ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Review: Same, Same But Different

By Nick Hall - Review

Published: 29 Mar 2025

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Readtime: 6 min

The Lowdown:

ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 | Image: ASICS

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When ASICS unveiled the GEL-NIMBUS 25 running shoes back in February 2023, it marked a complete overhaul for the much-loved collection. The height dramatically increased, courtesy of an increase in midsole cushioning, with the heel drop elevated to a stellar 8mm. The new GEL-NIMBUS 27 steps things up even further, pun very much intended.

The newly released running shoes may maintain the same heel drop specifications, but ASICS has elevated the height of the shoe to a monstrous 43.5mm. That increase might seem marginal on a surface level, but on inspection, you can’t help but feel these running shoes are bordering on platform territory—not that anyone is complaining. The added height is capturing major attention across the burgeoning running community, with ASICS’s flagship performance shoe quickly becoming one of the most talked about releases of the year. So, does the extra elevation really stack up? After a month spent reviewing the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27, I have some thoughts.

ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Key Specifications and Comparison

Design

Right from the outset, the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 running shoes make an impact, and that’s simply because of the hyper-turquoise finish. The extra elevation of the forefoot stack, when compared to the 26, creates the illusion of a smaller drop, providing a sleek and smooth aesthetic that feels innately modern, particularly when coupled with the jacquard mesh upper.

That being said, with the same drop as the previous model and a rear stack that is only 1.5mm higher, the updates to the actual shoe design are minimal. I can imagine that at a lower stack, the 1.5mm change may have been noticeable, but the increase to 43.5mm renders the change inconspicuous. The only noticeable difference between this and the previous model is the firmness, which I would say lands in between the 25 and 26s in terms of response.

Pronation

I previously owned a pair of the GEL-NIMBUS 25s, and while they did take me at least 50 kilometres to properly wear, they were probably the running shoes I got the most value from. Lightweight and easy, the midfoot and forefoot strike approach suited my running style and I didn’t feel like I was constantly at risk of rolling an ankle. While the 26s moved to a more balanced strike path, I was happy to see that the GEL-NIMBUS 27 model returned to the classic neutral, underpronation-focused design.

As a result, the running experience is super smooth, and my foot strike leant further towards a neutral movement. For the most part, my foot would land on the outside of the heel and roll inwards, which is good for most short-term runners and those who have mobile knees, which thankfully, I do. If you are a bigger person or you are new to running, this might not been ideal, but for reference, I am 100 kilograms and tend to favour short-distance treks; these running shoes suited me just fine.

Comfort

The biggest advantage of the new GEL-NIMBUS model is undoubtedly the comfort. The brand has added a thicker midsole and increased cushioning to make the run far smoother and less taxing on your feet. As seen on previous models, the FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning continues to deliver stand-out performance in terms of comfort and stability. ASICS says that this technology is made with approximately 24 per cent bio-based content using renewable sources, which is great for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

Lighter and bouncier than ever, GEL-NIMBUS 27s embody ASICS’ agility-focused performance ethos. The landing was way softer, and I definitely felt my movements were more fluid and responsive, which was undoubtedly helped by the brand’s much-revered PureGEL technology.

Size-wise, the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 runs true to size, meaning you won’t have any nasty issues when you slip them on. When I used models such as the adidas Ultraboost 5x, I’ve had to size up for comfort’s sake, but that’s definitely not an issue here.

Smoother Running Performance

Make no mistake, the new ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27’s running performance is outstanding. Much like its predecessors, the 27 provides a super smooth experience and stellar responsiveness without being too overbearing. The experience is not unlike the Hoka Bondi 9, but I found the ASICS to be a little less firm and a bit more natural in their weight distribution. This is a personal preference, but the ASICS were certainly more aligned with running style.

Admittedly, the GEL-NIMBUS 27 running shoes are not designed for long runs. While they will offer support and cushioning throughout the trek, they don’t tend to give a ton of bounce-back on an extended run, rather just absorption. In my opinion, they are a great shoe for easy running, particularly across the six to 10-kilometre range, but I wouldn’t be wearing these on my marathon training (if I ever get there).

The Verdict

The latest ASICS revamp isn’t quite as comprehensive as previous updates but rather a move towards continuous refinement. The changes that have been made are subtle and primarily focus on long-term comfort, which is better suited to the distance runner and intermediate-level athlete. For most, the GEL-NIMBUS 27 will provide all the cushioning and support needed and the ultra-thick midsole certainly aids in a fluid run, but for me, I found the high elevation to be just too much for my liking.

As someone who runs casually, rather than daily, the firmer foam and bottom-heavy design felt a little clunky during my workouts. More often than not, I was consciously aware of the shoes I was wearing and they never felt like a true extension of my feet. They are undeniably comfortable and, for the dedicated runner, will offer a lifetime of support, but in my opinion, the GEL-NIMBUS 25 still get my vote.