Shoe review: ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 23

It’s been years since I wore ASICS running shoes. They were my go-to shoe when I played netball and when I started logging lots of kilometres several years ago ASICS were recommended and worn by nearly every runner I knew. In fact, I ran my first marathon in a pair of Kayanos.

In the years since, my running has changed a lot and so has my form, and I found I didn’t need or want the structure, firmness and lush cushioning of the Kayano, so I drifted away from ASICS and experimented with other brands such as Brooks, Mizuno, Nike and HOKA ONE ONE. 

ASICS started nearly 70 years ago, when Kihachiro Onitsuka began making basketball shoes in Kobe, Japan. He soon expanded to running shoes, and his first pair, the Marathon Tabi, came out in 1953. He also changed the company’s name to Asics, an acronym for the Latin phrase “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano” (a sound mind in a sound body). Since then, ASICS has grown into one of the premier running shoe companies. Loads of runners wear and swear by them and so if someone asks me for a tip for a really supportive, firm, stable and hardworking shoe, I’ll point them to ASICS.

So when the chance came to slip a pair of the 23rd iteration of the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS on my feet, I was in. 

After several runs on both asphalt and pavement here’s what I think of this workhorse running shoe.

Surprisingly light 

This shoe surprised me from the get-go. The smooth sock lining made sliding them on a breeze and they were immediately comfortable. Despite the shoes’ heavier weight than I’m used to (the US 7 women’s shoe weighs 260g) they didn’t feel hefty or bulky when setting off or take a lot of getting used to. 

The shoes provided excellent comfort and shock absorption and the improved design and new stability features supported a more balanced stride and heel to toe transition. 

This model is a great daily trainer for easy to long runs. It’s got some GEL cushioning in the forefoot, plenty of support in the arch and more GEL in the heel for that squishy feeling and loads of shock absorption, which was great for my asphalt runs.

Given I reckon I’m running a little heavier than normal (thanks to bub and the change in my centre of gravity) I liked the shoes’ comfort, structure, cushion, and most all – the fit. In fact, it was cool to learn that under the toe, there’s gender-specific pillars to help cushion the body and help runners experience a softer feel.

The GEL-NIMBUS 23 is a solid shoe with a really nice padded tongue and comfy, reasonably breathable mesh upper that’s made from 20 per cent recycled materials. It’s also got some serious grip and stability.

Will I wear this shoe again after reviewing? Yeah, I will. Not for tempo, speed workouts or race day. But definitely for easy and long runs where you just want a shoe you can depend on to get the job done comfortably and with ease.

The design files

The latest version is built with comfort and breathability in mind. The upper has a softer engineered mesh design for long runs to help keep feet feeling fresh mile after mile. There’s a stretchy midfoot panel that hugs the foot to generate better flexibility, and a feature I love is that the shoe’s upper is made with recycled materials to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

Providing the runner with excellent shock absorption and softness, the GEL-NIMBUS 23 delivers more compression in the heel thanks to its softer GEL technology cushioning unit and contoured design lines. Also, a gender-specific TRUSSTIC device provides an articulated amount of support in the right direction for men and women to help generate a smooth transition.

The GEL-NIMBUS 23 targets a heel striker with harder-wearing carbon rubber in the high impact zone of the rearfoot. 

Under the toe, the inclusion of gender-specific pillars help cushion the body and help runners experience a softer feel. Simultaneously, the OrthoLite X-55 sockliner equips runners with a forgiving, yet responsive stride.

Where to buy
AUD $240
From ASICS website