What replaced the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27?
Updated July 28, 2026. Specs are men's US 9.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
The Nimbus 28 replaced the Nimbus 27 in January 2026. Same stack, 0.8 oz lighter, the lightest Nimbus ever, with a firmer, snappier ride and a sharper forefoot rocker.
At a glance
- The Gel-Nimbus 28 is 0.8 oz lighter
- Drop is unchanged at 8 mm
- New midsole foam
Every spec side by side, with the reason behind each change: Gel-Nimbus 27 vs 28.
Stay on your shoe, or switch?
Refined, same shoeWidely called the best Nimbus to date: nearly an ounce lighter with the comfort intact and a sportier, snappier feel. Buyers who want maximum softness above all else may actually prefer a discounted 26 or 27.
Stick with the Gel-Nimbus 27 if
- Maximum softness matters more to you than weight
- Discounted 27s in your size are 30 percent off
Move to the Gel-Nimbus 28 if
- You want the lightest, most versatile Nimbus yet
- The older versions felt like too much shoe at easy paces
What loyalists said about the update
Early reception was the warmest since the 25 redesign. Reviewers praised the weight cut and versatility; the few dissenters wanted the softer, calmer ride of the 26 era back.
Still want the original?
Buy remaining Gel-Nimbus 27 stock
Stocked at AmazonAvailability last checked Jul 28, 2026.
Ready to move on?
Beyond the Gel-Nimbus 28, these come closest to what the Gel-Nimbus 27 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 27: 1.5 oz lighter, 1.5 mm less heel stack, the same drop, $10 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 27: 0.5 oz lighter, 7.5 mm less heel stack, 2 mm more drop, $15 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 27: 1.7 oz lighter, 3.5 mm less heel stack, 2 mm less drop, $5 more at list.
Questions runners ask
- Is the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 still available?
- Yes. The Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 is still widely stocked on Amazon in both men's and women's sizes, often below its original list price now that a newer version exists.
- Is the Gel-Nimbus 28 a downgrade from the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27?
- No. Most runners rate the Gel-Nimbus 28 as the same shoe done slightly better. The changes are real but none of them alter what the shoe is.
- How much lighter is the Gel-Nimbus 28?
- 0.8 oz lighter in a men's US 9: 9.9 oz against the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27's 10.7 oz.
- What is the closest current alternative to the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27?
- 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.