ASICS Nimbus 25 Review

This is a huge update. It's a good update, but it's just very different. I liked the ASICS Nimbus 24. But they are different, only sharing the name.

What has changed in the new ASICS Nimbus 25? A new high rockered geometry and a higher stack height (the 40 mm limit). The wider rockered sole makes it smooth from heel to toe. The Nimbus has also has a brand new upper with a different heel collar.

Fit:

Throughout the years, the Nimbus fit narrow. The 25 is not as narrow as previous versions but it does lean on the narrow side. The forefoot is snug, but the midfoot and heel typically fit. 

Every part of the ASICS Nimbus 25 is premium. The knit upper is plush, and you don’t need to worry about your feet overheating. The heel counter and tongue are equally as padded. From the outside, it doesn’t look like the ASICS Nimbus 25 has much padding in the heel, but it does. 

Knit uppers can often hold more moisture than other uppers, and I see this as a potential issue in the Nimbus. I don’t worry about a lot of rain in the Mojave Desert (but we do get it sometimes), but come summertime, it might hold sweat and heat more than I prefer. 

The best-running shoe uppers disappear off your feet. You don’t want to worry about them sliding around. This year, the Nimbus disappears off your feet. Everything feels premium, and this is one of the few years I haven’t had any issues with the uppers.

In running shoes, I wear between a size 10-11 wide. Usually, I’ve needed an 11 wide+ in the Nimbus. This year, The size 11 in the ASICS Nimbus 25 fits well. 

Ride:

So much has been updated in the ASICS Nimbus 25 ride.

The ASICS Nimbus 25 now has maximum stack height with 41.5 mm in men’s shoes and 40.5 in women’s shoes. With that updated and higher stack height, the ASICS Nimbus 25 is much more rockered than previous versions. You’ll feel yourself rolling heel to toe and this helps it feel smoother! 

The FF Blast + Cushioning is the same as you’ll see in the Novablast 3, but it feels very different. ASICS has changed the shape of the cushioning, which makes the Nimbus feel much softer and like a big cloud. 

But what about the gel? The Nimbus has always had gel and there is still a Puregel insert in the heel.

Durability and Traction: The ASICS Nimbus has always been one of the most durable running shoes. How do you think it’s lasted 25 versions? ASICS uses AHAR+ rubber which provides plenty of traction and durability. I’ve already put 100+ miles on the shoe and don’t expect it to slow down anytime soon.

I’ve taken the ASICS Nimbus 25 out on sandy trails with no issues. My only concern about taking it out in inclement weather like rain is that the upper will get heavy. Traction wise? The Nimbus is great and I haven't worried about that. 

So I assumed the ASICS Nimbus 25 would be an easy run shoe and it is. It's great for days I just wanted to take it super easy and “chill’. That is the case, and while the ASICS Nimbus 25 bares no resemblance to the previous versions, the end use of the Nimbus is still the same: easy and recovery runs.

Conclusion:

While yes, the Nimbus has undergone a significant transformation; it’s still good. It’s just different, and I can’t emphasize that enough. You’ll still get a lot of mileage out of it and still be able to use it for easy recovery runs. It’s always surprising when a brand changes one of its staple shoes, but ASICS has done that well. 

Who is the ASICS Nimbus 25 for? The Nimbus is a great option if you want a high-cushioned, easy-run shoe. It will leave your body feeling much less beat up.

Who is the ASICS Nimbus 25 not for? If you’re looking for a race shoe, this is probably not for you.