Another shoe I have been running consistently in is the Asics Nimbus. I purchased the Asics Nimbus before actually beginning to run. I knew I wanted a maximum cushion heavy shoe. While I had thought about the Brooks Glycerin (a shoe I dabbled in the Spring) I don’t care for the update on that shoe. I had tried on the Asics Nimbus at work and decided that would be a shoe I would return to running in.
Photo taken from the Asics Website
As always, experiences with running shoes are based on your personal gait, style and preferences of shoes….just because I think a shoe is awesome doesn’t mean you will too. (That being said, I think the Asics Nimbus is awesome). I bought the shoe and Asics did not request for me to post about this. I have no incentive to post.
Sizing:
Length wise, the shoe runs pretty true to size. I wear a 9.5 in other brands…in Asics I also wear a 9.5.
Right off the bat, I would recommend seeing how you like the wide version of the shoe. My only complaint is that I wish it ran a little wider. The shoe is rather narrow. It isn’t a problem for me since I could purchase a wide but I can see it being a problem for some people.
Overall feeling while running:
As most people I know, I ran in the Newtons for a while. I supinate and run pretty far on my toes. I have always liked a cushioned shoe and I feel like the Asics Nimbus has a lot of cushion in the forefront as well as the heal. That is just my personal opinion though.
I like the feeling of the firm yet soft gel underneath. As opposed to the Hoka (which is soft and “pillow like”, these shoes are much firmer. I actually feel like (possibly because they are heavier) that I’m getting more support from the Asics Nimbus. I honestly like them a little bit better.
Treadmill: I’ve run a few times on the Alter G. They felt fine but as I have said before, who really knows with the Alter G. I’ve also run once on a “normal treadmill”. I had no issues and felt supported. They felt cushioned and I didn’t feel like my shins were crying.
Pavement: I love that I cannot actually feel the pavement. I feel like I have a lot of cushion under my feet (something I feel like I desperately need). Since they are so firm, my turnover stays pretty normal. (I don’t feel like I’m sinking into the shoe and slogging)
Grass: I’ve run on trails a few times in the Asics Nimbus. They felt good and well cushioned. I don’t remember tripping.
The Asics Nimbus (in my opinion) is a great shoe. While it’s pricey (150), it’s worth it to me because I feel much more protected and cushioned. (And due to the cushion, I’m not paying a deductible to insurance after running in them…ha) It’s a great shoe and one I wish I would have found earlier.
(I’ve run about 100 miles in this shoe and it will stay a staple in my running for a while).
Who would I recommend this shoe too?
Neutral runners who like extra cushion. Someone that runs in the Brooks Ghost or Glycerin, Saucony Ride or Triumph or any Hoka model. Also in my personal work experience, it seems to fit orthotics pretty well.
Have you run in the Asics Nimbus?
This is my first experience in it and I wish I had found it sooner. I run in the Asics Nimbus and have been cross training and working in the Asics Cumulus (both I purchased). I think Asics did a great update to both shoes.
I love your posts, especially the ones on shoes!! I also supinate and have been loving the Wave Rider 17 and Brooks Ghost 7. I agree sometimes trying the wide version makes all the difference!
I appreciate the feedback Kelly. I like the Wave Rider as well but it’s too narrow for my wide foot LOL.
Thanks for posting this! I’m in my Asics as we speak but I’m definitely due for an update – it’s been almost 18 months!
Oh my lanta! My inner running shoe nerd is crying and wondering how you got so much injury free mileage out of those!
I have some asics tri shoes but found them a bit heavy for me…I like light! LOVE the styles for cross training though!
I actually run in the for my longest runs because I’ve found they are the easiest on my feet towards the end – not my racing shoes, but great for comfort!
I am a definite over pronator with sort of flat arches and I’m most comfortable with a heel strike, so I go with support over extra cushion if I have to choose. I love asics though. Curious how these would measure up with my beloved kayanos.
It’s not something I would recommend unless you are adding an arch support or orthotic. There is no stability in the Nimbus! 🙂
I wonder if these would be good for me. I adore Mizunos, but find that they don’t have enough cushion to support me running longer distances. Technically I should use a more supportive shoe, since I over pronate, but I can’t stand feeling like I am running on bricks. My main goal right now is to find a running store with people who know what they are talking about! The ones I’ve been to so far have just tried to sell me the most expensive shoes.
I need to find new running shoes! I’ve been running in Mizunos forever but maybe it’s time to make a switch.
I’ve never had Asics. They are coming here tomorrow night to do a shoe demo at TrySports so I will probably wear the demo shoes during the group run. I’m glad you found a new pair of shoes that work with you post-injury!
Which shoes are they demoing?
Facebook event page says Gel-Pursue and GT-2000 v3
I can’t believe how light the Nimbus has become! I feel like when I first started working, it was known as being a cushioned, but relatively heavy shoe–not true anymore. Crossing my fingers I get seeded! 😉
Thanks for this! Do you know how the Nimbus compares to the Asics GEL-Kinsei? I’ve been running in Kinseis for a long time, but they are EXPENSIVE. I’m looking for an Asics shoe that isn’t quite so outrageously priced. I’m thinking the Nimbus might be a good choice, but I’m not sure!
I ran in the Asics Cumulus and Nimbus (I always bought one of each pair) exclusively from 2010-mid 2013. They were the only shoes that seemed to properly fit my orthotics. I’m pretty loyal to Asics in general, but I did find them very heavy and the Nimbus in particular did make me feel as though every run was a hard slog…which is the opposite of what you describe! It could be the additional weight of my orthotics though. Eventually I had to stop running in them after they changed the shape of the ankle when they went from the Nimbus 13 to the 14. My ankle kept slipping half out of the shoe and the result was having all of the skin completely rubbed off the back of each ankle. Trying to run with the bone practically exposed was…unpleasant.
Sadly I don’t seem to be able to run in Asics neutrals any more. I had to ditch the orthotics and go with the supportive and structured Asics Kayano, but it’s a shame since I really do need orthotics due to my wonky leg lengths and no other brand of shoes fits them properly (believe me, I’ve tried them all!)
One of my friend gave me a pair of Asics last Christmas (having friends that work at Road Runner is awesome!) and I LOVE them. They’re so supportive! I’m not much if a runner but I like them for general workouts!
What kind of Asics, that is awesome!
I’ve only ran in the numbus for the last few years and love them. They’re the only shoe I’ve managed to stay injury free in. I just wish they weren’t so heavy – do you know of any other shoe that’s a bit lighter but has similar mechanics to the nimbus?
The Asics Cumulus would be my best bet actually. A little lighter and less cushion but still a neutral shoe. 🙂
I just bought Altra shoes and am waiting for them to come in. I read a lot about them and listened to an interview with the CEO of the company. They seemed like just the right show for me. I have run in Asics and liked them too. They have a wider toe box which is perfect for bigfoot like me. I still need to buy some Hokas
These are what I’m currently running in (alternating these and my Brooks Transcends) and I love them!!
I hear a lot of people like the transcends!