For 25 years, the Nimbus has stood atop the ASICS lineup as a premium cushioned neutral road running shoe. However, the last few iterations felt like the line lost its lustre and lacked innovation seen in their other models. Step into 2023, ASICS looks to rewrite that narrative, launching a complete overhaul and introducing some new tech and much-needed life into the Nimbus lineup.

I got my hands on a pair in early January and gave it a fair test. Over 300km later, these got my stamp of approval and even landed into my weekly shoe rotation. Here are my thoughts on the new ASICS Nimbus 25. 

“Smooth”

If I were to summarize the updates to the new Nimbus in one word, it would be smooth. The Nimbus 25 gets some much-needed updates, and lets go of a few outdated legacy features that, in my opinion, were dragging them behind their competition. Designers of the shoe wanted to bring this lineup into the 21st century, and I think these updates certainly hit that mark all the while not loosing its definitive Nimbus feel that loyalists have come to know and love. 

New Life to the Midsole

First and foremost the midsole gets revamped with, you guessed it, a lot more cushioning.

The sheer amount of foam underfoot gives the shoe a solid, secure and robust feel that I felt lacked in previous versions. The Nimbus 25 adds 4mm of foam to the midsole bumping the heel to 41.5 mm and the forefoot to 33.5 mm of foam. The increase in stack height pushes the line towards the maximalist category, competing with the New Balance Fresh Foam More or Hoka Bondi, but without the clunkiness and rigidity of the latter.

The overall drop of the shoe jumps down to 8mm, marking a significant shift from its predecessors, which ranged closer to 13 mm but aligns itself closer to the industry standards of its rivals. 

The “smoothness” of the new Nimbus 25 is partly thanks to the introduction of the FF BLAST™ ECO PLUS midsole. The new midsole stretches the length of the shoe and provides a consistent, effortless feel when in motion. The FF Blast ECO PLUS midsole is a sustainable foam technology made from a blend of recycled and plant-based materials designed to reduce the environmental impact of the production process. I found the new foam technology bouncy and supportive, and provided a unique blend of shock absorption and energy return not felt in previous versions. The shoe offers a sweet spot between giving you just enough structure and pop but also allowing your forefoot some flexibility to feel natural in your stride. When you step into a Nimbus you want to experience luxury, and that’s certainly what you’re getting with the latest model. 

Sayonara Old Tech

With the introduction of the new midsole tech, ASICS eliminates a few of its older, legacy features. First, gone are the days of the clunky ol’ TRUSTICS SYSTEM, the plastic part on the midsole that gave the shoe contortional stability. To replicate that stability component ASICS provides a wider geometry to the shoe that, together with the amount of midsole, act in a similar manner. I wasn’t sure if I’d be a fan of a straighter and boxier last on the new Nimbus, but it has grown on me over my wear test. I found this update gave the shoe a much more consistent transition from heel to toe and felt nowhere near as clunky or firm through the arch as its predecessors. 

Secondly, ASICS gets rid of their iconic Gel in the heel (insert crying emoji), but fear not, it’s still embedded under the hood. Yes, ASICS introduces PureGEL™ technology, a silicone-based gel material strategically placed in the shoe's midsole to absorb impact and provide a more comfortable ride.

The gel material is designed to distribute pressure evenly across the foot, reducing the risk of injuries and fatigue. In addition to the overall ride of the shoe, one of the key benefits I found of the PureGEL™ technology is its ability to maintain cushioning properties over time. I’ve seen in the past that the GEL feature tended to break down faster than other parts of the shoe, and this innovation helped to mitigate that effect. It’s rare for a shoe these days to feel better after 300km than out of the box, and I think that’s something you’ll come to expect with the new Nimbus 25. 

Adaptive Upper 

If you’re going to bring the shoe into the 21st century, you’ve got to add a scoocum new upper to go along with the fit and feel of the shoe. That’s exactly what ASICS has done with the new Nimbus introducing a minimal and stretchy knitted upper coupled with a hearty and plush collar construction.

My first impressions of the upper were mixed, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel with such a minimal sensation or if it would provide enough lock down you’d come to expect with a premium cushioned shoe. The upper reminded me more of something I’d find on racing flat versus an everyday running shoe. However, those reservations certainly didn’t last long, as once I got going in the shoe it did it’s job perfectly. No hotspots, they hugged really well and became one with my foot.

Comparatively, ASICS dials up the support and cushioning around the heel collar, which gives it an effortless step-in comfort. For anyone struggling with bunions or hot spots, I think this adaptive upper will work wonders in alleviating any pressure points. Buyer, beware, if you’re after a super plush or cushioned tongue, these aren’t for you, but if you give it a walk or run you’ll be easily persuaded. 

What I’ve used the Nimbus for? 

With all these changes you’re probably left wondering if its affected its intended use. Fear not, the Nimbus is still you’re go-to premium cushioned neutral running shoe, perfect for a variety of distances and speeds.

For myself, I’ve used this shoe primarily for recovery days and easier long runs. The shoe is a model that I’ll go to when my legs feel a bit beat up and I want to reduce the impact on my body. Now, speed may not be the aim for the new model but it’s definitely built to handle a lot of mileage. I’ve been blown away by the resiliency of the midsole and how good it’s felt this far into its lifespan. If you’re after a model to rival the cushioning features of the maximalist models without the added bulkiness, I’d give the Nimbus 25 a go. 

Who is the Nimbus for? 

Despite all the updates, the Nimbus is still aimed at the runner or walker looking for a soft, reliable, highly cushioned, supportive, neutral running shoe. Whether you’re Cam Levins and breaking the Canadian Half Marathon record and using it for an easy recovery run day, or someone like my mom looking for a reliable, high-cushioned running shoe to tackle her walk/run program – the Nimbus can do it all. 

Come into the store and test out a pair of the brand new ASICS Nimbus 25.