Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 review

Asics continues to innovate with the Gel-Nimbus 26, with this latest model promising increased performance, durability and comfort. But does it deliver? Our tester Jude Palmer finds out.

Billed as a shoe that can help ‘you reach your moment of calm’, I was intrigued to know whether such a bold statement could be fulfilled by something as humble as a running shoe.

It turns out that while the Gel-Nimbus 26 won’t necessarily wash away my weekly stresses and get me meditating, having a shoe that’s comfortable out of the box and supports efficient running is very motivating.

First impressions of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26

The Gel-Nimbus 26 saw fundamental changes to its styling and performance one iteration ago, and so the differences between the 25 and 26 have been tweaks around the cushioning materials, outer sole and lacing. It comes in eight colours and two width fittings.

With 41mm of cushioning at the heel and 33mm at the midsole it’s well in the max cushioned range of road running shoes and had the thickest sole of the women’s shoes on test. That 41mm is one millimetre over World Athletics limit for racing, too.

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Asics describes the use of Innovative PureGEL technology and FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam as a way ‘to improve softness and shock absorption to reduce the impact on your joints and keep you running comfortably.’ 

Style and performance

The Gel-Nimbus 26 gave me a smooth ride and the rocker shape allowed my feet to roll pretty effortlessly from landing to toe off without too much thought. 

But, as is often the way, with more comfort comes less responsiveness and even though the rocker profile supports good landing and toe off, this shoe lacks that positive bounce that comes with less cushioned more dynamic styles. The Gel-Nimbus 26 is a great everyday shoe for soaking up the training miles.

There’s more good news, too, as a wide base gives a good feeling of stability on the run, but this does contribute to the second heaviest weight among the women’s shoes on test (256g, UK 5.5).

Fit and comfort

Putting the Gel Nimbus 26 on is made easy with the sock like upper and heel loop. The feeling of comfort seen in the sole continues with thick cushioning around the heel cup, a lightly padded tongue and a springy sockliner that cradles the foot. 

From the first step it feels comfortable and true to size. While the toe box felt generous and allowed room to move toes, I felt that I would take advantage of the wide fitting option to give even more room. 

Final thoughts – is the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 worth buying?

The engineered stretch knit upper is 100% recycled and provides a snug fit that holds the foot in place on hills and around corners. Compared to other models on test it also seemed to keep feet cooler. The reflective details on each side of the shoes are a nice touch for winter, too.

Meanwhile, the Hybrid ASICS GRIP outsole provides good traction both on dry and wet road surfaces. An interesting final footnote is the inclusion of the carbon footprint on the sockliner. A reminder that with every running shoe we don’t just leave behind memories. 

Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 spec

Price:	$160 / £180
Sizes:	3-11, (women’s, UK) 5-15 (men’s, UK)
Stack:	41mm, heel
Midsole:	FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam, 33mm, midsole
Drop:	8mm
Weight:	256g, 5.5, women’s UK