Asics
Gel-Nimbus 27 Running Shoe – Men's
$124.95
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The Grivet Take
The Gel-Nimbus 27 is ASICS's premium plush daily trainer, built for the runner who wants max cushion underfoot without the slow-rolling feel of a softer max-cushion shoe. The FF Blast Plus Eco midsole reads slightly firm for the category and works well at moderate paces; the new posterolateral heel bevel finally smooths the heel-strike transition that older Nimbus generations always asked the runner to manage. Two trade-offs to flag: the 8 mm drop and slightly firm ride is not for runners chasing a soft, plush max-cushion feel; and the standard D-width toe box is on the moderate side, runners wanting Topo or Altra-level toe room should look elsewhere. Runners wanting a softer max-cushion ride should look at the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22; 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.3 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 jacquard mesh upper provides a structured fit that secures the midfoot without locking down aggressively; the more open toebox accommodates normal-width feet comfortably and the redesigned upper improves overall containment versus the knit v26. Heel hold is secure thanks to the redesigned counter and the new posterolateral bevel that smooths heel-strike transitions. 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. Standard B-foot runners may find the upper roomy enough to consider sizing in a half size down depending on volume.
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.
- 43.5 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 35.5 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 8.0 mm
- Weight (men's 9)
- 10.7 oz · 305 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
- FF BLAST PLUS 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 27 keeps the FF Blast Plus Eco midsole foam and PureGEL heel insert from the v26 and rebuilds the heel geometry with a decent posterolateral bevel for smoother heel-strike transitions, addressing a longtime criticism of the line. The jacquard mesh upper replaces the v26's knit construction with a more structured, more open-toed feel. Stack height grows slightly to 43.5/35.5 mm men's. The shoe still reads slightly firmer than the max-cushion category average; this is intentional per the line's direction.
Frequently asked
What changed from the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 to the 27?
The Nimbus 27 keeps the FF Blast Plus Eco midsole and PureGEL heel from the v26 and rebuilds the heel geometry with a decent posterolateral bevel for smoother heel-strike transitions, addressing a longtime criticism of the series. The jacquard mesh upper replaces the v26's knit construction with a more structured, slightly more open-toed feel. Stack height grows slightly to 43.5/35.5 mm men's. v26 fans coming back will find a smoother heel transition and the same plush daily-trainer character.
How does the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 compare to the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15?
Both are premium plush daily trainers built for easy miles, long runs, and high weekly mileage. The Nimbus 27 has FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning with a PureGEL heel, an 8 mm drop, and reads slightly firmer with a more responsive feel. The 1080v15 has a softer Fresh Foam X midsole, a 6 mm drop, a wider toe box, and reads more plush. Pick the Nimbus 27 for slightly firmer cushion with a smooth rockered transition; pick the 1080v15 for a softer ride and wider forefoot fit.
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.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15
Choose the Nimbus 27 for slightly firmer FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning with a more responsive feel and the new posterolateral heel bevel. Choose the 1080v15 for a softer, more cushioned premium-plush ride with NB's wider toe box.
Compare New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 →
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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