The Asics Gel Nimbus 28 and the Kayano 33, two of the Japanese brand’s most popular running shoes, differ first and foremost in the support they offer.
The Nimbus 28 is a neutral shoe, while the Kayano 33 is built to provide advanced support and stabilize your stride to prevent overpronation.
All that stability comes at a cost: the Kayano is noticeably heavier, with 30 g / 1.1 oz more on the scale (and that despite the Nimbus packing 3.5 mm more midsole). Both new editions run an 8 mm drop, where they historically sat at 10 mm.
The ride feel is otherwise much the same: comfortable cushioning that is not especially responsive, even if transitions stay smooth.
Both models work well for daily training and recovery runs.
The Kayano 33 also debuts the new FluidSupport stability technology (FF Blast Max and FF Blast Plus foams): a design made to guide the foot and prevent overpronation. The Nimbus 28, for its part, runs FF Blast Plus paired with PureGel.
The uppers are on par, with premium build quality and a foothold that is both secure and comfortable.
Beyond that, both models use HYBRID ASICSGRIP rubber for traction that holds up even on wet roads.
Nimbus or Kayano: which should you choose?
The major difference is the type of support. If you have a neutral or supinated stride, go for the Nimbus. If you overpronate (or simply want more stability), the Kayano is the better choice.
