ASICS Nimbus 25 Shoe Review

Whew, has the ASICS Nimbus 25 been updated! The Nimbus is one of the oldest shoes in the running shoe industry. This is the 25th version! Typically in an “old faithful” type of shoe, they don’t change much. The update for the past 5ish years from the Nimbus has been “same shoe, the different number.” Maybe a few minor tweaks here and there but nothing drastic. Well, let me tell you, this Nimbus this year is different. I don’t say that badly, but trying it before committing to it is a good idea. I don’t know if I’ve seen a shoe with this big of an update in a long time. In fact, nothing really comes to mind.

ASICS Nimbus 25 Quick Facts:

Weight: 9 oz

Heel to Toe Drop: 8 mm

Price: $160

ASICS Nimbus 25 Introduction:

As I said, this is a huge update. Writing this review reminds me of when you have a task, and there is so much to do that you don’t know where to begin. There is so much to review…where to begin? First, I like the new ASICS Nimbus 25. I think it’s great. I liked the ASICS Nimbus 24. But they are different, only sharing the name.

When ASICS introduced the Lite series (a lighter version of the Nimbus), I knew something big was coming. They weren’t going to make a big jump immediately, but eventually.

What has changed in the new ASICS Nimbus 25? A new high rockered geometry and a higher stack height (the 40 mm limit). The wider (YAY) rockered sole makes it smooth from heel to toe. The new upper is padded but stretches. It’s still a daily trainer but it feels completely different.

ASICS Nimbus 25 Fit:

Throughout the years, the Nimbus has fit narrow. Sometimes I couldn’t even wear a women’s wide because it was so narrow. It’s not as narrow as in the past, but it does lean on the slimmer side. The forefoot is snug, but the midfoot and heel typically fit. I usually describe ASICS running shoes as “long and lean.”

Every part of the ASICS Nimbus 25 is premium. The knit upper is plush, but you don’t need to worry about your feet overheating. The heel counter and tongue are equally as padded. From the outside, it doesn’t look like the ASICS Nimbus 25 has much padding in the heel, but it does. This is how premium, $160 shoes used to be…with the rise of carbon-plated shoes, we’ve seen fewer of these features in $160+ shoes.

Knit uppers can often hold more moisture than other uppers, and I see this as a potential issue in the Nimbus. I don’t worry about a lot of rain in the Mojave Desert (but we do get it sometimes), but come summertime, it might hold sweat and heat more than I prefer. I haven’t had any issues with the upper yet.

The best-running shoe uppers disappear off your feet. You don’t want to worry about them sliding around. This year, the Nimbus does do that. You don’t have to worry about it being too narrow (important to note it’s also available wide). Everything feels premium, and this is one of the few years I haven’t had any issues with the uppers.

In running shoes, I wear between a size 10-11 wide. Throughout the years, I’ve needed an 11 wide+ in the Nimbus. This year, The size 11 in the ASICS Nimbus 25 fits well. Hoorah for finally fitting close to normal.

ASICS Nimbus 25 Ride:

So much has been updated in the ASICS Nimbus 25 ride. I know I’ve said: “wow, this shoe has been updated so many times,” but seriously, you can’t underestimate how different it is from pervious versions.

The ASICS Nimbus 25 now has a 2023 maximum stack height. The trend in the running industry is more cushion and stack height, and ASICS follows through with 41.5 mm in men’s shoes and 40.5 in women’s shoes. With that updated and higher stack height, the ASICS Nimbus 25 is much more rockered than previous versions. You’ll feel yourself rolling heel to toe. Many people complained that the ASICS Nimbus didn’t transition and roll heel to toe well. With the ASICS Nimbus 25, it rolls much better from heel to toe and doesn’t feel as clunky.

The FF Blast + Cushioning is the same as you’ll see in the Novablast 3, but it feels very different. The same cushion, the other shoe doesn’t mean the same feeling. ASICS has changed the shape of the cushioning, which makes the Nimbus feel much softer and like a big cloud (get it because Nimbus is a type of cloud?).

But what about the gel? It’s always been the “ASICS Gel Nimbus 25,” and there is still a Puregel insert in the heel.

Durability and Traction: The ASICS Nimbus has always been one of the most durable running shoes. How do you think it’s lasted 25 versions? I was slightly concerned because this year, the rubber is that apparent, but it’s there. But really, ASICS uses AHAR+ rubber. It continues to remain stable. I’ve already put 100+ miles on the ASICS Nimbus 25, and I don’t expect it to slow down anytime soon.

I’ve taken the ASICS Nimbus 25 out on sandy trails with no issues. My only concern about taking it out in inclement weather like rain is that the upper will get bogged down or heavy. I am not concerned about traction because the AHAR rubber is that good.

I was sure the ASICS Nimbus 25 would still fit as an easy or recovery-run shoe. I’m a HUGE fan of the Superblast for faster daily runs. So I assumed the ASICS Nimbus 25 would fall into runs. I just wanted to take it super easy and “chill’. That is the case, and while the ASICS Nimbus 25 bares no resemblance to the previous versions, the end use of the Nimbus is still the same: easy and recovery runs.

ASICS Nimbus 25 Conclusion:

While yes, the Nimbus has undergone a significant transformation; it’s still a good shoe. It’s just different, and I can’t emphasize that enough. You’ll still get a lot of mileage out of it and still be able to use it for easy recovery runs. It’s always surprising when a brand changes one of its staple shoes, but ASICS has done that well. Now we wonder what is in store for the Cumulus.

Who is the ASICS Nimbus 25 for? The Nimbus is a great option if you want a high-cushioned, easy-run shoe. It will leave your body feeling much less beat up.

Who is the ASICS Nimbus 25 not for? If you’re looking for a faster run or race shoe, this is probably not for you.

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: 361 Degrees Centauri, New Balance 1080v12, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Saucony Triumph 19, Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra

Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X

Long Runs: ASICS Superblast

Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX, 

Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Are you looking to learn more about running shoes? My ebook talks about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths about running shoes.

Questions for you:

Have you tried the ASICS Nimbus 25?

What is your favorite easy-run shoe?