QUICK ANSWER
Yes, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 is worth considering for easy miles, recovery runs, and long days on your feet. Independent testing found 136 SA heel shock absorption, but only 48.6% forefoot energy return. Its protective, steady ride suits comfort-first runners. Speed-focused runners should choose a livelier shoe, especially at full price.
RunRepeat overall
RTINGS cushioning
RTINGS stability
Original retail price
Best for: neutral runners who want a cushioned, stable feel. Skip for: interval sessions or races. Amazon availability and price change by size and color.
Independent Lab Scores — RTINGS, out of 10
These are RTINGS measurements, not scores assigned by this website.
A tall running shoe is not always bouncy. The Nimbus 27 has deep cushioning yet little rebound.
I’m Steven Tyler. This evidence-based review draws on independent tests, ASICS specifications, and Amazon data. I did not personally test this shoe.
What Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27, and Who Is It For?
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 is a max-cushioned neutral road shoe. It targets runners who prefer an easy pace and ample foam beneath their feet. ASICS pairs FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam with a PureGEL heel insert, then adds an engineered jacquard mesh upper.
At 305 g in men’s US 9, it is substantial. Yet RTINGS rates stability 8.2/10.
- Favor recovery runs and relaxed long-distance training.
- Want thick cushioning with a stable platform.
- Prefer a secure heel and a comfortable upper.
- Need springy energy return for quick workouts.
- Dislike rigid forefeet or heavy running shoes.
- Want more ground feel on the road.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 Pros and Cons
Its strength is impact protection; its weakness is sluggish rebound.
- RunRepeat measured 136 SA heel shock absorption.
- RTINGS rated cushioning and stability 8.2/10 each.
- RunRepeat recorded strong wet-road traction at 0.84.
- Breathability earned 4/5 in RunRepeat smoke testing.
- RunRepeat measured just 48.6% forefoot energy return.
- A men’s US 9 weighs approximately 305 g.
- The 20.2 N flex test shows a stiff sole.
- The tall build can feel bulky during faster efforts.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 Key Features — What Do Tests Show?
Does the cushioning protect your feet on long runs?
Yes. RunRepeat measured 136 SA shock absorption against a 131 SA heel average. Impact protection does not guarantee injury prevention.
Takeaway: Think road protection, not trampoline-like spring. The foam feels firmer than the tall stack suggests, according to Doctors of Running.
Why does the Gel-Nimbus 27 feel slow at faster paces?
Rebound is low: RunRepeat measured 48.6% versus a 61.5% average. RTINGS rates energy return 2.6/10.
Forefoot Energy Return — RunRepeat Laboratory
Percentages are measured rebound, not editorial ratings.
Takeaway: The Nimbus 27 returns less energy than the average tested shoe. Choose a more responsive trainer for repeats or fast finishes.
Is the mesh upper comfortable and breathable?
Often, yes. RunRepeat rated airflow 4/5, but its 26.4 mm toe-box height is slightly below average.
Takeaway: Good ventilation does not equal a roomy toe ceiling. Check the vertical space above your toes, not only the shoe width.
How stable is its high platform?
It is stable for a neutral shoe. RTINGS scores stability 8.2/10; RunRepeat measured a 99.8 mm heel base.
Takeaway: Stable does not mean medically corrective. Anyone needing prescribed motion-control support should assess fit with a qualified specialist.
Can the outsole grip wet pavement?
Yes. RunRepeat measured 0.84 forefoot traction against a 0.53 average. Exposed outsole foam makes rough trails unsuitable.
Takeaway: This is primarily a road and treadmill shoe. Avoid treating laboratory grip as a guarantee on oil, ice, or uneven terrain.
Will the heel lining and outsole last?
Initial durability looks promising: RunRepeat recorded 5/5 heel-lining durability and 0.8 mm outsole abrasion. Lifespan remains unproven.
Takeaway: Check tread wear and midsole feel over time. Do not replace or keep shoes based on mileage alone.
How Does the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 Perform in Real Tests?
RTINGS provides a useful performance profile, but its scores are not a personal test by this publication. Cushioning and stability stand out. Low rebound remains the sharpest trade-off.
It suits easy 10 km runs better than 10 km races.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 Full Specifications
Specifications use ASICS data and independent lab results.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Max-cushioned neutral road trainer |
| Intended surface | Paved roads and treadmills |
| Midsole | FF BLAST PLUS ECO with PureGEL heel |
| Upper | Engineered jacquard mesh |
| Outsole | Hybrid ASICSGRIP rubber |
| Drop, official | 8 mm |
| Men’s weight, official | 305 g (US 9) |
| Women’s weight, official | 265 g (US 8) |
| Heel stack, RunRepeat lab | 42.7 mm |
| Forefoot stack, RunRepeat lab | 34.4 mm |
| Fit, RunRepeat | True to size; width options |
| Removable insole | Yes |
| Plate | No |
| Original US retail price | $165 (reviewed retail listings) |
The 8 mm official drop and high cushioning show its purpose: steady road training, not low-profile speed work.
How Does the Gel-Nimbus 27 Compare to Competitors?
The Glycerin 22 and Bondi 9 offer more bounce; the Nimbus favors impact protection.
Gel-Nimbus 27 vs. Brooks Glycerin 22
RTINGS favors Nimbus cushioning for long runs, but Brooks energy return for varied paces. Both launched near $165.
Gel-Nimbus 27 vs. HOKA Bondi 9
Choose Bondi 9 for higher rebound. RTINGS finds its supercritical EVA bouncier than the Nimbus.
| Comparison | Nimbus 27 | Glycerin 22 | Bondi 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original price | $165 | $165 | $170 |
| Official men’s weight | 305 g | 289 g | 297 g |
| Advertised drop | 8 mm | 10 mm | 5 mm |
| Key foam | FF BLAST PLUS ECO | DNA Tuned | Supercritical EVA |
| Best use | Easy long runs | Daily mileage | Cushioned easy runs |
| Rebound character | Low | Higher than Nimbus | Higher than Nimbus |
Weights refer to brand-reported men’s samples. Try all three if fit matters more than lab rankings.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 Pricing — Is It Worth the Price?
Yes, if you find a discount and want a steady training shoe. Its original list price was about $165. One tracked Amazon variation reached $124.95, but that historical low is not a current offer.
Amazon showed no featured offer when checked. Compare final totals against the newer Nimbus 28.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 27 cushioned road running shoes
Good value at a meaningful markdown; verify the exact size and seller.
Who Should Buy the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27?
Buy this shoe if your running week centers on easy road miles. Skip it when speed, low weight, or springy foam drive your choice.
- Daily runners who want impact protection over fast turnover.
- Walkers who prefer a structured, high-cushion sole.
- Neutral runners who appreciate a broad, steady base.
- You prioritize track intervals, races, or frequent surges.
- You prefer thin, flexible soles with clear ground feel.
Bottom line: Choose the Nimbus 27 for deliberate, cushioned miles, not a personal-best attempt.
What Are Real Buyers Saying About the Gel-Nimbus 27?
Amazon showed 4.5/5 stars from 3,035 ratings. Individual buyer review text could not be verified.
4.5/5 from 3,035 Amazon ratings, checked at research time
Independent review consensus: Strong protection and comfort at slow paces, but bulk and muted energy return divide testers.
Note: These themes come from independent expert reviews, not a verified sentiment analysis of all Amazon buyers.
Independent testers praise its heel and stability but criticize toe pressure and bulk.
Final Verdict — Is the Gel-Nimbus 27 Worth Buying?
Yes, for runners who place comfort and protection ahead of pace. The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 gives you a high-cushion platform, stable heel, and dependable road grip. Its biggest drawback is low energy return. If you mostly run easy, that trade-off can work. If you regularly chase speed, the weight and stiff ride become harder to justify. The Amazon listing showed 4.5/5 stars from 3,035 ratings, though those numbers do not replace a fit test. Buy at a sensible discount, and compare the newer Nimbus 28 before paying full retail.
ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 27 premium cushioned running shoes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 good for walking?
Yes, many walkers can enjoy its cushioned heel and secure upper. Doctors of Running found it suitable for walking and standing. Still, RunRepeat measured 20.2 N of bending resistance, so the rigid sole may feel awkward if you prefer flexible everyday shoes.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 true to size?
Generally, yes. RTINGS scores true-to-size fit 9.5/10, and RunRepeat also classifies it as true to size. However, RunRepeat found 26.4 mm of toe-box height, slightly less than its lab average. Try your normal length first, then confirm toe clearance.
Is the Gel-Nimbus 27 a stability shoe?
No. ASICS markets it as a neutral road trainer, not a dedicated motion-control model. Even so, RTINGS gives its stability an 8.2/10, and RunRepeat measured a wide 99.8 mm heel platform. That can help runners who prefer a steady base.
Can you run a marathon in the Gel-Nimbus 27?
Yes, if comfort matters more than race pace. Its tall cushioning suits long training runs, and RTINGS recognizes its protective build. Yet the same lab measured 2.6/10 for energy return, so runners chasing a faster marathon may prefer a lighter, livelier trainer.
How does the Gel-Nimbus 27 differ from the 26?
The 27 adds about 2 mm of heel stack height, according to Doctors of Running, and changes the upper to engineered jacquard mesh. Its base remains cushioned and stable. The more polished heel transition helps, but the low rebound still limits quicker sessions.
Is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 good for wide feet?
It comes in wider options, but fit depends on foot shape. RunRepeat measured a 97.0 mm forefoot fit width and 26.4 mm of toe-box height. If your toes need extra vertical room, try the wide version in person before ordering.
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