Shoe Review: ASICS Gel Nimbus 24

The ASICS Gel Nimbus has been a staple amongst runners since the late nineties.

The Nimbus is named after the “cumulonimbus cloud” for its soft and lightweight properties, and the latest version of the Nimbus is the lightest yet.

Weighing in at about 10 grams lighter than previous versions, the ASICS Gel Nimbus 24 is the ultimate blend of pillowy softness and lightweight cushioning.

An engineered mesh upper provides breathability, while a FF BLAST PLUS midsole offers soft yet responsive cushioning.

Fleet Feet reviewers logged miles in the ASICS Gel Nimbus 24 to see how it feels, fits and performs. Here’s what they thought.

The ASICS Gel Nimbus is best for neutral runners seeking a highly cushioned shoe for long distances. Over the years, the Nimbus collection has constantly evolved while remaining true to its roots as a max-cushion road shoe.

The latest version of the ASICS Gel Nimbus is the lightest and softest yet, thanks to a redesigned midsole made with FF BLAST PLUS foam.

FF BLAST PLUS foam creates lightweight cushioning that delivers smooth transitions and propulsive toe-offs. The result is an ultra soft ride with just the right amount of responsiveness.

Reviewers noticed the difference in the midsole right away. “These shoes felt noticeably softer than any other ASICS I have tried. They have a really soft heel, but I don’t feel like I’m sinking down into them,” says one reviewer.

A flexible midfoot panel allows you to move comfortably and efficiently over long distances, and up-tempo paces. “They’re soft enough to provide comfort and cushion, but I can still pick up the pace if I need to,” another reviewer says.

A combination of FlyteFoam cushioning and GEL technology provide excellent shock absorption, necessary to mitigate the pounding your body takes while you run.

ASICS uses their signature gel-like pads in the heel and forefoot of the Nimbus to absorb impact and disperse it evenly throughout the foot, and Flytefoam cushioning in the midsole creates another layer of protection for your feet. Reviewers lauded the extra support.

“They’re cushioned enough to protect my feet from the constant pounding, and the fit remains comfortable even as my feet swell during long marathon-training runs,” says one reviewer.

The ASICS Gel Nimbus 24 features an ASICS LITE rubber outsole for extra traction and durability. ASICS LITE rubber is lighter, stronger and more sustainable than other traditional rubber outsoles, which provides the protection you need without added bulk.

For many runners, the edges of the heels are where running shoes tend to wear down the quickest. ASICS solves this problem by using their signature AHARPLUS heel plug rubber on the outer edges to prevent excessive wear.

“I didn’t feel like I needed to break these shoes in, as I do sometimes with other shoes,” says a reviewer. “I just laced them up and headed out the door and they stayed comfortable throughout my run.”

The ASICS Gel Nimbus 24 features a plush, padded heel collar and a thin (but soft!) mesh tongue that’s attached to the shoe with a bootie construction.

“The light mesh upper wraps comfortably around my feet, and the thin stretchy tongue feels barely there. I love how plush and padded these shoes feel on the inside,” says one reviewer.

Thoughtful details, like long laces to secure the fit and reflective details for added visibility, will make each run more enjoyable.

The biggest difference between the latest version and the previous version of the ASICS Gel Nimbus is the softer midsole and lighter weight.

The addition of FF BLAST PLUS cushioning makes for a softer and more responsive ride. Both the men’s and women’s versions of the Nimbus 24 are about half an ounce lighter than their predecessors.

The ASICS Gel Nimbus 24 also offers more advanced impact protection than the 23, thanks to the ASICS LITE rubber outsole.

A redesigned mesh upper, complete with a thin stretchy tongue, complete the lightweight package.

All in all, reviewers appreciated the updates.

“The latest version of the Nimbus still keeps all the great features that make this shoe so popular, while upgrading the fit and ride,” one reviewer says.

The latest version of the ASICS Gel Nimbus is a great choice for runners seeking a highly cushioned shoe built for long distances.

A breathable mesh upper allows for an accommodating fit, while a redesigned midsole creates a soft and bouncy ride. GEL technology provides advanced impact absorption to protect you from the pavement.

“These shoes have become a regular addition to my lineup for easy runs, recovery runs and long runs,” one reviewer says.

To make sure you have the right pair of running shoes, it helps to get fit by an expert. At Fleet Feet, we use best-in-class technology and personal expertise to find you the best shoes for your feet. Head into your local Fleet Feet or make an appointment to get fit.