ASICS Gel Nimbus 23 Review
Fine-Tuned Familiar Feel
Likes
- Comfortable, protective cushioning
- High durability
- Plush upper
Dislikes
- Can feel clunky
- Not the most responsive cushioning
- On the heavier side
What's New
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 23, although similar to its predecessor, features new updates that help make this daily-training staple even more comfortable. The new engineered mesh upper is spacious and securely hugs the foot for a truly lavish feel. Additionally, ASICS has added more Gel to the Nimbus 23's heel, combining it with an updated Flytefoam Propel midsole to deliver an even smoother and more shock-absorbent running experience that all runners will appreciate.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the ASICS Gel Nimbus 23 is a great addition to the Nimbus shoe line. Excellent for easy everyday mileage or long-distance runs, the Nimbus 23 stays true to its name by providing runners with plush comfort and reliable protection. Although ASICS has not made huge leaps and bounds with new technologies in the Nimbus 23, the fine-tuned Gel cushioning system and comfortable mesh upper are welcome updates that improve an already great shoe.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 11.0 oz (size 9) | Women's: 7.2 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 31 mm (Heel), 21 mm (Forefoot) | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
From top to bottom, ASICS designed the Gel Nimbus 23 with the wearer's comfort in mind. With slight updates to the Gel Cushioning technology and Flytefoam Propel midsole, this shoe provides an enjoyably soft feel that's perfect for long, easy runs. Although not very different from previous models, the Gel Nimbus 23 delivers the well-cushioned experience runners have grown to expect from the Nimbus line.
Matt: "I like how the ASICS Gel Nimbus 23 continues to carry on the tradition of top-notch cushioning. I felt my feet land softly in the plush midsole, which would save my legs for endless miles."
Connor: "The Nimbus 23 continues to deliver that soft and cushioned underfoot feel that you've come to expect year after year (taking v21 out of the equation as it was not quite up to par). This shoe's underfoot experience isn't anything super exciting, but it's reliable. The combination of Flytefoam and Gel offers that squish you've come to expect at impact, but I didn't notice huge changes from the last version."
Ben: "The cushioning of the ASICS Gel Nimbus 23 feels soft. I can easily run 10 miles in these shoes in comfort, but my heels would get a bit sore if I go longer than that. I have sensitive heels, so this may not be true for everybody."
Ride/Energy Return i
ASICS continues to use Flytefoam in the Nimbus 23's midsole, delivering a soft ride that still maintains a light bounce. Our testers thought that the Nimbus 23 provided just enough spring to liven up the ride. That being said, if pure speed is what you're after, then you might want a shoe better equipped to handle faster paces.
Ben: "The Flytefoam Propel technology provides a noticeable bounce in my step for such a highly cushioned shoe. I had no difficulty running faster paces in these shoes."
Matt: "This shoe isn't going to be the pair I grab for faster runs. The Nimbus 23 is a 'Sunday drive' type of shoe that is made for comfort."
Connor: "Flytefoam is known for its energy return, but when thrown in a Nimbus, it isn't the most responsive. It's good for slow miles or longer distance runs, but there's only a hint of springiness. Overall, the shoe's weight and slightly bulky feel made it hard for me to pick up the pace."
Underfoot Protection i
Protection is another signature attribute of the Nimbus line, and the Gel Nimbus 23 lives up to those expectations. The additional Gel and Flytefoam technology are excellent at absorbing shock, and testers were more than pleased with the shoe's dependable protection. Wearers will enjoy a luxuriously cushioned ride that will protect their bodies regardless of the mileage.
Ben: "I ran plenty of miles on pavement and experienced a high level of cushioning. The Gel in the midsole absorbs much of the ground impact, which makes for an easier ride on the joints."
Matt: "On my long runs and easy days, I feel like I can run forever in this shoe. The combo of Flytefoam and classic Gel create a perfect landing that leaves my legs feeling great!"
Connor: "The Nimbus has always been very protective. While it is not necessarily a maximal stack height shoe, it still delivers plenty of cushioning for your longer mile efforts. The Gel continues to work well with Flytefoam. While this update is not necessarily innovative, the Nimbus 23 continues to do what it does best, which is to get you through the miles feeling good. It has about the same amount of underfoot protection as the last version."
Underfoot Flexibility i
Our testers agreed that the Nimbus 23 fell on the more rigid side of the scale. That being said, this shoe still allows for the full range of motion of the foot. The combination of cushioning and flexibility in the Nimbus 23 promotes a smooth heel-toe transition that is excellent for tackling everyday training goals.
Ben: "The Trusstic system and high level of cushioning limit the flexibility of this shoe. Despite this, these shoes are not too rigid, and my feet can go through the full range of motion while running in them."
Matt: "The Nimbus 23 is an easy everyday shoe with loads of cushion, so there won't be as much flex. However, the flex grooves give this shoe a smooth transition and allow it to bend a little with my foot."
Connor: "The Nimbus still leans slightly closer to the rigid side of the spectrum due to the Trusstic System. It's not a complete brick, but it's not nearly as flexible or smooth as the Nimbus Lite 2, which sees the removal of the Trusstic System."
Upper Feel i
Comfort is the defining factor of the Gel Nimbus 23's new upper. Outfitted with ample padding and an engineered mesh, the Gel Nimbus 23 ensures a structured, locked-down feel with generous cushioning throughout. If you prefer reliable comfort in your upper, the new Nimbus is the shoe for you.
Ben: "The upper provides a structured hold on my feet, which prevents them from sliding around. I often have trouble with ASICS shoes being too narrow. In this shoe, the heel is a bit narrow but not enough to cause discomfort."
Matt: "ASICS uppers always rock, and the Nimbus 23's seamless structured knit upper is no exception. I feel like the heel stays nicely locked down with some more padding around the tongue and collar, and the toe box remains breathable."
Connor: "The Nimbus is known to have a slightly more built-up upper, and version 23 does not depart from that philosophy. The tongue has a little more design than the last version, and the upper offers a nice lockdown with a slightly more accommodating fit."
Men's ASICS Gel Nimbus Running Shoes
Women's ASICS Gel Nimbus Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
When I see a nimbus cloud in the California sky, I hope for rain. Similarly, when I received this new Nimbus update, l hoped for a solid daily trainer. ASICS did not disappoint. By combining a responsive and cushioned midsole with a structured upper, the Nimbus 23 provides a smooth ride from the recovery jog to the tempo run. In my experience, the Nimbus 23 has a firmer midsole in the heel, which slightly limits my long runs in them. Despite that, I have added them to my regular running rotation.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
The ASICS Nimbus 23 is a daily workhorse that I would grab for easy days and long runs. This shoe has premium cushioning and enough protection to last a ton of miles. It weighs around 11 ounces and has a substantial midsole, so it feels heavier than the light, responsive shoes I usually look for. Overall, the Gel Nimbus 23 is a classic shoe with an easy Sunday feel.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
ASICS has brought some amazing and innovative shoes to market recently. While the Nimbus 23 may not be the lightest or most responsive shoe, it stays true to the traditional feel that has made it so popular. This shoe doesn't make big changes over previous versions, but it continues to offer plush cushioning that is perfect for easy days or long miles. For more advanced runners seeking the latest and greatest, they may lean more toward the Nimbus Lite 2, but for the runner who just wants a traditional highly-cushioned daily trainer, the Nimbus 23 will be their shoe of choice.
This shoe is just solid all around, and lovers of the Nimbus series know what they're going to get with version 23. It feels slightly plusher on foot, and the sticky rubber, while a little bulky, offers fantastic durability and traction. Overall, the Nimbus 23 continues to offer reliable cushioning with a classic Nimbus feel. It may be slightly heavier than what I personally prefer for my daily training, but I think many runners will appreciate the sturdy feel that can easily pound out mile after mile.