REASONS TO BUY
Luxurious underfoot cushioning
Smooth and comfortable materials
Energetic midsole bounce
Very breathable
REASONS TO AVOID
Sock-style upper won't appeal to all
Tongue lacks protection
Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 - Women's Review
This shoe's plush underfoot feel and smooth transitions make it ideal for easy runs, recovery days, and walking
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 is a maximally cushioned running shoe designed for comfort-focused miles and long days on your feet.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 14, 2026
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 leans heavily into comfort, delivering a soft, ultra-cushioned ride designed for easy miles, recovery days, long walks, and runners who prioritize underfoot goodness. With its deeply padded underfoot feel and smooth, rolling transitions, the Nimbus is especially well-suited for runners seeking a maximally cushioned daily trainer that helps reduce impact during high-mileage training or long hours on their feet. The shoe delivers an undeniably plush underfoot experience, while the upper remains light and breathable. The stretchy knit tongue and midfoot design aim to create a sock-like fit, but runners who prefer a more traditional structure through the middle of the shoe may find the fit slightly unusual at first. For runners prioritizing softness, protection, and a modern max-cushion experience, the Nimbus is a worthwhile option.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Delightfully cushioned underfoot, the Nimbus feels squishy and cloudlike during runs. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Comfort and Fit
The comfort elements of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 are noticeable before the shoe even makes its way onto our feet. Nearly every detail is designed to feel smooth and luxurious, creating an experience that complements the shoe's highly cushioned ride. The standard-width fit feels predictable and accommodating for average feet, while runners who need additional space can choose a wide version. The forefoot especially benefits from the upper material's flexibility and stretch, helping the shoe feel breathable and unrestrictive during longer efforts. Runners who prefer a softer, modern fit will likely appreciate the Nimbus's smooth, adaptable upper.
The stretchiness of the upper creates a comfortable fit, even though it falls short in feeling laterally secure. Credit: Ally Arcuri
That said, the upper may feel somewhat unique for those accustomed to traditional, structured running shoes. The stretchy tongue, in particular, prioritizes flexibility over padding, and it doesn't provide quite enough protection to fully buffer lace pressure across the top of the foot. Because of this, achieving a perfectly balanced and locked-in fit through the lacebed can sometimes feel a bit tricky, especially for anyone who prefers to cinch their shoes down tightly. In those cases, the thinner tongue makes the laces slightly more noticeable than expected. Runners who prefer a more relaxed fit may not find this nearly as bothersome, and despite this minor quirk, we still thought the Gel-Nimbus 28 comfortable enough to enjoy across many miles.
The stretchiness of the tongue makes it hard to cinch laces down tight without creating an imbalanced sensation. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Cushioning
The underfoot cushion of the updated Nimbus is one of its crowning glories. With a total stack of 39 mm of Asics' “FF Blast Plush” foam in the heel and 33 mm in the forefoot, this shoe offers plenty of protective bounce between feet and the road. The lightness of the underfoot foam shines through, allowing the shoe to feel simultaneously cushioned and lightweight; a real feet in the world of running shoes. Runners who like the idea of a maximally-cushioned trainer that doesn't make you feel like you're lugging around bricks on your feet will likely love it.
The Nimbus is breathable thanks to a stretchy upper with better airflow. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The upper mesh is breathable enough to allow comfortable airflow during sweltering runs. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Breathability
The Nimbus's stretchy upper is smooth and breathable, which definitely adds to its comfort. The engineered mesh upper creates a light, airy feel that keeps feet feeling fresh and well-ventilated throughout runs. The thin, pliable upper makes this a strong summer running shoe for warmer conditions. The upper mesh of the Nimbus doesn't offer as much structure as some runners might like, but it excels in breathability.
The Nimbus's traction is good enough for road running without being too grippy. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The generous rubber coverage across high-wear points of the outsole helps the shoe feel durable while maintaining fluid transitions. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Traction
Traction on the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 feels steady and complements the shoe's comfort-focused vibe. The outsole grips well on standard road surfaces, helping the shoe maintain smooth, controlled transitions. The rubber coverage is generous throughout high-contact areas, adding a sense of durability and stability without making the ride feel overly stiff or heavy. In the case of the Nimbus, the outsole disappears beneath the ride itself. Rather than drawing attention with an aggressive or overly firm feel, the traction quietly supports the Nimbus's smooth, cushioned flow from heel strike to toe-off. Even on lightly damp pavement or uneven sidewalks, the shoe maintains a dependable sense of control, reinforcing its easygoing, highly protective nature. While it may not have the most robust grip of any road shoe we've tested, it offers enough grip to build confidence in many road-running situations.
The Nimbus isn't our most recommended shoe because of how the stretchiness of the upper inhibits a strong lace lockdown. Runners who find this particular feature comfortable will enjoy the other elements of the shoe, as we did. Credit: Ally Arcuri
Should You Buy the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28?
Runners who want a super-smooth, high-cushion road running shoe will enjoy the ride the Nimbus offers. With a plump and airy undercarriage, ample breathability, and a stretchy mesh upper, comfort-minded runners will enjoy the forgiving nature of this shoe. While we have a few road-running shoes we recommend above the Nimbus, it is still one of the better options on the market. Runners who like how the elements of this shoe come together will delight in the comfort and bounce their running experience can provide.
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
The New Balance 1080v15 tops our short list of road running shoes when it comes to maximally cushioned trainers. The 1080 v15 offers a thickness that wraps the foot, creating a ride and fit that feel a bit more cohesive than those of the Nimbus. The 1080v15, however, doesn't feel as silky smooth, which may take it out of contention for some runners. If you like the idea of the Nimbus but want a shoe that provides a more traditional upper, the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 offers just that. Finally, if an energetic and well-cushioned shoe is what you're after, we never hesitate to recommend the tried-and-true Asics Novablast 5.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 - Women's versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $170 List Check Price at Backcountry |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | This shoe's plush underfoot feel and smooth transitions make it ideal for easy runs, recovery days, and walking |
| Pros | Luxurious underfoot cushioning, smooth and comfortable materials, energetic midsole bounce, very breathable |
| Cons | Sock-style upper won't appeal to all, tongue lacks protection |
| Rating Categories | Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 |
| Comfort and Fit (45%) | |
| Cushioning (30%) | |
| Breathability (15%) | |
| Traction (10%) | |
| Specifications | Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 |
| Who is it Best For? | Everyday/comfort-focused |
| Best Use | Relaxed running |
| Measured Weight | 7.47 oz |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 5 mm |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 39 mm |
| Available Sizes | 5 - 13 US regular, wide |
| Midsole | FF BLAST™ PLUS |
| Plate Type | None |
| Upper | Mesh |
| Outsole | HYBRID ASICSGRIP |
| Heel Tab Type | Finger loop |
| Style | Max cushion |
—Ally Arcuri
You Might Also Like
