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
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 27
A maximally cushioned daily trainer that prioritizes comfort on easy and recovery miles, though reviewers split on whether its softer, rolling character or firmer, deadened feel better suits their stride; best for heel strikers and neutral runners seeking protection over versatility.
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 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
More fun, bouncy and energetic; the Nimbus feels muted and dull in comparison
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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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 favorite super trainer in the lineup and the shoe he runs the most in: a ZoomX-loaded high-stack trainer with a smooth, stable, bouncy ride that's versatile from easy to marathon pace.
Ride:Packed with ZoomX foam from Nike's super shoes; very high stack yet a smooth, stable, bouncy ride that's brilliant for long runs and good for intervals, just less agile than the Evo SL.
In their words: "it's like wearing a high heel" · "the shoe I run the most in" · "my favorite shoe in this lineup"
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Nick's favorite max-cushion shoe and the standard others should aim for, delivering a fun, energetic, bouncy ride without sacrificing stability.
Ride:Big deep ZoomX midsole you sink into but springs straight back; bouncy and energetic without being soggy, retains bounce over long runs and reasonably versatile up to steady paces.
Fit:Very good fit true to size with lots of toe box room; heavily padded tongue feels plush but can run hot in warm conditions.
In their words: "puts a smile on your face" · "my favorite max cushion shoe" · "you sink into it, but you come straight back up"
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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"
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Easy days, recovery runs, and lifestyle/walking use — EDDBUD
- Soft, cushioned easy miles; aggressive pricing makes it attractive at sale prices — EDDBUD
- Easy and long runs in a rotation; cushion-shoe slot. — The Run Testers
- Easy, long, and daily training runs with enough versatility to stretch into tempo work. — The Run Testers
- Daily training and long runs, especially as a cheaper Superblast 2 alternative for runners wanting a max-cushion ZoomX trainer — FORDY RUNS
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 $180 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: Runners prioritizing all-out comfort and protection on easy and recovery miles, particularly heel strikers and heavier runners. FORDY RUNS on the Nike Vomero Plus: 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.
Per The Run Testers, FORDY RUNS.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 and the Nike Vomero Plus?
Yes — EDDBUD and The Run Testers directly compared the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 and the Nike Vomero Plus in their reviews.
Per EDDBUD, The Run Testers.
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 ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 is cheaper at $165 versus $180 MSRP — about $15 less.