Asics Gel Nimbus 11 Running Shoes Review
 Asics Gel Nimbus 11 |
| Full Name: Asics Gel Nimbus 11 |
| Category: Cushioning |
| Weight: 12 oz. (340 gr.) |
| Suggested Price: 125$ |
| Recommended For: Neutral Runners and Under Pronators (Supinators) |
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Asics Nimbus 11 General Info:
The Asics Nimbus 11 is fall 2009′s update for Asics top of the range cushioning shoe. As expected, the Nimbus 11 maintains the success elements of its predecessors while improving on a few – to name one, the weight.
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Asics Nimbus 11 Sole Unit:
The Nimbus 11 is a cushioning shoe, aimed at runners with a neutral to under pronated gait. The shoe was developed by Asics with the objective of providing the ultimate cushioning platform.
The cushioning is provided by a number of elements, first of all the use of large Asics Gel units both in the heel and in the forefoot. (Gel is Asics trademark cushioning technology, where gel chambers are inserted in the shoes’ midsole in order to absorb the vertical shock generated by the impact on the ground).
The midsole material is Asics Solyte, a compound that is lighter and springier than the normal EVA and spEVA (foam) previously used by Asics.
One new element found in the Nimbus 11 is the addition of a Solyte cap placed underneath the forefoot in order to provide an even softer feel. This addition not only improves the cushioning of the shoe, but also helps drop the weight vs the previous model, the Nimbus 10. The density of the injected cap also takes into account the higher compression rate of men’s shoes vs women’s and that is why the injected section is softer on women’s than on the men’s model. Further, the injected cap on the women’s shoe extends from the lateral side of the forefoot all the way across to the medial (internal) side, while the mens’ version ends earlier.
Continuing with the gender-specific engineering, the shoe includes a midfoot plastic shank (Asics Space Trusstic System) that wraps the midsole underneath the foot’s arch in order to provide a smooth heel-to-toe transition by securing torsional stability. The shank found on the Nimbus 11 is differently engineered for the women version to take into account womens’ different biomechanics.
The result of these improvements are a ride that feels less mushy and more springy than before.
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Asics Nimbus 11 Upper:
The Nimbus 11 went through serious upper redesign.
The number of overlays have been dramatically reduced and most of the synthetic materials that were present in the Nimbus 10 are now replaced with a very open mesh. This solution delivers an upper that is aesthetically cleaner even though slightly less iconic but that most of all weights substantially less and breaths much more.
The biggest change that runner feel is in the toebox: the reduction of the overlays gives a much more open feel to the toes and the shoe does feel more roomy in the toe.
Other slight improvements are the use of memory foam in the tongue lining (for better fit to the individual runner, memory foam assumes the shape of the foot) and the removal of stitching in the heel counter – to avoid abrasion and irritation.
Still present the asymmetrical lacing – a feature that is appreciated by some runners and depreciated by some others.
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Asics Nimbus 11 Opinion:
The Nimbus 11 has been improved over the 10. First of all with a weight-drop of approx. 25 grams it will be a pleasant surprise during long runs together with the added breathability of the redesigned upper.
The cushioning is excellent and ever more springy than in the past; nevertheless the Nimbus provides good elements of stability for a cushioning shoe, that can help the slightly heavier runner or the runner whose technique suffers when fatigue strikes. If you are looking for a similarly built shoe, but with more cushioning than support, we suggest you to have a look at the Nike Zoom Vomero 4 too.
The shoe is recommended to normal to under pronators (supinators), with an eye to heavier runners.
The price increase of 5$ seems justified by the improvements of the midsole – but we know the pricing of materials have increased for all shoes producers, so we expect slight price increases from many brands especially for their top of the range shoes.
2010 UPDATE! You can find our Asics Gel Nimbus 12 review here!
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Asics Nimbus 11 Price Comparison:
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Asics Gel-nimbus 11 : Asics Women's Running Shoes (RoadRunnerSports) |
 $89.95 
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Asics - Gel-nimbus 11 (white/black/red) - Footwear (Zappos) |
 $112.50
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Asics Men's Gel-nimbus 11 Shoes (white/black/red) (shoes.com) |
 $125.00
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Asics Women's Gel-nimbus 11 Shoes (wht/lightning/hot Pn) (shoes.com) |
$125.00
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| + 1 others available from shoes.com ↓ | ||
Let us know what you think of this shoe in the comments!
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- Asics Cumulus 11 Running Shoes Review
- Asics Gel Kayano 16 Running Shoes Review
- Asics Gel Cumulus 12 Running Shoes Review
- Asics Gel Kayano 15 Running Shoes Review
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i tried these shoes. The balls of my feet were bruised after a 4 mile run. In 2 years of running with plenty of other shoes, I have never had that happen. I am returning these shoes to find something else.
I went through 2 pairs of the gel-nimbus 10 and loved them. I bought the gel-nimbus 11 thinking “it could only get better!” These are absolutely the worst sneakers I have ever put on my feet. If you get these make sure to have a box of band-aids on hand. I have blisters everywhere. The bottom of my feet are in agony. I have been running for 17 years and this has never happened. I think you might have a better running experience running in flip flops. These sneakers are over-rated and OVER priced.
I have been wearing the the Asics 10 model for a over a year with amazing comfort and no issues. Only 2 weeks after get the Asics 11, I developed Plantar Fasciitis and have been pretty much crippled for almost 6 weeks now. Up to this point I was racing and running with no issues. I am very dissappointed in this shoe.
I had been running in Kayano 14s but found that the 15s did not work for me. I tried several other shoes with no luck and finally settled on the Nimbus 11s. After about 60 miles and a new Half PR I can say I am very happy with the Nimbus 11s
I have benn running over 15 years and have always been a loyal asics fan, but these are the worst shoes I have ever owned. My calves have been in severe pain ever since I started running w/ the new 11′s. Why is it when they had a great shoe going that they ruin it with so called “improvements?”
I’m pretty amazed at the other responses on these shoes. I’m a big built guy 5’11″ 230 about 10%BF, and I love running. I’ve run in a lot of different shoes my latest pair before these was the Vomeros and while I loved the cushion the shoe had a couple of things that were inconvenient, like the tongue being too short making it a hassle with the lacing, but that may just be my opinion.
However this shoe is in my opinion, AWESOME…. I love the fit, I love the construction and for some reason the angled lacing works fantastic and fits me like a glove. The toe box is a little wide but with higher mileage it becomes an asset at least to me. So while these shoes may not be for everyone they definitely work for me and I would think they would work for runners of a similar build and running habits.
I loved the 10′s even know I went through them like water every 3 months (ouch). When I switched to the 11′s, I slowly developed achillies tendonitis. I had no increase in mileage and there is a difference in the structure of the upper in that area (much more forward curving). I’m taking 2 weeks off and have found some 10′s on-line. I’ll hope for the best. 165Lb. 6’2″ 30 miles/week.
I used to run a lot when I was younger just for fun.Now that I’m 40 I was invited to a running training program for the marathon by a friend.I got there with my old nike shoes,but I saw everybody wearing this Asics brand and trying to give me advice about the shoes that I should wear.I gave it some thought and I said wth,maybe I’ve been out of this for too long, so I went to the store and I bought 2 pairs of Asics, the new Nimbus 11 and the Nimbus 10 that were really cheap on sale. I run with them for 3 weeks but I ended up with so many blisters and pain every time I finished my runs that I had to go back to my nikes.The Vomero 4 is the best one I’ve ever tried and I feel I could run 100 miles easily. I love them!!! sorry Asics you’re not for me.
These shoes have SAVED MY FEET! My primary use for these is teaching Les Mills BODYATTACK. Lots of high impact movements with running and plyometrics, lots of LATERAL movement. I always thought the Kayano would be better for me but my feet were screaming after one class in the Kayanos. I love the toebox of this shoe, my toes aren’t slamming/jamming against the inside when I do plyos and lateral movements. I am going to buy 2 more pairs, I’m scared they will change the configuration when they come out with the next model.
I have bought several pairs of th Asics gel nimbus10. Why do they feel the need to improve such an awesome shoe???? I HATE the new 11′s, they are terrible!!
First pair of asics and the last,The balls of the feet start hurting after 3 miles, it seems the gell cells are pushing through the insole on impact, It dosnt help that the inner sole is not continous but sewn in two parts.Had to run a marathon in them as my nbs fell apart with 4 weeks to go, The balls of the feet have just recovered after 4 weeks recovery. A very sore learning curve.
All in all over priced and over rated.
I’m really surprised by these negative comments on the Nimbus 11. Asics is one of the best running shoe brands out there. I don’t understand how people are getting tendinitis and pain in the feet?? These are the most cushioned she I’ve ever put on which alleviates feet and tendon problems. I’ve never heard a negative comment about the Nimbus 11 until this website….don’t be discouraged by the neg. comments. This is one of the most comfortable, quality running shoes out there…especially for anyone over 200lbs.
Ditto the comments. I have 2 pairs of Nimbus 10 and loved them. Read the reviews, but went ahead and bought a Nimbus 11 anyway. Regrets. I read elsewhere that the bunion area was a hot-spot. I didn’t even break into a run before I realised that these shoes were a non-starter. The point is that the upper fit for the Nimbus 11 is very different from the Nimbus 10, and if you are trying it on in the store, lace it tight, like you are about to do a quick run, before you decide on it.
After reading all these comments I was very reluctant to try out the Nimbus 11, since this is my first pair of Asics, but decided to give them a try because I really needed a shoe with better cushioning. I am 5″6, 110lbs, and have been running for a year, about 20-24 miles/wk. I’m so glad I gave them a chance because they have been fantastic for me. I use my own inserts in the shoe, and so far, the shoe has felt great on my foot. I agree that they do seem to angle inwards, but that hasn’t been a problem for me. The weight of the shoe was a concern to me also, but surprisingly they haven’t felt overly heavy on my feet. I now look forward to putting my shoes on my feet to go running again!!
I bought a pair of Nimbus 11s. It has given my left foot nothing but pain and agony, to the point where I recently ran a 5km run at average pace, and now my knee is also hurting. Will not be buying Asics again.
After years of being cheap with my shoes and I am on my feet all day at work. I tried these shoes on 1 of 5 different brands and they felt AMAZING!!! I am not a runner but these shoes are great for me.when I take them off after I get home from work my feet no longer hurt or ache anymore!
These shoes caused me nothing but pain and I lost weeks of progression. Every run felt like a chore. I am in a pair of Brooks Glycerin 8′s now and they make a world of difference. I know Asics usually makes a good shoe, but I would not recommend this one
Wow so I just bought a pair of expensive shoes which happen to be 11′s and after reading all the negative comments I was a little scared on trying them but I do believe these shoes were made specificly for ppl in the slightly heavier catagory cuz the comfort for me is unbelivable they breath sooo well I can hit a 8 mile run and still feel I have more to give “BEST SHOES EVER”. 5’9, 210lbs, 15%bf, running 9 years. P.s. sorry lightweights stick to the 10′s
Have been a loyal asics user for years going through the nimbus 8, 9, and 2 pairs of 10′s. The most comfortable running shoes I’ve ever used. Could not wait to get the nimbus 11 and i am VERY disappointed in the so-called “improvements” to the shoe. Why did asics have to change a good thing? “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
The asymmetrical shoelace kills the bone on the top of both of my feet. The laces have been moved over even more in this model and are very uncomfortable.
Now i’m out to shop for another shoe.
I don’t know what’s up with these comments because the 11′s are absolutely awesome. I too am a heavy female runner, 6’0; 202lbs. This is the best my shins and calves have ever felt after a run. For the first time in a long time, I can’t wait to get to the treadmill in the morning where I do most of my runs but I tried them outside on the running trail at the park and still felt great, not to mention the red white and charcoal look pretty snazzy.
I find concurrence with a lot of points about the Nimbus 11. I trained for and ran marathons in the Nimbus 9 and Nimbus 10 – no issues and happy feet. I bought the Nimbus 11 in the fall, did some short races and am training for an Ironman…HORRIBLE. I’ve developed blisters on my small toes from this shoe. I limit my runs in the Nimbus 11 pair to 5 miles, but still use because I blew $125 on them. The cushion in my mind is equal to the 10, but the shoe does feel lighter.
I’m trying to decide if going with the Cumulus 11 would help with the blisters that the Nimbus 11s have left for me…I’m very disappointed…Nimbus WAS a great shoe.
Just tried out these sneaks at the Boulder running store and LOVED them, unfotunately was not in the $80 budget that I had this weekend. After getting my gait evaluated and trying on a bunch of running shoes and getting evaluated I am going to save up for the week and spend the money on them. These running shoes were the only ones that gave me a steady gait.
ALL ASICS RUNNERS THINK THEY KNOW EVERYTHING, VERY OVERRATED RUNNING SHOES GET OFF THE BANDWAGON MDF’S!!!!!!!
REALLY surprised by the negative feedback!! I’m 5’6″ 135 – so I don’t consider myself “heavy” at all – I run about 25 miles/wk and am training for my first 1/2 marathon. Before I always wore vasque trail runners as I preferred to run off road, and only about 2 months ago started training on the road for the race. I initially took my Vasques to the road, but after a few weeks was developing minor knee pain. Switched to the Nimbus 11 and so far have about 150 miles on them and I LOVE THIS SHOE!! So comfortable, true to size, VERY lightweight, good arch support, loads of shock absorption, and best of all – NO more knee pain!
None of the negative comments have mentioned what kind of shoe/runner they are. This is meant for a neutral runner so perhaps others needed a stability shoe, or a motion control?? At any rate, I this shoe works for me, but everyone’s foot is shaped differently. A good running store will evaluate your gate, make several suggestions, have you run in the shoes, then make a choice.
i have had two pairs of nimbus 10s, both amazing. when i bought the nimbus 11s i thought they would be better but they are dreadful, i tried doing long runs but once i had run for 15 minutes my feet were burning and this has really affected my ability to do longer runs.
VERY DISAPPOINTED. Have been running in the 10′s for two years injury free. Bought the 11′s. Can’t run 2km without pain. Pain in shins, calves and excruciating pain in knees. Felt heavy and hard when starting out…thought perhaps they needed ‘wearing in’ but been for a run 5 odd times in them and no change, just more pain. What a disappointment and waste of money….going looking for something else. Hope I have better luck. BRING THE 10′S back!
I have worn model 8 ,9 and 10 and found them great I have training for london marathon and have been doing my best to stop calf, thigh and all other injuries and now after just one half marathon yesterday i have several blisters and sore toes i am very sorry i bought them and now trying so many websites to get another pair of model 10
My purchase of the Nimbus 11 was a no-brainer since I began buying the Nimbus three years ago But–I really, really hate this shoe!! I was a mile and a half into my first run when the balls of my feet went numb..I did not get blisters, but after giving the shoes a chance (with a more cushioned sock, looser laces) on several other five mile-ish runs, my shins felt like they were flirting with a stress fracture. I am 5’4″, 115 pounds and have been running this distance regularly with no pain until I tried this shoe. After switching back to my (sadly!)ready-to-retire Nimbus 10′s, the pain in my legs and feet is gone. It has been interesting to read other posts that mention this happening. Such a disappointment!
I did the Berlin marathon in the Nimbus 11 and didn’t even have a blister, did anyone actually fasten the laces on here? I have tried numerous pairs of Asics and had troubles and many blisters with some of them, no blisters with the Nimbus 11. Don’t listen to the runners point shops about using a bigger size.
I’m a big guy at 6’3″, 245 lbs and these shoes are horrible. I got about 100 yrs before I started feeling a pull in my shins. That was just from a fast walking speed. Thought maybe it’s just breaking them in, but after 2 more brisk walks I get the same thing — i’m returning them today for something else.
I’ve read all these reviews with great interest. I’ve been a faithful Asics Gel Nimbus wearer since 2004, marathons and half-marathons with no problem. I’ve been wearing Nimbus 11 for the last 3 weeks during the final build up to the Paris marathon next week (11th April). I noticed the difference to the 10s immediately and quickly developed medial tibialis tendonitis which I’ve never had before. Why did Asics feel the need to signicantly change a tried and tested shoe. I won’t be buying Asics anymore.
You all have me so confused…. was extremely happy with the kayano series and then realized i dont need the extra support… converted to nimbus a couple of years ago and they have been great. I just bought a new pair of 11′s that I haven’t worn yet…
I just bought the Nimbus 11 and ran in them for about a week before I ran my 10K. I have never had problems with my other Asics rubbing on my toes, until now. I ended up with the worst blood blister under my second toe and shin splints. I love Asics, but just not these 11′s. I will stick with the TN871′s. They were cheap, light, and never hurt my feet or shins!
I have to say, having run in nimbus for many many years I made the grave mistake of switching to the 11 in readiness for London in a few weeks – big mistake – I now have blisters on my arch of all places – not impressed – what have you done asics?
To me the same thing happend that happened to one of the previous posters.
I have been running for 15 years and always had Nikes.
As EVERYBODY runs in Asics I thought to give them a try.
So this is what happened. I bought a pair Asics Pulse.
AFter 5 miles I had blisters on both my inner side of my foot (I a supinator) So I brought them back, brought the Nimbus 11. this time no blisters but my knees started to hurt.
I brought them back for a pair of Nike Vomero 4 and what a happy camper I am….
I tried the Kayano 16 for about a month before I realized that I needed a shoe for under pronators. The kayanos felt like there was a wedge pushing in to the ball of my foot. After switching to the Nimbus 11, it’s like all of a sudden my feet are spring loaded. I have never felt this good in a running shoe and it’s taking me to a whole new level. I used to max out at 7 miles and feel beat up but with these shoes I can crank out 8 miles no problem and I’m looking for more. I did feel some pressure in the ball of my foot starting out but after breaking them in they fit perfectly. Great shoe for under pronators and high arches.
The Nimbus 11 caused huge problems for me. I loved the 10′s and never had an issue but the 11′s gave me a huge blister on my arch and I now have achilles pain and unable to train. I am trying to find some 10′s online but haven’t had any luck due to needing a size 14. I am 6’4 225lbs. I hope the 12 series is better than the 11′s
I am an asics fan and had the Nimbus 9 prior to gettting the 11. I have a neutral foot with normal arches. I wore these shoes twice on long runs and started to develop some arch pain. I’m not an overpronator and these shoes seem to push my arch over enough to cause some pain. They feel comfortable and I liked them, but they are not the shoe for me.
I think most of these have to be some joke account. There has to be severe problems with your running technique if a simple shoe change has you developing huge medical problems. My knees and shins feel great after running in these shoes, and the reviewer is dead on about more spring and less mush! Fantastic shoes. Asics has another winner on their hands.
I’ve been a runner for over 20 years. I have high arches and I am a supinator. I require added cushioning. These shoes felt like the perfect fit. However, once I was into my 10k run I started feeling that the ball of my foot was getting hot, sore and uncomfortable. I’ve never had this happen in all my years of running. Could it be the memory foam in the sole of the shoe? Anyways, I am now feeling like the balls of my feet are bruised and sensitive to pressure. Very disappointing.
I am not a serious runner…acatually not a runner at all. But I walk 2-3 miles per day and wanted a comfortable shoe with a good arch support. With this asics 11 shoe, my toes go numb, the balls of my feet feel like they are on fire, and I have developed blisters on my heels. I hate this shoe. Walking is supposed to be good for my heart, but my blood boils when I walk in them thinking about how much I spent on this bad choice!
I have been running for about 6 years now (6’5″, 215 lbs, 30-40 miles/week) and I have tried just about every neutral running shoe there is. The Mizuno Wave, Brooks Glycerine, Adidas Response, Saucony, Nike Vomero all seemed to cause either knee problems or ITBS or some kind of biomechanical injury.
However, I have found that the Asic Nimbus 11 are the only ones that allow me to run a marathon without praying for a epidural. They are well constructed, no hot spots, and they actually last 300 miles.
If it weren’t for the Asics I’d still be stuck at 6-9 miles. However my Sunday runs (12-18 miles) are pain free. I just ordered my 12′s. I will keep you posted on the results.
I was relieved to read these comments (but sorry for people’s pain)! I thought I was going crazy. I have been in Gel Nimbus shoes for many, many years, and after purchasing two 11s on-line (because why would I need to try them on – they are ‘my shoes’), and running in them for a couple of months, I have horrible achilles tendonitis in both legs – just like another commentator. I thought it was my advancing age, not the shoes! But clearly Asics have messed up this time around. What a shame. I don’t want to look for a new brand. I will try on the 12s, but I worry, because visually it looks as though the heel is the same height as the 11s. Now that I’m back in my 10s I can tell that the heel feels very different and is higher.
I run about 20 miles/week, and am average height/weight for a woman.
Had the 10′s thought they were great, complete pain free running, 25-30 miles a week. Brought these thinking, how different can they be, surely they have just improved on a good shoe. Have had knee pain and arch pain, enough to make me have to walk home. Lovely cushioning but thats about all. I found a lot of room in the shoe and all the extra bits of lightweight breathable bits make them very breathable, but not very supportive.
And casey, 8 may, dont dismiss other peoples opinions, anyone who runs long and hard knows a shoe CAN make all the difference. If you dont suffer problems, well done you for being so super.
My wife and I have been wearing ASICS for the past three years. We both felt the 10s were excellent, the best so far (since the 7s). So she bought the 11s thinking that they’d be better. NO WAY! They were/are terrible. She cannot run in them without having her feet hurt! She has even tried cushioning insoles! She has vowed to NEVER buy another pair of ASICS. I bought a second pair of 10s so I’m fine. BUT it is a testament to how poorly engineered this shoe is due to the incredible number of bad reports and my first hand experience. Don’t buy 11s.
I might remind all, we all have different feet and will fit different shoes. I would not blame Asics for being innovative and rather blame myself for not being adventurous. Remember, always try on adequate runners from different manufactures and choose those fitting you the best. Don’t get shoes for pronators if you neutral or so even if it fits you the best out of all those neutral designed shoes. If you choose well fitting shoes with features well suiting your style regardless of manufacturer, you will be happy as ever. Asics gel Nimbus 11 are great runner (my current shoes) and so were Mizuno wave 10 and 11 or Adidas Supernova cushion 9 (I think). When ever I buy new shoes I don’t expect the next model to fit me at all. So far I was always satisfied.
Bought Nimbus 11s as they were recommended to reduce pain from shin splints and tight achilles tendon, which they did…. but at the price of HUGE blisters on the arch of both feet after less than 3 miles each run. Thought I just might need to break them in so I suffered through a month of racing and training in them but with no improvement so they’re being “retired”.
Pity they don’t suit my feet, because they really did help with the shin splints
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