The Asics Nimbus 24, also known as the Asics Gel Nimbus 24, is one of the oldest shoes in the running world. Already on the 24th version, it’s been around since the 90s.
Asics Gel Nimbus 24 Quick Facts:
Weight: 9 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 13 mm
Cost: $160
Asics Nimbus 24 Introduction:
The Asics Nimbus 24 is actually named from the “cumulonimbus cloud” properties because the cloud is soft and lightweight. Do I really believe the Nimbus is lightweight? No, but it’s still a good shoe. The Asics Nimbus 24 is actually 10 grams lighter than the previous version.
The Asics Nimbus 24 has received a BIG update and will feel differently. The engineered mesh is breathable and the new FF Blast Plus midsole offers a soft and responsive ride. The Asics Nimbus 24 is a shoe with a lot of cushion and it maintains that into the 24th version.
An engineered mesh upper provides breathability, while a FF BLAST PLUS midsole offers soft yet responsive cushioning.
Asics Nimbus 24 Fit:
The new Asics Gel Nimbus 24 has a soft, breathable upper made from 20% recycled materials. Most people know by now, but I’m a huge fan of shoes made with recycled materials as sustainability is important to me. Sometimes when brands build with sustainable materials, the shoes don’t fit and feel well. That isn’t the case with the Asics Nimbus 24, and it fits just as well as previous versions.
I believe that the best running shoe uppers disappear off your foot and the Asics Gel Nimbus 24 does just that. The engineered mesh upper wraps around the foot, giving you a secure fit. The Gel Nimbus 24 has a plush heel collar with a soft, thin tongue attached to the shoe.
Most Asics running shoes have a long and narrow fit, and the Gel Nimbus 24 is similar. I’ve worn anywhere between a 10-11 wide in the Nimbus, and there have been a couple of years the wide was still not wide enough. In the Asics Gel Nimbus 24, size 11 fits well.
Asics Gel Nimbus 24 Ride:
As mentioned, the Gel Nimbus 24 is the lightest version yet. That’s because Asics has redesigned the midsole to have “FF Blast Foam.” What is that? The FF Blast Foam is a lightweight cushioning that delivers smooth transitions that are also responsive. The traditional gel foam creates cushioning but can often be “too heavy or bulky.”
This update with the FF Blast Foam makes the Asics Gel Nimbus 24 feel different from any other Nimbus. It’s lighter and more responsive. Thankfully, because Asics was falling behind in running shoe technology. Many brands are lighter, more responsive, and with more cushioning.
The Gel Nimbus 24 doesn’t completely go away from their gel, and the combination of gel and flytefoam creates plenty of cushioning and shoe absorption. The gel pads in the forefoot and heel absorb impact and disperse it throughout the foot. The Flytefoam cushioning just adds another layer of cushion without the weight.
Asics uses their signature “3D Space Construction feature”. It sounds fancy, and that’s because it is. The feature improves the midsole compression during the foot strike. This allows it to mold to your particular gait and shouldn’t feel like you “need to break it in.” Running shoes typically don’t need to be broken in, but occasionally Asics do.
ASICS used their signature 3D Space Construction feature in the latest version of the Nimbus. This feature improves the midsole’s compression during footstrike, allowing it to conform to your feet’s specifications. Think of it like a memory foam mattress that hugs your body in exactly the right spots.
Durability and Traction: Asics has always been near the top of the game with both their traction and durability. The Asics Lite rubber in the Nimbus 24 is more sustainable, lighter, and more durable than most other brands. I’ve run in inclement weather as well as on sandy trails with no issues of sliding around.
As far as durability, I’ve run just over 100 miles in the Gel Nimbus 24 with no signs of wearing down. Asics also uses the “AHARPLUS” heel plug rubber to prevent excessive wear in the heels.
The Asics Nimbus has traditionally been an easy and recovery run shoe, and the Asics Nimbus 24 is that as well. It has plenty of cushioning that your body doesn’t feel “too beat up.” The Nimbus 24 can pick up the pace more than previous versions, but for me, it will remain an easy run shoe. I prefer something lighter for the track, workouts and races. The Asics Metaspeed Sky Shoe is great for races, and the Asics Magic Speed is great for workouts.
What is the difference between the Asics Gel Nimbus 24 versus the 23?
Make no mistake, the Nimbus has been given a big update. The Nimbus 24 is lighter with a softer midsole. The updated version also has a designed upper with a thin, stretchy tongue. It will feel different. Not in a bad way, but The biggest difference between the Asics Gel Nimbus 23 and 24 is the softer midsole and weight in the 24. Is the update “bad”? No, but it will feel different, and I appreciate Asics coming into the modern age with their running shoes.
Asics Nimbus 24 Conclusion:
While the Gel Nimbus 24 has gone through a big update, it’s still a good shoe. If you are looking for an extremely cushioning running shoe, it’s one of the most. It’s one of my favorite shoes for easy runs and not feeling beat up.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7, Asics Gel Nimbus 24
Speed Work: 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Gel Nimbus 24?
What is your favorite easy run shoe?