Over the past 20+ years, there have been few running shoe models that have the heritage, loyal following and success that the Asics Nimbus series has had . Most runners know or have run in “The Nimbus” - Asics’ premium cushioned performance running shoe - and, up until a few years ago, they likely loved their experience. Then Asics did what many brands do (much to the chagrin and headache of shoe-fitters like myself)… they fixed something that was not broken!
This “fix” was likely motivated by an ultra competitive class of running shoes, a need for Asics to stay on the cutting edge of technology and, let’s be honest, marketing initiatives. That or they tried to get away with a cheaper manufacturing process that ended in a poor fitting and worse performing product. Only the big wigs in Japan really know!
It started with the Nimbus 19, which Asics released and marketed as “the best Nimbus yet”, with a re-engineered mesh and more cushion than ever. Excitement was built and running stores and customers were desperate for the latest Nimbus. It was downhill from there. The Nimbus went from one of the most consistent and best fitting shoes on our wall to a shoe that fit 1-2 sizes small, with an upper that didn’t last and an underfoot feel that was firm and created a slap while running. It was a shoe fitter’s nightmare and the first time I ever remember feeling like I had to “convince” runners to purchase the Nimbus.
The number of disappointed runners and shoe retailers was endless and Nimbus sales plummeted. After a dark few years of poor fitting versions of the Nimbus (see Gel-Nimbus 19-21), Asics did their best to get back on track with last year’s model of the Nimbus 22. Finally, customers were appreciating the fit and the shoe was fitting like the Nimbus of old. Skepticism was still running rampant and although it was close, it still wasn’t the Nimbus we came to love.
Personally, I went through the exact same struggle. I loyally ran in the Asics Gel-Nimbus from version 16-18 and then was turned off by versions 19-22. It had been the perfect shoe for me because the Nimbus is one of few models on the market that offer a higher heel than most which my tight calves really appreciated. I’m also a bigger guy who is not exactly light on my feet and the Gel cushioning that runs throughout the sole is both soft and structured which got me through the training and racing of numerous half marathons.
Enter the Gel-Nimbus 23! Released in December 2020, the Nimbus 23 has really impressed me as a runner and a shoe-fitter. I snagged myself a pair and, as of the first week of February, have logged about 100km on them. Right away I’m loving the bouncy cushion and fluid feel of the midsole which is packed with Asics’ GEL and FLYTEFOAM Propel technology. It’s the combination of the gel and foam that gives a supported yet springy feel. Asics also nailed the fit of the upper (finally!) with an extra-padded tongue and a stretchy engineered mesh, the shoe seems to mold with my foot as it swells and I move in the shoe.
I’ve now pulled and fit the Nimbus 23 for over 2 months now and our guests are noticing the upper offers an accommodation and freedom in the toes that we haven’t seen from Asics in a while. The Nimbus 23 has this awesome midfoot saddle that grabs the arch allowing for more space in the toe-box without feeling sloppy or loose. Because the Nimbus offers a drop of 13mm in women’s and 10mm in men’s, it’s also a shoe our staff are suggesting to those with heel pain and/or tight calves and hamstrings. That extra height in the heel takes pressure off the achilles and calves and lets runners and walkers worry more about how fast and far they can go and less about how much they’re going to hobble around the next day. The final addition I noticed is the forefoot cushion. I’m sure Asics has a sparkly marketing name for whatever they’ve done, but damn… the forefoot cushioning of this shoe is AMAZING!
Finally, what would a shoe review be without some suggested changes? I’d call for some sort of additional toe-capping to stop guests’ big-toe nails from punching through the upper as well a little more toe-spring to the sole. Admittedly, I’m getting nit-picky here - Toe-spring/rocker is a trend we’re seeing in the running market that helps a runner through the final third of their stride and I’ve come to appreciate the way it offloads the ball of the foot. Why not get a little help from the shoe?
Overall, Asics’ Gel-Nimbus 23 is a comeback story. If you’re one of the ex-Asics wearers or are interested in a max-cushion shoe full of bounce, I highly suggest giving these puppies a try! Now let’s hope Asics learns from their mistakes and doesn’t try to re-invent the wheel!
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 23 is available in store or online in multiple colours! Already have a pair? Leave me comment and let me know what you think!
Watch below to see the fancy (ooOOoohhh) marketing video from Asics!!