Asics
Gel-Nimbus 28 Running Shoe – Women's
$169.95
Free shipping
Free shipping on orders over $60
In-store pickup · Check our 4 Memphis-area stores
30-day returns, even if you've run in them
The Grivet Take
The Gel-Nimbus 28 is ASICS's premium plush daily reimagined for a lighter, more responsive ride. The line sheds weight to a record lightness for the series and the midsole shifts firmer underfoot, which produces a snappier feel and a perceived drop closer to 5-6 mm than the listed 8 mm. The sharper, later forefoot rocker drives transitions more aggressively than the v27. Two trade-offs to flag: customers who loved the v27 for its plush max-cushion feel may find the v28 too firm; and the reduced outsole rubber coverage raises durability concerns for high-mileage runners. Runners wanting the plusher Nimbus character should look at the v27 still in catalog; runners wanting a softer premium daily should consider the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 or NB 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.4 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.2 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.4 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.4 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. Women's sizing is offered in B (standard), D (wide), and 2E (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.
- 42.5 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 34.5 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 8.0 mm
- Weight (women's 8)
- 8.5 oz · 241 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 4 / 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 with PureGEL heel
- 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.
- B · D · 2E
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 28 sheds weight to a record lightness for the series at the expense of plushness; the midsole reads firmer and stiffer than the v27 with a snappier feel. The forefoot rocker is much sharper and later than the v27, producing a stiffer transition. PureGEL heel and FF Blast Plus foam continue, with outsole rubber coverage reduced (durability concerns). The engineered knit upper has normal-to-slightly-wide forefoot with thinner gusseted tongue; lace-bite issues require loose lacing per reviewer. Net effect: lighter and snappier but less cushioned; v27 fans may find the change too firm.
Frequently asked
What changed from the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 to the 28?
The Nimbus 28 sheds weight to a record lightness for the line and shifts the midsole feel firmer and stiffer than the v27. The forefoot rocker is much sharper and later than the v27, producing a stiffer transition and a perceived drop closer to 5-6 mm despite the listed 8 mm. Outsole rubber coverage is reduced (durability concerns for high-mileage runners). v27 fans who loved the plush max-cushion feel may find the v28 too firm; runners wanting a more responsive premium daily will prefer the v28.
How does the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 compare to the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15?
Both are premium plush daily trainers built for easy miles and long efforts. The Nimbus 28 has FF Blast Plus cushioning with a PureGEL heel and reads firmer and snappier than its v27 predecessor. The 1080v15 has a softer Fresh Foam X midsole, a 6 mm drop, and a wider toe box for a plusher overall feel. Pick the Nimbus 28 for a lighter, snappier premium daily; pick the 1080v15 for a softer ride and wider forefoot.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 firm or soft underfoot?
The Nimbus 28 lands firmer than its v27 predecessor, on the balanced-firm side rather than soft. The FF Blast Plus midsole feels stiffer underfoot than recent Nimbus generations and the PureGEL heel is less effective at softening the heel-strike than the v27's combination. Runners looking for a softer max-cushion ride should consider the Nimbus 27 still in catalog, the Brooks Glycerin GTS 22, or the NB 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. Women's sizing is offered in B (standard), D (wide), and 2E (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 B width. Runners with very wide forefeet who need the widest fit are well covered by the 2E.
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 28 for a lighter, firmer, more responsive premium daily with a sharper later forefoot rocker. Choose the Nimbus 27 still in catalog for the plusher, more cushioned ride that the line was built around.
Compare ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 →
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15
Choose the Nimbus 28 for a firmer, lighter, snappier premium daily. Choose the 1080v15 for a softer Fresh Foam X ride with a wider toe box.
Compare New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v15 →
Brooks Glycerin GTS 22
Choose the Nimbus 28 for a lighter neutral plush daily with a sharper rocker. Choose the Glycerin GTS 22 for Brooks's GuideRails light stability support and a softer DNA Tuned dual-cell midsole.
Compare Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 →
Saucony Triumph 22
Choose the Nimbus 28 for a firmer FF Blast Plus midsole and a sharper forefoot rocker. Choose the Triumph 22 for Saucony's PWRRUN PB foam with more bounce and a smoother roll.
Compare Saucony Triumph 22 →
Buyer's guide
Read our running shoes guide
A clear framework for picking running shoes by surface, cushion, drop, stability, and fit.
Read the guide