Our verdict

The part asics Nimbus 26 is a testament to the Japanese kaizen philosophy, building on the solid foundation of its predecessor to enhance almost every aspect that needed improvement. In our lab tests, we were delighted to find a more breathable upper and an expanded toebox, ensuring comfort during our runs. The shoe also maintains its signature plush cushioning and premium feel throughout. However, we still noted its heft and the slim tongue—areas we hope will see enhancements in future iterations.

Zapatillas part asics Gel Cumulus 23 para Hombre Negro Azul Pros

  • Premium all-around comfort
  • Enhanced toebox design
  • Exceptional durability
  • Best-in-series outsole
  • Ideal for long distances
  • Superb knit upper
  • Surprisingly stable
  • Asics Gel-Hyperspeed 6 Mens

Zapatillas part asics Gel Cumulus 23 para Hombre Negro Azul Cons

  • Increased weight
  • Limited energy return
  • Tongue lacks padding

Zapatillas part asics Gel Cumulus 23 para Hombre Negro Azul | Audience verdict

89
Great!

Who should buy

We highly recommend the part asics Nimbus 26 for:

  • Asics Novablast 2 Women's Running Shoes.
  • ASICS fans desiring a super-cushioned shoe for long distances and daily training.
  • Those who prioritise top-notch uppers, as the Nimbus 26's knit material offers a premium feel, excellent lockdown, good ventilation and ample toebox space.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS

Who should NOT buy

While the Nimbus 26 does offer a protective ride, we do not recommend it for runners seeking a lightweight shoe for uptempo paces. part asics also has in its lineup a better—albeit pricier—alternative in the Superblast, which is significantly bouncier and lighter.

We also believe the Nimbus 26's price point may deter some runners. For those seeking a more budget-friendly option Wmns sacrificing the super-high stack height, we've lab-tested the Ténis part asics GEL-Pulse 12 preto and the Camiseta part asics JSY OP Preta Masculina. These models provide a comparable cushioned experience at a slightly more accessible price.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS parts

Asics Court Men's T-shirt Asics Gel Lyte III Cervidae.

Breathability

One of the major complaints we had—and so did many users—about the Nimbus 25 was its limited breathability, owing to the thick, pillow-like knit upper. It felt almost suffocating in the sweltering summer heat and delivered blisters everywhere.

We found that part asics was quick to pick up on this issue right from the get-go and, to our delight, they've made significant improvements in the v26. With our smoke-pumping machine at work, we clocked a breathability score of 4/5—a top-notch performance that makes it an ideal choice for all-weather training, in our opinion.

The light test, despite its simplicity, remains a lab favourite for its ability to vividly showcase where a shoe breathes best. In the Nimbus 26, it's evident—ASICS has given special attention to the tongue and the toebox, though the midfoot remains less ventilated.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS microscope

Moving on to the microscope, it proved to be the compo tool for examining the ventilation holes we'd initially spotted with the light test.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS light

ASICS has punched holes at regular intervals, a few millimetres apart, ensuring optimal airflow.

Finally, when we got hands-on with the knit upper, we loved it. From our standpoint, it ranks as one of the most comfortable, plush uppers we've ever had the pleasure of testing in the lab. The entire knit exudes a premium, stretchy feel, and the heel padding is mind-blowing, focusing purely on comfort.

Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 278 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Durability often emerges as a weak spot in knit uppers, as the softer yarns are more susceptible to damage. Thus, we approached our initial Dremel test with moderate expectations.

Contrary to our assumptions, the Nimbus 26 showcased its resilience, underscoring the value of rigorous lab testing. The outstanding 4/5 rating we awarded this shoe was a pleasant surprise, with the knit upper displaying remarkable toughness.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Toebox durability
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 4
Average 2.5
Compared to 212 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
1
Toebox durability
5

Asics 22 Extra Wide Directoire Blue Directoire Blue Black

We then shifted our focus to the pillow-padded heel, which, based on typical outcomes with other shoes, we initially thought would score low.

Yet again, we were pleasantly surprised, as it impressively secured another 4-out-of-5, truly deserving our applause. Wear and tear in the heel area is now the least of our concerns.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS part asics 22 Extra Wide Directoire Blue Directoire Blue Black
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 4
Average 3.3
Compared to 208 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
1
Asics 22 Extra Wide Directoire Blue Directoire Blue Black
5

Outsole hardness

Another major thing regarding wear and tear in any road running shoe is the outsole, particularly in a high-end daily trainer like this one, priced at £160—early wear could be disastrous for your wallet.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS outsole
The outsole showcases significant upgrades from the v25, now incorporating a mix of AHAR+ (black, heel) and part asicsGRIP (blue, forefoot) rubber for enhanced traction.

To gauge its performance in this aspect, we began by measuring the outsole's hardness. We clocked it at 83.5 HC, which is around the average.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Outsole hardness
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 83.5 HC
Average 80.1 HC
Zapatillas de Trail Mujer part asics Gel Venture 8.
Compared to 329 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
52.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

Previously, our manual assessment revealed the shoe's exceptional rigidity, as we couldn't twist or bend it. Yet, evaluating it longitudinally was still on our to-do list.

During this 90-degree longitudinal bend test, we discovered the shoe to be more flexible than from a torsional standpoint, displaying average stiffness. It required only 30.2N of force to bend, which bodes well for comfort and gets the easy-pace seal of approval.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Outsole durability
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 0.6 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 190 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

In our final assessment of the outsole, we turned our attention to the outsole thickness. part asics opted for a slightly thinner design here, which we consider a positive move, especially given the outstanding results from our previous tests.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS outsole

Choosing a thicker outsole often guarantees durability but can mute the feel of the ride, rendering the shoe somewhat cumbersome for long runs and significantly heavier.

Therefore, a 2.3 mm thickness seems to hit the sweet spot for us, yet we believe ASICS could potentially reduce it to below 2 mm for next year's version.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Outsole thickness
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 2.3 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 348 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.6 mm

Weight

Addressing the weight is unavoidable when discussing the Nimbus 26—it's the glaring issue we can't overlook.

Tipping the scales at 10.7 oz (303g), it's not only heavier than its predecessor but also feels quite bulky by modern standards. While it's not excessively heavy to the point of being a deal-breaker, we firmly believe part asics should aim to bring this shoe under the 10-ounce mark.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Weight
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 10.69 oz (303g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 349 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.56 oz (356g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

The Nimbus 26 has fully embraced the maximalist, high-stack trend, with the stack height climbing an additional 2.4 mm from last year, reaching a skyscraper-high, 40.4 mm in the heel.

What's the takeaway of this increase? The Nimbus has long been part asics's flagship model for max-cushioning and comfort, and it seems they're doubling down to ensure a cloud-like, ultra-comfy ride for every runner, regardless of weight.

Furthermore, as evidenced next to our digital calliper, it's not all foam at play here—ASICS has used again the PureGEL technology, amplifying the softness of each heel landing. More on this later!

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Heel stack
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 40.4 mm
Average 34.0 mm
Compared to 348 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
7.6 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

During all our test runs, we experienced absolutely no ground feel and a significant amount of cushion under the ball of the foot.

This didn't come as a surprise, especially after our second measurement in that area revealed a whopping 32.0 mm of cushioning—ideal for long runs!

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Forefoot stack
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 32.0 mm
Average 25.4 mm
Compared to 348 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
7.6 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

ASICS claims the Nimbus 26 has an 8-mm heel-to-toe drop, and our lab measurements (8.4 mm), taken following the official guidelines from World Athletics, confirmed they were really close. This is a rarity, Кроссовки part asics gel-evation.

With this offset, we believe it accommodates all types of runners, from those who strike with their rearfoot to those who hit the ground first with their forefoot.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Drop
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 8.4 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 348 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Insole thickness

After testing over 500 shoes in the lab, we've learned that shoe design is all about trade-offs, balancing one feature against another. In the case of the Nimbus 26, the trade-off is between flexibility versus stability.

The Nimbus 26 turned out to be exceptionally rigid, almost mirroring the stiffness of a carbon-plated shoe. We had to award it 5/5 in rigidity, so we caution against choosing this model if you prefer a natural running feel, where the shoe flexes in harmony with your feet. Consider the Asics Gel Dedicate 7 as an alternative.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Insole thickness
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 5.0 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 344 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

ASICS has incorporated a full-length layer of FF Blast+ ECO foam, same of last year's version. Our durometer readings showed a softness level at 18.5 HA, indicating a plush sensation Wmns excessive sink.

This balanced approach is beneficial, given the foam's composition of EVA and Olefin, making it best suited for easy to moderate runs, as it's not very resilient.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS FF Blast

Because of that, it's not designed for anything fast that demands massive energy return from the midsole. For runners seeking that, the Shoes part asics Gel-Ds Trainer 25 1012A579 White Gunmetal 100 might be a better fit, featuring the super-bouncy ZoomX foam in a similar design.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Midsole softness
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 18.5 HA
Average 20.9 HA
Zapatillas de Trail Mujer part asics Gel Venture 8.
Compared to 276 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.5 HA

PureGEL

As mentioned earlier, the heel boasts one of part asics's latest innovations: PureGEL.

This advanced version of the traditional GEL technology part asics has utilised for years is a compact piece positioned above the foam in the rearfoot area, facilitating softer landings. True to its design, it delivers precisely that sensation, yet obviously lacks any energy return. It's all about comfort.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS PureGEL

Secondary foam softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The heel retains its distinctive, oversized finger-loop tab from the previous design. This striking addition isn't just visually amazing, we found it makes sliding into the knit upper a breeze!

Midsole softness in cold (%)

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The FF Blast+ ECO foam isn't merely standard EVA, as we mentioned earlier, but a blend of EVA and Olefin developed by Dow. This distinction was crucial in our testing, given that EVA foams typically falter in cold conditions, hardening significantly.

Yet, the Nimbus 26 demonstrated moderate resilience in our cold-temperature test, stiffening by just 27% after a 20-minute stint in our freezer. This is a result that leaves us content.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Ronnie Fieg x part asics Gel-Mai Militia
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 27%
Average 25.5%
Compared to 275 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
0%
Midsole softness in cold
100%

Stability

Lateral stability test

With over 40 mm of stack height—even exceeding the race-day legal limits—we braced ourselves for a potentially wooobbly ride in the Nimbus 26.

However, while it's not the go-to option for those seeking stability (if that's you, the Kayano 30 might be a better fit), we found it surprisingly offers a reasonably stable ride.

ASICS managed this feat by designing a rigid, wide sole and incorporating sidewalls that gently steer the feet forward in every stride. We think this approach is a good choice for providing stability in a shoe with such a high stack.

Torsional rigidity

After testing over 500 shoes in the lab, we've learned that shoe design is all about trade-offs, balancing one feature against another. In the case of the Nimbus 26, the trade-off is between flexibility versus stability.

The Nimbus 26 turned out to be exceptionally rigid, almost mirroring the stiffness of a carbon-plated shoe. We had to award it 5/5 in rigidity, so we caution against choosing this model if you prefer a natural running feel, where the shoe flexes in harmony with your feet. Consider the Asics Gel Dedicate 7 as an alternative.

Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 5
Average 3.3
Compared to 327 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
1
Torsional rigidity
5

ASICS Gel-Lyte 30 Carrier Piedmont Grey

The heel counter is notably less stiff, a feature we genuinely appreciated, as anything stiffer might have been overkill given the shoe's extreme torsional rigidity.

We deduced that part asics was able to integrate a moderately firm heel counter (rated 3/5) due to the shoe's well-designed geometry and the supportive midsole sidewalls. These elements effectively guide the foot straight, eliminating the need for an excessively rigid component in the heel.

Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 3
Average 2.8
Compared to 311 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
1
ASICS Gel-Lyte 30 Carrier Piedmont Grey
5

footwear part asics gel nimbus 23 1012a885 black carrier grey

The forefoot is relatively wide, though not to the extent often seen in stability shoes. We measured it at 118.4 mm.

This design choice resonates with us, considering the shoe primarily caters to heel strikers. Opting for an overly wide forefoot would have unnecessarily added to the shoe's weight and bulk.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 118.4 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 349 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
100.5 mm
footwear part asics gel nimbus 23 1012a885 black carrier grey
127.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

ASICS significantly widened the heel platform to guarantee secure landings for rearfoot strikers. Our measurements showed a width of 101.7 mm, surpassing the width of many stability shoes.

This design choice contributes to a notably stable feel in the heel for neutral runners. For this reason, if you have mild stability needs, the Nimbus 26 might be worth considering, though we lean towards recommending the Footwear part asics Versablast 1012A835 French Blue Champagne 400, which is tailored specifically for those with slight stability concerns.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 101.7 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 349 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
74.9 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Zapatillas part asics Gel Cumulus 23 para Hombre Negro Azul | Flexibility

Stiffness

Previously, our manual assessment revealed the shoe's exceptional rigidity, as we couldn't twist or bend it. Yet, evaluating it longitudinally was still on our to-do list.

During this 90-degree longitudinal bend test, we discovered the shoe to be more flexible than from a torsional standpoint, displaying average stiffness. It required only 30.2N of force to bend, which bodes well for comfort and gets the easy-pace seal of approval.

Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 30.2N
Average 28.6N
tenis part asics classic ct masculino.
Compared to 331 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
2.2N
Stiffness
94.4N

Trainers part asics Tiger Runner 1191A301 White Midnight 100 (%)

Similar to our midsole softness test, we reassessed the stiffness after a 20-minute chill in the freezer.

Remarkably, the shoe became just 10.4% firmer, further highlighting the outstanding qualities of the FF Blast+ (EVA mixed with Olefin) foam. This level of performance is exactly what we anticipate from a premium-priced shoe.

Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 10.4%
Average 34.2%
Compared to 331 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
0%
Trainers part asics Tiger Runner 1191A301 White Midnight 100
148%

Size and fit

Toebox width - widest part

We've found that part asics has taken the users' feedback to heart, as the toebox now spans 99.2 mm at the same measurement point. This is considerably wider than the Nimbus 25.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS toebox

This adjustment creates additional space inside the shoe, making it more accommodating for runners with wide feet. Moreover, those needing even more room have the option to choose a wide or extra-wide size in certain markets.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS part asics Gel Sonoma 5 Goretex Trailrunningschoenen
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 99.2 mm
Average 98.4 mm
Compared to 349 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
89.5 mm
Toebox width - widest part
109.1 mm

Toebox width - big toe

The big toe area is notably comfortable, thanks to its minimal tapering. Our measurement of 79.1 mm confirms it's broader than many other running shoes in its category.

When it comes to vertical space in the toebox, there's ample room for most feet, although it doesn't feature an exceptionally high design. However, we already shown that the upper is made from an ultra-soft, stretchy knit material, which ensured we experienced no discomfort, a common issue with many rigid, mesh-based uppers.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Zapatillas part asics Gel Cumulus 23 para Hombre Negro Azul
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 79.1 mm
Average 78.3 mm
Compared to 223 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
60.4 mm
Toebox width - big toe
92.5 mm

Heel feel

In our final assessment of the outsole, we turned our attention to the outsole thickness. part asics opted for a slightly thinner design here, which we consider a positive move, especially given the outstanding results from our previous tests.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS outsole

Choosing a thicker outsole often guarantees durability but can mute the feel of the ride, rendering the shoe somewhat cumbersome for long runs and significantly heavier.

Therefore, a 2.3 mm thickness seems to hit the sweet spot for us, yet we believe ASICS could potentially reduce it to below 2 mm for next year's version.

asics gel tactic 2 trainers mens

We shifted our focus to the tongue area and observed that the tongue is semi-gusseted—a remarkable strategy for achieving optimal lockdown.

Yet, we were surprised, as knit uppers typically come with fully-gusseted tongues, or even bootie-style designs.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS part asics gel tactic 2 trainers mens
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 Both sides (semi)

Comfort

Tongue padding

While the Nimbus 26 focuses on all-around plush comfort, its surprisingly thin 4.1-mm tongue stood out to us despite being considerably thicker than the previous version.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS knit

Initially, we were concerned about potential pressure points. However, extensive long-run testing proved these fears unfounded—the tongue caused no discomfort whatsoever.

Still, it's worth noting that other comfort-focused trainers like the Zapatillas part asics Gel Cumulus 23 para Hombre Negro Azul often feature tongues twice as thick, an option potentially limited by the Nimbus 26's emphasis on weight.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Tongue padding
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 4.1 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 346 running shoes
Brown sneakers and shoes part asics
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Heel tab

The heel retains its distinctive, oversized finger-loop tab from the previous design. This striking addition isn't just visually amazing, we found it makes sliding into the knit upper a breeze!

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Heel tab
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 Finger loop

Removable insole

The Ortholite X-55 insole is fully removable, making it a snap to swap with aftermarket orthotics if needed. We tested this with several different insoles and found the process completely hassle-free.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Removable insole
Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

Chaussures part asics Gel-Sonoma 6 1011B050 Blue Coast Lapis Lazuli Blue 412.

Asics Scarpe Upcourt 4 GS Lite-Show

It's apparent that part asics follows the same pattern year after year—those wanting full reflectivity need to wait for separate Lite-Show versions of the shoe.

Test results
Gel Nimbus 26 Yes