Asics Gel Nimbus 24 Review Analysis (2024)
The Asics Gel Nimbus 24 is a staple of the Japanese brand that offers a comfortable and stable ride for daily runs.
Consensus
Discover the latest model: Asics Gel Nimbus 26 review!
The Asics Gel Nimbus 24 has undergone a thorough revamp and returns with a new, lighter configuration (0.71 oz/ 20 g lighter). It now features FlyteFoam Blast+ for a more responsive and fun ride.
Testers note that the Nimbus 24 marks a significant and very positive evolution in the series without being exceptional or perfect. The comfort is still there, and the softer midsole delivers a much more responsive than in the past. In addition, the new gusseted tongue in the upper provides a snug foot lockdown. Runners with wide feet will appreciate the room inside the shoe.
All in all, the N24 is a pleasant surprise and will delight athletes looking for a stable, sturdy, and comfortable shoe for their daily sessions.
Please read our full review of the Asics Gel Nimbus 24 for more information.
- Great comfort
- Stable ride for runners who want more support
- Spacious and comfortable fit
- Slight bounce thanks to FF Blast foam
- Still a robust shoe
- Lighter weight than in the past (finally less than 10.6 oz/300 g!)
- The 13 mm drop on the women’s version is a lot
- Transitions are a bit clunky
- The extra support elements, unusual for a neutral shoe, may not please everyone
Asics Gel Nimbus 24 Complete Review Analysis
Introduction
It was time to dust off the Nimbus collection, and it seems that this is precisely what Asics decided to do with this 24th version. Indeed, while the Gel Nimbus are the most popular shoes of the Japanese brand, the last versions started to feed dated and stood out with their heavy build next to more modern shoes.
Thus, the Asics Gel Nimbus 24 (2022) now features the flashy Flyte Foam Blast Plus, generally reserved for the brand’s faster models. Is it the best Nimbus ever? And, more importantly, is it enough to renew the range? We tell you all in our analysis!
Cushioning
Despite its imposing appearance, the total stack height remains moderate, with 26 mm under the heel and 16 mm under the forefoot for men (10 mm drop). The drop is even higher for women with 13 mm (28 mm sole at the back and 15 mm at the front). Asics supposedly aims to customize the configuration to better adapt to the differences in morphology. However, honestly, we don’t see what can justify a high drop of 13 mm!
As mentioned in the introduction, we now have a FlyteFloam Blast+ for cushion. On the Nimbus, it translates into a dual-density midsole with a soft and another firmer one, especially on the medial side. According to Asics, FF Blast+ is 15% softer and lighter than the FF Blast of the Novablast 2. And 15% more responsive. We will come back to the bounce later. Runners find the underfoot feel to be of medium density.
The shoe’s weight is now about 10.2 oz/290 g for men and 9.0 oz/255 g for women, almost 0.7 oz/20 g less than the Nimbus 23. Not bad!
Finally, it’s important to note that the midsole now offers the Trusstic System unit under the foot arch, usually reserved for shoes for overpronators. The Nimbus 24 is for neutral runners, but let’s say it offers more stability than its direct competitors. On the one hand, this might bother runners who like shoes without too much structure. On the other hand, it might reassure runners who want more foot support without opting for stability shoes.
Foot lockdown (upper)
The upper of the Asics Gel Nimbus 24 offers a more straightforward, slimmer (and sleeker) design with fewer overlays than before. Instead, we find flexible midfoot panels to provide optimal support without increasing the weight. There are also more holes for better breathability while exercising.
The big news here is the thin, gusseted knit tongue that wraps the foot ideally like a sock.
The testers were very satisfied with the fit. The foot stays securely in place with enough room to be comfortable. The N24 is also suitable for people with wider feet, thanks to the generous volume of the toe box.
Finally, it’s good to see that this engineered mesh upper uses recycled materials to reduce the shoe’s waste and carbon emissions.
Grip and durability
The outsole combines two rubbers: ASICS LITE (new) and the good old AHAR. All critical areas exposed to asphalt abrasion are well protected to extend the life of the shoes.
Traction is also adequate and helps prevent slipping on wet roads.
Testers were pleased with this configuration overall, though some would have preferred more flexibility under the toes for smoother rear-to-front transitions.
The Ride
First of all, we need to put things in context. The Asics Gel Nimbus has always been a workhorse for daily runs. Its durable daily trainer’s DNA is for running a lot of miles comfortably and safely at a moderate pace.
Even if this version 24 is much more responsive and fun than the previous version, it has not become a racing shoe. Thus, testers note that the cushioning offers a slight bounce, but that the transitions are not always fluid. Indeed, some complain that the rollout is relatively “flat.”
Understandably, the current trend toward rocker designs and carbon plates makes traditional shoes seem pale in comparison.
However, overall, the Nimbus does quite well in providing a stable ride with good structure and excellent shock absorption for longer distances. Also, the improvement over the Nimbus 23 is clear, so fans of the collection will undoubtedly be thrilled!
Conclusion
The new Gel Nimbus 24 configuration promised a lot, and overall it met many runners’ expectations.
The cushioning remains very comfortable for a pleasant and stable ride with even a slight bounce. The shoe lends itself particularly well to daily workouts and long runs (10 mi+).
The foot lockdown is impeccable, and the new tongue further enhances the already excellent comfort.
Finally, the new FF Blast+ midsole foam has the merit of considerably lightening the shoe, even if the impact on the ride itself is perhaps not as impressive as we could have hoped.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 10 mm, 13 mm |
| Heel stack height | 26 mm, 28 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 15 mm, 16 mm |
| Weight (men) | 292 g/10.3 oz |
| Weight (women) | 255 g/9 oz |
| Features | Recycled materials |
| Release year | 2022 |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 3 – Moderate |
| Bounce (1-5) | 3 – Moderate |
Technologies
| Outsole | AHAR, ASICS LITE |
| Midsole | FF BLAST+, GEL, OrthoLite X-55, Trusstic System |
| Upper | Reflective elements, gusseted tongue, engineered mesh |
Use
| Speed | Slow, moderate |
| Distance | Mid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Daily runs |
Comparisons
Asics Gel Nimbus 23
The Nimbus 24 is a significant landmark in the series. The N24 is much lighter and provides a more responsive, more enjoyable ride. However, the level of foot support is higher which may not appeal to everyone.
Asics GT 2000 10
The GT 2000 10 is officially a shoe for overpronation while the Gel Nimbus 24 is a universal shoe with good stability. Check out our detailed comparison.
Asics Gel Cumulus 23
The Nimbus 24 is clearly better but it’s also newer. The new Cumulus could be a game-changer. See the side-by-side comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, this shoe runs true to size so that you can select your usual size for running shoes. In addition, this Nimbus is relatively roomy and therefore suitable for runners with wide feet.
It’s a neutral shoe, but it has a higher level of support than other shoes in its category. So you can try it if you need a light/moderate level of support to prevent excessive pronation.
The toe box does not have generous volume. This shoe hurts my feet. It’s easy to compare in the store to a shoe with a wider toe box such as GT-1000. Before you buy, walk in them in the store.