2023 was a big year for Asics' Gel franchise, with the Gel-Kayano and the Gel-Nimbus both celebrating a big anniversary (30th and 25th, respectively). As expected, this year's iterations of the Japanese brand's immensely popular trainers aren't as revolutionary as they were last year, and there is nothing wrong with that.
That said, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 is a nifty little update over its predecessor, the fab Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, and offers better traction and midfoot lockdown while providing just as much cushioning for the same price as before. What's not to like?
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 review
Price and availability
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 was launched in January 2024 and is available to buy now directly from Asics UK, Asics US and Asics AU for a recommended retail price of £180/ $160/ AU$270.
For comparison, the Gel-Nimbus 25 was sold for £175/ $160/ AU$270, so there was a slight price increase in the UK (less than 3 per cent).
The shoes are available in men's and women's versions in several colourways (10 for women; 9 for men) and versions (e.g., Paris Edition, Lite-Show, etc.). The men's option is also available in wide, although only in one colour.
Specification
- Best for: recovery, jogging, slow paces
- Stack height: 42 mm (heel), 32 mm (forefoot)
- Heel drop: 8 mm
- Tested weight: 326 g/ 11.5 oz (men's UK 10)
- Sizing: true to size
Design and features
Just to recap, the Gel-Nimbus 25 introduced the PureGEL technology, a lighter and softer material than conventional GEL technology, integrated into the midsole for softer cushioning, and FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam (made with 24% bio-based content), featuring bio-based materials for sustainability.
With a stretchier knit tongue, sock-like collar, and redesigned outsole, it offered a comfortable, adaptive fit and smooth strides.
What's new is the Hybrid Asicsgrip technology, which combines AsicsGRIP and AharPLUS. It's said to deliver better traction than Ahar Lo in wet conditions, the latter of which was featured on the Gel-Nimbus 25. It's also more durable and provides softer cushioning.
Asics also revamped the upper by using an engineered knit upper and an update to the construction of the eyelets to provide a more supportive midfoot hold. The upper feels similar to the Gel-Nimbus 25, but according to the brand, it's now made from a lightweight, breathable knit material.
Performance and comfort
Asics' Gel-Nimbus franchise is most famous for its soft cushioning, providing a squishy, comfortable running experience. The Gel-Nimbus 26 continues this tradition and offers a ton of foam underfoot coupled with a smooth and supportive lockdown provided by the new upper.
Instead of dreading the miles ahead, running in the shoes feels like floating above the ground—or, more precisely, like running on marshmallows. Not surprisingly, the running dynamics are very similar to those of the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v13, another plush trainer.
The Gel-Nimbus 26 has a comparatively wide rear platform, ideal for landing and ensuring you're always on the optimal path. The heel counters do an excellent job keeping the rear of your foot in check, and the padded collars provide additional support around the ankles.
The stretchy tongue is nice, too, but the label on the tongue did rub my skin slightly when I ran in the angle socks. As such, I'd recommend wearing at least mid-socks with the shoes.
I didn't notice a massive difference in lockdown compared to the Gel-Nimbus 25. The shoes feel just as good on foot as before; I couldn't detect any pressure points, either. The toe box is roomy enough, and thanks to the breathable knit material, there is just enough support.
The Asics Gel-Nimbus franchise has never been the most agile shoe, and the 26th iteration is no different. The shoes are a bit squishy and soft underfoot, and they aren't lightweight, so don't expect them to go fast.
You can run faster in the shoes – you can run fast in any running shoe – but it will require considerable effort to maintain the faster tempo after a while. Use the Gel-Nimbus 26 for what it was designed for, such as slow and steady runs, recovery sessions, and jogging.
Verdict
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 iteration retains the good properties of its predecessor and updates the outsole and the upper for better traction and fit.
It's not a complete overhaul, but it would be A) unfair to expect the company to completely revise all of its shoes for each iteration and B) unnecessary to do so anyway, as the Gel-Nimbus 25 was a pretty decent running trainer.
If you didn't get the predecessor of the shoes and are thinking about upgrading your recovery trainers, the Gel-Nimbus 26 is well worth considering. If you're a proud owner of a Gel-Nimbus 25 and have some mileage left in the shoes, you might want to sit this one out.
Also consider
T3's best running shoes guide has quite a few alternatives to consider.
I already mentioned the NB 1080v13 above; however, if you're looking for a more agile daily trainer, check out the Nike Pegasus 40. It maintains the shoes' status as a top choice for daily trainers with enhanced fit, ergonomics, and breathability. Ideal for casual athletes seeking comfort and performance in an everyday shoe. Read my full Nike Pegasus 40 review.
