ASICS Nimbus 26 Review – What’s New and How It Performs
8/7/20242 min read
ASICS Nimbus 26 Review – What’s New and How It Performs
The ASICS Nimbus 26 follows up on the highly praised Nimbus 25, retaining many features while introducing some subtle changes. Let’s dive into the specifics and see how these updates impact the shoe's performance.
Key Specifications and Features
Stack Height and Midsole:
Stack Height: 41.5 mm in the heel and 33.5 mm in the forefoot, maintaining an 8 mm drop.
Midsole: The majority of the midsole uses FF Blast Plus Eco foam, with 24% of it made from biobased materials, continuing ASICS’ eco-friendly approach.
Rearfoot PureGel: A thin layer of gel material in the heel enhances comfort and shock absorption.
Outsole:
Hybrid Grip: The outsole combines two types of rubber: ASICS High Abrasion Rubber Plus (lighter green) for durability and ASICS Grip (darker green) for enhanced traction.
Upper:
Engineered Knit: A new stretchy and breathable upper material that improves comfort and ventilation.
Knit Tongue and Heel Cup: The shoe retains a comfortable knit tongue and adds more foam around the heel cup for better stability.
Weight:
Slight Increase: The Nimbus 26 weighs 10.7 oz (303 grams), which is 0.4 oz more than the previous model.
Running Experience
Despite appearing similar on paper, the Nimbus 26 offers a subtly different running experience. The FF Blast Plus Eco foam remains cushioned and responsive, but with a slightly firmer and more "poppy" feel compared to the Nimbus 25. This minor adjustment shifts the shoe slightly away from the max cushion category, giving it a bit more versatility for various paces.
Performance and Versatility
The Nimbus 26 is highly comfortable for easy runs, recovery runs, and long-distance efforts. Its slightly firmer feel compared to the Nimbus 25 provides a bit more versatility, making it suitable for some faster-paced efforts, like strides. However, its weight still positions it more as a daily trainer rather than a dedicated workout or race day shoe.
Recommended Pairings and Competitors
For those looking to build a versatile running shoe rotation, the Nimbus 26 can be complemented with:
Puma Deviate Nitro 2: Ideal for workouts due to its cushioning and carbon plate.
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Plus: A top choice for race days, offering excellent speed and performance.
Buying Guide and Alternatives
The Nimbus 26 is priced at $160. Here are some alternatives to consider:
New Balance 1080 v13: Priced at $165, this shoe offers a lively feel suitable for daily training and some light workouts.
Saucony Triumph RFG: Also priced at $160, this eco-friendly option uses corn-based materials in its midsole and provides a comfortable max cushion experience.
Best Alternative:
ASICS Nimbus 25: If you prefer a pure max cushion shoe, last year’s model remains an excellent choice, now available for $130.
Final Thoughts
The ASICS Nimbus 26 makes subtle yet impactful changes, offering a slightly firmer and more responsive ride than its predecessor. While it may not be the best option for pure max cushioning, it provides enhanced versatility for those looking for a daily trainer with a bit more pep. If you prioritize comfort and a max cushion feel, the Nimbus 25 might still be the better choice, especially with its current discounted price.
