Asics Gel Nimbus 24 vs. Cumulus 23 (2022)
It’s easy to confuse these two flagship shoes of the Asics series with their cloud names. It’s simple: the Nimbus is more cushioned than the Cumulus.
Thus, we find a relatively thick sole with a 28 mm heel stack height for the Nimbus 24 (27 mm for the Nimbus 23) compared to 23 mm for the Cumulus. Both shoes have a medium-firm underfoot feel, with a softer touch on the Nimbus 24.
The heel-to-toe drop is 10mm and 13mm on the Nimbus, respectively for men and women, and 10 mm on the Cumulus.
Until their 23rd version (2021), these two models shared much of the same technology with a similar ride. The 2022 version of the Nimbus 24 changes all that.
Traditionally heavy, it now has a more reasonable weight for a daily trainer with 10.3 oz/292 g for the men’s version and 9.0 oz/255 g for the women’s model. Therefore, it’s close to the Nimbus 23 (10.2 oz/289 g).
Also, the Nimbus 24 now uses FlyteFoam Blast+ instead of FlyteFoam Propel, giving a much more responsive cushioning than on the Cumulus 23.
Finally, the Trusstic System gives the Nimbus 24 even more stability than before. Of course, it’s something that may not appeal to everyone, but runners looking for support will appreciate it.
Nimbus or Cumulus: which one should you choose?
If you’re deciding between the Nimbus 23 and the Cumulus 23, then it’s all about the cushioning. Runners who prefer a higher stack will opt for the Nimbus, while those who prefer lightness will choose the Cumulus.
Between the Nimbus 24 and the Cumulus 23, there’s no discussion! The Nimbus 24 is better on all fronts (except the price). However, if you are a woman, the heel-to-toe drop of 13 mm may surprise you. It may be a good idea to try the men’s model instead.
The Nimbus 24 comes out on top, but we are waiting impatiently for the Cumulus 24, which should come soon!
Side-by-side comparison
+ 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!)
– Transitions are a bit clunky
– The extra support elements, unusual for a neutral shoe, may not please everyone
+ Simple yet effective mesh upper
+ Sturdy shoe
+ Good shock absorption
+ Smooth ride
– The forefoot is a little too soft, according to some runners
Asics Gel Nimbus 24
Asics Gel Cumulus 23
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral | Neutral |
| Drop | 10 mm, 13 mm | 10 mm |
| Heel stack height | 26 mm, 28 mm | 23 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 15 mm, 16 mm | 13 mm |
| Weight (men) | 292 g/10.3 oz | 289 g/10.2 oz |
| Weight (women) | 255 g/9 oz | 258 g/9.1 oz |
| Release year | 2022 | 2021 |
Technologies
| Outsole | AHAR, ASICS LITE | Resistant rubber |
| Midsole | FF BLAST+, GEL, OrthoLite X-55, Trusstic System | FlyteFoam, 3D Space Construction, GEL |
| Upper | Reflective elements, gusseted tongue, engineered mesh | Engineered mesh |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 3 – Moderate | 3 – Moderate |
| Bounce (1-5) | 3 – Moderate | 2 – Low |
Use
| Speed | Slow, moderate | Slow, moderate |
| Distance | Mid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon | Short, mid, 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Daily runs | Daily runs |
