Editor rating:
10/10 on
TRAVIS TRAMPE
User's rating:

PROS

  • Redesigned, seamless mesh upper
  • Soft ride via increased midsole cushioning
  • Lighter and more breathable mesh for comfortable fit
  • Durable outsole capable of high miles
  • Plenty of new color choices

CONS

  • None which are prominent

OUR VERDICT

The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 17 is targeted for runners seeking a premium, neutral daily trainer that offers an ample amount of cushioning while providing a stable and reliable ride.

With the new design of the upper and updates to the midsole, the shoe is lighter and retains the cushioning runners have come to enjoy.

The GEL-Nimbus 17 offers a secure and responsive fit along with a smooth, comfortable transition which allows it to handle the demands of higher mileage.
SHOE INFO
Brand
Gel Nimbus 17
Model
Type
10.80 oz. (306 gr.)
Weight
150 US$
MSRP
Previous model
WHO IS IT FOR
The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 17 is targeted for runners seeking a premium, neutral running shoe that offers an ample cushioning capable of handling high mileage.

Asics Gel Nimbus 17 General Info

The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 17 delivers on the quality of the previous version by offering the exceptional cushioning for neutral runners from heel-to-toe.

The shoe provides for better overall comfort and fit through a new materials and design in the upper and slight changes in the midsole cushioning.

From the moment I took the Nimbus 17 out of the box, I could see and feel the most noticeable changes were made to the upper.

The updates found in the FluidFit upper include a new mesh material and seamless overlays wrapping the foot allowing for the shoe to be lighter while allowing the shoe to have a more customized, flexible fit during the foot strike.

The Nimbus 17 retains its smooth and reliable transition via updated cushioning in the FluidRide midsole.

When you combine the consistent cushioning that the Nimbus is known for with the updated and redesigned upper, the Nimbus 17 continues to be a go-to shoe for those runners looking for a neutral daily trainer which is very durable and performs well mile after mile.

Asics Gel Nimbus 17 Sole Info

The sole unit of the ASICS Nimbus 17 retains a majority of the features from the previous versions, including a standard 10 mm offset, for those runners looking for soft, plush ride and durable performance.

The main updates in this version were made to the FluidRide midsole which boosted its cushioning for a smoother and more comfortable ride.

The GEL cushioning which ASICS and the Nimbus model is known was expanded in the heel and forefoot areas which provides for an improved soft, fluid ride during the foot strike.

The changes to the midsole also contributed to the overall reduced weight of the shoe.

The midsole enhancements by increasing the cushioning throughout were noticeable when on shorter or long runs.

As I put more and more miles on the shoe, I felt the cushioning was exceptional and I never felt like it was too much, or bouncy, as the shoe still had a very responsive feel.

The outsole of the Nimbus 17 remained consistent with its predecessors with AHAR – ASICS High Abrasion Rubber – throughout the heel area providing the reliability and dependability to allow the shoe to handle miles upon miles.

The forefoot contains the DuraSponge Outsole material which is blown AHAR providing that ultra-smooth cushioning.

The Nimbus 17 continues to incorporate its Guidance Trusstic System for support and Guidance Line for increased efficiency giving the shoe a good balance between cushioning and support needed for a responsive feel throughout a runner’s gait.

The one change to the outsole is a new Solyte material which is used in the forefoot and allows the shoe to deliver “Gender Specific” cushioning.

The updates to the sole are not immediately visible however they are felt from the moment you slip the shoe on for the first time.

The outcome of the small changes to the sole unit provided for an even smoother, soft ride and responsive transition felt under-foot.

Asics Gel Nimbus 17 Upper Info

The upper of the Nimbus 17 was redesigned and is where you can immediately see and feel the main updates in this version.

The most notable change is the use of a seamless, no-sew, mesh throughout the entire upper.

The shoe does retain the FluidFit synthetic mesh overlays which are now comprised of a lighter, more breathable material that allows the foot to have a snug and very comfortable fit as it wraps the foot.

The synthetic overlays wrap the entire foot and are placed on the newly designed mesh which combines for a flexible and responsive feel. The ASICS “logo” design is now a light overlay and continues to be part of the FluidFit support.

My initial thought was that this lighter, more flexible upper could potentially decrease the control and responsive nature of the shoe.

I found it to be the opposite and the updates for the FluidFit seamless upper and lighter mesh, in my experience, allowed the shoe more responsiveness as it was able to flex more with the foot throughout the entire ground contract.

The overall fit of the Nimbus 17 was comfortable and secure. The upper wrapped the entire foot keeping it in place while the heel collar, similar to the last version, assisted in keeping my foot securely in place.

The overall redesign of the upper provides the Nimbus 17 with a greater running experience.

The new mesh overlay material along with the seamless design to the upper allow for the shoe to be more comfortable, lightweight and offers each runner an individualized secure fit.

Asics Gel Nimbus 17 Conclusions

The updates ASICS has made in the Nimbus 17 provides for one of the best versions of this model.

The shoe retains all the great foundations of a neutral trainer that offers a smooth, comfortable ride while being durable and responsive to each runner’s individual needs.

The Nimbus has been a shoe I have used in my rotation for years. I have been able to put on a great deal of miles on my previous Nimbus and this one will be no different.

The shoe continues to deliver the plenty of cushioning that neutral runners seek without giving up too much stability or control.

The Nimbus 17 retains its soft ride through its core GEL cushioning system. The design changes to the shoe, the most notable being the seamless and flexible upper, continue building on tradition of the previous versions.

The shoe is responsive throughout the entire foot strike and is enhanced by the “fit” and “feel” around the entire foot due to the flexibility of the mesh upper which is exceptional.

In my experience with this new version, the runners who are diehard Nimbus fans are going to enjoy the updates.

For runners looking for a neutral training shoe that offers reliable cushioning, a durable platform, and responsive feel throughout which handles the rigors of high miles, the Nimbus 17 is a shoe they should consider for their rotation.

We thank the nice people at Asics for sending us a pair of Gel Nimbus 17 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.

Asics Gel Nimbus 17 Price Comparison

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