Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Shoes Review

Specs

• Weight: 298g / 10.5oz (Men’s US 9.5)

• Price: $259 SGD

• Stack Height: 41.5/33.5mm (8mm drop)

Pros & Cons

Background

When I first saw the leaks of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 last year, I didn’t believe that it was part of the Nimbus series. It bore no resemblance to the past 24 iterations, with a noticeably higher stack height and no visible gel pieces in the heel. 

Will this major update to Asics’ premium max-cushioned training shoe appeal to a wider variety of runners, or will Asics lose its loyal followers with this 25th iteration of the Nimbus?

Upper & Fit

The upper is made from an engineered knit that contains at least 50% recycled content. 

I found the upper to fit fantastically for me. At first, it took awhile for me to get the lacing right. Once I found the right lace tension, the fit and lockdown were superb. I encountered no heel slippage regardless of pace and did not need to utilize the lace lock lacing technique. The toe box is on the narrower side, so the fit was on the snug side. However, I don’t recommend sizing up half a size unless your feet are very wide. 

The tongue is really thin, which is important to take note of when tying your shoelaces. Tying your laces too tightly will result in lace pressure on the top of your foot. I wish that the tongue was slightly more padded (the Skechers GoRun Ride 9 is an excellent example of a good tongue) so as to avoid this potential lace pressure.

The upper is not that breathable, and can be felt on longer runs or when the sun is up. I wouldn’t say that it's terrible, but it's definitely warmer than most of my other pairs.

 Overall, the upper is an improvement over past versions of the Nimbus, maintaining a plush, comfortable feel.

Midsole & Ride

The midsole features noticeable changes from the Nimbus 24, namely a higher stack height of FF Blast+ and a new type of gel material called PUREGEL.

I was pretty impressed with the demonstrations of the PUREGEL technology, where an egg was dropped onto a thin slab of gel and remained intact. The PUREGEL used in the Nimbus 25 is made in a honeycomb pattern, which seems to better distribute shock. As a midfoot striker, I did not notice the puregel in the rearfoot, though I’m sure it helped absorb some of my foot impact when landing.

These new changes result in a slightly firmer yet deeper cushioned ride. While some might prefer the softer feeling of the previous iteration, the ride here is smoother and transitions better in comparison. The wider base also results in a more stable feel with more uniform compression.

The Numbus 25, while classified as a max-cushioned trainer, might not be as soft as people would expect. Sure, it feels soft upon step-in and walking around. However, the ride seems to firm up while running. It is firmer than the likes of the New Balance Fresh Foam More v4, Nike Invincible Run 3. It also does not have the same level of bounce as the Saucony Triumph 20. Yet, the Nimbus 25 has the potential to be in the top 3 max cushioned shoes in my 2023 list. This is due to how well the upper synergizes with the jack-of-all-trades midsole type. The midsole foam may not be the softest or bounciest, but what it provides is a fine balance of both. 

Runners who loved the Nimbus 24 might be disappointed that the Nimbus is now firmer and has quite a different feel from past versions, but I do believe that both the Asics and Nimbus fan base will grow because of how the shoe would work for a wider range of runners.

Outsole & Durability

Asics uses AHAR+ in the rear outsole panels and regular AHAR. AHAR stands for “Asics High Abrasion Rubber”, where Asics claims that AHAR and AHAR+ are two and three times as durable as standard rubber respectively. You can expect similar levels of durability of over 600 km with the Nimbus 25.

Traction-wise, it isn't anything fantastic, being somewhat similar to the Triumph 20, perhaps slightly better. The grip is good on dry pavement and roads and average in wet conditions. 

Areas for Improvement

• Increasing forefoot width

• Increasing foam liveliness

• Increasing the tongue thickness slightly

• Increasing breathability of upper material

Conclusion

The Asics Nimbus 25 is a max-cushioned trainer that works perfectly for easy and long runs. The excellent fit of the upper complements the smooth, slightly bouncy, yet surprisingly stable ride. While riding slightly firmer than its predecessor, this 25th version of the Nimbus will likely suit a broader category of runners thanks to its smoother ride and increased durability. 

Reviewed by Xtriderunning

Check out Asics Gel Nimbus 25 collection here