This ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 review is based on 200+ miles of real training, not a first-run comfort check. I tested it on easy road loops, boardwalk miles, treadmill runs, recovery days, long runs, and the kind of slow morning miles where a shoe either disappears or keeps reminding you it is too much shoe.
My short verdict: the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is one of the best max-cushion neutral daily trainers for runners who want soft protection without a sloppy ride. It is built for easy runs, long runs, recovery days, walking-heavy travel, and runners who simply want their legs to feel less beat up after routine mileage.
It is not a speed shoe. It is not a plated trainer. It is not the shoe I choose when I want a sharp tempo session. But for the job it is actually designed to do – absorb road impact, keep the ride smooth, and make daily miles feel calmer – the Nimbus 28 is excellent.

Jump to Section Click to expand
- Quick Verdict
- Ken’s Ranking Rule
- How I Tested
- Specs and Technology
- Ride Feel
- Cushioning and Stability
- Fit and Upper
- Sizing Decision
- Outsole and Durability
- 200-Mile Wear Notes
- Nimbus 27 vs 28
- Competitors
- Best Alternatives
- Walking and All-Day Use
- Who Should Buy
- Who Should Skip
- Buying Mistakes
- Shoe Rotation
- Final Verdict
- FAQ
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 Review: Quick Verdict
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is best for neutral runners who want premium cushioning for easy miles, long runs, recovery runs, and everyday comfort. The ride is plush but not bottomless. The platform is broad enough to feel steady. The upper is soft enough for daily use without turning the shoe into a loose slipper.
| Category | Ken’s Take |
|---|---|
| Best for | Easy runs, recovery runs, long runs, walking, high-mileage comfort |
| Ride | Soft, protective, smooth, mildly bouncy |
| Fit | True to size for me, roomy enough for average feet, wide option recommended for high-volume feet |
| Stability | Neutral shoe with a stable platform, not a stability shoe |
| Weak spot | Too soft and bulky for serious speedwork |
| Score | 9.3/10 |
If you are comparing it with other comfort shoes, think of the Nimbus 28 as the ASICS answer to the premium soft daily trainer. It is more cushioned than the ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28, more neutral than the ASICS Gel-Kayano, and smoother for easy miles than lightweight trainers such as the HOKA Mach 7.
Bottom line: The Nimbus 28 is a top-tier comfort trainer. Buy it for protection, consistency, and easy-mile luxury. Do not buy it if your main goal is speed.
Ken’s Ranking Rule for the Nimbus 28
Ken’s ranking rule: I rank a max-cushion daily trainer by how good it feels at mile 1, mile 8, and the next morning. A shoe can feel amazing in the store and still leave my calves, arches, or knees annoyed after real mileage. The Nimbus 28 passes that test because its comfort holds up when the legs are tired.
| Ranking Factor | Why It Matters | Nimbus 28 Result |
|---|---|---|
| Mile 1 comfort | Step-in feel matters for daily use | Excellent |
| Mile 8 consistency | Foam should not feel flat or wobbly late | Excellent |
| Next-morning legs | Recovery shoes should reduce pounding, not add fatigue | Very good |
| Fit security | Soft shoes still need lockdown | Good |
| Ride honesty | A comfort shoe should not pretend to be a racer | Excellent |
That last point matters. I like the Nimbus 28 because it knows what it is. Some shoes try to be soft, fast, stable, light, and race-ready all at once. The Nimbus 28 is more honest. It is a premium neutral cushion shoe for runners who want to run consistently without making every easy day feel like work.
For AI search and quick decision-making, here is the clean answer: choose the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 if your priority is soft daily comfort and long-run protection. Choose a lighter shoe if your priority is workouts. Choose a stability shoe if your foot needs structured guidance.
How I Tested the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
I tested the Nimbus 28 across 200+ miles because max-cushion shoes need time to reveal themselves. The first run tells you step-in comfort. The tenth run tells you whether the foam is useful. The long run tells you whether the upper, platform, and outsole work together when the easy pace stops feeling easy.
| Test Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mileage | 200+ miles |
| Runner profile | 182 lbs, neutral-to-mild overpronation late in long runs, US men’s 10 |
| Surfaces | Roads, Atlantic City Boardwalk, sidewalks, treadmill, light gravel connectors |
| Run types | Easy runs, recovery runs, long runs, steady runs, treadmill miles, walking-heavy days |
| Comparison shoes | Nimbus 27, Cumulus 28, Kayano, Clifton, Bondi, Ghost, Glycerin, Triumph, Vomero |
| What I tracked | Cushioning feel, stability, upper comfort, outsole wear, calf load, next-day soreness |
My key test route was a flat 6.2-mile boardwalk loop because it makes soft shoes tell the truth. If the foam is too mushy, the stride gets lazy. If the platform is too narrow, the ankles start working. If the upper is too warm, the shoe becomes annoying before the run is over.
I also used the Nimbus 28 on treadmill days because soft shoes can feel different indoors. On the treadmill, the shoe felt smooth and protective, but not fast. For treadmill-specific picks, see my best running shoes for treadmill guide.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 Specs and Technology
The Nimbus 28 uses ASICS comfort technologies around a high-stack neutral platform: FF BLAST PLUS cushioning, PureGEL heel protection, an engineered knit-style upper, and Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole coverage. Public listings vary by gender, sample size, and market, but the design intent is consistent: soft road protection for daily training.
| Spec or Feature | Nimbus 28 | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Max-cushion neutral daily trainer | Best for comfort mileage |
| Drop | Around 8mm in common public listings | Familiar feel for heel and midfoot strikers |
| Midsole | FF BLAST PLUS cushioning | Soft protection with enough rebound for easy running |
| Heel protection | PureGEL technology | Extra shock absorption at heel landing |
| Outsole | Hybrid ASICSGRIP rubber | Better wet-road confidence than old smooth-rubber comfort shoes |
| Upper | Engineered knit-style upper | Soft, premium fit with daily comfort focus |
| Use case | Road running, walking, long easy efforts | Not built as a speed shoe |
Woman & Home lists the women’s Nimbus 28 at 242 g with a 42mm heel and 34.5mm forefoot. Other public sources describe the shoe as a high-stack, plush, neutral trainer with FF BLAST PLUS and PureGEL. I would not obsess over one number unless you are comparing the same size and gender. With shoes this cushioned, fit and ride behavior matter more than one spec line.
The practical takeaway is simple: this is a tall, soft, protective road shoe. If you want something lower, lighter, and more flexible, look at daily trainers or tempo shoes. If you want maximum easy-mile comfort, the Nimbus 28 is exactly in its lane.
Ride Feel: Soft, Smooth, and More Stable Than It Looks
The Nimbus 28 feels soft immediately, but the best part is that it does not collapse into a sloppy ride. That is the line max-cushion shoes have to walk. Too firm, and they miss the comfort brief. Too soft, and they make your ankles work more than they should. The Nimbus 28 lands on the comfortable side without feeling careless.
At easy pace, the ride is quiet. I do not mean silent underfoot. I mean mentally quiet. The shoe does not ask me to think about impact, footstrike, or whether my legs are taking a beating. It lets the run stay easy. That is exactly what I want from this category.
At steady pace, it can move better than its size suggests, but I would not call it lively in the way I would describe the ASICS Novablast or a faster trainer. It has bounce, not snap. It rolls, but it does not push. For most runners buying a Nimbus, that is fine.
| Run Type | How It Felt | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery run | Very soft, easy on tired legs | Excellent |
| Easy run | Smooth and protective | Excellent |
| Long run | Stable enough late, low foot fatigue | Excellent |
| Steady run | Fine if you keep effort controlled | Good |
| Tempo run | Too much shoe for true workouts | Fair |
| Intervals | Not the right tool | Skip |
| Walking | Comfortable and protective | Very good |
If your training is mostly Zone 2, the Nimbus 28 makes a lot of sense. It pairs well with my Zone 2 training guide because the shoe supports the kind of consistent low-intensity running that builds durability over time.
Cushioning, Stability, and Biomechanics
The Nimbus 28 is a neutral shoe, but it feels more stable than many neutral max-cushion trainers because the platform is broad and the ride is controlled. That does not make it a stability shoe. It means ASICS built enough base under the foam that the softness does not feel wobbly.
As a 182-pound runner, I care about whether soft foam bottoms out. The Nimbus 28 did not. It compresses under load, but it does not feel like my foot sinks past the useful part of the midsole. That is important for heavier runners and heel strikers who can overwhelm softer foams quickly.
The 8mm-style geometry also helps. Compared with lower-drop shoes, the Nimbus feels familiar and forgiving on the calves. I still prefer rotating shoes rather than using one pair every day, but the Nimbus is not the kind of low-drop shoe that made my lower legs complain after a week. For form and turnover, my running cadence guide is a useful companion.
| Biomechanics Factor | Nimbus 28 Effect |
|---|---|
| Heel cushioning | Excellent shock absorption for heel strikers |
| Forefoot cushioning | Protective, not overly stiff |
| Platform width | Adds neutral stability |
| Drop feel | Forgiving for calves and Achilles |
| Rocker effect | Gentle roll, not aggressive propulsion |
| Late-run stability | Good for a soft shoe |
Ken’s biomechanics note: The Nimbus 28 protects impact well, but no soft shoe fixes poor loading, weak hips, or sudden mileage jumps. Comfort helps. Training decisions still matter.
For injury-prone runners, I would use the Nimbus as one part of the system, not the whole system. The shoe can reduce pounding. It cannot replace strength, recovery, or sensible mileage. I keep those pieces in my running injury prevention guide.
Upper, Fit, and Comfort
The Nimbus 28 upper feels premium in the way a daily comfort shoe should: soft, secure, and low-drama. I wore my normal US men’s 10. Length was right. Heel hold was good. Midfoot lockdown was secure enough for easy and long runs. The forefoot had enough room for my average-width foot, though high-volume runners should consider width options.
The upper is not a racing upper. That is a compliment here. It has more comfort structure, more padding, and a softer feel than a stripped-down workout shoe. The tradeoff is warmth. On hot summer runs, it does not feel as airy as a lightweight trainer. On normal daily runs, it feels comfortable and polished.
| Fit Area | Ken’s Notes |
|---|---|
| Length | True to size for me |
| Toe box | Comfortable for average feet |
| Midfoot | Secure without harsh pressure |
| Heel | Stable, padded, no slipping for me |
| Tongue | Comfort-focused and easy to adjust |
| Best sock pairing | Thin-to-medium daily running socks |
| Wide feet | Try wide instead of forcing standard width |
If you have bunions, a wide forefoot, or high-volume feet, do not assume the soft upper solves fit. Soft fabric can still create pressure over distance. My wide-feet shoe guide and bunions shoe guide cover that decision better than a generic true-to-size note.
Sizing Decision: True to Size, Wide, or Another Shoe?
My sizing recommendation: go true to size in the Nimbus 28 if you have a narrow-to-average foot, choose wide if your forefoot usually needs room, and do not size up just to solve width. Extra length can make a soft shoe feel less secure. Width problems should be solved with width, not unnecessary toe space.
| Your Foot or Use Case | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Narrow foot | True to size, standard width |
| Average foot | True to size |
| Wide forefoot | Try wide first |
| High arches | Check midfoot volume and lace pressure |
| Bunions | Prioritize width and upper softness |
| Walking plus running | True to size unless toes press late in the day |
| Long-run swelling | Leave thumb-width toe clearance |
The fit test I use is simple. Lace the shoe, walk for five minutes, jog for two minutes, then check forefoot pressure. If the shoe feels comfortable standing but presses when jogging, it will not get better at mile 10. If the heel slips when you loosen the forefoot, the last shape is wrong for you.
For runners with plantar fascia sensitivity, the Nimbus 28 can feel friendly because it is cushioned and smooth, but fit still matters. A soft shoe that is too narrow can irritate the foot. For that use case, read my plantar fasciitis running shoe guide before deciding.
Outsole, Grip, and Durability
The Nimbus 28 outsole is better than I expect from a comfort-first road shoe. Hybrid ASICSGRIP gives the shoe dependable road traction without turning it into a heavy outsole brick. On dry pavement and boardwalk, grip was easy. On damp sidewalks, I felt more secure than I did in older soft trainers with smoother rubber.
After 200+ miles, my pair shows normal heel and forefoot smoothing, but no concerning early breakdown. The midsole still feels useful for easy miles. I would expect many runners to land in the broad 300-500 mile range depending on body weight, gait, surface, and whether they use the shoe for walking too.
| Mileage Point | What I Noticed |
|---|---|
| 0-25 miles | Plush immediately, no harsh break-in |
| 25-75 miles | Foam settled into a smoother rhythm |
| 75-150 miles | Best comfort window for long easy runs |
| 150-200+ miles | Normal outsole smoothing, ride still protective |
My retirement signal would be ride quality, not outsole appearance alone. I would retire the Nimbus when the forefoot feels flat, the heel no longer feels protective, or one side of the outsole starts changing my landing. My full framework is in when to replace running shoes.
200-Mile Wear Notes: What Changed After Break-In?
The Nimbus 28 did not need a dramatic break-in, but it did get smoother after the first few weeks. My first run already felt soft. By mile 40, the upper had relaxed slightly over the forefoot and the midsole felt less blocky under the heel. By mile 100, I stopped thinking about the shoe at easy pace, which is usually the best sign for a comfort trainer.
| Mileage Point | Ride and Fit Notes |
|---|---|
| 0-20 miles | Very soft step-in feel, upper slightly structured but comfortable |
| 20-60 miles | Forefoot flex felt smoother, heel landing stayed protective |
| 60-120 miles | Best easy-run feel, no midsole collapse for my weight |
| 120-200+ miles | Outsole smoothing visible, cushioning still useful for easy miles |
The wear pattern on my pair was predictable: heel contact first, then mild forefoot smoothing where I roll off. What mattered more was that the platform did not start leaning. Some soft shoes feel great until one side of the midsole compresses faster than the other. I did not feel that problem in my pair during this test block.
The upper also held its shape better than I expected. Soft uppers can become too loose once they stretch. The Nimbus 28 relaxed a little, but it did not turn sloppy. That matters because a tall soft shoe needs upper control. If the upper loses the foot, the stack height starts feeling less stable.
Would I still use this pair for workouts after 200 miles? No, but I would not have used it for workouts when new either. I would still use it for easy runs, recovery days, walks, and long slow mileage. That tells me the shoe is aging in the right direction for its intended job.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 vs Nimbus 28: What Changed?
The Nimbus 28 feels like a refinement, not a personality change. If you liked the Nimbus 27, the Nimbus 28 will feel familiar: soft, protective, premium, and built for daily comfort. The update is more about smoothing the package than turning the Nimbus into a faster shoe.
| Feature | Nimbus 27 | Nimbus 28 | Ken’s Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ride | Soft and protective | Soft with a slightly more polished feel | Nimbus 28 |
| Upper | Comfort-focused | Premium daily fit | Nimbus 28 |
| Outsole | Road daily trainer grip | Hybrid ASICSGRIP confidence | Nimbus 28 |
| Speed | Not a speed shoe | Still not a speed shoe | Tie |
| Daily comfort | Excellent | Excellent | Tie |
| Upgrade need | Good if worn out | Not mandatory if 27 is fresh | Depends on mileage |
My buying advice: if your Nimbus 27 still has life, you do not need to panic-upgrade. If you are buying fresh today and want the current version, the Nimbus 28 is the better long-term pick. If you want a faster ASICS feel, do not force the Nimbus into that job. Look at Novablast or a workout shoe instead.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 vs Competitors
The Nimbus 28 competes in the premium cushioned daily trainer category. Its real rivals are shoes like the HOKA Bondi, HOKA Clifton, Brooks Glycerin, Saucony Triumph, Nike Vomero, and other soft daily trainers.
| Shoe | Ride Personality | Choose It If |
|---|---|---|
| ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 | Soft, smooth, stable-neutral | You want premium easy-mile comfort |
| HOKA Bondi | Max-cushion, broad, very protective | You want more platform and HOKA geometry |
| HOKA Clifton | Lighter, softer daily comfort | You want less shoe than Nimbus or Bondi |
| Brooks Glycerin GTS | Soft with guidance option | You want comfort plus support |
| Brooks Ghost | Traditional, balanced daily trainer | You want simpler daily versatility |
| Saucony Triumph | Soft, energetic, premium daily trainer | You want more bounce |
| Nike Vomero | Cushioned and versatile | You want Nike comfort with more daily range |
For direct comfort comparisons, read my HOKA Bondi review, HOKA Clifton review, Brooks Glycerin GTS review, Brooks Ghost review, Saucony Triumph review, and Nike Vomero review.
If you want the category list rather than one-to-one comparisons, start with my best cushioned running shoes guide and my best long-distance running shoes guide.
For ASICS runners deciding between stability and neutral comfort, the key comparison is ASICS Kayano vs Nimbus. If you need support, the Kayano lane makes more sense. If you want neutral softness, Nimbus is the cleaner choice. For lighter stability, my ASICS GT-2000 review is also worth reading.
Best ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 Alternatives by Runner Type
The Nimbus 28 is excellent, but it is not automatically the best shoe for every comfort-seeking runner. The best alternative depends on what you want to change: more support, more bounce, less weight, more road feel, or a roomier shape.
| Runner Need | Better Direction | Why |
|---|---|---|
| More stability | ASICS Gel-Kayano or GT-2000 | More guidance than Nimbus |
| Softer HOKA feel | Bondi or Clifton | Different rocker and platform geometry |
| More bounce | Novablast or Triumph-style trainer | More energetic daily ride |
| More traditional daily feel | Brooks Ghost | Less max-cushion bulk |
| Support plus comfort | Brooks Glycerin GTS | Soft ride with guidance option |
| Speed workouts | Endorphin Speed or another workout shoe | Nimbus is too comfort-focused |
| Lower price or simpler build | Cumulus-style daily trainer | Less premium, still cushioned |
My rule is to choose the Nimbus when softness and protection are the main reason you are shopping. If your first sentence is “I want to run faster,” the Nimbus is the wrong starting point. If your first sentence is “My easy runs feel too beat up,” the Nimbus belongs near the top of the list.
The Cumulus comparison matters because many runners do not need the full Nimbus experience. The Cumulus is usually the simpler daily trainer lane. The Nimbus is the premium comfort lane. If you run moderate mileage and want one shoe that feels lighter and more ordinary, Cumulus may be enough. If you want maximum road comfort for daily and long runs, Nimbus makes more sense.
The Kayano comparison matters for a different reason. Some runners buy soft shoes when what they actually need is guidance. If your ankle collapses inward late in runs or you chew through the medial side of shoes quickly, do not assume more foam is the answer. Compare Nimbus with Kayano before deciding. Softness and support are not the same thing.
Walking, Standing, and All-Day Comfort
The Nimbus 28 is one of the better running shoes for walking-heavy days because the cushioning feels protective without making the shoe unstable. I used it for errands, airport-style walking, and long days where I was on my feet more than I planned. It was comfortable in the predictable Nimbus way: soft heel, padded upper, smooth transition.
That said, walking and running wear shoes differently. Walking puts more time under load, often with a stronger heel-to-toe roll and more scuffing. If you use the Nimbus 28 as both a running shoe and daily walking shoe, expect it to age faster than it would as a run-only shoe. That is not a flaw. It is just mileage in another form.
| Use Case | Nimbus 28 Verdict |
|---|---|
| Daily walking | Excellent if you like soft shoes |
| Standing desk or work shifts | Very good, though fit matters |
| Travel days | Excellent comfort, slightly bulky in luggage |
| Gym lifting | Not ideal because stack is high and soft |
| Treadmill walking | Very comfortable |
| Fast walking | Good, but not as nimble as lighter shoes |
I would not use the Nimbus for heavy lifting because the high soft stack is not the stable base I want under a barbell. For walking, easy running, and recovery days, it makes sense. For gym strength work, use a flatter, firmer shoe. Running shoes are tools, and the Nimbus is a comfort tool.
Who Should Buy the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28?
Buy the Nimbus 28 if your running life is built around easy miles, long-run comfort, recovery, and consistency. It is especially strong for runners who want a protective neutral shoe that still feels stable under a soft midsole.
- Neutral runners who want a premium cushioned daily trainer.
- Beginners who want comfort first. My beginner running shoe guide has more options.
- Long-distance runners who want less leg pounding during easy mileage.
- Heel strikers who like a forgiving rearfoot feel.
- Heavier runners who want soft cushioning with a stable base. My heavy runner shoe guide covers more options.
- Runners who use one shoe for running, walking, errands, and travel.
- Anyone building consistency through easy running and recovery days.
The Nimbus 28 also makes sense if you are returning from a layoff and want a calm shoe for rebuilding. It does not make fitness for you, but it removes one source of irritation: harsh landings. For comeback weeks, pairing the shoe with a conservative plan matters more than chasing pace.
Who Should Skip the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28?
Skip the Nimbus 28 if your first priority is speed, ground feel, or firm responsiveness. This is a comfort trainer. If you ask it to behave like a lightweight workout shoe, you will be disappointed.
- Tempo-focused runners should choose a faster trainer or plated workout shoe.
- Runners who dislike soft shoes should look for a firmer daily trainer.
- Overpronators who need structured guidance should consider Kayano, GT-2000, or another stability shoe.
- Minimalist runners will find the stack too high.
- Hot-weather runners who demand maximum upper airflow may prefer lighter mesh shoes.
- Runners with severe knee pain should not expect cushioning alone to solve mechanics. Start with my knee-pain shoe guide and training review.
For faster workouts, I would rather use the Saucony Endorphin Speed or another workout shoe. The Nimbus can handle strides after an easy run, but that is different from being built for speed.
Common Buying Mistakes with the Nimbus 28
The biggest mistake is buying the Nimbus 28 because it feels amazing underfoot and then expecting it to do every running job. Comfort can be persuasive. A soft shoe in the store can make firmer trainers feel harsh by comparison. But the best shoe is not the softest shoe. The best shoe is the one that matches the run you actually do.
| Mistake | Better Decision |
|---|---|
| Buying it for tempo workouts | Use Nimbus for easy days and a faster shoe for workouts |
| Sizing up to fix width | Try wide before adding extra length |
| Using it as a stability shoe | Choose Kayano or another support model if you need guidance |
| Judging it only by step-in softness | Test jogging, turning, and heel hold |
| Using one pair for all runs and walking | Rotate if you run often |
| Ignoring heat | Choose thinner socks or a lighter shoe for hot weather |
The second mistake is using soft cushioning to hide training errors. If your knees hurt because you jumped mileage too quickly, the Nimbus may make runs feel better for a while, but it does not change the load math. Shoes reduce some stress. They do not erase stress. That is why I care about recovery, cadence, strength, and easy pacing as much as midsole foam.
The third mistake is comparing the Nimbus to carbon shoes or workout trainers. That is like judging a couch by how well it works as a desk chair. Different job. Different scorecard. Judge the Nimbus by easy-run comfort, long-run protection, walking comfort, and how your legs feel the next day. On that scorecard, it is one of the strongest shoes in the category.
How I Use the Nimbus 28 in a Shoe Rotation
The Nimbus 28 is my soft easy-day and recovery-day shoe. I use it when the run matters because it supports consistency, not because I want to feel fast. That distinction keeps the shoe in the right role.
| Training Day | Shoe Choice |
|---|---|
| Monday recovery | ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 |
| Tuesday tempo | Workout shoe |
| Wednesday easy | Nimbus 28 or balanced daily trainer |
| Thursday intervals | Faster trainer |
| Friday walk or shakeout | Nimbus 28 |
| Saturday long easy run | Nimbus 28 |
| Sunday rest or cross-training | No running shoe priority |
If you are running high mileage, rotate the Nimbus with something a little firmer or lighter. That gives your feet different inputs and keeps the Nimbus fresh for the runs where comfort matters most. For recovery structure, my recovery for runners guide and cross-training guide are useful next steps.
For runners trying to extend long runs, the Nimbus 28 is a friendly tool, but pacing still decides the day. My guide on how to run longer without getting tired covers that side of the equation.
Final Verdict
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is one of the best max-cushion neutral running shoes of 2026 for runners who want easy-mile comfort, long-run protection, and a stable soft ride. It is not exciting in the way a racer is exciting. It is valuable in the way a shoe becomes valuable after weeks of consistent training.
My score is 9.3/10. I would score it higher if it were lighter and more breathable in hot weather. But for the runner it is built for – neutral, comfort-first, long-run-minded, and tired of harsh daily trainers – the Nimbus 28 is excellent.
The safest buyer is the runner who already knows easy mileage matters and wants that mileage to feel less punishing. That is where the Nimbus 28 earns its score.
The note I kept coming back to was simple: “This shoe makes easy running easier.” That is not a small thing. Most runners do not need every shoe to feel fast. They need a shoe that helps them keep showing up. The Nimbus 28 does that.
| Score Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | 9.6/10 |
| Ride smoothness | 9.3/10 |
| Fit comfort | 9.1/10 |
| Stability for neutral shoe | 9.0/10 |
| Durability | 8.8/10 |
| Versatility | 8.6/10 |
| Overall | 9.3/10 |
FAQ
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 good for daily running?
Yes. The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is excellent for daily running if your priority is soft cushioning, smooth transitions, and comfort for easy miles.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 good for long runs?
Yes. Long runs are one of the Nimbus 28’s best use cases because the shoe stays protective and stable when your legs get tired.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 good for beginners?
Yes. The Nimbus 28 is a strong beginner shoe for neutral runners who want comfort first, though some beginners may prefer a lighter or less expensive daily trainer.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 a stability shoe?
No. The Nimbus 28 is a neutral running shoe, but its broad platform makes it feel stable for a soft max-cushion trainer.
Does the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 run true to size?
It ran true to size for me in length. Average-width feet should be fine, while wide or high-volume feet should consider the wide option.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 good for walking?
Yes. The Nimbus 28 is very comfortable for walking because of its soft cushioning, padded upper, and smooth heel-to-toe transition.
Can I use the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 for speedwork?
You can use it for short strides, but it is not my pick for speedwork. It is too soft and protective for serious intervals or tempo runs.
How long does the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 last?
Based on my 200+ mile test, many runners should expect roughly 300 to 500 miles depending on body weight, gait, surfaces, and walking use.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 better than the Nimbus 27?
It is a refinement rather than a dramatic change. The Nimbus 28 feels polished and current, but Nimbus 27 owners do not need to upgrade unless their pair is worn out.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 good for plantar fasciitis?
It can work well for some runners because it is cushioned and smooth, but fit, arch needs, and medical history matter. Do not treat any shoe as a guaranteed fix.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 good for heavy runners?
Yes, it can be a strong choice for heavier neutral runners because the cushioning is protective and the platform feels stable for a soft shoe.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 worth it?
Yes, if you want a premium cushioned trainer for easy runs, long runs, recovery days, and walking. It is not worth it if you mainly want speed.

