The classic Nimbus, not as you knew it.
Asics's Gel-Nimbus has been a staple in the road-running world for a quarter of a century. What better way to celebrate than by completely changing it?
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The times they are a-changing
This topic is worth an in-depth blog post on its own, but here's the main thing: rockers are here to stay. Asics is jumping full-force on the rocker bandwagon with the Nimbus 25. You can tell just by looking at the shoe that it has a completely new design.
The image on the left is the Nimbus 22, on the right is the Nimbus 25. Notice the shape of the cushioning section and where the shoe arcs up/down.
The image on the left is the Nimbus 22, on the right is the Nimbus 25. Notice the shape of the cushioning section and where the shoe arcs up/down.
What is a rocker and why is it a bandwagon?
Saying a shoe has a rocker means that the midsole (cushioning part of the shoe) geometry is engineered in an arc. In running shoes, you usually see full-foot or forefoot rockers.
As a concept, rocker-bottom shoes are not new. Running shoes have had forefoot rockers for decades and some lesser-known brands made full-foot rockers before Hoka hopped on the scene.
Hokas are known for having a serious full-foot rocker, meaning that the arc of the midsole starts in the back of the shoe and runs all the way through the toes. The Nimbus 25, while having an appearance of full-foot rocking, has more of a forefoot rocker once you start to move around in it.
Rocker shoes are growing immensely popular because they're related to improved efficiency. Some people with knee, hip, or lower leg pain find that running in a rocker shoe helps.
As a concept, rocker-bottom shoes are not new. Running shoes have had forefoot rockers for decades and some lesser-known brands made full-foot rockers before Hoka hopped on the scene.
Hokas are known for having a serious full-foot rocker, meaning that the arc of the midsole starts in the back of the shoe and runs all the way through the toes. The Nimbus 25, while having an appearance of full-foot rocking, has more of a forefoot rocker once you start to move around in it.
Rocker shoes are growing immensely popular because they're related to improved efficiency. Some people with knee, hip, or lower leg pain find that running in a rocker shoe helps.
More Cushion!
The Gel-Nimbus has always been one of Asics's most cushioned running shoes. Don't worry, that's still true! In fact, it's even more cushioned! Seriously, this shoe packs a plush. You'll be disappointed, though, if you're hoping to see that trademark little gel insert Asics has been putting in the heel section of their shoes. They aren't doing that anymore. Instead, they're putting a slice of "PureGEL" right under the heel.
Final Notes On the Nimbus 25
While this new era of the Asics Gel-Nimbus has little in common with its predecessor, it hangs on to the role of being one of the most cushioned shoes in the running shoe industry.
Yes, a lot has changed, but this still might be your favorite running shoe! How do you find out? We've got it here in the store, come try it on!
Yes, a lot has changed, but this still might be your favorite running shoe! How do you find out? We've got it here in the store, come try it on!