Preview: What To Expect Release Date News & Rumours

Note: This page is a preview based on early news and info and will be updated with a full hands-on review upon launch.

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is almost here, and if you have been a fan of this series for a while, you know it is a bit of a legend in the world of running. For nearly thirty years, the Nimbus has been the go-to choice for anyone who wants that "walking on clouds" feeling. But as we look ahead to the 28th version, things are changing. This is not just a minor tweak to the laces; it is a significant shift in how ASICS thinks about comfort and performance. Whether you are training for a marathon or just enjoy a solid hour on the pavement to clear your head, the Nimbus 28 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year.

The global rollout is happening in stages. Some lucky runners in Europe and Asia started seeing these on shelves in December 2025, but for many of us, the big launch lands in January 2026. It is perfectly timed for that New Year energy when we are all looking to refresh our gear and get back into a solid routine.

The Philosophy of Constant Improvement

ASICS often talks about "Kaizen," which is a Japanese term for continuous improvement. With the Nimbus 28, they have taken that quite literally. While the previous model, the Nimbus 27, was loved for being incredibly soft, some people felt it was a bit heavy and perhaps a little too "squishy" when they wanted to pick up the pace.

The goal for the 28 was clear: make it lighter without losing that signature protection we all rely on. They have managed to shave off about 20 grams, which might not sound like much when you are holding a bag of sugar, but when it is attached to your foot for a ten-mile run, you really feel the difference. However, that weight loss comes with a change in personality. The "pillow" feel has evolved into something a bit firmer and more stable. It is a change that has sparked a lot of conversation in the running community already.

What Will It Cost?

Quality tech usually comes with a premium price tag, and the Nimbus 28 is no exception. In the UK, we are looking at a retail price of around £180. This puts it right at the top end of daily training shoes. It is a serious investment in your kit, but ASICS is positioning this as their flagship model—the absolute best they can offer in terms of engineering and materials. When you compare it to other premium shoes on the market, it is right in line with the top-tier offerings from brands like Brooks or New Balance.

The New "Engineered Knit" Upper

The part of the shoe that wraps around your foot—the upper—has had a total makeover. They have moved away from traditional mesh and gone with a new "Engineered Knit." The idea here is to make the shoe feel more like a sock than a piece of equipment.

When you first slide your foot in, the material feels premium and very breathable. If you have ever finished a run with hot, sweaty feet, you will appreciate how much air this new knit lets in. It is also designed to be stretchy in the right places while holding your foot firm in others. The heel area remains plush and supportive, sitting a bit lower at the back to make sure it doesn't rub against your Achilles tendon—a small detail that makes a massive difference for overall comfort.

The Tongue Controversy: A Heads-Up

We need to talk about the tongue of the shoe, as this is the one area where the "lighter is better" mission has hit a bit of a snag. In older versions, the tongue was thick and padded, acting like a buffer between your foot and the laces. To save weight, the Nimbus 28 now has a much thinner, stretchier tongue.

Early feedback suggests that if you like to tie your laces tightly to get a secure fit, you might experience what runners call "lace bite." Because the tongue is so thin, you can sometimes feel the pressure of the laces pressing into the top of your foot. It is not a deal-breaker for everyone, but if you have a high instep, it is something to keep in mind. A simple fix is often just wearing slightly thicker socks to add back that bit of padding ASICS took away.

The Engine Under the Hood: Midsole Mechanics

The midsole is where the magic happens. This is the thick wedge of foam that sits between you and the road. For the Nimbus 28, ASICS is using something called FF BLAST™ PLUS foam. While the marketing might talk about "clouds," the reality is a bit more sophisticated.

The foam in the 28 is actually a bit firmer than the 27. Instead of your foot sinking deep into the shoe, it now feels like the shoe is pushing back a little more. This is actually a good thing for stability. When a shoe is too soft, your ankles and knees have to work harder to keep you balanced. By making the foam slightly denser, ASICS has created a platform that feels more stable and returns more energy with every step.

You are still getting a massive amount of protection, though. The "stack height" (the thickness of the sole) is over 40mm at the heel. That is a lot of foam to soak up the impact of the pavement, which is great news if you are looking to keep your joints feeling fresh during high-mileage weeks.

PureGEL: The Secret Ingredient

You can't talk about ASICS without talking about Gel. In the Nimbus 28, they are using "PureGEL." You won't actually see it from the outside because it is tucked away inside the foam, right under your heel.

This version of Gel is significantly softer than the older "window" gel units we used to see on the sides of shoes. Its job is to act as a shock absorber. When your heel hits the ground, the PureGEL dampens the vibration. It makes the transition from your heel hitting the ground to your toes pushing off feel incredibly smooth. You won't feel it as a separate "blob" under your foot; it just blends into the foam to create a seamless ride.

Staying Grounded: The Outsole and Grip

The bottom of the shoe—the part that actually touches the road—has also been redesigned. They are calling it the Hybrid ASICSGRIP™ system. It uses two different types of rubber to get the job done.

In the areas where you need the most traction, like the forefoot, they have used a softer rubber that "clings" to the road, even when it is wet. If you are someone who doesn't let a bit of British rain stop your training, this extra grip is a massive confidence booster on slick pavements. In the high-wear areas, like the back of the heel, they have used a much tougher rubber called AHAR+. This is designed to withstand the constant abrasion of the road, ensuring the shoes don't wear down prematurely.

One thing to note is that the outsole is a bit stiffer this time around. This works with the "rocker" shape of the shoe (the way the sole curves up at the front). Instead of the shoe bending where your toes bend, it encourages your foot to "roll" forward. It takes a little bit of getting used to if you usually wear very flexible shoes, but it is designed to make your stride more efficient.

How Does It Actually Feel to Run In?

When you take all these technical changes and put them together, the result is a shoe that feels very "purposeful." The Nimbus 28 isn't just for slow, plodding walks; it feels like it wants to move.

The "rocker" geometry we mentioned earlier really helps you transition through your stride. As your weight moves forward, the shoe naturally rolls you onto your toes. It is a sensation that can help reduce the strain on your calves and the small joints in your feet.

Because the foam is a bit firmer, the shoe feels more stable than previous versions. If you find that your form starts to get a bit sloppy toward the end of a long run, the wider base and firmer platform of the 28 will help keep you aligned. It is a "stable neutral" shoe, meaning it provides support without using any intrusive plastic posts or wedges.

Who Is This Shoe For?

The Nimbus 28 is a versatile beast, but it definitely has a "sweet spot."

• The Daily Trainer: If you want one shoe that can handle 90% of your runs, this is a top contender. It is durable enough for daily use and comfortable enough for long Sunday runs.

• The Protective Runner: If you prioritises joint health and impact protection above all else, the massive stack of foam here is exactly what you need.

• The Reliable Partner: It is not a "super shoe" built for breaking world records, but it is a reliable partner that will get you through your training block feeling fresh.

If you are looking for something to do fast sprints or interval training in, you might find the Nimbus a bit too bulky. In that case, something like the ASICS Novablast might be more your speed. But for everything else, the Nimbus 28 is a very safe bet.

Comparing the Nimbus 28 to the Competition

It is always helpful to see how a shoe stacks up against its rivals.

If you loved the Nimbus 27 , you might find the 28 a bit of a departure. The 27 was softer and felt more "luxurious" around the foot, but the 28 is much lighter and more efficient. It is a trade-off between pure comfort and performance.

Compared to the New Balance Fresh Foam More , the Nimbus is a bit more responsive. The New Balance is the king of softness—it's very squishy—but the Nimbus feels more stable and "snappier" when you want to speed up.

Against the Brooks Glycerin , the Nimbus 28 feels more modern. The Glycerin is a very traditional, plush shoe that does everything well, but it doesn't have the same "rolling" sensation that the ASICS rocker provides.

Sizing and Fit Advice

Getting the right size is crucial, especially with the new knit upper. Generally, the Nimbus 28 runs "true to size," meaning you should be fine with your usual running shoe size. However, the "toe box" (the space for your toes) is a little shallower than before.

If you have particularly high-volume feet or like a lot of room for your toes to wiggle, you might want to consider going up half a size. ASICS also offers this shoe in Wide and Extra Wide versions, which is fantastic. Even if you don't normally wear wide shoes, if you find the standard version feels a bit tight across the toes, the Wide (2E) version often provides that extra bit of volume without feeling too loose at the heel.

Final Thoughts Before the Launch

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is a bold step forward. By focusing on weight reduction and stability, ASICS has modernised a classic. They have moved away from the idea that a "comfortable" shoe has to be a "heavy" shoe.

While the thin tongue might require a bit of experimentation with your lacing and sock choice, the overall package is incredibly impressive. It is a serious tool for anyone who takes their training seriously and wants a shoe that can keep up with their goals. It manages to be protective without being boring, and stable without being stiff.

As we wait for the full launch and the hands-on reviews to pour in, the excitement is definitely building. It looks like ASICS has successfully evolved the Nimbus into a leaner, more efficient version of its former self, ready for many more years of miles on the road.

Top 10 Features to Look Out For

• Significant Weight Drop: Roughly 20g lighter than the previous model, making your long runs feel that much easier.

• Engineered Knit Upper: A premium, sock-like material that offers better breathability and a sleeker look.

• FF BLAST™ PLUS Foam: A redesigned midsole that provides a more stable and responsive ride than ever before.

• Internal PureGEL: Strategically placed in the heel to soak up impact without adding unnecessary bulk.

• Early-Stage Rocker: A curved sole design that helps you roll through your stride more efficiently.

• Hybrid ASICSGRIP: A clever mix of rubbers that ensures you stay upright on wet or slippery surfaces.

• Sustainable Materials: The foam includes bio-based content, making it a bit kinder to the planet.

• High Stack Height: Over 40mm of cushioning under the heel for maximum protection against the pavement.

• Improved Stability: A wider base and firmer foam mean you feel more secure, even when your legs get tired.

• Inclusive Sizing: Available in multiple widths (Standard, Wide, and Extra Wide) to ensure everyone can find a great fit.