It’s hard to believe we are on the ASICS Nimbus 26, and it’s been a year since the update. It does not feel that long at all! Last year, the Nimbus 25 got a big update. The shoe became more cushioned and got a rockered heel, allowing it to roll forward more easily. This year, there isn’t as big of a change, but the Nimbus 26 add minor details to the changes in the 25. There is a small weight gain, but overall the fit and feel are just better. I can *finally* say the ASICS Nimbus almost fits normal.
I had a couple of questions before reviewing the ASICS Nimbus 26.
- Does the ASICS Nimbus 26 fit better?
- Is the ASICS Nimbus 26 a good running shoe?
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 Quick Facts:
Price: $159.95
Weight: 10.7 oz
Drop: 8mm
If you prefer a lot of cushion in your running shoes, the ASICS Nimbus 26 is a good option. It’s a premium cushioned, maximum cushion trainer. The newest version introduces a new knit upper that has a much better fit, especially in the midfoot and toebox. The Nimbus 25 introduced the wider, rockered sole and higher stack height, and the Nimbus 26 keeps that. Finally, ASICS updated the outsole to have better grip. Okay, let’s get into the ASICS Nimbus 26 shoe review.
The Nimbus 26 just looks significantly different. You no longer get the window to view the “gel” in the cushion and the upper has more of a sleek look.
One last note, the ASICS Nimbus is now on it’s 26th version. It’s been around for a long time and a standard high cushioned trainer. As the running industry has evolved, so has the Nimbus. It’s just a shoe that’s worked for a very long time. That isn’t to say ASICS hasn’t missed the mark a few times because they most certainly have. Some years the trainer was clunky or too narrow fitting.
ASICS Nimbus 26 Fit:
The ASICS Nimbus 26 offers a brand new engineered knit upper that is designed to have a socklike fit and more accommodating toebox area. Finally! The Nimbus has gone through a journey with fit, and there were some years, I couldn’t even fit into a women’s size 12 because it was just too narrow (my shoe size is typically 10-11 wide). Sometimes, I would need a women’s double wide or men’s wide just to fit into the shoe. Thankfully, ASICS has worked on it, and it’s slowly getting a better fit. The new ASICS Nimbus 26 has a more forgiving toebox, but offers a snug midfoot so you do feel as though your feet are secure.
Something that really excites me is that at least 75% of the ASICS Nimbus 26 main upper material is made with recycled content to reduce waste and carbon emissions. I’m all for brands using recycled and sustainable material, but I also need a shoe that performs well, and it’s safe to say the ASICS Nimbus 26 does just that. I think it might be the best-fitting Nimbus we’ve seen in the last decade. Bold words!
As far as fit, I usually wear between size 10-11 wide in running shoes. I’ve found the ASICS Nimbus 26 fits best in size 11. Compared to other brands, it still runs a little long and narrow, but it’s the best fitting and most true to size Nimbus in a very long time.
ASICS Nimbus 26 Ride:
The Nimbus 26 has a high stack height and rockered design that allows for a softer and smoother ride than ever before. As we enter the maximum cushioned era, the Nimbus 26 continues to just get more and more cushion and stack height. The trainer has always been an easy/recovery run shoe, but this year, the Nimbus is the softest it’s been yet. It’s also slightly heavier than the previous version.
Like the Nimbus 25, the Nimbus 26 uses FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO technology. This creates softer landing and a more responsive toe-off; there isn’t much change from the previous version in the ride. The PureGel technology keeps the essence of the “ASICS gel” without it being too heavy.
Where does the ASICS Nimbus 26 fall in my rotation? The ASICS Nimbus has always been an easy/recovery run shoe, and that’s what it is now. The use of the shoe hasn’t changed.
Outsole:
The ASICS Nimbus 26 has gotten a better outsole. It wasn’t terrible last year, but it wasn’t great either. ASICS uses ASICS®GRIP™ outsole rubber that helps traction, improves softness, and is durable. The AHAR Plus outsole rubber helps with durability. I’ve definitely seen the Nimbus perform well in inclement conditions and don’t worry about sliding around. As far as durability, the Nimbus has always been a fairly durable shoe, and I don’t see that changing. I foresee the Nimbus 26 lasting over 400 miles.
ASICS Nimbus 26 Conclusion:
The updates to the Nimbus are really good. It definitely fits the best it’s ever fit. It actually makes me excited to run in the shoe! If you are looking for a running shoe with a lot of cushion, the Nimbus 26 is a great option.
Who should buy the ASICS Nimbus 26? Those wanting a running or walking shoe that has a lot of cushion and durability. It’s made to go the miles.
Who should not buy the ASICS Nimbus 26? If you are looking for a speedy shoe, this isn’t the one. ASICS has several models of carbon-plated shoes or even faster and lighter shoes designed to go fast.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Brooks Caldera 6, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
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:
What is your favorite high cushioned trainer?
Have you tried the Nimbus before?