Fashion & Footwear › Running Shoes
Gel-Nimbus 25
Model timeline
Gel-cushioned road running shoes
Quick take
In short: what each side says
Reviewers · Buyers — each opened up in full further down ↓
A genuinely plush, durable max-cushion daily trainer that earns wide praise for comfort and build quality, with the caveat that its softness makes it a poor fit for anyone wanting a snappy, responsive ride.
Owners rave about the plush, cushioned ride ideal for daily training and long runs, but durability concerns and reduced breathability versus prior versions divide satisfaction.
Every side lands high — Holds up.
Quick read · who it’s for
Main competitors
Top rivals in Running Shoes.
The verdict
What the panel makes of it.
The Gel-Nimbus 25 ranks second for beginner running shoes and delivers exceptional plush cushioning ideal for easy runs and recovery, though its softness makes it unsuitable for faster-paced work and some buyers report reduced breathability compared to earlier versions.
Act one
What the machines think.
Several AI models read the category and place this product — model by model, list by list, over time.
Act two · ★ new
What the people say.
The same product, judged by the owners who bought and filmed it — what they praise, what they knock, who it's for.
Video reviews?
What reviewers actually say.
AI summary of 5 reviews · as of Jun 2026
A genuinely plush, durable max-cushion daily trainer that earns wide praise for comfort and build quality, with the caveat that its softness makes it a poor fit for anyone wanting a snappy, responsive ride.
What they praise
- Exceptional plush comfort from the FF Blast Plus Eco midsole, with a soft, well-cushioned ride suited to easy and recovery runs
- Strong durability — outsole rubber and exposed foam show minimal wear even after heavy mileage, and the midsole retains cushion well
- Knit upper provides a secure, blister-free lockdown with a stretchy, padded collar and tongue that wraps the foot without pressure points
- Versatile enough for all-day casual wear and travel, not just running
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition despite the high stack height, with no reported ankle-roll instability
What they knock
- Too soft and cushioned for faster running — pace work and tempo efforts feel laboured in this shoe
- The eco midsole foam is slightly firmer than the non-eco version, a trade-off some runners notice
- Breathability of the knit upper underperforms its appearance — one reviewer found it less ventilated than the previous model
- Exposed midsole foam on the outer edge may wear faster over higher mileage once the outsole rubber recedes
Who reviewers think this product is — and isn’t — for
For you if
Look elsewhere if
Synthesised from: kofuzi · Ben Is Running · Ben Parkes · Believe in the Run · Hes Kicks
ASICS Nimbus 25 After 100 Miles
kofuzi
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 25: 100 MILE REVIEW
Ben Is Running
"The Most Comfortable Running Shoe" APPARENTLY - ASICS Gel Nimbus 25 Review
Ben Parkes
Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 | FULL REVIEW | Now THIS is Max Cushion
Believe in the Run
Bigger & BETTER? Asics Gel Nimbus 25 Casual Wear Review!
Hes Kicks
How it holds up — after the dust settles
The Nimbus 25 holds up well over extended use, with outsole and foam showing less wear than expected and comfort improving as the midsole breaks in.
Midsole feel
At launch
Plush but slightly firm out of the box, with a noticeable eco-foam trade-off in squish.
After months
Softer and more comfortable after break-in, with more pronounced cushioning underfoot than when new.
Foam degradation
At launch
Significant creasing and compression expected by the 100-mile mark.
After months
Creasing is lighter than anticipated; the midsole retains much of its structure and feel.
From 2 long-term reviews — kofuzi · Hes Kicks (see the videos above).
What buyers say?
What Google knows about it.
Beyond the video critics, Google pools 757 buyer ratings of the Gel-Nimbus 25 from across retailers — a far wider, if blunter, jury. Here’s the shape of that opinion.
757 ratings · 7 written
across 2 retailers
What owners single out
Buyers' weakest durability aspect aligns with video reviewers' concern about exposed midsole foam showing scuffing and dirt accumulation, suggesting potential structural vulnerability.
In their words
“Quite simply, the most comfortable, cushiony shoes I’ve ever owned. A genuine pleasure to wear and best of all, they’ve already begun contributing to my fitness because I love wearing them so much and going out for a long walk. Very highly recommended for anyone who wants to feel like they’re walking on air.”
Greggyaus · verified purchase · rebelsport.com.au
“I have several shoes from different manufacturers that I rotate in and out. The nimbus are comfortable and fit my foot well. Unfortunately the shoe is not very durable. After one run on the pavement, the shoe started to fall apart. I owned the gel nimbus 20 and they were much more durable for me.”
Dr East Nashvile · verified purchase · asics.com
as of June 11 · 757 buyer ratings?
Find your situation?
Made for some — wrong for others.
Who reviewers think this product is — and isn’t — for
For you if
Look elsewhere if
You need a proven, low-risk shoe with broad consensus and deep reviews.
757 ratings with 4.6/5 consensus, mature ASICS brand, settled product line, and consistent reviewer agreement on its strengths make this a safe, predictable choice.
You want a shoe that works straight out of the box with no fuss.
Reviewers praise secure lockdown, blister-free fit, and smooth transitions—no setup, tuning, or learning curve needed; it performs as expected immediately.
You value an established maker's flagship with prestige positioning.
ASICS is a tier-3 heritage brand; Gel-Nimbus is its iconic max-cushion line with premium design cues and positioning that justify the brand equity.
You want a trusted daily trainer without overpaying for brand prestige.
Mid-range street price (~$135) with a 4.6/5 rating and strong durability praise delivers solid value; no cheaper rival covers the same comfort-and-build-quality ground as honestly.
You demand objectively top-tier execution with minimal compromise.
High rating and deep praise for cushioning, fit, and durability, but breathability underperforms and softness disqualifies it for responsive running—clear trade-offs prevent top-tier status.
You love gear that delights beyond specs—design, feel, sensory joy.
Praised for plush, luxurious underfoot feel and versatile aesthetic, but reviewers focus on function over passion; it's competent and pleasant, not a beloved object.
Grounded in our buyer-review, reviewer-video, price and successor signals — a poor fit names a closer pick · as of Jun 30.
Alternatives by price · Same field?
Same field, less money.
Frequently asked
What buyers want to know.
What is the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 good for?
Reviewers say it's a comfortable, well-cushioned shoe built for easy runs, recovery runs, and long runs. The thick midsole and plush upper make it work well for runners who want all-day comfort and impact protection over speed.
Is the Gel-Nimbus 25 good for fast running?
Reviewers find it too soft and squishy for maintaining faster paces. The shoe lacks the snappy toe-off and responsive feel needed for tempo work and speed training.
How durable is the Gel-Nimbus 25?
Reviewers report excellent durability with minimal outsole wear and midsole breakdown after hundreds of miles. Some note that exposed midsole foam areas show scuffing and dirt accumulation over time.
Who should buy the Gel-Nimbus 25?
It's best for runners seeking a plush daily trainer for easy miles and long distances who prioritize comfort over speed. It also works well as a casual or travel shoe due to all-day comfort.
Does the Gel-Nimbus 25 have good breathability?
Reviewers note the upper is less breathable than the previous version, though it features a stretchy knit and plush gusseted tongue for comfort.
What should I know before buying the Gel-Nimbus 25?
The shoe is very soft—some reviewers initially disliked this but warmed to it after the midsole compressed around thirty-five miles. Stability opinions are split: some rate it stable for a max-cushion shoe, while others find it less stable than lower-stack models.
The recap
Where it stands today.
- MakerBy ASICS — see how it ranks across other intents on its brand profile.