Asics
Gel-Nimbus 26 Running Shoe – Men's
$160.00
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The Grivet Take
The Gel-Nimbus 26 is the prior generation of ASICS's premium plush daily trainer, still a strong pick at a discounted older-inventory price. The PureGEL heel and FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco midsole deliver moderately soft cushioning with a refined heel bevel that smooths landings. The engineered knit upper has a sock-like premium feel, and the wider v26 toe box fixed the v25's tapering complaint. Two trade-offs to flag: the v27 successor adds another posterolateral bevel refinement and a slightly stiffer responsive feel, so customers chasing the newest character should look at the v27; and the knit upper can read warm in summer conditions. Runners wanting a similar plush daily with a wider toe box should consider the New Balance 1080v15.
Fit & Feel snapshot
Fit
LengthHow the shoe fits compared with true-to-size expectations.
True to size
Toe box widthHow much side-to-side room the shoe has across the front of the foot.3 of 5
NarrowWide
Toe box volumeHow much vertical room the shoe has above the toes.3 of 5
LowHigh
MidfootHow snug or roomy the shoe feels through the arch and laces.3 of 5
SnugRoomy
Heel holdHow securely the back of the shoe holds the heel.4 of 5
LooseLocked
Ride
CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.5 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.4 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.3 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.3 of 5
DeadBouncy
Support
Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral
Stability
Motion Control
Neutral shoe with a wider, steadier base
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
Wider, steadier base
How it fits
Length runs true to size for most runners. The engineered knit upper provides a sock-like fit that feels premium and accommodating; the v26 toe box is notably wider than the v25, which addressed a longtime complaint about tapering. Midfoot lockdown is secure thanks to a gusseted tongue, though some runners report minor initial rubbing during break-in. Heel hold is secure with the redesigned counter. Men's sizing is offered in D (standard), 2E (wide), and 4E (extra wide), one of the broader width ranges in the premium plush daily category.
How it feels
The FF Blast Plus Eco midsole with PureGEL heel reads slightly firm and on the responsive side rather than mushy plush, despite the 43.5 mm heel stack. The new posterolateral heel bevel smooths landings considerably versus the v26, and the modest rocker geometry helps the foot transition forward through push-off. Energy return is moderate; the shoe handles easy miles, long runs, and the occasional moderate-tempo effort well. Flexibility is on the low side at this stack; the forefoot relies on geometry rather than flex. The ASICSGRIP outsole grips dry pavement reliably and lasts well at high weekly mileage.
Quick specs
- Category
- Long run trainer
- Surface
- Pavement · Treadmill
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 41.5 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 33.5 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 8.0 mm
- Weight (men's 9)
- 10.7 oz · 303 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 5 / 5
- Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
- Neutral
- PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
- Wider, steadier base
- Midsole
- FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco with PureGEL heel insert
- Outsole
- ASICSGRIP rubber
- PlateA stiff layer, usually carbon, nylon, or TPU, built into some shoes to add structure, snap, or propulsion.
- No
- WidthsThe width options this shoe is made in. Actual availability depends on current inventory.
- D · 2E · 4E
Tech, translated
FF Blast Plus Eco is ASICS's premium midsole foam used across the Nimbus, Cumulus, and Novablast lines, made with at least 24% bio-based content. The compound is tuned for balanced cushion and energy return rather than the soft plush of a PEBA stack, which is why the Nimbus 27 reads slightly firmer than competitor max-cushion shoes despite the high stack height.
PureGEL is a redesigned softer GEL compound integrated into the heel of the midsole to absorb impact at heel-strike. The combination of PureGEL plus the new posterolateral heel bevel is the v27's main contribution: it finally addresses the harsh heel-strike feel that older Nimbus generations always required the runner to manage.
The ASICSGRIP outsole is the brand's high-durability road compound, designed for long-mileage wear. There is no plate; the wide platform, modest rocker, and stack height handle stability and transition.
What changed from the previous version
The Nimbus 26 introduced PureGEL in the heel and FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco throughout, replacing the v25's FlyteFoam Blast+. The toe box widened versus the v25's narrower last, addressing a longtime complaint about excessive tapering. The engineered knit upper gave the shoe a sock-like fit. The heel bevel was refined with slightly reduced posterior heel flare and a posterolateral bevel for smoother heel-strike transitions. Net effect: a softer, more accommodating Nimbus with a more comfortable upper; v25 fans coming back will recognize the line.
Frequently asked
What changed from the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 to the 26?
The Nimbus 26 introduced PureGEL in the heel and FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco throughout, replacing the v25's older FlyteFoam Blast+. The toe box widened versus the v25's narrower last, addressing a longtime complaint about excessive tapering. The engineered knit upper gave the shoe a sock-like premium fit. The heel bevel was refined for smoother heel-strike transitions. Net effect: a softer, more accommodating Nimbus with a more comfortable upper.
How does the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 compare to the Gel-Nimbus 27?
Both are premium plush daily trainers built for easy miles and long efforts. The Nimbus 26 has the PureGEL heel and FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco midsole introduced in this generation; the v26 reads moderately soft and plush. The Nimbus 27 keeps the same midsole formulation but refines the heel geometry with a stronger posterolateral bevel and reads slightly firmer and more responsive. Pick the Nimbus 26 for a plusher ride at a discounted older-inventory price; pick the Nimbus 27 for the latest refinement.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 firm or soft underfoot?
The Nimbus 27 lands on the slightly firmer side of the premium plush daily category, not soft and mushy. The FF Blast Plus Eco midsole is tuned for balanced cushion and energy return rather than the soft plush of a PEBA stack, and the PureGEL heel absorbs impact at heel-strike without going soft underneath. This is intentional per ASICS's line direction; the firmer ride helps the shoe maintain pace through long efforts. Runners looking for a softer max-cushion ride should consider the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 or New Balance 1080v15 instead.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 good for walking?
Yes. The premium plush 43.5 mm heel stack, smooth rocker geometry, redesigned posterolateral heel bevel, and durable ASICSGRIP outsole make the Nimbus 27 a strong pick for walking paces and all-day wear. The 8 mm drop reads naturally at walking speed. Customers chasing maximum slip-resistance for work-floor use should consider a dedicated work shoe; the Nimbus is running-tuned first but handles long days on feet well.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 good for wide feet?
Yes. Men's sizing is offered in D (standard), 2E (wide), and 4E (extra wide), one of the broader width ranges in the premium plush daily category. The slightly more open jacquard toebox on the v27 also helps in the standard D width. Runners with very wide forefeet who need the widest fit are well covered by the 4E.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 good for treadmill running?
Yes. The plush FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning, PureGEL heel, and durable ASICSGRIP outsole absorb the steady cadence of treadmill sessions well. The new posterolateral heel bevel smooths heel-strike transitions noticeably at treadmill paces. Runners using the treadmill primarily for faster intervals should consider a lighter, more responsive shoe; the Nimbus is tuned for steady efforts rather than speed work.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
Choose the Nimbus 26 for the prior-generation plusher feel at a discounted price. Choose the Nimbus 27 for the newer model with a refined posterolateral heel bevel and a slightly more responsive ride.
Compare ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 →
Brooks Glycerin GTS 22
Choose the Nimbus 27 for a neutral plush daily with a more rockered transition. Choose the Glycerin GTS 22 for Brooks's GuideRails light stability support and a bouncier DNA Tuned dual-cell midsole.
Compare Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 →
Saucony Triumph 22
Choose the Nimbus 27 for slightly firmer cushioning with FF Blast Plus Eco and PureGEL heel. Choose the Triumph 22 for Saucony's PWRRUN PB foam with more bounce and energy return at long-mileage paces.
Compare Saucony Triumph 22 →
Hoka Clifton 10
Choose the Nimbus 27 for a higher 8 mm drop and a slightly firmer FF Blast Plus Eco midsole. Choose the Clifton 10 for a softer, lighter, more aggressively rockered daily with a 5 mm drop.
Compare Hoka Clifton 10 →
Buyer's guide
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A clear framework for picking running shoes by surface, cushion, drop, stability, and fit.
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