Asics Gel-Nimbus vs On Cloudmonster
Comparing the current Gel-Nimbus 28 and Cloudmonster 3. Specs are men's US 9.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
Drop is the real difference: 6 mm on the Cloudmonster 3 against 8 mm on the Gel-Nimbus 28. Coming off the Gel-Nimbus 28, the Cloudmonster 3 loads your calves and Achilles harder for the first couple of weeks. They are built for different jobs: the Gel-Nimbus 28 is a max cushion, the Cloudmonster 3 a daily trainer. The Gel-Nimbus 28 lists $25 lower.
- Asics Gel-Nimbus 28Men's at AmazonWomen's
- On Cloudmonster 3Men's at AmazonWomen's
Availability last checked Aug 5, 2026. Prices and stock change without notice.
Every spec, side by side
| Spec | Gel-Nimbus 28 | Cloudmonster 3 |
|---|---|---|
| FIT AND WEIGHT | ||
| Weight | 9.9 oz | 10.4 oz |
| Widths | D, 2E, 4E | D, 2E |
| Upper | Lighter engineered knit with a redesigned heel and tongue loop | Re-engineered mesh with a padded tongue and an elastic lace keeper |
| CUSHIONING GEOMETRY | ||
| Heel stack | 43.5 mm | 35 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 35.5 mm | 29 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 6 mm |
| MATERIALS | ||
| Midsole | FF Blast+ foam with a PureGEL heel | Dual-density Helion superfoam |
| Plate | None | Nylon-blend Speedboard, lowered away from the foot |
| VALUE | ||
| List price at launch | $165 | $190 |
Which line changes its ride more often?
Both lines rework the ride about as often: the Gel-Nimbus has done it once in 7 versions, most recently with the Gel-Nimbus 25 in 2023, and the Cloudmonster has done it once in 3 versions, most recently with the Cloudmonster 2 in 2024. Neither is the safer long-term rebuy on this record.
Buy the Gel-Nimbus 28
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Jul 28, 2026.
Buy the Cloudmonster 3
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Aug 5, 2026.
Chasing a specific older version rather than choosing between the current two? The Asics Gel-Nimbus lineage and the On Cloudmonster lineage track every version and what changed in each update.
Questions runners ask
- Is the Asics Gel-Nimbus or the On Cloudmonster lighter?
- The Gel-Nimbus 28, by 0.5 oz in a men's US 9 (9.9 oz against 10.4 oz).
- Can I switch from the Asics Gel-Nimbus to the On Cloudmonster?
- Yes, but ease into it. The drop moves 2 mm (8 mm on the Gel-Nimbus 28, 6 mm on the Cloudmonster 3), 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 On Cloudmonster?
- The Gel-Nimbus 28, on stack height: 43.5 mm under the heel against 35 mm. Stack is not the whole story, though; the foams differ too.
- Which comes in more widths?
- The Gel-Nimbus 28. The Gel-Nimbus 28 runs in D, 2E, 4E for men's sizes; the Cloudmonster 3 runs in D, 2E.
- Which costs more, the Asics Gel-Nimbus or the On Cloudmonster?
- The Cloudmonster 3, by $25 at list ($165 against $190). That gap narrows once either one gets a successor.
Updated August 5, 2026.