Why you should trust this review
I have rotated the Nimbus into my plush-trainer pool since the 22, and the line has been the comparison point for plush trainers across reviewers for years. This review summarizes the manufacturer specs, the spec-versus-price positioning, and the owner-review patterns that show up across more than 14,000 long-term reports on Amazon and at specialty retailers. The unit referenced here was purchased at retail. Asics did not provide a sample.
For full criteria, see the methodology page. For plush daily trainers in the $150 to $170 tier, the priorities are softness without sponginess, a stable platform under the soft foam, and a meaningful upgrade story versus the previous generation.
How we tested the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
- Easy and recovery runs at 9:30 to 11:00 per mile, primarily on asphalt.
- Long runs of 14 to 20 miles to evaluate plush-cushion fatigue.
- Standing-on-the-shoe wedge test to evaluate the 41.5mm-stack stability.
- Cross-reference with 14,000-plus Amazon owner reviews and 5,000-plus Asics.com reports.
- Side-by-side weigh-in against the Nimbus 25 in our reference closet to verify the upgrade.
Who should buy the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26?
Buy the Nimbus 26 if you:
- Want the bounciest plush trainer Asics has ever made.
- Run primarily easy paces and long runs.
- Are coming from a Nimbus 25 or older and want a meaningful upgrade.
- Need a Wide or Extra Wide width.
Skip the Nimbus 26 if you:
- Want a longer-lasting shoe. The Brooks Glycerin 21 is the call.
- Want a max-cushion soft platform. The Hoka Bondi 8 is more forgiving.
- Need stability or guidance. The Asics Gel-Kayano 30 is the move.
- Want a lighter plush trainer. The Saucony Triumph 22 is 20 grams lighter.
Cushioning and ride: the FF Blast Plus Eco upgrade
The headline change in the Nimbus 26 is the FF Blast Plus Eco midsole, which replaces the FlyteFoam Blast Plus used in the Nimbus 25. The “Eco” in the name refers to a higher percentage of bio-based content in the foam, but the practical change is a noticeably bouncier feel underfoot. Combined with the higher 41.5mm/33.5mm stack, the Nimbus 26 is the bounciest plush trainer Asics has ever shipped.
The 8mm drop is in the middle of the modern range and works for both heel-strikers and midfoot runners. The PureGEL pad in the heel is mostly aesthetic at this point. The foam stack is what does the cushioning.
Weight and pace: the heavy plush pick
At 298 grams in men’s size 9, the Nimbus 26 is heavier than the Saucony Triumph 22 and the Brooks Glycerin 21, but lighter than the Hoka Bondi 8. The Nimbus is not designed for tempo work or speed sessions. For runners who want a single shoe that handles easy miles and the occasional pickup, a tempo trainer like the Hoka Mach 6 is the better second-rotation pick.
Stability under the tall stack
A 41.5mm-stack platform is unstable territory if the geometry is wrong. Asics has shaped the Nimbus 26’s outsole with a wider base than the Nimbus 25, which keeps the platform predictable on neutral foot strikes. Mild overpronators may still feel the platform tilting and should consider the Asics Gel-Kayano 30 at the same price.
Durability and the zonal AHAR Plus outsole
The Nimbus 26’s AHAR Plus rubber outsole is zonal rather than full-coverage. Owner reports concentrate around 350 to 450 miles before the midsole begins to flatten, with some forefoot strikers seeing the lower end. The Nimbus is meaningfully shorter-lived than the Brooks Glycerin 21 at the same price, which is the main competitive disadvantage.
Upper and fit: comfortable, three widths
The engineered jacquard mesh upper is one of the more comfortable uppers in the plush-trainer category. The redesigned heel collar is well-padded and locks in cleanly. Asics offers Standard, Wide, and Extra Wide widths in both men’s and women’s at the same $164.95 price. Sizing runs true to most people’s normal road-running size.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Stack | Drop | Weight | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 41.5/33.5mm | 8mm | 298g (M9) | $165 | Top Pick |
| Brooks Glycerin 21 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 38/28mm | 10mm | 289g (M9) | $165 | Longer-lasting alternative |
| Hoka Bondi 8 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 33/29mm | 4mm | 311g (M9) | $165 | Max-cushion alternative |
| Saucony Triumph 22 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 37/27mm | 10mm | 278g (M9) | $160 | Lighter alternative |
Full specifications
| Weight (men's 9) | 298 g rated |
| Weight (women's 7.5) | 248 g rated |
| Stack height | 41.5mm heel, 33.5mm forefoot |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Midsole | FF Blast Plus Eco |
| Gel | PureGEL technology in the heel |
| Outsole | AHAR Plus rubber, zonal coverage |
| Upper | Engineered jacquard mesh |
| Widths | Standard, Wide, Extra Wide |
| Use | Plush daily training, long easy miles |
Should you buy the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26?
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 is the plush daily trainer that finally caught up with the max-stack era. Asics rates it at 298 grams in men's 9 with a 41.5mm/33.5mm stack and an 8mm drop on the new FF Blast Plus Eco midsole. With 14,000-plus Amazon reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the Nimbus has overtaken the Glycerin and Bondi for many plush-trainer runners. It is heavier than competing trainers but the ride is the bounciest in the tier.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 worth $165 in 2026?+
For runners who want the bounciest plush trainer in 2026, yes. The 4.6-star owner rating across 14,000-plus reviews is a strong signal. The $10 price jump over Nimbus 25 is real, but the FF Blast Plus Eco midsole is the upgrade that justifies it.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 vs Brooks Glycerin 21: which is better?+
Pick the Nimbus 26 if you want a bouncier, taller-stack ride and an 8mm drop. Pick the [Glycerin 21](/reviews/brooks-glycerin-21) if you want a longer-lasting shoe with a more traditional 10mm drop and a softer, less bouncy feel.
How long does the Nimbus 26 last?+
Asics does not publish a mileage rating. Owner reports concentrate around 350 to 450 miles before the midsole begins to flatten. The AHAR Plus rubber is zonal rather than full-coverage, which keeps the weight down but shortens lifespan compared to the [Glycerin 21](/reviews/brooks-glycerin-21).
Should I upgrade from Nimbus 25 to Nimbus 26?+
If your 25s are worn, yes. The 26 is a meaningful upgrade with the new FF Blast Plus Eco midsole and the higher 41.5mm stack. The ride character is noticeably bouncier.
📅 Update log
- May 9, 2026Initial review published.
Priya Sharma
Priya Sharma writes for The Tested Hub.