Asics Gel Nimbus 23 Review Analysis (2024)
Published on: 02/10/2021
The Asics Gel Nimbus 23 is a good road running shoe for daily runs with a sturdy and traditional configuration.
The Consensus
Note: there’s an update to this collection! Check out the review of the Asics Gel Nimbus 26.
The Asics Gel Nimbus 23 represents the old guard of the Japanese brand. As such, it offers a classic but very reliable configuration. Does it make sense to go on with the Nimbus, or is it time to ditch it for sleeker models?
First of all, Asics has made few changes to its bestseller. The Nimbus 23 retains the very successful upper from the 22 version with a few improvements, such as a thicker, more comfortable tongue to lock in the foot. The lockdown is comfortable and can be forgotten, which in the end, is the most important thing. The toe box has a moderate size and should fit most runners.
Cushioning provides an unvarnished but satisfying ride for daily training and long distances. The combination of foam and Gel pads gives good shock dispersion. The underfoot feel is relatively soft with a touch of firmness. An interesting point unanimously noted by the testers is the platform’s flexibility, mainly thanks to the deep flex grooves. The shoe offers a slight rebound but nothing spectacular. Finally, let’s note that although the Nimbus is a neutral running shoe, it slightly stabilizes the foot’s movement, which can reassure runners who like to have some structure in their shoes.
The outsole is based on previous models’ winning formula (also present on many of the brand’s models): AHAR+ under the heel and AHAR under the forefoot. This carbon rubber is undoubtedly one of the elements that contribute to the shoe’s high weight (309 g/10.9 oz), but it has the advantage of making the shoe very durable for long workouts.
In summary, the Asics Gel Nimbus 23 remains true to itself with a traditional, tried-and-tested configuration. It’s an interesting choice to rotate with other lighter and snappier models. However, all truth be told, if you’ve never worn a Nimbus in your life, there’s little reason to start.
- Sturdy shoe
- Good shock absorption
- Comfortable upper
- Flexible and stable platform
- Heavyweight
- Cushioning that lacks some bounce to be suitable for speedwork
Technologies
Outsole
- The outsole of the Asics Gel Nimbus 23 is equipped with sturdy rubber to improve the durability of the shoe. Also, it’s naturally grippy to stay stable at all times.
Midsole
- The FlyteFoam midsole uses a lightweight and bouncy foam compound that absorbs shocks on the road and optimizes the energy return for a comfortable and peppy ride. It combines a unique elastomer to super organic nanofibers to be more robust and last hundreds of kilometers.
- Also, the FlyteFoam Propel is a variant of FlyteFoam that’s even lighter and softer.
- GEL is an Asics flagship technology that consists of a silicon-based unit. It that optimizes shock dispersion for plush landings.
- 3D Space Construction translates into geometric patterns in the midsole for enhanced stability while running.
Upper
- The Asics Gel Nimbus 23’s upper is an engineered mesh that promotes a secure and comfortable foot lockdown while offering good airflow.
- It uses some recycled materials to make the shoe more sustainable by reducing its carbon footprint.
- The reflective materials provide a 360 degree visibility so that runners can stay safe from traffic at all time while running.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel stack height | 25 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 15 mm |
| Features | Recycled materials |
| Weight (men) | 309 g/10.9 oz |
| Weight (women) | 261 g/9.2 oz |
| Release year | 2020 |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 3 – Moderate |
| Bounce (1-5) | 2 – Low |
Technologies
| Outsole | Sturdy rubber |
| Midsole | FlyteFoam, FlyteFoam Propel, GEL, 3D Space Construction |
| Upper | Engineered mesh, recycled materials, reflective materials |
Use
| Speed | Slow, moderate |
| Distance | Mid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Daily runs |
Comparisons – Asics Gel Nimbus 23 vs.:
Asics Gel Nimbus 22
As we explained in the analysis, there’s very little change between the Nimbus 22 and 23. Even if the stack heigh loses a few millimeters, the weight remains similar, especially in the men’s model. If your N22s are still in good condition, then there’s no hurry to grab a pair of N23.
Asics Gel Kayano 27
See the detailed comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, this model sizes correctly, i.e., neither too big nor too small. Also, the toe box is spacious enough to fit most morphologies.
Yes, this shoe should be adapted to most people. Indeed, it’s a neutral running shoe. Therefore, it’s designed to suit all athletes independently from their pronation type. If you are hesitating between neutral and stability shoes, please note that no empirical data support that the latter is a better choice to prevent injury.
Yes, these shoes should be fine, even if you’re a heavyweight runner. Indeed, although it’s often advised to wear comfortably padded if you weigh more than 187 lbs/85 kg, there are not much empirical data to back it up. To our knowledge, to date, only one research study has warned that runners who weigh more than 157 lbs (71 kg) are more likely to sustain an injury if they wear minimalist shoes (stack height lower than 15 mm). The Asics Gel Nimbus 23 is not a minimalist model, so it should be safe to run with it regardless of how much you weigh.
This Asics road shoe is suitable for different types of distances and training. In addition, it’s a robust shoe built for long-distance running. However, it’s not a shoe designed with speed in mind: even if it allows a good ride, there’s a slight rebound, and it’s a rather heavy shoe.
hi there,
I weigh 92 KG I have high arches. I have been using Asics gel Nimbus 23 for a year and have had no problem. I also used the Nimbus 22 for a year, and it worked well for me.
However, I went to buy Nimbus 24, I tried it on in the store, but I hesitated because I couldn’t feel the arch support. is there something that I am missing? or should I go for another pair of shoes like Brooks Ghost 14 or Saucony Ride 15?
Regards ,
Hi Sulaiman, this can happen. Shoe comfort can vary from one person to another, and sometimes the new version ruins everything. Indeed, I would look at other models. The ones you mentioned are all great picks. The NB 1080v12 is another one to try as well.