What replaced the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25?
Updated July 28, 2026. Specs are men's US 9.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
The Nimbus 26 replaced the Nimbus 25 in January 2024. Same platform, with the flashpoints fixed: a roomier toebox, better midfoot hold, and a grippier outsole, at the cost of half an ounce.
At a glance
- The Gel-Nimbus 26 is 0.5 oz heavier
- Drop is unchanged at 8 mm
- New midsole foam
Every spec side by side, with the reason behind each change: Gel-Nimbus 25 vs 26.
Stay on your shoe, or switch?
Faithful successorThe 26 is the 25 with its rough edges sanded off: roomier toebox, better midfoot hold, grippier outsole. It gained half an ounce doing it, which was the only consistent gripe.
Stick with the Gel-Nimbus 25 if
- The 25's snugger fit worked for your foot and clearance pricing is deep
- Half an ounce matters to you more than fit tweaks
Move to the Gel-Nimbus 26 if
- The 25's tapered toebox pinched you
- You run in the wet and want the grippier outsole
Where the Asics Gel-Nimbus is now
The line has moved three versions past the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, and the current model is now the Gel-Nimbus 28 (2026). Measured against your shoe:
- The Gel-Nimbus 28 is 0.3 oz lighter
- 2 mm more heel stack
- Drop is unchanged at 8 mm
- New midsole foam
- List price up $5
What loyalists said about the update
Received as the version that fixed the redesign complaints. The fit criticisms faded; the weight comments replaced them.
Still want the original?
Buy remaining Gel-Nimbus 25 stock
Sizes running outDiscontinued at retail. Amazon carries what remains, so treat an in-stock size as a closing window, and expect prices to swing.
Availability last checked Jul 28, 2026.
Ready to move on?
Beyond the Gel-Nimbus 26, these come closest to what the Gel-Nimbus 25 did.
- 9.2 oz
- 8 mm drop
- 42 mm heel
- $155 list
The Clifton is the obvious cross-shop for the modern Nimbus: both are tall, soft, rockered cruisers. The Clifton runs about an ounce lighter; the Nimbus is plusher and more padded up top.
Against your Asics Gel-Nimbus 25: 1 oz lighter, the same drop, $5 less at list.
- 10.2 oz
- 10 mm drop
- 36 mm heel
- $150 list
The Ghost is the step-down option: firmer, lower, cheaper, and more traditional. Runners who find the modern Nimbus too tall and soft often land here.
Against your Asics Gel-Nimbus 25: the same weight, 5.5 mm less heel stack, 2 mm more drop, $10 less at list.
- 9 oz
- 6 mm drop
- 40 mm heel
- $170 list
The 1080 is the other plush flagship cruiser, softer and bouncier since its v15 foam swap, and it comes in real widths from narrow to 4E, which the Nimbus does not.
Against your Asics Gel-Nimbus 25: 1.2 oz lighter, 1.5 mm less heel stack, 2 mm less drop, $10 more at list.
Questions runners ask
- Is the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 still available?
- For now. Amazon still lists the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, but the size run is thinning and prices swing with remaining stock. If your size is there, this is the late window, not the early one.
- Is the Gel-Nimbus 26 a downgrade from the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25?
- No. The Gel-Nimbus 26 keeps the same ride and fixes small things. If you liked the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, the update carries over without an adjustment period.
- How much heavier is the Gel-Nimbus 26?
- 0.5 oz heavier in a men's US 9: 10.7 oz against the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25's 10.2 oz.
- Is the Asics Gel-Nimbus still made?
- Yes. The current version is the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28, released in 2026, 3 versions on from the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25.
- What is the closest current alternative to the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25?
- The Hoka Clifton 11. The Clifton is the obvious cross-shop for the modern Nimbus: both are tall, soft, rockered cruisers. The Clifton runs about an ounce lighter; the Nimbus is plusher and more padded up top.