ASICS Nimbus 22 Review
Classic Comfort, Redefined
Likes
- Accommodating fit
- Soft cushioning
- Durable design
- Inherently stable
Dislikes
- Heavy
- Could use more energy return
What's New
The ASICS Nimbus is an iconic running shoe that many runners return to again and again. Where some classic models maintain a traditional feel and fail to innovate, the new Nimbus 22 has been modernized without changing its function or purpose. Featuring more foam underfoot, the Flytefoam Propel midsole is light and soft while its increased energy return prevents it from feeling dead underfoot. To add protection upon landing, the Gel Technology is now softer and absorbs impact better than ever before. Meanwhile, the shoe maintains its inherently stable ride, thanks to the brand's signature TRUSSTIC system under the arch.
The Bottom Line
Our testers were pleasantly surprised by the ASICS Nimbus 22. Although there hasn't been much excitement about the past few models, the team found that the changes made to the Nimbus 22 have helped bring it up to date without alienating its faithful fans. Our testers agreed that the shoe's cushioning was well-balanced and didn't feel heavy or dead underfoot. Although the new Nimbus remains on the heavy side, our testers found that the weight was well distributed throughout the shoe, and added flex grooves help give the Nimbus 22 a smoothness that the line had been lacking. The new upper was a hit with all of the testers, who thought it was both adaptable and secure. In fact, the soft comfort of the upper was our team's favorite part of the 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 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.9 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 31 mm (Heel), 21 mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm heel-toe offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
The Flytefoam Propel midsole of the ASICS Nimbus 22 is combined with Gel technology to provide a plush step-in feel that maintains its softness throughout the wearer's stride.
Mark: "The Nimbus 22 remains consistent with its roots of providing a soft underfoot experience. Those who love the traditional ASICS Cushioning technology will not be disappointed with the comfort that this shoe provides."
Liz: "The Nimbus 22 had a plush underfoot feel. There was a sinking-in softness that felt like walking on a cloud."
Ride/Energy Return i
Although Flytefoam Propel is ASICS's most bouncy foam to date, our testers felt like the shoe lacked springiness during faster paces. They agreed that the cushioned ride was best suited for everyday or recovery runs.
Mark: "This shoe lacks the pop needed to really get the pace going. I would definitely recommend using the Nimbus in a recovery session or when faster paces are not the priority."
Liz: "I was surprised by the efficiency this shoe delivered, given how soft the cushioning felt. Although it is not a bouncy ride, I did not feel held back by the shoe when I ran at moderate paces."
Underfoot Protection i
The Nimbus 22 provides excellent underfoot protection due to a generous amount of Flytefoam Propel cushioning and Gel inserts. Whether on recovery runs or long-mile days, our testers felt that the Nimbus 22 protected them from the impacts of running on the road.
Mark: "The protection is definitely the upside of this shoe. The 10-mm offset prevents strain in the Achilles and calves, and the Gel and Flytefoam combine to absorb shock with each stride."
Ben: "I am a runner who hits the ground pretty hard during footstrike, so good cushioning is a must for me. With the Nimbus 22, I hardly noticed the pavement underfoot."
Underfoot Flexibility i
To give the Nimbus 22 a smoother ride, ASICS has updated the outsole with an increased number of flex grooves. Although it is an improvement over previous models, our testers felt that the shoe could have used even more flexibility.
Mark: "ASICS shoes tend to have a pretty hard feeling outsole which prevents some flexibility underfoot, but I felt that the Nimbus 22 flexed better than the previous version."
Liz: "This shoe is more flexible than I was expecting, but I still would have enjoyed a bit more flexibility. The ride felt smooth and natural, but there was maybe a little bit of foot slap during faster efforts."
Upper Feel i
The updated mesh upper features a sleek new look with minimal overlays. Our testers found that it delivered a soft and accommodating fit while still holding their feet securely.
Ben: "The upper feel on this shoe is definitely comfortable. I have had trouble with some ASICS models being too narrow, but I did not notice this at all in the Nimbus 22. The toe box is particularly wide, but the heel is noticeably structured and slightly narrow."
Liz: "The upper did a good job of securing my foot while also being very soft and adaptable. I was worried that it wouldn't have enough support, but I found that I experienced no sliding or side-to-side movement in the shoe while I ran."
Individual Thoughts
The ASICS Nimbus 22 is a solid recovery option. The upper is accommodating, and the underfoot feel is plush and serves its purpose of absorbing shock well. However, the shoe feels heavy in comparison to many of the options out on the market now. It doesn't have a real "wow" factor for me, but it is a workhorse that will get the job done.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I was truly surprised by the Nimbus 22. Although it maintains a classic running-shoe feel, it is lighter, softer, and smoother than I would have expected. The new upper was plush and comfortable. It caused no irritation for my wide feet or bunions, but it also secured my feet well even during faster-paced runs. The midsole was soft and took away the jarring feel of the road, and it felt smooth and efficient as I ran. Although some modern running shoes may have higher energy return with the same amount of cushioning, I feel like the Nimbus 22 is a solid daily trainer for almost any runner.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
For everyday efforts, the Nimbus 22 is a good choice for the runner looking for a cushioned ride. The new upper offers a comfortable, wider toebox, and the durable outsole shows little sign of wear even after a month of use. My only complaints are about the shoe's weight and the rigidity of the heel. I would not use this shoe for uptempo workouts or faster-paced races.