Details
Brand
Asics
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• External Heel clutching system• Exoskeleton heel counter• Fluid Fit upper for a breathable, glove-like fit• Rearfoot and forefoot Gel• Flytefoam Midsole• Organic super fibers• 3D printed overlay along upper• Fluid ride midsole construction• Seamless upper• Guidance Trusstic System• Ortholite Lasting• Ortholite sock liner for moisture control• Gender-specific heel heights
Upper
The upper of the Nimbus 20 is made to conform to the shape of the runner’s foot and give both a supportive and lightweight fit. The material used in this upper is Asics’s patented FluidFit mesh. This mesh combined multi-directional organic fibers and mesh to create a glove-like fit. Although this upper is designed to fit snuggly, it also provides superior ventilation that keeps the foot cool and dry. To help keep the runner’s foot in place throughout their workouts, Asics also includes a 3D printed overlay system.
Midsole
The midsole of the Nimbus 20 uses some of the most cutting-edge design elements to not only improve the runner’s gait cycle but also create the most efficient gait possible. The midsole is comprised of Asics’s patented Flytefoam material. This midsole creates a high level of bounce back and responsiveness. Additionally, the organic super fibers that are used in this midsole conform to the unique shape of each runner’s foot. Runners will also find Asics’s Fluidride technology in this midsole too. This foam is extremely lightweight but also very durable. It compresses less which helps it last longer. For added support, runners will be pleased to find a Heel Clutching System that anchors the foot in place. Another detail that Asics added to this midsole is the use of their Ortholite sock liner and Ortholite lasting material for added comfort.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe is designed to absorb shock which makes it great for any distances, especially longer runs and races. Runners can expect to find Asics’s patented rearfoot and forefoot gel technology. This is a cushioning system that runs along the heel of the outsole that provides a firm cushioning. This gel cushioning outsole makes the Nimbus 20 a highly durable shoe. The outsole also provides added flexibility to the runner through the vertical flex grooves that run along the bottom of this shoe.
Breathability
The upper of this shoe is designed to provide lightweight breathability to the runner to keep them comfortable even during warmer weather. The upper uses Asics’s patented Fluid Fit upper which is a multi-directional mesh. This mesh stretches and moves with the foot, allowing for maximum airflow to easily and continuously reach the foot. This eliminates the risk of hot spots and blisters.
Comfort
This is a neutral running shoe that is designed with two layers of technologically advanced midsole foam. The cushioning level is more firm than plush, so runners who find comfort in a plush midsole, like a Hoka, might find this shoe too firm for their taste. Runners found the upper to be the perfect mix of flexibility and support. It provides a comfortable glove-like fit that also moves easily with the runner’s gait cycle. The outsole is designed with unique shock absorbing gel that allows runners to run for longer periods of time without the risk of injury or the added pressure to the joints. The midsole design adapts to the unique shape of each runner’s foot, creating a customized fit for each runner.
Style
Asics has a uniquely athletic and stylish look to it. This shoe is no different. It looks sleek and narrow and comes in a wide variety of different color combinations. A few of the color combinations that the Gel Nimbus 20 comes in are Porcelain Blue, white with Asics’s blue, bright rose with apricot, and indigo blue with opal green. Runners liked that this shoe also comes in a sleek, all black version too.
Durability
There are two specific areas of this shoe that runners can expect to see increased durability to help the Nimbus 20 last for a long time. The first is the added rubber and gel cushioning in the outsole. These details provide a shock absorbing system that won’t wear down, even after excessive use. The other feature can be found in the midsole. The midsole foam on these shoes is more firm than other models. This allows the midsole to maintain its form, and not break down easily. The midsole is made of organic super fibers that are able to bounce back to their original form quickly and efficiently.
Protection
In terms of protection, runners can expect to see added support details through the design to keep the foot stable and in place during workouts. Additionally, the outsole is designed to absorb shock which helps to protect against injury and pain. Finally, runners can expect a cool and comfortable ride via the Fluid Fit upper. This breathable upper helps to prevent blisters and hot spots and protect the runner from irritation that can sideline their workouts. Additionally, Asics included their Ortholite sock liner to help wick away moisture and keep the foot comfortable. It also adds some extra cushioning.
Responsiveness
One of the highest rated features of this shoe is its high level of responsiveness. This can be attributed to Asics’s patented Flytefoam midsole. This material provides excellent bounce back and allows the runners to stay connected to the ground below them. Runners reported that this design helped them to respond to changes in pace and direction efficiently and safely.
Support
The Gel Nimbus 20 is a great shoe for the runner who needs extra support during their workouts. From the upper to the midsole and outsole, runners can find thoughtful design elements that help to keep the foot in place and improve the runner’s gait cycle. The upper comes equipped with 3D printed overlays to help lock the foot in place.
Terrain
This shoe is best suited for road, treadmill or track work. It excels as a road running shoe and lacks the intricate lug system that would provide the runners with a safe and efficient trail running partner. Since this shoe is suited for any distances, runners found this shoe to be a good track companion for speed work, but most commented that this shoe was an excellent distance companion. The sturdy design also makes this a great choice for treadmill workouts too.
Price
Although Asics makes lots of shoes for the runner on a tight budget, this is not one of them. The Nimbus 20 is more expensive than the average road running shoe on today’s market. While runners found this shoe to be a smart investment because of its overall durability, many runners find this price point to be outside of their budget, especially for runners who are just starting out.
Drop
The Asics Gel Nimbus 20 has a traditional heel drop similar to the majority of road running shoes on the market today. It is slightly higher, but the majority of runners won’t have a problem adjusting. The shoe has a heel height of 25 mm and a forefoot height of 12 mm.
Stability
This shoe is a neutral running shoe which means that it isn’t designed to support runners with specific over or under pronation needs. However, this shoe does come with enough support features to help keep the foot stable and supported throughout the gait cycle. Mostly, runners will find this added support through the Guidance Trusstic System of the midfoot along with the heel clutching system technology that helps to keep the foot locked in place. This reduces the risk of friction and helps to improve the overall gait of the runner.
Flexibility
There are two areas where runners can expect to see added flexibility in this shoe. The first is in the upper. The upper utilizes a multi-directional stretch mesh that moves with the gait cycle and conforms to the unique shape of each foot. In addition to the upper, the outsole has been updated to increase the shoe’s flexibility too. Runners will notice the vertical guidance line that runs down the outsole. This is a deep flex groove that improves the overall flexibility of the shoe.
Traction
This shoe is not designed specifically for off-road adventures like trail hiking or running, therefore Asics did not include any unique design elements to add extra traction. However, the outsole of this shoe is designed using a durable rubber material that does a great job of preventing slippage on slick road or track surfaces.
Bottom Line
This shoe is for the seasoned runner who likes lots of bells and whistles. From the upper to the outsole, this shoe is loaded with the best technology that Asics has to offer. This shoe is designed for the runner who needs added supports. They will find these details in the 3D printed overlays of the upper as well as the External heel clutching system found in the midsole. This shoe is great for any distances and pace because the outsole is designed to be extra durable and the multiple cutting-edge midsole materials like the Flytefoam and the Fluidride provide a firm cushioning that bounces back to its original shape more efficiently than other midsole foams. The price on this shoe is higher than the average road running shoe on the market, but for the advanced runner who is looking for a shoe to invest in that will last for a long time, the Nimbus 20 is a good choice.
