After logging plenty of miles in these, I can say they deliver just what Asics claims: a whole lot of cushioning, all wrapped up in a stable, comfy shell.
The Gel-Nimbus 27 is really for runners who care most about comfort—perfect for daily miles, recovery days, or anyone who wants plenty of underfoot protection. There’s an extra 2mm of FF Blast+ Eco foam compared to last year’s model, plus a higher stack, so it’s not shy about being big and plush.
Rather than a total overhaul, Asics focused on refining the Nimbus here. The shoe keeps that stable, bottom-heavy feel—some runners love it, some don’t. I’ve tested these updates on the run, compared them to other cushioned trainers, and tried to figure out who’ll get the most out of this shoe.
Key Features and Design Updates
The Gel-Nimbus 27 builds on the 26 with tweaks aimed at comfort and breathability. Despite more stack height, it manages to keep the same weight, thanks to smarter material choices.
What’s New in the Gel-Nimbus 27
The biggest change is the extra stack. The 27 adds 2mm more foam than before.
That means a 44mm heel and 36mm forefoot, keeping the familiar 8mm drop.
Key specs:
- Weight: 303g (UK size 8.5)
- Stack Height: 44mm heel / 36mm forefoot
- Drop: 8mm
The midsole still uses FF Blast Plus Eco foam, but it feels a touch softer now.
The heel collar is as plush as ever—maybe the most comfortable I’ve tried in any running shoe.
Engineered Jacquard Mesh Upper
Asics ditched the knit upper from the 26 and went with a new engineered jacquard mesh for the 27.
This mesh breathes better. On longer runs, my feet stayed noticeably cooler than in the old model.
The upper flexes where you need it but stays supportive in the right spots. The heel and midfoot feel secure and stable.
The gusseted tongue is worth highlighting. It’s stretchy, thin, and padded just right—no pressure points, even on longer outings.
The heel counter locks things down nicely, working with the plush collar to keep your heel in place without any hotspots.
Stack Height and Cushioning
The extra stack makes this the softest, most cushioned Nimbus yet. You can see the added foam before you even put the shoe on.
The ride is softer than the 26, moving away from the firmer, slightly more versatile feel of the last version.
Cushioning details:
- FF Blast Plus Eco midsole
- PureGel heel insert for shock absorption
- Max stack height for the Nimbus line
The feel lands between firm daily trainers and super-soft max cushioned shoes. It’s not the bounciest out there, but it’s reliably comfortable for easy miles.
Despite the added foam, the weight hasn’t budged—it’s still the same as the 26. That’s pretty impressive engineering.
Fit, Comfort, and Everyday Feel
The Gel-Nimbus 27 nails comfort with its plush build and thoughtful construction. The new mesh upper is more breathable but keeps the true-to-size fit Nimbus fans expect.
Step-In Comfort and Padding
Slipping these on, the plush heel collar immediately stands out. It’s honestly one of the softest I’ve ever felt on a running shoe.
The gusseted tongue is stretchy, thin, and just padded enough—no annoying pressure points or shifting around.
Underfoot cushioning is definitely softer than the 26, but it never feels mushy or unstable.
From heel to toe, your foot is wrapped in comfort. Every step feels supported, which makes these great for long runs or easy recovery days.
Sizing and Fit for Various Feet
The Gel-Nimbus 27 fits true to size—I’d stick with your usual running shoe size. Fit is consistent with past Nimbus models, which is always a relief if you’re a repeat buyer.
Width-wise, the toe box gives enough room to wiggle your toes, but the overall volume is a bit low, especially above the foot.
The heel counter keeps your foot secure without squeezing. No heel slip, even on hillier runs.
If you have higher-volume feet, the shoe might feel snug at first. The mesh does stretch a bit, but it’s more structured than a knit upper.
Upper Breathability
The engineered jacquard mesh upper is a clear improvement over the old knit. Airflow is better, especially on warmer days.
The mesh balances breathability and support. It flexes with your foot but still feels structured enough for long distances.
Ventilation is solid for most weather. The upper doesn’t trap heat like some denser shoes I’ve tried, so it’s decent for year-round training if you don’t live somewhere tropical.
It lets moisture out reasonably well, though there are even more breathable options if that’s your top priority.
Performance and Ride Quality
The Gel-Nimbus 27 gives a stable, cushioned ride that leans heavily toward comfort, not speed. It feels secure underfoot, but you won’t get much pop for faster workouts.
Stability and Support
For such a high-stack shoe, it’s surprisingly stable. The wide platform keeps your foot centered on easy runs.
The heel counter locks things down without feeling stiff. My foot never moved around, even on uneven ground.
The ASICSGRIP outsole has solid traction on wet and dry pavement. I never slipped, even in the rain.
Stability highlights:
- Wide midsole base
- Secure heel counter
- Good grip from ASICSGRIP
The bottom-heavy build keeps you planted. Some runners will like that grounded feel, though others might wish for something a bit livelier.
Responsiveness and Energy Return
The Gel-Nimbus 27 doesn’t shine in responsiveness. The ride feels pretty flat underfoot, with not much bounce from the foam.
This isn’t a shoe for speed sessions or tempo runs. The cushioning isn’t lively enough for performance, nor is it the softest among max-cushioned trainers.
Performance drawbacks:
- Minimal bounce from the midsole
- Feels blocky when you try to pick up the pace
- Best for recovery or easy runs
Trying to run faster, I just couldn’t get much forward momentum. For easy miles it’s fine, but if you want something peppier, the Superblast 2 (for a bit more money) is way more responsive.
Comparison with Other Models and Alternatives
The Gel-Nimbus 27 brings some real improvements over the 26, with a stiffer, more stable feel. But it faces tough competition from Asics’ own faster trainers like the Novablast 5 and Superblast 2.
Gel-Nimbus 27 vs Previous Versions
The Nimbus 27 is clearly a step up from the 26. The ride is stiffer and smoother, which helps on longer runs.
The updated midsole stays soft for the long haul, making the 27 a solid pick for those marathon training days when comfort is king.
Biggest improvements:
- Better durability past 200 miles
- More controlled stride mechanics
- Improved shock absorption from the thicker midsole
Stability has also gotten a boost. Where the 26 sometimes felt a bit too soft, the 27 finds a better middle ground between cushion and response.
Alternatives: Novablast 5 and Superblast 2
If you’re eyeing something a little different in the Asics lineup, the Novablast 5 and Superblast 2 are both worth a look alongside the Gel-Nimbus 27.
The Novablast 5 has a springier, more energetic ride, while the Nimbus 27 leans into plush comfort. It’s a better pick for tempo runs or daily training if you like a bit of bounce underfoot.
Then there’s the Superblast 2, which is really built for performance. It’s firmer and gives you a big boost in energy return, so it’s right at home during faster-paced workouts.
Choosing between them:
- Nimbus 27: Long runs, recovery days, max cushioning
- Novablast 5: Daily miles, moderate paces, lively feel
- Superblast 2: Speed work, racing, when energy return matters most
