Shoe Review: ASICS Gel Nimbus Lite 3

ASICS stays true to its sustainability commitment with the new Gel Nimbus Lite 3, made with recycled materials and a lightweight design.

The latest version of the Gel Nimbus Lite features a FlyteFoam midsole with GEL technology and a breathable mesh upper designed with recycled materials.

The result is a plush and bouncy shoe that provides soft landings and smooth transitions.

Fleet Feet reviewers tested the ASICS Gel Nimbus Lite 3 on long runs, speed workouts and walks. Here’s what you need to know.

The ASICS Gel Nimbus Lite 3 features a soft bed of FlyteFoam cushioning in the midsole, creating a plush and bouncy ride that reviewers loved.

“These shoes have a great balance of softness and responsiveness,” one reviewer says. “They have enough cushion to protect my feet from the impact, but still feel light and fast.”

ASICS’s FlyteFoam cushioning is made with cellulose nanofiber, an incredibly light yet strong fiber made from plant biomass.

Reviewers appreciated the lightweight ride.

“These shoes have just enough cushion. They’re incredibly light but not flimsy. I felt a little bounce, enough to inspire me to push harder, but so incredibly featherweight,” says one reviewer.

ASICS used their signature GEL technology in the rearfoot and forefoot of the shoe to increase shock absorption during landings and toe-offs.

A new outsole rubber, called ASICS LITE, is lighter and stronger than previous versions, providing excellent grip and traction.

One reviewer noticed how well they worked on a wet, rainy run.

“On my first run in the ASICS Gel Nimbus Lite 3, I ran 11 miles and felt surprisingly great! It was a rainy day and they had good traction on a wet greenway path,” she says.

“When I opened the box, I was nervous about the upper construction of the shoe. I’ve worn other pairs of shoes where my slight pronation shifted the entire upper. But when I tried them on and ran in them, they felt secure and snug,” one reviewer says.

The ASICS Gel Nimbus Lite 3 features an accommodating toe box for those needing extra space. Some of our reviewers appreciated the room, while others felt it was too much.

“The toe box is honestly a little bit too roomy on me, and the material puckers when I snug down the laces,” one reviewer says. “But thankfully, I didn’t have any trouble with my foot sloshing around on the run,” one reviewer says.

“For a wide-footed gal, I loved the forgiving nature of the upper. There’s ample room in the forefoot without being sloppy, with a really secure midfoot wrap,” says another reviewer.

If you have narrow feet, it’s best to try these on at your local Fleet Feet before making a purchase.

The ASICS Gel Nimbus Lite 3 hasn’t changed much over the past year, aside from a few small updates.

The shoe still features the FlyteFoam midsole, creating a soft and springy ride, and an upper made with over 60 percent recycled materials.

A new outsole rubber is lighter and stronger than the previous version, while providing more traction and durability. A thin, stretchy tongue reduces bulk and adds a sleeker feel.

Reviewers appreciated the updates and commended ASICS’ commitment to sustainability.

“I love the concept of a lightweight shoe made with more sustainable materials. As soon as I put on the third iteration of the Nimbus Lite, I was very excited by the updated look, fit and feel,” says one reviewer.

If you’re looking for a soft yet springy ride without being weighed down, the ASICS Gel Nimbus Lite 3 might be your jam.

The latest version of the Gel Nimbus Lite is a lightweight, responsive shoe with plush cushioning and an accommodating fit. A smooth upper made with recycled materials is an added bonus.

“I’ve added these shoes to my regular line up for easy runs and long runs, and it’s nice to know they can handle picking up the pace,” one reviewer says. “ASICS really hit the mark with this one. They kept all the good parts of the previous Nimbus Lite and made improvements where needed.”

To make sure you have the right pair of running shoes for your unique feet, 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.