Review Updates
(1 total)- 2026-07-06 — Review published
Quick Verdict
- Buy If: You want a cushioned trainer with a snug fit and neutral character for daily training, 10Ks, and marathons. The Nimbus 28 works best at speeds slower than 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile), and supports heavier runners too, as long as they don’t overpronate or oversupinate.
- Avoid If: You want a shoe that likes speedwork. Also, the deep side channels on the midsole make it less than ideal for oversupinators and overpronators. While the upper is plush, it doesn’t breathe well because of the thick mesh and snug fit. For more room, consider buying the optional 2E version.
🔍 Deep Dive
If you know what you’re buying, the Nimbus 28 doesn’t disappoint. The FF-Blast+ midsole delivers a deep and smooth cushioning that works best at unhurried paces and for a neutral gait. The midsole stack height maxes out at 40 mm under the heel, tapering to a 32 mm tall forefoot. As far as cushioning goes, that’s as max as it gets, so this shoe is also excellent for long-distance runs and races. The midsole is soft, but behaves well even under heavy loads. Again, this shoe doesn’t like to be rushed; reserve it for recovery runs and low-intensity daily training.
The midsole design isn’t ideal for runners who tend to roll excessively inwards or outwards. The midsole has deep compression grooves running down its length, so the Nimbus produces a cushioning bias during overpronation or oversupination. Ventilation is average, and the forefoot/midfoot is relatively narrow.
Pros
- Smooth, neutral cushioning
- Achilles-friendly 8 mm drop
- Outsole grip
- Secure upper fit
- Multiple widths
Cons
- Plush upper runs warm
- Low support for overpronators and oversupinators
- Struggles at fast paces
ASICS NIMBUS 28 IS BEST FOR
BEST FOR
SWEET SPOT
SPEED COMPATIBILITY
BIOMECHANICS: THE ASICS NIMBUS 28
The Nimbus 28’s compliant ride is best suited for recreational runners with a neutral stride. Be it heel or forefoot strikers, the midsole offers plenty of impact protection and high-mileage comfort at easier paces. The snug upper is plush on the inside with a glove-like fit.
See The Asics Nimbus 28 in action
(Click to pause/play)
Mechanics at Work
- FF Blast+ midsole → absorbs impact at easier paces
- Hybrid Asicsgrip rubber → for efficient landings and transitions
- 40 mm and 32 mm stack heights → adds long run comfort
- Plush and snug upper → delivers a comfortable, true-to-size fit
The ideal speed for this shoe is 5:00 min/km (8 min/mile) or slower. While the Nimbus can be pushed up to speeds of 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile), faster mid-pack runners will struggle to work their way through the soft midsole. As seen in our biomechanical frames, there’s significant midsole compression during landings and transitions, making the foot work harder. Verdict: Okay for mid-pack runners, but far from ideal.
See The Asics Nimbus 28 in action
(Click to pause/play)
Mechanics at Work
- FF Blast+ cushioning → is ideal up to 5:00 min/km (8 min/mile) speeds
- Soft foam midsole → decreases the propulsive effect during push offs
- Plush and secure fit → is good at transferring power to the midsole
- Hybrid Asicsgrip outsole → makes the forefoot grippy during toe offs
The Asics Nimbus 28’s soft ride, lack of an internal plate, and a weak rocker effect (or proprioception) make it unsuitable for elite and sub-elite runners.
See The Asics Nimbus 28 in action
Mechanics at Work
- Soft FF Blast+ midsole → slows down transitions
- Weak rocker effect → impedes speed
- Lack of stiffening element → weakens propulsion
- Thick, padded upper → generates heat at high speeds
Rearfoot strikers will land on the tallest part of the Nimbus - all 40 mm of stack height. The FF Blast+ foam is soft, but it delivers comfort without bottoming out. While outsole coverage is minimal, two AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) lugs are placed on the sides for traction, and also to slow down wear and tear. There’s a caveat though - the heel landing must be followed by a neutral inward roll. As you can see in our next biomechanical tab, the Nimbus doesn’t offer much compression resistance to an overpronated gait.
See The Asics Nimbus 28 in action
(Click to pause/play)
Mechanics at Work
- 40 mm heel stack → provides impact protection
- Under-heel groove → keeps compression centered
- Strategically placed outsole → manages wear and tear
- Internal counter, padded collar → keeps heel locked in
The Nimbus’s midsole lacks the level of compression resistance that overpronators need. Not only is the midsole too soft, but the grooves on the side make it easier to compress when the arch loading is directed inwards. Our biomechanical frames demonstrate how the midsole collapses at midstance, pulling the upper (and foot) inward. If you want a shoe from the same category as the Nimbus 28, consider the Glycerin 23 instead.
See The Asics Nimbus 28 in action
(Click to pause/play)
Mechanics at Work
- Soft FF Blast midsole → collapses during inwards roll
- Deep compression groove → adds medial bias, aggravates overpronation
- Secure upper → prevents foot slippage, but gets pulled inwards
Our biomechanical insights from our overpronation section shows why the Nimbus 28 works mostly for neutral runners. If you’re a runner who weighs over 190 lbs (86 kg), the Nimbus will deliver the comfort one expects of it - but only if you do not oversupinate or overpronate. The FF Blast+ midsole does quite well under heavy loads, resisting bottoming out. Heavy runners will find a comfortable and compliant ride that supports recovery runs and easy-pace daily training miles.
See The Asics Nimbus 28 in action
(Click to pause/play)
Mechanics at Work
- FF Blast+ foam midsole → resists bottoming
- 40 mm and 32 mm stack → provides high-mileage comfort
- Plush and snug interior → contains the foot during runs
How we scored Asics Nimbus 28
Select your profile for the score
Our scoring is weighted by intended use and biomechanics. A daily trainer is judged by different standards than a racing shoe. The central Global Score reflects how well this shoe fulfills its intended purpose; if a shoe is weak in foundational areas like stability or traction, our algorithm applies automatic penalty points.
Recreational Score Breakdown
SHOE MAGNIFIER
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