The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 is a cushioned daily trainer that's been a staple in ASICS' running shoe lineup since the '90s. As the name suggests, it's designed for cloud-like comfort, with a high stack height, moderate heel-to-toe drop for smooth transitions, and PureGEL technology in the midsole for softer landings at the heel. It also features a fully gusseted tongue, an engineered upper, and a grippy AHARPLUS™ rubber outsole. While it isn't the lightest shoe, as one of ASICS' highest-stack daily trainers, it's a safe bet for runners who want a plush, everyday cruiser for easy miles and recovery runs. Just don't expect its EVA-based midsole foam to provide the responsiveness needed for faster paces.
Our Verdict
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 is a poor option for marathon racing. It's designed primarily for comfort rather than speed, with firm foam and heavier weight that make it less suited for picking up the pace. While its decent cushioning and high-stack design are good for longer distances, it doesn't have enough bounce and responsiveness for high-performance racing.
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Decent cushioning.
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Bad energy return.
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Heavy.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 is a disappointing option for 5K/10K racing. It's primarily designed for easy runs and daily comfort rather than high-speed performance. It provides a good amount of firmness in the forefoot, which allows for more controlled toe-offs. However, the shoe is heavy, and its overall energy return is poor, lacking the springiness needed to compete at shorter distances.
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Foam is quite firm overall.
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Bad energy return.
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Heavy.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 has terrible overall energy return. Its foam absorbs a lot of energy, especially in the heel, making for a less responsive ride.
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Bad energy return.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 provides a decent amount of cushioning. It's especially well-cushioned at the forefoot and the heel at higher forces, making it a good option for heavier runners.
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Decent cushioning.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 has great lateral stability. The shoe has a very wide outsole that provides a stable platform, and its fully gusseted tongue and secure upper allow for good lockdown. The foam is also quite firm, especially in the forefoot, offering more stability and control. That said, its high stack height can take some getting used to if you're not familiar with more substantial models.
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Wide outsole platform.
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Fully gusseted tongue creates solid lockdown.
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Foam is quite firm overall.
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High stack height.
- 3.8 Marathon Racing
- 4.9 5K/10K Racing
Performance Usages
- 0.8 Energy Return
- 7.3 Cushioning
- 8.3 Lateral Stability
Changelog
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We bought and tested the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 in Men's US size 9 in the Celadon/Light Celadon colorway, as viewable on the label.
Depending on your region, the shoe comes in several other color options, including Black/Graphite Grey, White/Birch, and Sheet Rock/Thunder Blue. At the same time, the women's version includes additional colorways like Blue Expanse/Aurora Green and Mint Tint/Pale Mint.
There are wide versions available for both men's and women's models. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
Compared To Other Running Shoes
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 is a cushioned and comfortable shoe that's especially well-suited to longer, recovery, and easy runs. ASICS has redesigned the upper and the rubber outsole grip compared to the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 25, as well as updated the midsole with a firmer iteration of its FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam. It isn't particularly lightweight but provides a stable, comfortable ride for those who prefer a higher stack height. Runners seeking a high-stack premium trainer for easy miles might also consider more extreme options in this category—like the ASICS GLIDERIDE MAX, Nike Pegasus Premium, or Brooks Glycerin Max—which offer an even greater level of protection.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 and the HOKA Clifton 9 are both popular, well-cushioned daily trainers, but each has its own advantages. The HOKA is lighter and offers better energy return, making it a bit more versatile. The ASICS, meanwhile, has a higher stack height and offers somewhat better cushioning, making it a bit more tailored to easy miles and recovery runs.
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 and the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 are both solid daily trainers in ASICS' lineup, but they excel in different areas. The NOVABLAST 4 is more versatile and better at picking up the pace, with better energy return and a notably lighter weight. However, the GEL-NIMBUS 26 is firmer overall, offering more stability and making it a good fit for easy runs at slower paces.
The ASICS GEL-KAYANO 31 and ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 are both popular and long-standing models in ASICS' lineup, but they suit different needs. The GEL-KAYANO 31 is aimed at runners who need more stability, with dedicated support elements and a slightly wider outsole. The GEL-NIMBUS 26, on the other hand, is a more neutral daily trainer designed for maximum comfort, with a slightly higher stack height and more balanced cushioning in the heel and forefoot.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 and Saucony Triumph 22 are both premium daily trainers built for comfortable, easy runs. Both are on the heavier side, but the Triumph 22 uses a higher-end midsole that delivers more energy return and cushioning. The GEL-NIMBUS 26, on the other hand, offers a more stable ride. If you want max softness, go with the Triumph; if you value a bit more stability, the Nimbus is the better pick.
The ASICS GLIDERIDE MAX is like a slightly more elevated (literally and figuratively) ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26. While both are designed with high-stack, max comfort in mind, the GLIDERIDE MAX is a bit lighter and has some added features, like a rocker and a partial EVA plate, that give it a slightly smoother ride. It's also got a more premium foam which is softer in the heel.
Test Results
This isn't a particularly lightweight shoe, making it less suited to up-tempo runs and races.
The shoe's PureGEL midsole insert was displaced when cutting it, but we've included a picture of the PureGEL beneath the shoe so you can see what it looks like.
ASICS shoes typically run slightly longer than most other brands, and this model follows that trend—something to consider when selecting your size.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 has terrible energy return in the heel. While the addition of PureGEL material adds some comfort, it evidently doesn't help with energy return, resulting in minimal rebound.
There's a bit more energy return in the forefoot, but it's still bad overall. The foam in the midsole simply doesn't allow for very propulsive toe-offs. It's notably firmer than a more well-rounded shoe like the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 and doesn't return enough energy for a more responsive ride.
The cushioning at the heel is okay. It does an especially good job of absorbing energy at higher forces, making it a good fit for heavier runners or heel strikers who want a bit more protection underfoot.
The shoe has good impact absorption, with sufficient cushioning at the forefoot, which is good for heavier runners or forefoot strikers. However, if you prefer to have more ground feel, a less cushioned daily trainer like the HOKA Clifton 9 might be a better fit.
The foam in the heel is reasonably firm, but it feels softer at higher forces. It provides enough stability for easier runs and forefoot strikers, though heavier runners and heel strikers will find it less rigid.
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This product has been merged with ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 26 Running Shoes, 10.5, Fren. Follow the discussion here.