Asics Gel Nimbus 14 General info
The Gel Nimbus has been Asics’s premium neutral trainer for fourteen iterations. This is my first experience running significant mileage in the Gel Nimbus, and I’m excited to see what longtime fans have known for years now.
Asics Gel Nimbus 14 First impression
An immediate observation is the asymmetrical lacing system has been taken out. As I said above, this is my first experience with the Nimbus, so I cannot say if removing the asymmetrical lacing affects the fit.
What I do notice is the generous amounts of foam throughout the upper, and I can tell you that it gives the Nimbus a luxurious feel. The only drawback might be the weight all this luxury adds to the shoe (11 oz.). But if you are not looking for a performance trainer, and instead appreciate a little pampering from your shoe, the Nimbus delivers.
The forefoot of the Nimbus 14 flexes very well for such a big shoe. Side-to-side, it somewhat rigid. The Nimbus also has a very firm heel counter. Usually, a shoe that is torsionally rigid with a firm heel counter will provide some stability through the gait cycle. However, in this case, the flexible forefoot makes me think otherwise—I guess we’ll have to wait to see how it performs on the run!
The Nimbus 14 fits true to size. It has a roomy toe box, and then narrows through the midfoot. I felt my foot was securely locked down without feeling strangled, but runners with a wide foot may feel a tighter squeeze through the midfoot. The firm heel counter also secured my heel, and I did not experience any slipping.
Asics Gel Nimbus 14 Sole unit
Asics is of course known for its patented Gel cushioning system. And the Nimbus has plenty of it throughout the midsole. With this generous amount of Gel, there is no mistake: the Nimbus is a premium cushioned trainer. Couple that Gel with the well-padded upper and it may not get any more plush than the Nimbus 14. I will say the Gel has a very soft, almost mushy, feel, which may take a little getting used to.
Just because the Nimbus is loaded with premium cushion does not mean it is has stiff ride. One of the reasons I did not enjoy the Nike Zoom Vomero 7 was that cushioning came at the cost of an overly stiff ride. Not so with the Nimbus. Deep flex grooves in the forefoot contribute to a surprisingly smooth and easy transition. Asics also puts a groove running the entire length of the outsole, called the Guidance Line, which may add to the shoe’s transition. An easy transition makes the Nimbus a versatile trainer, good for everyday use, since you won’t feel like you have to battle with the shoe.
Asics adds a plastic shank to support the midfoot, which gives the Nimbus that torsional rigidity I described above. However, I recommend the Nimbus 14 for neutral runners. Though the shoe does not twist and turn very much, it sits on a narrow platform. Because it is narrow, the Nimbus is less stable side-to-side. Add a fairly flexible forefoot, and the Nimbus 14 is not all that stable, especially not for an overpronator.
Asics Gel Nimbus 14 Upper
There is nothing groundbreaking about the upper construction on the Nimbus 14. It just does well all the traditional methods of creating a comfortable upper. A padded ankle collar, breathable mesh, discrete eyelets—all of these features produce an extremely comfortable fit.
Asics Gel Nimbus 14 Opinion
The Nimbus 14 is a great shoe for any runner wanting to maximize the amount of soft cushion in their trainer. Whether that be Clydesdales, supinators, high mileage runners, runners needing a long run or recovery run shoe, or any runner interested in a well-cushioned everyday trainer. It is also the ideal choice for runners who appreciate a soft feeling shoe.
On the other hand, Runners looking for more performance in their shoe might find the Nimbus too soft and heavy for their purposes. Indeed, the Nimbus 14 is a shoe that definitely puts luxury first.
We thank the nice people at Asics for sending us a pair of Gel Nimbus 14 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.
price comparison
 | Asics Gel-nimbus 14 Men Lightning/royal/black Holabird Sports Free shipping over 69.95$ | $104.95 |
 | Asics - Gel-nimbus 14 (neon Yellow/navy/lightening) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns | $104.95 |
 | Men's Asics Gel-nimbus 14 Running Shoe - Neon/royal 14 RoadRunnerSports Free shipping, 60-day perfect fit guarantee: possible to exchange shoes after using them for two months. | $109.95 |
Written by Daniel Cho
Daniel Cho lives, works, and runs in Columbus, Ohio with his wife and three children.
The Nimbus 13 was a shitty attempt at a cushioned shoe. How does the 14 compare to the 13.
As I said in the post, I did not run in the 13 (or any other version). So I cannot compare the two–sorry. If you describe what you didn’t like about the 13,I can tell you if the 14 has similar features.
I bought the Gel Nimbus 14 Limited Edition (Ok, not so limited) in bumble bee yellow and black. I love this shoe. It is comfortable and, for me, light. I run in the jungles of Nicaragua and these shoes have served me well. I bought the Asics GT-2160 previously and had knee pain and foot bruising. What a relief witht the Nimbus 14.
Hi Rob,
I have run in Nicaragua in the jungles near Matagalpa. My wife was born there. What a beautiful place. My wife said the town had gotten a little run down but that did not stop me from getting my miles in while there. If you were running in the jungle you must have been on a trail. I do lots of trail running but bought the Nimbus14 for road running. How stable is the Numbus on trail. I currently use the Asics Trubuco for trail.
I live in the Ca Sierra Foothills, there are many beautiful trails here but nothing that can compare with running in Nicaraqua!
Highest Regards,
Ralph Argenal
Hi, the heel fit is narrow like or wide like the Vomero?
I didn’t find the heel to fit either too narrowly or too widely. It was a true fit. But if you considered the Vomero to have a wide heel, then you may think the Nimbus also has a wide heel.I will also point out the Nimbus has plenty of foam in the heel, which I think creates a more personalized fit over time.
I’ve worn the Gel Nimbus 11-13 mainly for daily wear and some light running. I had to order the Nimbus 13′s in wide because I have a wide foot and I definitely need a wide toe box.
How do the 14′s compare width wise? I have a high arch and tend to overpronate (also a heel striker) – your recommendation for this model was for a neutral runner, so I’m wondering if I need to look for a new shoe. Any suggestions?
Hi Kelli,
Just to be clear, I’ve not run in previous versions of the Nimbus. However, I have tried on the 13–and yes, I do remember thinking they fit very narrowly through the midfoot and heel. Though, I don’t think the 14 fit as narrowly as I remember the 13 fitting, I’d still say they are on the narrower side. So, I think you might try them in wide.
As for your pronation. I know you say you are an overpronator, but the fact that you have run in this shoe from v. 11-13, I’d recommend you sticking with it, and get the 14.
Thanks Daniel, I appreciate the advice and the speedy response. Love the website!!
Just got home with my new pair of Nimbus 14. I did not even try them on at the store. Just grabbed my size box, paid and walked out. That is how much I have loved and trusted the name Nimbus. I started running long distance 3 yrs ago at age 40(6 ft tall, 200lbs.). I trained and ran my first marathon in the Nimbus 11. Easily moved into the Nimbus 12. The Nimbus 11 and Nimbus 12 almost seemed identical to me. I completely loved these shoes for my neutral run and very high arch. I missed out on the Nimbus 13, as I had bought 2 pair of Nimbus 12. So, the Nimbus 14 now. I am not happy with the change of the asymmetrical lacing system. That was a great fit for the foot. Why would they remove that? The problem I see now, just by putting the Nimbus 14 on, is that the lower profile upper does not cover my foot as much as the Nimbus 11 or 12. I mean the space across the laces is very wide. It almost looks like I would need a WIDE version of the shoe just to fit correctly. Not sure if I want to run in them or go find some Nimbus 12 still available online somewhere!
Tried them and had to sold after a week on eBay. WAYYYYY too soft, I already got used to Mizuno’s Enigma, I guess there’s no way back.
I don’t like Asics in general, the materials are high quality indeed BUT their shoe are all mushy in general.
I have the Enigma1 and really love it, the cushioning is fine and the wave plate really helps you transition. I just got the Nimbus 14 and will try them and see how they feel.
I love Road Runners since you have a 90 day trial.
Daniel – Enjoyed reading your review. I know you are also a Nike Pegasus 29 fan. How would the Pegasus 29 compare to the Nimbus 14? Which shoe has the softer cushioning? I need the softest cushioning possible. My Nike Vomero 6(s) are just about done so I need another shoe.
Hi Marc,
It’s hard to compare them in objective terms because they are both so soft. The biggest difference is the way they feel. The Pegasus is more spongy, like memory foam, and the Nimbus is more squishy. The upper on the Nimbus is more luxurious, which may add to the soft feel.
Thanks Daniel. Makes sense…
I LOVED the Nimbus 12, it was my first running shoe and even after trying others I always came back to it. I did not run in the 13, but literally just put a new pair of the Nimbus 14 on. I already miss the old lacing system. Just warming up I had to re-tie my shoe twice because it felt ‘off’ on my left foot. The arch feels different as well but I can’t figure out why. I get shin splints often in any other shoe but the Nimbus, the cushion has saved my shins!
I was going back and forth with the Nimbus 14, GT-2000, and Brooks Glycerin and decided on the 14s. I’m a fairly new runner and don’t know much about shoes, but I’m training for a half marathon and run between 16-18 miles a week. I never really have any foot pain and the shoe person told me my feet are neutral so I got the Nimbus 14s. I ran 4 miles in them today for the first time and the ball of my left foot started hurting/burning about 3 miles in. I felt like I could feel the lining from the bottom of the shoe, which wasn’t happening at all on my right foot. I have never had any pain or burning in this spot on my left foot even running longer distances. Has anyone else had this issue? Do you think I just need to break them in more or try something else? Is there a better shoe I should look into? Any help would be much appreciated
Hi Hayleu,
If you are certain that it’s not the training that is causing the pain, but the shoe, then I can only think of one potential cause. And that is the flexibility of the shoe. If that is the case, your might adapt to that flexibility in time. If not then you might do better with a stiffer shoe like the NB 1080 or Mizuno Enigma or Nike Vomero.
Thanks Daniel. I ran 3 miles on Sunday and they seemed to be ok, but I ran 5 miles today and around mile 3 the same spot on the left foot started burning and by mile 4 and a half my left foot was almost completely numb
Looks like I will have to try something else.
Hi Hayley,
I suspect the shoe may be too flexible for you. Another possibility is that the deep flex grooves are badly placed for you. Check the bottom of the shoe: do any of the flex grooves line up with the pain area?
If you decide that it is too flexible for you, (slightly) stiffer plus cushion shoes are: New Balance 1080, Mizuno Wave Enigma, and Nike Vomero (with Vomero being the stiffest).
I’m on my third iteration of the ASICS Nimbus and have to say the Nimbus 14s are not for me. I thought the Nimbus 12s were great, loved the asymetrical lacing, the 13s were pretty good too but the 14s are causing me discomfort whilst running and post run I’m left with lower back pain and sore hamstrings. I did not experience this with the previous iterations. I’ve run about 60kms in these shoes and I find the reduction in padding around the ankle and the wider toe box means my foot, left particularly, moves around in the shoe. I also find, again in the left shoe only, that the bottom lace pinches the bridge of my foot as my foot bends – this is really uncomfortable. I’ve tried loosing and tightening my laces but the problem persists. Again this did not happen in the previous two iterations. I’ve noticed the Nimbus 14s have a firmer heel. As a heavy heel striker I find this shoe is not providing enough cushoning and I suspect this is what is causing my lower back pain. I even find the shoes uncomfortable to walk in! I’ve been running for about three years now and have only used ASICS Nimbus but I’m thinking its time to try something else. I’m a neutral pronator with a narrow foot that likes plenty of cushoning. Can you suggest an alternative shoe(s) that may be suitable?
Hi Jarrod,
Sorry the Nimbus didn’t work out. You might give the Nike Pegasus a try. The fit in the upper is much more universal. It’s got plenty of soft cushion. And it has a air pocket in the heel for heavy heal strikers. Mind you, it won’t feel like the Nimbus, since the cushioning material is primarily foam rather than gel. Another shoe to consider the Mizuno Wave Enigma. It will be much firmer than the Nimbus, but it also offers plenty of cushion, especially in the heel.
I hope that helps! Good luck.
I’ve been wearing the Nimbus for about 4 years. Loved the Nimbus 11 and 12. Found the Nimbus 13 fit to be much narrower, but I kept the shoe, hoping to adapt. After I felt like I’d nominally gotten my money’s worth (200 miles or so) I bought Nimbus 14 in a 9 wide (I usually wear 8-1/2 in all shoes except Nimbus, and I’d been wearing a 9 regular). The 9 wide fit better but I’ve found that the shoe itself is not at all the quality of the 11 and 12.
As others have mentioned, I’m having trouble with my left leg when I run in the Nimbus 14. My problem is just above my left knee (outside). I’ve never had a day of knee trouble in 30+ years of running, so no idea where this came from. It has to be due to the fit of the Nimbus 13 in relation to my gate (neutral to slight under pronator)
I have high arches so I need support and cushioning.
Prior to the Nimbus I ran in Cumulus, until the quality of that Asics model declined significantly.
Not sure what’s up with the quality issues in Asics but after my experience with the quality issues with Cumulus AND now Nimbus, I’m left with no alternative but to look for another brand and try to find something that works for me.
Hi Sheree,
I can’t say anything about your experience with the Nimbus. But I did want to say that the knee pain you described sounds like ITBS. ITBS can come on very suddenly. That it coincided with switching shoes I think is a coincidence. I recommend getting on a foam roller right away and trying to roll out your IT Band.
Just started a couch to 5k training program after almost 20 years of being mostly inactive. I also just quit smoking to start 2013. Obviously, I am a beginning runner, but this might help others who are just getting started. I tried the Nimbus next to comparable (neutral) shoes – Nike Free and Brooks Ghost 5, along with a few others. I almost went with the Brooks as they were just a little lighter, but the perfectly described “luxury” of the Nimbus won me over in the end. I am a mid-foot striker as Riley at Fit2Run in Sarasota showed me on their treadmill cam and gets a big thumbs up for his assistance.
Very, very happy with the purchase and cannot wait to put a bunch of miles on them while I get into shape.
I cannot recommend this shoe to anoyone beyond my level, but I can definitely say, if you are just starting your journey, these shoes will help you immensely on your way.
41, 5’7″, 192 and dropping!!!
Hi Christopher i found your response very interesting. I am just about to embark on the couch to 5k training programme. I think i tend to be a slight over pronator. I really like the sound of these trainers so Im glad to hear you recommend them.
Good luck with the training.
Regards
Wini
I have run in NIMBUS 13 and now runs in Nimbus 14, both shoes have carried me through the amount of training and Marathons.
I have been and am very happy with my shoes and switch seamlessly to a new NIMBUS 14 before later sikkerrt a new version.
My only point is that I wear a hole in the heel cap, otherwise I have not experienced running problems and injuries.
Previously I ran in the Nike Vomero, but chose NIMBUS 13 when I did not think Nike shoe sat well on foot. I have not experienced with the 2 NIMBUS shoes.
Thanks so much for the review, I totally agree, the Nimbus 14 is a great shoe and has wonderful cushioning. I am not a preformance runner having had two hips and two shoulders replaced however just to get out there, run some and feel great is terrific for me
I run anywhere from 20-30 miles a week. I also run a half dozen half marathons a year. In the past I have been running in the Nike Pegasus and Brooks Glycerine.
This is a great shoe! Took it out for the first time on a 6 miler. Felt fast and very comfortable. More stiff than the Nike Vomero but also more responsive. So far seems to be a very comfortable shoe for distance with some change up speed flexibility. I also love the color schemes. Asics seems to create aggressive colors vs other brands. These will be my Ultra Relay Shoes later this year.
I have ran in the Nike Vimeo line for the past 4 years. In november I bought a pair of pegasus 28 and used them in a marathon after only breaking them in for approx. 20 miles. Both vomeros and Pegasus feel great. For some reason I thought I wanted to change things up a little and try these asics nimbus 14′s. Well it didn’t go so well. The difference is like going from running on cotton to running on a brick. Yesterday I decided to use the acids because I was only running 6 miles. I can feel the soreness in my lower legs today. They just seem hard to me. I’m looking to buy a new pair so I think I will go for the Pegasus 29 or hold off until the vomero 8 comes out.
I have done about 550 km in Nimbus 13, and had the same symptoms as Hayleu describes in the Nimbus 14.
After 5-6 km i can feel the guidance line under my left foot, and half of my foot are numb.
I have used these pairs to run 25 km and a docent half marathons, but after 550 they are totally done, and i am about to buy some new shoes.
Now i have tried the Nimbus 14 for a few km, and the feeling are the same as in the Nimbus 13, a half numb foot, and burning feet.
I am a heavy forefoot runner 180 LB´s (90 kg), and i need another alternative to the Nimbus?
Hi KSorensen,
Without knowing exactly what you are looking for in a shoe, I’d suggest the Nike Pegasus or Vomero as alternatives.
Hello Daniel!
Thank you so much for the great review! I recently started getting in shape, I’m 35yr old woman, 5’8 and at 200lbs its a lot of weight coming down on my feet when I run. My boyfriend bought me the ASICS GEL-Kayano 17′s but when I ran in them I felt pain in the top region of my foot/ankle area. I am still not sure what that was. He bought me the GEL-Nimbus 14 (which I love the colors) but I find that I still have that ache/pain feeling. It is not as bad as when I run in the Kayanos. Could this mean that they are too cushioned for me? The shoe fits great, toes have space and my foot feels secured. I don’t want to give up on running since I’m training myself for a 5-6 miler obstacle race… but I can hardly run the day after due to this achy sensation on the top of my foot/ankle area. =? I really just want to make sure I am not running on the wrong shoes. Thank you! =)
Hi LuMary,
It is very possible that you are in an improper shoe. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible for me to know from the description of the pain you gave me. But my hunch is that it is not the shoe but the lacing. When the shoe is laced too tightly, it can obstruct circulation through the foot, which can be quite painful. Look up “Parallel Lacing” on the Internet. Try parallel lacing your shoes, and don’t tighten them too tightly when you knot them. And see if that doesn’t help.
Great review – thanks.
I’ve just finished my second pair of Nimbus 14′s (last years models) and the new 14′s I’m seeing in the stores this year feel a lot firmer & less cushioned. Do you know if the newer ones are different at all?
I broke a bone in my foot a few years ago and the only shoe I’ve been able to run comfortably is the Nimbus-14 but worried that the newer ones are not cushioned enough.
Is there any other neutral shoe you’d recommend with very good cushioning? Especially fore-foot.
Cheers!
Hi Mark,
I do not know of any differences between models of the 14. I have recently received the 15, and will be testing it soon. From my brief experience with the 15, it is every bit as cushioned as the 14. For other models, I would suggest looking at the Mizuno Wave Enigma, Nike Vomero and Pegasus.
Hi, I have a flat foot with NO arch. My foot is really wide. I wanted to know if this is a suitable shoe to buy for running. I was using the Nike Structure Triax 14 for the past 3 years and while it did have some pain points, it was something I could do with. I also weigh ~180lb which doesn’t help things. Could you recommend which would be the best running shoe that I can look at? Thank Y’all in advance….. A
Hi Arvind,
I’m not qualified to diagnose your foot/gait. But I can tell you about the Nimbus so you can make a more informed decision. The Nike Structure and the Asics Nimbus are on the opposite sides of the spectrum. The Nike is a very stiff from toe-to-heal, and very rigid from side to side. So it’s a shoe that will provide a lot of structure for your foot. If you have a very flexible foot, then your foot is probably cushioning a lot of impact, but it might need that structure. The Asics is a very flexible, max cushion shoe. If your foot is rigid, then it probably needs that extra cushion, but because it is so rigid, it doesn’t need that structure. I hope that helps.
Hi guys, Anyone can provide me a comparion from nimbus 11 and nimbus 14? which of them is more confortable?
With the best!