I realise I’m really behind with my shoe review posts and have so many more to write/post/share – plus am going to start sharing more YouTube shoe content because honestly I just don’t think there are enough female shoe reviewers (currently I look to RuntotheFinish and Meg from Believe in the Run but am lucky to be friends with them so often just send a text saying ‘would I like these?’). I recently posted this on instagram after an article in RunHer mag shared a similar sentiment. So let me know which shoes should I spend money on so that you don’t waste yours? What pair do you want to know if they work for a 4hr marathoner…

But back to the shoe in question… I accidentally stumbled across these GEL-NIMBUS™ 27 when hosting a London Marathon panel talk for ASICS back in March and found a pair of the just released Eilish McColgan on display. I was immediately drawn to the purple tartan and thistle motif and bought them on the spot. 

The ASICS NIMBUS range is the brand’s flagship shoe and premium daily trainer. I’ve worn previous iterations of the NIMBUS shoes going back to the NIMBUS 16 and they have changed a lot over that time. They made a major update to the range with the 25 (it was actually launched in all-white without any branding and seeded to journalists and influencers such was the scale of the update). 

The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS™ 27 follows the style of the Nimbus line for the past two versions with a large cushioned sole and knit upper without the ‘gel’ on show as it was in older models. They are sleeker, more stylish shoes (depending on which colourways you chose!) 

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 Review

I’ve worn the NIMBUS 27 for a number of easy runs over the past 4 months – here are my honest thoughts on the latest iteration from the ASICS NIMBUS line… 

The GEL-NIMBUS 27 is a Max cushion shoe – in fact I’ve heard it be described as ‘mega max’ due to its stack height. With an 8mm drop and ​​41.5mm heel/33.5mm forefoot stack height, this is one of the plushest shoes in the ASICS range – and one of the most popular! 

They have added an extra 2mm stack height to the NIMBUS 27 from the previous version but managed to keep the weight the same by utilising an updated FF Blast Plus™ Eco foam in the sole. This creates more stability and firmness underfoot than many max cushion shoes – although its softer than the Nimbus 26 thanks to the PureGEL™ technology in the heel. 

The upper is a newly engineered jacquard mesh upper, a breathable mesh material that is comfy straight out of the box and provides more ventilation than the previous two iterations. The toe box is plenty wide but a little on the shallow side so some running styles may rub through the upper although I had no issues with this. The padded heel counter alongside the flexible upper allows for a secure hold. 

An issue I have with some shoes is the tongue. I prefer a gusseted tongue to prevent slippage or rubbing and this knit tongue is stretchy, padded and sits perfectly in place. 

Are supershoes worth it for a 4hour + marathoner?

What Are The Pros/Cons Of the ASICS Nimbus 27

Pros

Comfort 

With a padded heel collar, max cushioning underfoot and breathable upper and stretchy knit tongue – this shoe is all about comfort. The shoe feels great box-fresh, and I particularly appreciated the plush heel and gusseted tongue. 

Cushioning 

I love a max cush. I’m all about comfort in my running trainers, especially on easy runs where I do run/walk (usually a 4:1 ratio). This isn’t a super soft cushion like you might find in some other max cushion shoes, and the ultra-wide platform adds stability underfoot. 

Space in the toe box

As someone with a wider foot, I have struggled in some ASICS models with pinching on the outside of my foot, but had no issues with these. I wore my regular running shoe size of 6.5 and found them true to size. 

Grip 

One of my first outings in the NIMBUS 27 was a very wet slippery run around my old stomping grounds in Leeds through Hyde Park – and they held up thanks to the hybrid ASICSGRIP rubber and AHARPLUS providing a grippy outsole. 

Cons

Price

At £180 retail price, the NIMBUS 27 are on the pricier end for an everyday shoe (especially when you compare it to other brands cushioned daily trainers) and is pushing closer towards the cost of a race-day shoe. 

Bit Bulky 

Whilst I LOVE a max cushion shoe, I did find these a little on the bulky and heavy side, despite the weight saving of the new foam.  

Who Is The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Good For?

I’d round this up as saying it’s a straightforward, high cushioned daily trainer that would be great for beginner runners looking to use them for easy runs. For those looking to up their mileage, these also make a comfortable longer run or recovery shoe. 

If you like a max cushioned shoe that isn’t too squishy, then you might like this option. Its dependable and safe however personally, I want something a bit softer for my recovery runs or a bit more versatile and poppy for an everyday shoe when adding strides or a little speed on the go. 

But I am SOLD on the Scottish colourway which is why it is staying in my rotation for those easy run days (especially those that involve a mix of roads and trail as many do on the Thames Path). 

Are The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 Worth It?

Overall, I have to admit, this isn’t a shoe I regularly reach for. For runs with a little more pace I’ll go for the NOVABLAST™ 5 or SUPERBLAST™ 2, and I’ve found myself opting for the GEL-CUMULUS™ 27  for easy runs – although this may be partly because I love the all white option of the one I bought (full review coming soon).

Other Asics shoes on my list to test;

• METASPEED TOKYO EDGE (I’ve now run two marathons in them so feel like I can share my thoughts after 60+ miles)

• Recently launched MEGABLAST and SONICBLAST (I’m a BIG fan of the blast range – check out my review of the Novoblast 5 here).