ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
Road Easy Recovery

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28

Lost weight versus previous version which is positive, but the midsole feels dated compared to newer max-stack performance shoes; needs a new foam to keep up. — FORDY RUNS

Physical blueprint

Where this shoe sits

Weight 272 g
Heel stack 42.0 mm
Drop 8.0 mm
Cushioning High

Best for

Daily TrainingRecovery & Easy
Suits Heel, Midfoot strikers
Pronation Neutral
Surface Road

Specifications

Weight (M9)
272g (9.6 oz)
Stack (Heel)
42.0 mm
Stack (Forefoot)
34.0 mm
Drop
8.0 mm
Midsole
FF BLAST PLUS (EVA/OBC bio-based blend)
Outsole
ASICSGRIP + AHAR Plus
Upper
Engineered knit
Lacing
Traditional

Fit Profile

Length
True To Size
Forefoot Width
Wide
Midfoot Width
Average
Heel Width
Average
Lockdown
Good
Toe Box
Roomy
Sizing
True To Size

Ride Characteristics

Cushioning
High
Feel
Firm Responsive
Energy Return
Low
Stability
Neutral
Rocker
Moderate
Transition
Smooth

Durability

Outsole
Above Average

Expert reviews · 8 reviewers · grouped per channel

BI
Believe in the Run Youtube

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.

Best for: 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.

BP
Ben Parkes Youtube

Best for: Easy and recovery jogs, all-day wear, and heavier runners or those with large feet.

DO
Doctors of Running Youtube

A lighter, firmer, snappier shoe that feels closer to a Nimbus Lite hybrid; more versatile but loses the plush premium feel.

Best for: Versatile daily training and uptempo miles for runners who want a snappier, firmer Nimbus

50 miles tested · source
E
EDDBUD Youtube

The reviewer calls this the best Nimbus in years — a huge weight reduction makes it more nimble, versatile, and fun while keeping the comfort and stability Nimbus fans expect. The only real knock is the high price.

Best for: Club runners wanting a do-it-all daily trainer — easy runs, long runs, aerobic efforts, and even marathons for lighter runners.

+1 earlier review from EDDBUD

A lighter, more nimble and versatile Nimbus that borrows DNA from the Super/Mega Blast; the reviewer's top pick among the four compared.

Best for: Versatile daily trainer that can occupy multiple rotation positions; good travel/run shoe

FR
FORDY RUNS Youtube

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.

Best for: Runners who liked recent Nimbus versions (25, 26, 27) and want a lighter, faster-feeling max-stack daily trainer.

+1 earlier review from FORDY RUNS

Lost weight versus previous version which is positive, but the midsole feels dated compared to newer max-stack performance shoes; needs a new foam to keep up.

K
Kofuzi Youtube

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.

+1 earlier review from Kofuzi

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.

Best for: Max-cushion easy daily training, recovery runs, treadmill miles, and all-day comfort.

RM
Run Moore Youtube

The most runnable Nimbus in many years — lighter, lower-drop, and roomier than recent versions, and reviewer rates it at the top of the max-cushion neutral category.

Best for: Runners who want a max-cushion neutral trainer that is actually runnable for long distance, not just a walk-around shoe

3 miles tested · source
TR
The Run Testers Youtube

A good, durable and supportive daily trainer that is just fine, but its foam focuses on protection over fun and feels dull compared to livelier max-cushion options.

Best for: Runners wanting a supportive, stable, protective max-cushion daily trainer

31 miles tested · source
+4 earlier reviews from The Run Testers

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.

Best for: Easy runs, recovery runs, and longer runs at easy pace for neutral runners who want plush cushioning with moderate stability.

30 miles tested · source

A modest but meaningful improvement over the Nimbus 27 — lighter, more balanced, and slightly more versatile while staying true to the plush, protective Nimbus identity; still expensive at £180 and limited to easier paces.

Best for: Plush, comfortable easy and recovery runs, long base-building miles, and beginner-friendly cushioned daily use.

25 miles tested · source

An improvement over the Nimbus 27 with a livelier midsole, but still essentially an easy-day shoe and pricey for what it delivers.

Best for: Easy runs for runners wanting cushioned comfort

An improved, slightly lighter Nimbus that remains a plush, stable easy-run and recovery shoe, but feels too heavy and pricey to excel beyond cruising paces.

Best for: Slower, comfortable long and easy miles for runners prioritizing plush max cushion and stability.

25 miles tested · source

Frequently asked questions

How does the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 fit?

Reviewers note: Fits a pinch wider than the 27 despite looking more voluminous; accommodated reviewer's bunion well

Per Run Moore.

How much does the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 weigh and what is its drop?

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 weighs about 272g (men's 9), has a 42.0mm heel stack and a 8.0mm heel-toe drop.

What shoes is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 compared to?

Reviewers compare the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 to ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27, Brooks Glycerin, HOKA Bondi, New Balance 1080.

Per Run Moore, The Run Testers, EDDBUD, FORDY RUNS, Believe in the Run, Kofuzi, Doctors of Running.

How many experts have reviewed the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28?

Next Pair aggregates 16 expert reviews of the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28, including Believe in the Run, FORDY RUNS, Run Moore.

Per Believe in the Run, FORDY RUNS, Run Moore.

Where it sits among similar shoes

Compared to other road easy recovery in the same lane.

Weight · lower = lighter Men's size 9
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
272g
Kiprun Kipride Max
278g
Nike Vomero Plus
281g
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
292g
Heel stack · higher = more cushioning mm
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
42.0mm
Kiprun Kipride Max
44.0mm
Nike Vomero Plus
43.0mm
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
44.0mm
Drop · higher = more heel-leaning mm
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
8.0mm
Kiprun Kipride Max
6.0mm
Nike Vomero Plus
10.0mm
Mizuno Wave Sky 9
6.0mm

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28

Data-driven recommendation backed by expert reviews.

Ask the advisor
Methodology. Specs come from manufacturer data and authoritative third-party catalogs. Reviewer verdicts are summarized from named, linked sources — never copied verbatim. We weight clinical and lab-tested sources more heavily than community commentary, but the specific weights stay internal. Never sponsored, never paid placement.
Last updated 2026-06-19