Sitting at the top of Asics' 'traditional' Gel line of running shoes, the Nimbus and Kayano are some of the most popular running shoe franchise in the world.
Nimbus is Asics' top neutral shoe, while the Kayano is their top stability shoes. They both share a soft, cushioned ride but differ in the way the handle the runner's gait.
The sole of these two shoes are similar, but at the same time radically different.
Let’s start with the most traditional of the two: the ASICS Gel Nimbus. The Nimbus has a midsole made of super soft FF Blast+ Eco. It delivers a really plush underfoot feel. The Nimbus has one GEL unit in the heel. The GEL unit absorbs vibration during foot strikes.
The Gel Kayano is a true traditional stability shoe and implements stability solutions. The Kayano contains basically every latest technology ASICS offers in their stability line. The stability of the Kayano is primarily provided by a firmer medial wedge and a wide, stable midsole base.
Overall the Nimbus and the Kayano both offer a soft, cushioned ride for long mileage also to heavier-set runners. The Kayano adds true and tested stability solutions for the runners with unstable ankles or that prefer a more “guided” stride.
The Kayano has an upper made of soft, engineered mesh whereas the Nimbus has an upper made of knitted material which is more stretchy and even softer than the Kayano. The Nimbus has a flat, knitted tongue which the Kayano does not have but the Kayano has a more structured upper. The Nimbus has a narrower fit than the Kayano so you might need to get the wide version.
Both uppers are amongst the most comfortable out there.
This is quite an easy recommendation to make.
If your ride is stable, you never put your foot in an awkward position while running even longer distances, the ASICS Gel Nimbus is your choice.
If you have unstable ankles and would like a shoe that can help you maintain a proper gait and form throughout long mileage the Kayano is the shoe for you. It has a similar level of comfort over long mileage but with the added stability.
