As a shopping editor, I’ve tested a ton of sneakers over the past few years. Surprisingly, though, I’ve yet to try Asics walking shoes—which is why, when I recently got the chance to try one of the brand’s best-selling pairs, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28, I was immediately game.
Despite being an Asics newbie, I’ve heard a lot about the Gel-Nimbus sneakers—especially as they’ve long been a podiatrist- and editor-favorite here at Prevention (the previous iteration, the Gel-Nimbus 27, previously earned a rave review from our senior commerce editor for its highly cushioned comfort). So, I was excited to test out the newest model of the beloved shoes—the Gel-Nimbus 28—which offers the same excellent cushioning but comes improved with a lighter build, updated upper, and more. Would these sneakers live up to the hype—and earn a permanent spot in my rotation of favorite walking shoes?
After weeks of testing the shoes—including lacing them up on daily walks, commutes, and even a short run—here are my honest thoughts on the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 sneakers, and whether they’re worth the buy.
Cons
- Low energy return; cushioning isn’t very springy or lively
- Tongue is thinner than expected
| Sizes | 5-13 |
| Widths | Standard, Wide |
| Colors | 18 options |
| Weight | 8.5 oz |
| Heel drop | 8 mm |
How I tested
I spent about three weeks testing the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28, which I got in a size 7 and in the “Midnight/Bluebell” colorway. I mostly wore the sneakers on daily walks, including on strolls along New York City streets, commutes on the subways, around the office, on errand runs, and other outings in the city. I also tried these shoes during a short, one-mile jog to see how they would perform during running.
The fit
I got these sneakers in my usual size—size 7—and found them fairly true to size in terms of both length and width. The engineered knit upper wrapped comfortably around my feet and provided a snug, secure fit, but with enough room for my toes to naturally splay (although those who need or prefer a roomier fit may want to opt for the wide sizes).
I especially appreciated the plush, padded heel collar that helped lock my heel in place, as well as the pull tabs at the back, which made it easier to slip in and out of the shoes. The tongue, however, was thinner than I expected. Rather than a thick, padded tongue, it’s thin and super-stretchy and gusseted, allowing me to pull and stretch it over the top of my feet for an airy, sock-like fit—I did like how it hugged my feet without feeling bulky or constrictive. But, I personally would’ve appreciated a bit more padding for a softer and more protective feel, as I noticed that I sometimes felt some pressure at the top of my feet when my laces were tied more tightly.
The feel
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 shoes boast maximum cushioning, combining the brand’s FF BLAST PLUS cushioning and PureGEL technology to “create a lightweight and soft cushioning experience that feels like you’re landing on clouds,” according to the brand. They were definitely really soft and generously cushioned, with plenty of foam underfoot, but I personally didn’t find them to have that super “cloud-like,” marshmallow-soft feeling that is akin to Hoka sneakers—I’d say they felt more like supportive pillows. They felt more balanced and on the firmer side for maximum-cushioned shoes, with just enough bounce for a smooth stride; instead of sinking into the foam, my feet felt well-supported with each step.
Given the ample amount of foam underfoot, I also expected the shoes to feel heavier—but to my surprise, they actually felt impressively lightweight on my feet. In fact, at just 8.5 ounces, the Gel-Nimbus 28 is nearly 1 oz lighter than the previous iteration (which weighed 9.3 oz). Senior Commerce Editor Charlotte Finigan noted that the Gel-Nimbus 27 was “not lightweight” and “required a bit of an adjustment period to figure out [her] stride” in her review. I didn’t have that experience with the updated model—instead, it felt light and easy to walk in from the moment I laced it up.
The performance
I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth and well-balanced the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 felt while walking—especially given the high-stack, maximum-cushioned midsole. This thick foam cushioning never felt overly soft or unstable while on the move; in fact, the sneakers felt surprisingly stable and easy to walk in (despite it being a neutral shoe!), thanks to the wide and supportive base, high sidewall design, and the balanced cushioning.
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I’m not usually a runner, but I also tried the Gel-Nimbus during a short, one-mile run—and found they were super comfortable and easy to jog in, too. The thick cushioning absorbed impact really well with every step, compressing smoothly under my feet on landing—while the curved forefoot rocker design helped to smoothly roll my feet forward at toe-off, allowing for smooth and easy transitions. The light weight of these sneakers also made them feel agile and comfortable for running—I never felt like they were slowing or weighing me down on my jog.
Additionally, I found these shoes to have great traction with their durable outsole. They felt steady and stable with great grip while I was walking and running across concrete, sidewalks, and uneven pavement and gravel. I even walked in them during light rain one day, and they surprisingly didn’t feel slippery on wet pavement, either.
The bottom line
Overall, I give the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 high marks for their lightweight comfort. I loved that they offer plenty of cushioning that feels supportive and balanced, rather than overly soft or marshmallow-like—and despite the high-stack, maximum-cushioned midsole, they still feel super agile and stable while you’re on the move, thanks to the lightweight design and wide, supportive base. Additionally, these shoes provided a breathable, secure fit with their engineered mesh upper—and they were easy to both walk and run in, thanks to the forefoot rocker design, which helps roll your feet forward for smooth, natural transitions.
Ultimately, I’d recommend the Gel-Nimbus 28 for anyone looking for a comfortable, reliable, well-cushioned yet lightweight sneaker for everyday miles. Its generous cushioning does an excellent job absorbing impact, making it especially well-suited for long walks and easy-paced runs. That being said, I wouldn’t choose it for fast-paced runs or speed workouts, as the ride feels more controlled and forgiving rather than springy or propulsive with high energy return—which I’d imagine could contribute to a more sluggish feel during fast-paced runs.
Personally, I loved these sneakers for both walking and running, and can definitely see myself reaching for them again and again whenever I want a smooth, lightweight, and well-cushioned ride for everyday miles.
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