthetically, but it felt heavier and like a little too much compared to the 28.
Ride:Looks more voluminous but felt like a bit too much all over; heavier than the 28
In their words: "just too much all over"
Nike Vomero Plus — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , low energy return , neutral stability .
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His pick for best cushion shoe — a big slab of springy ZoomX-based foam that hasn't lost its bounce over 100+ miles of testing, protecting the legs on easy runs without feeling dead underfoot.
In their words: "never loses that bounce" · "sink in nicely, but then you bounce right back"
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The best marathon training shoe for everyday runners thanks to its versatility and comfortable ZoomX ride.
In their words: "by far the best marathon training shoe" · "phenomenal outsole" · "can go from road to gravelly trails"
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EDDBUD says the Vomero Plus SE offers a huge amount of cushion, carrying over heavily from the discontinued Nike Invincible Run, and is great value at the discounted price.
In their words: "huge amount of cushion" · "borrows heavily from the previous version" · "can't lose under 100 quid"
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Ben Parkes recommends this as a more readily available long-run shoe than his top pick, citing its ZoomX cushioning and available width options, despite its heavier weight.
Ride:A generous helping of Nike's premium ZoomX foam to absorb impact on long efforts; on the heavier, chunkier side but still capable of getting up to pace.
In their words: "really good chunk of Nike's premium" · "good for wider footed runners"
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 27 if
- Neutral runners wanting max cushion for easy runs and long runs, especially heel strikers who want extra protection and forefoot cushion. — The Run Testers
- Easy runs, long runs, recovery for neutral runners wanting soft premium cushion — Doctors of Running
- Runners prioritizing all-out comfort and protection on easy and recovery miles, particularly heel strikers and heavier runners — The Run Testers
- Runners who want a stable, firmer-feeling max-cushion comfort shoe, or walking — The Run Testers
- Easy/long runs for most runners, including those who want one cushion shoe that can also handle some faster running — The Run Testers
Consider the Nike Vomero Plus if
- Long runs, including for wider-footed runners who need width options. — Ben Parkes
- Easy and long runs for neutral runners who want a soft, bouncy, fun max-cushion daily trainer that can also handle some tempo work. — The Run Testers
- 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
- Plush cruiser for easy and recovery miles, on-feet-all-day use, and heavier runners needing impact protection — EDDBUD
- Long runs and marathon-pace blocks, and a good option for heavier runners. — Ben Parkes
- Versatile max-cushion daily trainer for easy runs, long runs, and even first races — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 and the Nike Vomero Plus?
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 is a recovery / easy and the Nike Vomero Plus is a recovery / easy. By the numbers, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 weighs 295g, has a 43mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the Nike Vomero Plus weighs 281g, has a 43mm heel stack and a 10mm drop. MSRP is $165 for the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 and $155 for the Nike Vomero Plus.
Should I buy the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 or the Nike Vomero Plus?
The Run Testers on the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27: Neutral runners wanting max cushion for easy runs and long runs, especially heel strikers who want extra protection and forefoot cushion. Ben Parkes on the Nike Vomero Plus: Long runs, including for wider-footed runners who need width options.
Per The Run Testers, Ben Parkes.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 and the Nike Vomero Plus?
Yes — The Run Testers and EDDBUD directly compared the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 and the Nike Vomero Plus in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, EDDBUD.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 or the Nike Vomero Plus?
The Nike Vomero Plus is lighter, at 281g versus 295g (men's 9) — about 14g less.
Which is cheaper, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 or the Nike Vomero Plus?
The Nike Vomero Plus is cheaper at $155 versus $165 MSRP — about $10 less.