Another year, another ASICS Gel-Nimbus launch! Building off the success of the Gel-Nimbus 26 from 2024, ASICS introduced the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 this year, with the preface that these running shoes offer the most comfortable running experience yet.
I’ve been running for several years now, and ASICS trainers have always been my go-to. I’ve had my fair share of Gel-Kayano’s but I wanted to try a different shoe for my first ever marathon, which just so happened to be the Seville marathon which I ran with ASICS. For my training and the actual marathon, I wore the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 and it might have been the wisest decision I could have made for my first marathon – here’s why.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 review: price and availability
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 are priced at £180 / $165 / AU$260 and available to buy at ASICS and select retailers, including John Lewis, Runners Need and SportsShoes. They’re available in both men and women options, and multiple colourways including Wave Teal / Illuminate Mint which are the ones I tried.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 review: design and features
As you can probably tell by the number, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 isn’t the brand’s first model of these popular running shoes. While I was out in Seville with ASICS, I spoke to Andi Moll, VP Category, leading Marketing, Merchandising and Product for ASICS who explained the many different features to me.
Moll explained that the brand toned down the features from the Gel-Nimbus 25 and focused on one killer feature for the new ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27. He went into detail about how they focused on the shoe having less weight and a cloudlike feel, as well as how the shoes had different distribution in the foot with less weight on the heel and more towards the midsole.
Most importantly, he recommended the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 to beginner runners, due to their comfort and cushioning, which I was glad to hear before embarking on my first marathon. Designed to provide the most comfortable running experience, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 uses PureGEL technology and FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning foam for shock absorption and to provide a softer landing to keep the joints happy.
Weighing 265g, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 are extremely lightweight and have an updated upper and collar construction for breathability and a more comfortable fit. The shoes are recommended for road surfaces and described as being better for feet that need neutral support or for those who tend to underpronate. The shoes stick to the trademark Gel-Nimbus design and come in a range of colours, so they’re practical but stylish, too.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 review: performance
As mentioned previously, I wore the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 for marathon training and my first ever race. I was definitely hoping that they lived up to the promise of offering a comfortable running experience and I wasn’t disappointed. I found the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 extremely comfortable and cushioning, particularly around the heel and sides of my feet where I need support the most.
Designed for neutral and underpronation, I could feel the foam support on the outside of my foot more prominently than anywhere else. I tend to overpronate – which is why I often wear the ASICS Gel-Kayano 29 which are great for that – but I didn’t feel like my feet were unsupported or any pain, despite the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 being better for underpronation.
The cushioning and weight of the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 were excellent, as it made them super light to travel with and wear. I barely felt the ground while wearing them and they had a good grip. I wore the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 a few times during rainy training days, and felt nice and stable underfoot without any slipping.
The one negative I found with the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 was the heel of the shoe. While I like the design of the back as it makes them very easy to slip on and off, I found that the back of the shoe did rub and I often got a couple blisters on my heel after wearing them for a long run. Having said that, it wasn’t noticeable during running but only after I took the shoes off.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 review: verdict
Wearing the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 for my first ever marathon was an amazing decision, and I felt their comfort and cushioning before, during and after the race. Despite the heel of the shoe causing the occasional blister, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 are extremely comfortable and keep feet, ankles and legs feeling strong, sturdy and stable.
Wearing the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 during the Seville marathon definitely helped keep my feet happy, and it’s the quickest my feet have bounced back after a race. It doesn’t hurt that the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 are nice to look at either, and for a good pair of running shoes, the price certainly reflects the features and quality.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 review: alternatives to consider
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 are the previous generation of the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 and have many of the same features. We found them to have plush cushioning and great upper support, although we recommended them more for shorter and recovery runs.
A non-ASICS alternative we’d recommend is the adidas Ultraboost 22 which holds the top spot in our best women’s running shoes guide. The adidas Ultraboost 22 are great for longer runs, and offer supreme comfort and stability, especially around the joints.
