Here in the Nordics, we are in the middle of the darkest time of the year. It's cold, it's wet, and for many, it requires a special mental effort just to step out the door – quite different from when the sun smiles on a beautiful spring day. But just like last year, a light appears that can almost fill the void the sun leaves: ASICS launches the latest , this time in its 28th edition.
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I've been fortunate to get my feet into ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28. Like last year, it builds on everything we know works. Here are three really good reasons why you should choose ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 as your running partner.
- Foam: FF BLAST PLUS, PureGEL technology
- Heel drop: 8mm.
- Upper: Engineered Knit
- Weight: 281g. (US9), 242g (US7.5)
- Outsole: ASICSGRIP rubber and AHARPLUS materials
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 - 10% lighter, same comfort!
When
designs the GEL-NIMBUS collection, they prioritize comfort above all. So when ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 is 10% lighter than its predecessor, I can assure you it still offers the same comfort as when version 27 was introduced in 2024.
The midsole and GEL pad in the heel are nearly unchanged. Only a few differences can be found around the heel, where GEL-NIMBUS has become more streamlined and less bulky.
The upper has been adjusted accordingly. The tongue is the same elastic and comfortable, now with an adjusting loop in this year's version, the fabric in the heel is just as soft as before, and the shoe fits just as well as it did last year.
Overall, I hardly notice the shoe when running. The upper feels like a natural extension of my foot, offering comfort on both short and long runs.
With an upper and midsole that have only minor differences, the weight reduction clearly comes from the outsole. Rubber is heavy, making the outsole an obvious place to optimize. ASICS has done just that by strategically reducing rubber in areas where most runners wear down the least – a simple yet effective way to make the shoe lighter and more comfortable.
Overall, NIMBUS 28 is a shoe that delivers the same familiar comfort as before, now packaged in a model that's 10% lighter. This means it hits the golden ~280 grams – a weight that makes the shoe more versatile and suitable for various training sessions.
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 - A reliable outsole
A few years ago, it was well-known that ASICS' everyday running shoes had a somewhat slippery outsole. The focus was primarily on durability rather than function. When NOVABLAST 4 was launched, ASICS shifted to a more holistic approach, combining durability with significantly better grip. The result is two strategically placed rubber compounds under the shoe, providing both longer durability and much better grip.
In the forefoot, right under the ball of the foot, there's a large amount of ASICSGRIP – a softer rubber compound that makes every turn on both dry and wet roads a breeze. However, this is not where the wear is greatest. In the heel and all the way to the toes, you'll find a layer of AHAR+ (Asics High Abrasion Rubber Plus), a highly durable rubber material that protects the areas typically worn fastest by daily runners.
The combination of the two materials is called Hybrid ASICSGRIP by ASICS, and it works excellently in practice. So if you want a shoe that can handle daily use and still maintain a secure grip on wet days, ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 is an obvious choice.
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 – Stability and durability for daily use
Unlike some other brands, which primarily chase the softest midsole when developing comfort shoes, ASICS works from a more holistic perspective – something they already documented back with the launch of ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 24. FFBlast+ ECO foam is neither too soft nor too firm; it sits right where you get both softness, stability, and a smooth transition from heel to toe.
And that's exactly what ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 delivers. The midsole foam has just the right amount of softness to provide comfort in every landing, while the shoe feels consistent from the first kilometer and throughout its lifecycle. The result is a shoe you can rely on – a durable training partner ready for many kilometers ahead.
There's no doubt that ASICS has hit the mark once again with ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28. They continue an evolution where the model is refined and improved each year, delivering an ever-better running experience without straying too far from the shoe many love to run in.
If you want an even softer shoe for everyday training, ASICS has that ready for you too. ASICS NOVABLAST 5, with its softer FFBlast Max foam, offers a more lively shoe, focusing on lightness and bounce. And if you want to go in the opposite direction and have something stable and supportive, is the obvious choice.
If you have room for two pairs, ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 and make an excellent pair. The combination provides durability and liveliness – and that variation also makes your body more versatile, as you switch stimulus from run to run.
