ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 Review: Is It Really Worth £180?
- FORDY RUNS
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 enters the scene as the brand's premium plush daily trainer, loaded with comfort tech, a revamped upper, and the same promise of a soft, stable ride. But with a £180 price tag, is it really worth your money in 2025? Let’s break it down.
Quick Specs
Price: £180
Weight: 327g (UK 9)
Stack Height: 43.5mm heel / 35.5mm forefoot
Drop: 8mm
Midsole: FF Blast+ Eco, PureGEL
Upper: New engineered jacquard mesh
Outsole: AHAR rubber with hybrid grip
Fit: Wider toe box, true to size
What’s New in the Nimbus 27?
The Nimbus 27 sees a few significant changes over the Nimbus 26:
Upper Update: Gone is the knit upper; it’s replaced by a more breathable, structured jacquard mesh. It’s more accommodating, especially in the toe box.
Stack Height Increase: 2mm more foam underfoot.
Sustainability Focus: Midsole foam is eco-friendly, but still super soft.
Stability & Comfort: A broad platform and plush interior make it one of the most comfortable daily trainers available.
How It Performs
After putting in nearly 30 miles — including a 15-mile long run — the Nimbus 27 proved capable for:
Easy miles
Recovery runs
Long, slow efforts
It even handled short bursts of uptempo work, though that's not where it shines. With its stable platform and forgiving ride, it's ideal for runners who want maximum comfort and mild stability without the feel of a structured support shoe.
How It Fits in a Rotation
Pair the Nimbus 27 with a lighter, more responsive shoe like the Speed or Nike Zoom Fly 6 for tempo work, and a racer like the Adidas Adizero Pro 4 or ASICS Superblast 2 for race day. This shoe is best reserved for when you want to slow things down and recover in comfort.
The Big Problem: The Price
Here’s the hard truth — £180 is too much. There’s no denying the comfort, the build, or even the upgrades over the Nimbus 26. But in 2025, the ASICS Novablast 5 exists.
The Novablast 5 is:
£135
Lighter (269g vs 327g)
Just as soft, if not more fun
Equally well-fitting
Then there's the GlideRide Max at £160 or the Superblast 2 just a touch higher in price but far more versatile.
In short: the Nimbus 27 is a good shoe, but you don’t need to spend £180 to get the same benefits.
Final Verdict
✅ Pros
Exceptionally comfortable
Stable and smooth ride
New upper improves fit
Great for long easy miles and recovery days
❌ Cons
Heavy compared to competitors
Outsole grip is average
Price doesn’t match performance
Outclassed by better-value options like the Novablast 5
