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Since its inception, each new version of the GEL-Nimbus® series has remained consistent with the original concept of providing superior platform cushioning and comfort. Then along came the GEL-Nimbus® VI, and with this update a concentration on perfecting upper fit. The result converted so many runners that the series has subsequently become the industry standard in the cushioning category. For the GEL-Nimbus® 9, upper comfort will remain an important factor in the overall design. However, this shoe will represent a re-focus on platform comfort and overall ride.
Probably the most noteworthy addition to the platform of the GEL-Nimbus® 9 is the newly engineered heel unit, which features an interpretation of the discreet heel tooling of the GEL-Kinsei®. This set-up allows each section of the rear-foot to move in a relatively independent manner, creating a greater level of shear deformation and thus, enhanced shock attenuation. The silicon gel units themselves echo the GEL-Kinsei® as well, with a higher (harder) durometer on the lateral crash pad, which will provide enhanced stability for underpronators.* Also noteworthy is the support added to the waist of the midsole, with a Space TrussticTM unit that is more rigid than in past models, creating improved midfoot support and aiding the transition from foot-flat to propulsion.
The changes to the upper are subtle but will noticeably enhance fit and comfort. For instance, the collar length has been shortened slightly, and a new Personal Heel Fit® (PHF) set-up places two layers of memory foam on the medial collar where past versions had only one. The result is an improved geometry that secures the shoe snugly and comfortably around the heel. In addition, a new one-piece tongue/vamp construction eliminates the need for excessive overlays at the bottom of the eye-stay. Working in concert with the Biomorphic Fit System, this new upper set-up ensures a roomy forefoot that nevertheless secures the foot comfortably on top of the midsole.
*Worth noting is the fact that the density of the silicon gel unit can be manufactured exactly to the durometer specified, unlike standard EVA and other midsole materials, that have a ‘factor of +/- 4 degrees of hardness that is typically deemed acceptable for production.
In A Nutshell
The GEL-Nimbus® 9 is ASICS’ top of the line cushioning shoe, featuring a new ‘discreet’ rear-foot design, enhanced midfoot support, and improved upper construction that provides exceptional fit. The broad, supportive platform is suitable for a range of runners from under-pronators to moderate over-pronators.
New Features[list]
Discreet Heel image w/ shear deformation set-up
Expanded Rearfoot GEL® cushioning w/ dual density gel unit
Now in its 10th year - the new, radical look of the Nimbus 10 houses an all new shoe that caters to the Neutral to underpronating runner. A highly cushioned but stable high mileage trainer the Nimbus 10 features include Solyte midsole, visible front and rear GEL systems, Gender Space Trusstic, Biomorphic upper and more. The 10th generation of
the GEL-Nimbus is bound to impress.
KEY FEATURES
• The Impact Guidance System is a technical design philosophy that allows the foot to perform in a more natural manner for the intended sport
• Biomorphic Fit™ upper provides a superior fit and function
• Solyte is lighter than ASICS’ standard EVA/SpEVA, with improved cushioning and durability
• Higher volume rearfoot GEL for superior shock attenuation
This excellent update features a more segmented midsole under the heel to better isolate and disperse impact. Asics used more gel in the heel to give the shoe a softer crash pad. According to our lab tests, these improvements make the 9 better at shock dispersion than its predecessor. There's also a new rearfoot overlay wrapping the heel that helps center and guide the foot for a better heel-to-toe transition. Recommended for runners with normal to high arches looking for a neutral-cushioned shoe with a bit of added stability.
The advanced upper offers a more secure fit. Wear-testers with low- and average-volume ffet described it as a “clean” fit, with no pressure points. Those with wide forefeet did feel a bit pinched by the overlays that fall across the first and fifth metatarsal heads. Despite the low-profile design, the cushioning was appreciated for being more than adequate and neither too soft nor too firm. After a bit of a jolt due to the lack of a radiused lateral heel or crash pad, the heel-to-toe transition is very smooth.
The resilient ride of the latest Nimbus gives it a bounce that helps in the final miles of a long run. Our Lab tests found that the shoe's new midsole foam sprang back faster than every shoe in this guide. Asics also sought to improve the overall feel by adding a soft, snug-fitting ankle collar and shifting the laces to better follow the natural topline of the foot, but testers had a mixed response to how this changed the shoe's fit. Recommended for average-weight runners with normal to high arches looking for a durable cushioning shoe.
I've been a runner for longer than I care to specify here and I can say that this Nimbus 10 is the best shoe I have ever run in. I have been running in Asics shoes for the last 16 years, mostly 2XXX series. I have also used the Kayanos a couple of times. However, these shoes started hurting my feet and I was about to leave the Asics family (note, I swap out to new running shoes every six months). A store salesperson recommended that I try the Nimbus 10, he was right. A more expensive shoe but my feet, knees and joints are worth it in the long run. Get it.
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I've ran on these shoes about half a dozen times now ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 miles with no problems so far. I highly recommend ASICS shoes for comfort and stability. I also have wide feet and ASICS tends to offer shoes in wide widths. I was running on ASICS Gel Cumulus 9, but I have to say the Nimbus 9 is a superior shoe. The Cumulus' were great, but my feet could only handle about 3.5 miles before I would get some numbness in my feet. My shins were also starting to hurt towards the tail end of my use, probably caused by the shoe breaking down and me running on them longer than its lifespan. The Nimbus feels like a higher quality shoe with better comfort than the Cumulus. I'll definitely be sticking with ASICS and probably stay with the Nimbus over the Cumulus.
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This was my first ASICS shoe and I am pleased with it overall. I have run in Mizuno(Waverider 11) and Addidas(supernova Cushions, 5,6,7). This is one generation back, nimbus 9. But it is good value for the money. So far I have ~ 200 Miles in my first pair and 50 in the 2nd. Fits well. I could breakin very easily within 15-25 miles. The shoe laces are a bit short. Overall not bad, lets see how it fares in my 2nd marathon in 4 weeks
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I've been running in Asics for awhile and am generally very happy with their shoes. When I stepped up to the Nimbus 9, I expected a shoe that was ready to run out of the box. After a couple of weeks, I ran a half marathon and noticed their new design was a bit tight on the sides which actually damaged my outside toe nails. This was not something I noticed during my daily runs (which average about 5-8 miles a day). Unlike some other reviewers, I found the external (and inside the arch) fabric to begin to wear out substantially within the first 10 months. Although this shoe seemed abit more problematic than my previous Asics, I will most like continue to purchase them due to the fact that they keep my knees and back "pain free".
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** PROS ***
Comfortable ankle wrap-around design.
Top-quality, long-lasting outsole.
Handle road impact consistenly even after 8-10 miles straight.
Forefoot cushioning is excellent.
*** CONS ***
A tad too flashy for some... the chrome accents are a tiny bit too much.
The inner arch is somewhat high. I solved this by trimming the insole with a couple of scissors.
I am personally wearing Kayano's but my wife got a pair of Nimbus 10. I am still a heavy runner, and I had no problems whatsoever with mine so far and I love them, but unfortunately I can not say the same about my wife's; we recently finished the half marathon in Hangzhou, China, and she finished in place 29th, but it has been now around 8 days and she still can not fully recover from an injure in her lower ankles, she was under a lot of pain and barely could walk... When reviewing her shoes in details, we could notice that the area where she has pain the most is precisely where the sides of the heels cradles are...we found that these supports are too hard and put a lot of pressure on her ankles. She had only put around 80 miles on her shoes!...not very happily, we had to get a pair of Adidas 3D cushion instead, with a much softer ankle support.
Any ideas or recommendations?
It seems also that when buying ASICS, you must get them a size or half size bigger than normal...
Asics Gel Nimbus
Linear Mode
