Asics Gel-Nimbus vs New Balance 1080
Comparing the current Gel-Nimbus 28 and 1080 v15. Specs are men's US 9.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
Drop is the real difference: 6 mm on the 1080 v15 against 8 mm on the Gel-Nimbus 28. Coming off the Gel-Nimbus 28, the 1080 v15 loads your calves and Achilles harder for the first couple of weeks. Both sit in the same role (max cushion). The Gel-Nimbus 28 lists $5 lower.
- Asics Gel-Nimbus 28Men's at AmazonWomen's
- New Balance 1080 v15Men's at AmazonWomen's
Availability last checked Jul 30, 2026. Prices and stock change without notice.
Every spec, side by side
| Spec | Gel-Nimbus 28 | 1080 v15 |
|---|---|---|
| FIT AND WEIGHT | ||
| Weight | 9.9 oz | 9 oz |
| Widths | D, 2E, 4E | B, D, 2E, 4E |
| Upper | Lighter engineered knit with a redesigned heel and tongue loop | Jacquard mesh with molded contours and a higher-volume fit |
| CUSHIONING GEOMETRY | ||
| Heel stack | 43.5 mm | 40 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 35.5 mm | 34 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 6 mm |
| MATERIALS | ||
| Midsole | FF Blast+ foam with a PureGEL heel | Infinion supercritical foam, replacing Fresh Foam X |
| VALUE | ||
| List price at launch | $165 | $170 |
Which line changes its ride more often?
The Gel-Nimbus has done it once in 7 versions, most recently with the Gel-Nimbus 25 in 2023, and the 1080 has done it 2 times in 6 versions, most recently with the 1080 v15 in 2026. If you want a shoe you can rebuy without reading a review first, the Gel-Nimbus has the steadier record.
Buy the Gel-Nimbus 28
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Jul 28, 2026.
Buy the 1080 v15
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Jul 30, 2026.
Chasing a specific older version rather than choosing between the current two? The Asics Gel-Nimbus lineage and the New Balance 1080 lineage track every version and what changed in each update.
Questions runners ask
- Is the Asics Gel-Nimbus or the New Balance 1080 lighter?
- The 1080 v15, by 0.9 oz in a men's US 9 (9 oz against 9.9 oz).
- Can I switch from the Asics Gel-Nimbus to the New Balance 1080?
- Yes, but ease into it. The drop moves 2 mm (8 mm on the Gel-Nimbus 28, 6 mm on the 1080 v15), which changes where your foot loads at landing. Give it two weeks of easy running before a hard session.
- Which is more cushioned, the Asics Gel-Nimbus or the New Balance 1080?
- The Gel-Nimbus 28, on stack height: 43.5 mm under the heel against 40 mm. Stack is not the whole story, though; the foams differ too.
- Which comes in more widths?
- The 1080 v15. The Gel-Nimbus 28 runs in D, 2E, 4E for men's sizes; the 1080 v15 runs in B, D, 2E, 4E.
- Which costs more, the Asics Gel-Nimbus or the New Balance 1080?
- The 1080 v15, by $5 at list ($165 against $170). That gap narrows once either one gets a successor.
Updated July 30, 2026.