Andy Devaney
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 arrives as the latest heir to one of running’s most trusted thrones, and judging by the first look, ASICS has shaved, sculpted, and fine-tuned just about everything except its reputation for comfort. The new ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 is more than a simple upgrade — it’s a reminder that evolution doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful.
This 28th-generation model drops over 20 grams from its predecessor, a quiet but telling sign that ASICS still knows how to respect tradition while nudging the sport forward. The brand’s engineers have clearly worked with a surgeon’s patience, trimming weight without sacrificing the trademark plush ride that’s kept the Nimbus line in the good graces of marathon diehards, park-plodders, and anyone who wants their legs to feel less betrayed at mile nine.
At the centre of the update sits ASICS’ FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning — a foam so soft and forgiving it borders on diplomatic. Each landing feels closer to a well-padded apology than an impact. Pair that with PureGEL™, a gentler, lighter evolution of the brand’s famed GEL™ technology tucked neatly under the heel, and you’ve got a shoe that gives you the shock absorption you expect, minus the usual bulk.
The makeover doesn’t stop underneath. The redesigned outsole uses a refined HYBRID ASICSGRIP™, keeping its bite where runners need it most, while the new engineered knit upper gives the shoe a breezier, lighter feel without undermining the structure. Add a refreshed heel design and the Nimbus suddenly looks leaner, faster, and more streamlined — a bit like it swapped chips for speedwork, and it shows.
The updates continue with a tongue loop construction that actually makes slipping into your shoes less of a wrestling match, plus a new eyelet loop layout that cleans up the look of the upper. Subtle, sure — but collectively they make the shoe feel like it’s grown up a little.
Keita Ozawa, the developer of Performance Running Footwear at ASICS, put it plainly: “Our approach to the GEL-NIMBUS™ 28 shoe reflects ASICS’ Kaizen philosophy, continually refining every detail to create better experiences for runners. Through thoughtful updates to the outsole, upper, and cushioning, the GEL-NIMBUS™ 28 shoe takes comfort to even greater heights. This process ensures that every runner can move both their body and mind with greater ease and enjoyment.”
That Kaizen mindset is written all over the design. Nothing flashy. Nothing bolted on for the sake of it. Just purposeful improvements that will matter during the second half of a Sunday long run when the legs start to raise their grievances.
The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28 hits shelves on December 1st, 2025, priced at £180, and it’s expected to be a big draw for runners craving a lighter, more responsive version of the shoe they already trust. More details on the model and ASICS’ newest tech can be found at asics.com.
If cushioned shoes had a royal lineage, this one didn’t just keep the crown — it polished it.
