REASONS TO BUY
Pillowy soft
Smooth upper
Buoyant feeling
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
High stack might not suit all runners
Not the strongest midfoot lock
Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 - Women's Review
With cushy, high-stack foam underfoot, this trainer delivers effortless comfort for everything from daily miles to long walks
If comfort is key and a stretchy upper sounds just right, the updated Nimbus is a reliable choice.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ January 9, 2026
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The Asics Gel Nimbus 27 is an ideal road running shoe for motivated runners who want smooth, plush comfort throughout their running experiences. Built with an ultra-high 40 mm stack in the heel and a standard 7 mm drop, the Nimbus is all about running on clouds, hence its cleverly soft-sounding name. The Nimbus 27 balances softness and strength well, with its undercarriage providing ample cushioning without feeling mushy. The thickness of the cushion slab can feel a bit clunky and heavy, but daily runs, meandering dog walks, and distance training are a breeze in this comfortable road running shoe by Asics.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The 360-degree comfort of the Nimbus makes it a standout choice for runners who want to run while encasing their feet in kindness. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Comfort and Fit
The comfort of the Asics Gel Nimbus 27 is immediately apparent from the moment these shoes are taken out of their box. Equipped with a soft-to-the-touch upper made of jacquard mesh, the upper of this shoe cradles feet gently, allowing them to swell, expand, and flex during movement.
The Nimbus's thick, well-balanced cushioning provides a luxurious feel that's awesome for relaxed runs and easy-paced training. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The comfort and flexibility of the upper textile doesn't provide the most solid lockdown across the midfoot, making the Nimbus a slightly less stability-inducing shoe than some. While the flexible nature of the upper may not encourage stability, runners seeking a neutral shoe will find the Nimbus' support to be well-balanced. The forefoot is accommodating, although the shoe's build feels slightly more geared towards runners with narrower feet. Luckily, Asics makes wide versions of the Nimbus, expanding their reach of cloud-like comfort.
From the underfoot cushion to the heel bevel, the Nimbus is designed to remain smooth even as the miles add up. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Cushioning
The midsole foam of the Nimbus 27 is soft without feeling squishy and firm without being rigid. The rocker shape and midsole energy provide a fun feel during runs without adding excessive bounce.
While it offers a relatively high stack, the heel-to-toe drop is shorter at only 7mm, where some are as high as 14 mm. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The heel of the Nimbus stands at 40 mm above the ground, and the forefoot stands at 33, meaning that even with a generous heel-to-toe drop, the forefoot still rides high above the ground. This amount of underfoot cushion makes the Nimbus a shoe that runners seeking ample joint protection and compassion for their hard-working legs will enjoy. Runners seeking a daily trainer to cover mellow mileage will likely find the balance between strength and softness in the Nimbus to be comforting and smooth.
The stretchy breathability of the Nimbus's upper helps enhance its comfort. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Breathability
The upper weave of jacquard mesh allows the Gel Nimbus 27 to be one of the more breathable shoes we have tested from Asics. The upper's weave is stretchy and thin enough to remain comfortable, making this shoe a recommendation for most run types in various climates. The upper mesh is somewhat protective without feeling heavy or thick, yet it remains comfortable even when temperatures rise.
The outsole design of the Nimbus is solid, even when taken on damp, sandy paths. Credit: Ally Arcuri
The Nimbus has les traction than some competitors making it less suited for loose gravel and uneven terrain. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Traction
Asics lightened the weight of the updated Gel Nimbus by trimming the amount of rubber on the bottom and increasing the number of outsole cutouts. This makes the shoe feel smooth and easy to move and change directions in, especially for new runners who want something light and comfortable underfoot. Because more of the foam touches the ground, the shoe performs best on sidewalks and paved paths as opposed to gravelly terrain. Even on damp, foggy, or semi-saturated surfaces, it provides a steady and reliable ride. It can handle occasional uneven spots, but sticking to the road will help the shoe last longer and keep it feeling great for many miles.
We dove deep into the details to ensure that the Nimbus was as awesome as our runs led us to believe. All of this digging helped us unveil a shoe that is not only comfortable underfoot but reliable. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Asics Gel Nimbus 27?
Runners seeking a well-cushioned shoe for daily running should consider the Gel Nimbus 27. Full of comfortable padding and a flexible upper, runners who want to prioritize comfort at the core of their running experience will appreciate what Asics has created with this shoe. Somewhat bouncy and energetic enough for daily efforts, comfort-minded runners and those seeking a daily trainer will enjoy the bounce, roll, and softness of the Gel Nimbus 27.
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
Runners who want a maximally-cushioned shoe with a bit more energy and speed versatility might consider the Asics Novablast 5. The Novablast offers a more exciting ride than the Gel Nimbus but provides a similar level of cushioning. Runners who want a sturdier-feeling, maximally-cushioned shoe should look into the plush yet firm New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14. With a total heel height of 37 mm, the Fresh Foam X 1080v14 stands nearly as tall as the Nimbus but feels a bit thicker and more solid underfoot.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 - Women's versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $165 List Check Price at Backcountry |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | With cushy, high-stack foam underfoot, this trainer delivers effortless comfort for everything from daily miles to long walks |
| Pros | Pillowy soft, smooth upper, buoyant feeling, durable |
| Cons | High stack might not suit all runners, not the strongest midfoot lock |
| Rating Categories | Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 |
| Comfort and Fit (45%) | |
| Cushioning (30%) | |
| Breathability (15%) | |
| Traction (10%) | |
| Specifications | Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 |
| Who is it Best For? | Everyday runners |
| Best Use | Relaxed running |
| Measured Weight | 7.99 oz |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 7 mm |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 40 mm |
| Available Sizes | 5 - 13 US, regular, wide |
| Midsole | FF Blast Plus |
| Plate Type | None |
| Upper | Jacquard mesh |
| Outsole | Hybrid AsicsGrip |
| Heel Tab Type | Finger loop |
| Style | Max cushion |
—Ally Arcuri
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