Asics Gel Nimbus 25 vs. Kayano 30 (2024 Comparison)

Asics Nimbus 25 vs Kayano 30

These two popular running shoes from the Japanese brand differ primarily in terms of support.

The Nimbus 25 is a neutral running shoe, while the Kayano 30 is designed to offer advanced support and stabilize the ride to avoid overpronation.

The weight is similar, but the Nimbus offers 1.5 mm more stack height. The cushioning is not so responsive on either shoe. However, they still offer a smooth ride with relatively easy transitions.

As a result, these two models are good picks for daily mileage and recovery runs.

Also, note that the Kayano 30 (and 29) provides softer cushioning than before, although both shoes use Asics’ latest foam technology, FlyteFoam Blast+.

Otherwise, both models use the same sole technologies for cushioning and grip on the road, such as AHAR+ rubber and GEL units.

Nimbus vs Kayano: the Verdict

While there was a clear difference between these two shoes in the past, their 2023 editions make them very similar.

As a result, the most important difference is the support type. Runners who overpronate will go for the Nimbus, while athletes with a neutral gait will pick the Nimbus.

Side-By-Side Comparison Table

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Asics Gel Nimbus 25 Check Prices
9
Asics Gel Kayano 30 Check Prices
Overview
Description The Asics Gel Nimbus 25 marks a tectonic shift in the popular collection with more comfortable but less responsive max cushion. The Asics Gel Kayano 30 is one of the best stability trainers despite being on the heavier side.
Comfort
9.5
Responsiveness
8
Foot lockdown
9.5
Stability
9
Durability
9
Value
8
Design
9
Comfort
9.5
Responsiveness
8.5
Foot lockdown
8.5
Stability
9
Durability
9
Value
8.5
Design
9
Facts
TerrainRoadRoad
Support NeutralOverpronation (stability)
Heel stack height41.5 mm40 mm
Forefoot stack height33.5 mm30 mm
Heel-to-toe drop8 mm10 mm
Weight (men)299 g303 g
Weight (women) 260 g263 g
Features Heavy runner, Recycled materialsWide feet, Heavy runner, Eco-friendly
Athletes
Release year20232023
Technologies
Outsole AHAR+AHAR+ rubber
Midsole FlyteFoam Blast Eco, PureGEL, OrthoLite X-55 FF BLAST+ ECO, PureGEL, 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM
UpperTechnical MeshEngineered Mesh
Cushioning
Cushioning Soft Balanced
ResponsivenessMedium Medium
Use
DistanceMid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon
Speed Slow, Moderate Slow, Moderate
WorkoutsDaily running, Recovery Daily running, Recovery
Kevin Le Gall

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner's Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He's also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.

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