The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 weighs 34 grams less than the Nimbus 27, but honestly, that’s just scratching the surface of what sets these two apart. After logging miles in both, I can say the changes run deeper than just a lighter shoe. The Nimbus 28 comes with a stiffer outsole, a new upper, and a firmer ride that really shifts how the shoe feels for different runs.
Asics Gel Nimbus 28 vs 27: Upgrades and Core Differences
The Nimbus 28 drops weight and stiffens up the outsole, while keeping the same stack height and drop as before. These tweaks make for a firmer, more controlled ride compared to the softer, springier 27.
Weight Reduction and Overall Feel
In a US men’s 12, the Nimbus 28 clocks in at 316g, down from the 27’s 350g. Shedding 34g per shoe is pretty noticeable for a max-cushion trainer.
I could feel the weight difference right away, even just picking them up. On the run, the 28 moves through transitions with less bulk. But lighter doesn’t automatically mean more responsive here.
The FF Blast Plus foam in both keeps things cushioned, but the 28 is firmer and more controlled underfoot. The Nimbus 27 gave a softer, more playful bounce that worked well for a mix of paces.
Stack Height and Drop: Specs vs Real-World Experience
Specs are identical for both:
- Heel stack: 43.5mm
- Forefoot stack: 35.5mm
- Drop: 8mm
But honestly, they just don’t feel the same. The stiffer build of the 28 changes how the midsole acts when you’re out running. The 27 compressed and rebounded more, while the 28 holds firm through your stride.
Both still offer plenty of underfoot protection, but the 28 cushions in a more stable, controlled way, not the plush, soft feel you got from the 27.
Outsole Design and Grip Changes
The 28’s outsole is all-new, with more AHAR rubber and a thicker layer than the 27, which should help it last longer.
ASICS added flex grooves to the forefoot, but the 28 is still much stiffer and doesn’t bend as easily as the 27. That stiffness really changes the heel-to-toe feel and push-off.
The 27 flexed naturally at toe-off, while the stiffer forefoot in the 28 might be a plus for runners dealing with toe mobility issues like hallux rigidus, since it needs less flex.
Both use ASICS’ grip tech, but the extra rubber on the 28 grabs better on wet roads.
Upper Construction and Fit Comparison
The Nimbus 28 comes with a new engineered mesh upper that’s more breathable than before. It’s a bit more structured but still comfortable.
Heel counters are nicely padded and hold your foot in place. The tongue hasn’t really changed, which is fine by me—still comfy and stays put.
The forefoot fit is still on the narrow side. The 28’s mesh hugs the foot closer, which might pinch if your feet are wide, but at least ASICS offers multiple widths now.
The heel tab on the 28 is a tad longer, but honestly, it’s more of a style tweak than anything else.
Performance and Comfort in Daily Running
The 28 and 27 feel pretty different on daily runs. The newer one is firmer and more controlled, while the 27 is softer and a bit more fun underfoot.
Cushioning, Shock Absorption, and Energy Return
Both have FF BLAST+ foam and the same stack heights, plus PureGEL for shock absorption. Specs match, but the underfoot feel is another story.
The 27 gives better energy return, thanks to its flexible forefoot. The softer platform compresses and pops back, which feels lively, especially on tempo days or longer easy runs when you want a bit of spring.
The 28 is all about controlled cushioning, not bounce. The firmer outsole soaks up impact but doesn’t give back as much. It’s better for steady, long runs where stability matters more than speed.
Stability and Foot Support
The Nimbus 28 is noticeably more stable, even though both are technically neutral trainers. The thicker outsole and less flexible forefoot make the ride feel planted and controlled.
The 27 is softer and lets your foot move more naturally. Both have breathable uppers and great heel lockdown, but the 28’s mesh hugs a bit closer.
If you’re hunting for something even more rockered with similar cushioning, the ASICS Glideride Max 2 takes a different path to efficient forward motion.
Who Each Nimbus Model Suits Best
The Nimbus 27 really shines for runners looking for a versatile daily trainer. Personally, I found it handled everything from easy runs to marathon-pace efforts without any fuss. Its softer, more responsive feel seems perfect if you like to mix up your training paces and want one shoe to cover most of your runs.
The Nimbus 28 is more for runners who care most about comfort and stability on those steady long runs. At 316g (down from 350g in a US size 12), it’s lighter but doesn’t feel as playful. I’d suggest it if you mostly stick to easy-paced mileage and want a shoe that feels solid and steady underfoot.
If you’re after maximum bounce, though, the Novablast 5 might be more your style. It leans into energy return way more than the Nimbus line, which tries to balance cushioning with a bit more stability.
