Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 Preview: Lower, Lighter, Leaner

For version 25 of the Gel-Nimbus, we saw the shoe become an attractive option for high mileage runners—one of the best max cushioned cruisers in the game for serving up a comfortable, low impact ride. Now that they got us long distance runners on board, they're swinging back to center with the version 26. Here's what we know.

Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 Overview & Release Date

The transition from the 24 to 25 saw a massive overhaul from a design and tech standpoint. The stack height went up, the gel hidden in the heel and the platform got a sleek new look. This brought new runners into the Nimbus family fold who hadn't previously given the brand a look, myself included.

For Version 26 sees less foam and likely lighter weight, which will be better for walking and everyday runs. After achieving pinnacle cushion and stack in 25, they're toning it down to make it more accessible for the mainstream. Makes sense—we saw this in the SC Trainer, Invincible, even the Alphafly. 

My one question is: Why do they have the Cumulus and Novablast if they're doing this with the nimbus? We'll have to wait and see how they evolve those models alongside these changes to the Nimbus. Below we've broken out some key changes to the midsole, upper and outsole.

Based on the historical release pattern of the Nimbus series, the Gel-Nimbus 26 will be released this winter, likely in January 2024. The Nimbus receives annual updates.

Midsole

• This is the headline - less stack, less bulge
• Rear overhang is gone, replaced by a slimmer silhoutte
• The platform is less rockered than version 26

Upper

• Material looks the same
• On version 25, the material is a stretchy comfortable knit
• Version 26 looks like a snugger fit, especially in the toe-box
• Tongue - cool stretchy tongue looks to be gone, replaced by a cushy thick tongue
• New lacing system 

Outsole

• Different rubber layout. Old one was one piece up front, one in back
• Looks like less rubber on the outsole—which is puzzling given many of the changes are designed to make this more of a daily trainer
• Same Asics Grip up front, AHAR+ in the back

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