The Asics Gel Nimbus is one of the most popular neutral road running shoe models. I gallantly support any argument that says they perform impressively as well-cushioned pair.
However, suppose you have nursed the idea of buying something else that has a similar spirit as the Asics Gel Nimbus.
In that case, you’d want to focus on top-rated running shoes that share the same glory with this running pair.
Any shoe worthy of replacing the Almighty Nimbus 21, 22, and 23 series should boast a plush underfoot feel with, perhaps, little extra enhancements to their cushioning system to deliver a more responsive underfoot experience.
With this in mind, finding the right alternative to Asics Gel Nimbus may look tougher than you initially presumed. Not to worry, here is the best option you can see in the running shoe market today:
List of the 8 best running shoes similar to Asics Gel Nimbus
Table of Contents
The shoes gathered here are ones that I have owned so this review will be more of a personal experienced backed with extensive research on the key superior benefits and little downsides of these options.
In case you are in a hurry, here is the list of the eight best shoes I recommend as replacements or alternatives to Asics Gel Nimbus:
- HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 8
- Saucony Men’s Ride 10 Running-Shoes
- Brooks Glycerin 19
- ALTRA Road Running Shoe
- New Balance Running Shoe
- Mizuno Running Shoe
- Nike AIR Zoom Pegasus 38
- Brooks Ghost 14 Running Shoe
Why these alternatives are a better replacement for your Asics Gel Nimbus
ASICS running shoes line up are advertised as ones that will provide a smooth and comfortable running experience before any other benefits.
The GEL-Nimbus production line appears to be a good recommendation for those who need highly-cushioned road running shoes, especially for long-distance runs.
However, a closer observation of the typical GEL-Nimbus will reveal some constant flaws across their models. For example, the tongue unit in the shoe usually slides off, and the laces are generally difficult to adjust.
The alternative running shoes we will be looking at in this extensive review appear to have the edge over the GEL-Nimbus in these areas.
Beyond being similar to GEL-Nimbus, these alternatives also stand in the gap for the poorly designed lacing system and high price points of most Asics GEL-Nimbus running shoe models.
The significant features that cohesively categorize these alternative running shoes as similar options to the Asics GEL-Nimbus are:
- They all have a Comfortable underfoot feel
- They share a similarity in breathable upper
- They are all very responsive and flexible like the GEL-Nimbuses
- The traction of each of these similar running shoes is reliable
- They all provide better heel lockdown and heel stability, just the way you get it in the GEL-Nimbuses, and even better in some.
Full review of the top 8 Asics Gel Nimbus alternatives
HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 8
The new midsole compound and refreshed upper are the two major factors that booted this HOKA Clifton 8 as my #1 recommendation on similar shoes to Asics Gel Nimbus.
I once tried the original Clifton, famous for its blend of max cushioning and minimal weight. But this newest model is a game-changer.
While it retains those attributes, the Clifton 8 is revolutionized with more light and energetic EVA foam to withstand quick paces for long, slow days, just like the Gel Nimbus would.
You won’t miss the protective ride and buttery transition of this pair!
Pros
- Incredibly flexible
- Supreme cushion
- Zero break-in period required
- Lightweight
- Various colors available
- Men’s and Women’s versions are available
Cons
- Depending on size and color, the price point can go as high as above $400.
Saucony Men’s Ride 10 Running-Shoes
I did not think twice before placing this Saucony Ride 10 with the ASICS GEL-Nimbus products, particularly the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 20 model.
Like the Nimbus, it is designed for neutral runners and has a lightweight construction, pillared by a heel-to-toe drop that measures 8mm.
While observing this shoe, the engineered mesh material caught my attention for maximum breathability. This is comparable with the ASICS GEL-Nimbus at all levels of it.
I like how the pair uses the PWR Foam and the EVERUN Topsole for comfortable and responsive cushioning, and I’m sure you will enjoy it too if you eventually give it a shot.
The Saucony is the 10Th edition of the ride franchise pioneering the brand new engineered mesh upper and woven heel collar of the brand.
It features a refined tri-flex outsole design that matches the Gel Nimbus of Asics offerings.
Pros
- Dynamic, lightweight fit due to the engineered mesh upper
- Continuous cushioning Thanks to the EVERUN Topsole
- Updated TRI-FLEX outsole guarantees flexibility and protection
- Affordable than most models in the Gel Nimbus lineup
Cons
- Some find the color retro-boring, but it appears to be the fashion at the moment
Brooks Glycerin 19
The Brooks Glycerin offers an insanely cushioned shoe with a traditional feel. What strikes similarity of this shoe with the Asics gel nimbus is the DNA Loft and BioMoGo midsole foam feel that makes it a dream run footwear, especially for those with higher stack height, and the foam isn’t spongy.
It is a neutral shoe like the Gel Nimbus lineup, but a little step up from these with its GTS stability version that features guardrails on the frame for more stability.
Suppose you eventually push your investment to this option. In that case, you’d particularly appreciate the Blown Rubber that covers the entire bottom of the shoe for flexibility as you run, coupled with the lovable Omega Flex Grooves.
Pros
- Abundant softness
- Neutral support
- Plus fit
- Smooth transitions
- True to size
- Available in various colors
Cons
- The wear-tread is one-half the thickness compared with the one in Asics shoes. This makes one question the level of sole-wear and mileage one can get in these pairs.
ALTRA Torin 5 Road Running Shoe
There is no doubt that the Torin 5 Road Running Shoe is one of the best-selling neutral running shoes from Altra.
It beats the competition to be compared with the likes of Asics Gel Nimbus due to the Altra’s FootShape toe box that is more straightforward to mirror the actual shape of a human foot.
This is preferable over other options that taper toward the toe box.
The shoe brand did not integrate its stability technology in this particular Torin model, but li like that they provide a roomy toe box, plus the 0 mm heel-to-toe drop perfect for every runner.
Pros
- It comes with the brand new luxurious Altra EGO MAX midsole foam that is light
- Breathable and ready for the open road
- Balanced Cushioning platform for low-impact landing
Cons
- Too much tongue
- Sized a bit small to half size up from your usual
New Balance Running Shoe
If you think you are a die-hard fan of the Asics Gel Nimbus lineup, this Fresh Foam 1080 V11 Running Shoe from New Balance is determined to win you over.
It is significantly similar to most Gel Nimbus with the way its bootie upper construction hugs the foot for a snug, supportive fit.
I like the knit Upper that helps the pair retain a lighter weight, provides some extra space in the toe box and offers a more secure lockdown with the laces from the midsole.
It also shares similarities with the Asics in an area of the flaw: the lacing system. This one feels backward as it is laced through the eyelid chains. Entirely different from what runners are familiar with.
This may be a slight turn-off, but it is just a new thing to get used to. Away from that, the outsole is a killer of this shoe because it has been carefully placed in high-wear areas, like the lateral heel and the medial toe box areas, to ensure the stability that every runner needs.
Pros
- Ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride Guaranteed
- Ortholite sockliner for comfort
- Ultra Heel design hugs the back of the foot for a snug, supportive fit
Cons
- The lacing system feels backward
Mizuno Wave Rider Running Shoe
Being a high-mileage road running shoe, the Mizuno Wave Rider 20 features a lightweight and durable design similar to the Gel Nimbus of Asics.
I like the CloudWave Plate, U4icX heel wedge, and U4ic foam compound. These components make it an equal offering to that of most Asics shoes, particularly ones in the Nimbus series, in terms of cushioning, responsiveness, and flexibility.
I’d summarize my experience with this alternative as a shoe with reliable traction on dry surfaces in a single sentence.
More precisely, the redesigned Wave Technology in this Mizuno provides softer cushioning and an enhanced responsive feel.
Like the Gel Nimbus, it is considered a top choice for the neutral runner in the market for a cushioned yet responsive ride.
Pros
- Removable insole
- Articulated U4icX heel wedge creates more cushion
- Triple Zone mesh
- Great for runners with high arches
Cons
- The toe box seems to be very flat, which can be considered not roomy or wide enough compared to Asics Gel Nimbus.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
The React foam and the built-in Zoom Air unit of this Air Zoom Pegasus 38 make it comparable with the Asics Gel Nimbus lineup.
Beyond that, I like that Nike gently reflected some updates from the outgoing versions into these running shoes.
For example, the new upper and re-shaped toe-box gives the footwear more space. Also, the speedy silhouette is maintained, making the shoe ideal for the road around town and outside the track.
Pros
- Extra bounce that’s perfect for hitting the tarmac
- Same cushioned support as its predecessor
- An interesting blend of comfort and durability
- It stands the test of time
Brooks Ghost 14 Running Shoe
In terms of versatility, I do not see any other model that is best similar to the Asics Gel Nimbus than this Ghost 14 series from Brooks.
The running shoe is celebrated for its generous fit for various foot shapes and sizes, too.
If you eventually opt for this alternative, you’d pat yourself on the back to choose its engineered upper that is light and airy and secures around the midfoot and heel.
We see the liberal use of the brand’s DNA Loft foam in these series to offer an impressive bouncy and soft ride without sacrificing smooth transitions for every daily mileage.
It is a recommended running shoe, particularly for beginner runners.
Pros
- Simplified midsole construction creates more seamless transitions
- Versatile for road running, cross-training, the gym, and others
- BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning for impressive softness underfoot
- Segmented Crash Pad for a smooth heel to toe transitions
- 3D Fit Print upper technology – ideal structure for moving the foot
Cons
- Not nonslip soles (Not work shoes, anyway)
- The flat laces are not catchy for some individuals
- It appears thinner than the predecessor – Ghost 13
It’s a wrap
So far, we have run through the top ten shoes similar to the Asics GEL-Nimbus.
In a nutshell, I strongly recommend you pay attention to the offerings of the HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 8 if you are looking for a similar shoe to Asics GEL-Nimbus before considering other options as reviewed in the article above.
After looking at the offerings of all the top-rated options, the hype and flavor of the Asics GEL-Nimbus may still overwhelm you. This is okay because every runner has their preference.
However, keep in mind what you are missing. There are many other products out there doing what the Asics GEL-Nimbus lineup is doing – providing soft, highly cushioned trainers for various paces, particularly at competitive price points.
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