Asics Superblast vs Gel-Nimbus 25: The Best Max Cushion Asics?

The Asics Superblast and Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 are two of the most cushioned shoes in the Asics lineup, but they offer distinct takes on the max stack category from Asics. Here's how they compare.

The Asics Superblast and Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 are two of the best options in Asics' highly cushioned shoe lineup. With high stack heights and high-end foams, both feel incredibly protective and are a joy to run in. Below is a detailed comparison of the two models.

Overview: Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 vs Asics Superblast

The Gel-Nimbus 25 is Asics' softest cushioned shoe, featuring 41.5mm of an EVA/OBC blend foam called FF Blast+ Eco. The Nimbus also has a PureGel unit in the heel, which provides an additional layer of impact absorption for relaxed running. The foam and gel work together to deliver a soft and cushioned feel while maintaining a lightweight profile at 292g/10.3oz. Priced at $160, the Gel-Nimbus

sits right in line with other maximum cushioned shoes and will leave your legs feeling fresh after easy miles.

Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 Specs

• Weight: 292g/10.3 oz
• Stack: 41.5mm heel/33.5mm forefoot
• Drop: 8mm
• $160

Recovery runs

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25

Max-cushioned cruiser with plush ride and roomy upper

Price

$160

Plated?

No

Foam

EVA Blend

Weight (oz)

10.2

Drop (mm)

8

Support

Neutral

see details

The Superblast is a unique max cushioned shoe because it offers speed, comfort and protection without the use of a carbon fiber plate.  

With a stack height of 45.5mm and a weight of 256g/9oz, the Superblast offers a protective and responsive ride, allowing you to push the pace without compromising comfort. This is made possible by a dual-foam construction featuring both PEBA and EVA/OBC. However, coming in at $200, it is on the pricier side.

Asics Superblast Specs

• Weight 256g/9 oz
• Stack 45.5mm/37.5mm
• Drop: 8mm
• $200

Midsole Foam: FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco vs FF Blast Turbo

In the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, we see a massive stack of Asics' softest FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco foam. This foam, made from a blend of EVA and OBC, offers a notably softer feel than a typical EVA foam. It feels great right out of the box without any break-in and is made of 20% bio-based materials (e.g., leftover waste from sugarcane procession) according to Asics. This is Asics' top everyday training foam and can be seen on other models, such as the Asics Novablast 4 and Gel-Kayano 30. However, what really sets this shoe apart is the PureGel unit in the heel, adding an extra layer of cushioning while keeping the shoe reasonably light. Combined with the FF Blast+ Eco foam, you will be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable midsole.

In the Superblast, we see Asics' race day foam, FlyteFoam Turbo, on top of  a thin layer of FlyteFoam Blast+. FlyteFoam Turbo is a PEBA-based foam, which has a slightly firmer feel than other PEBA foams like Nike's ZoomX. However, this firmness gives the shoe a faster feel than most other non-plated highly cushioned shoes. Beneath the substantial layer of FlyteFoam Turbo, there is a thin layer of FlyteFoam Blast+, a blend of EVA/OBC, that helps absorb impact to protect your legs during extended mileage. Combined, these foams complement each other extremely well, resulting in a responsive, cushioned midsole without being overly soft.

Ride: Soft and Cushioned vs Responsive and Protective

The Gel-Nimbus is designed  to be Asics' most comfort-oriented shoe, and you can feel that underfoot. When landing, you can feel yourself sinking into the shoe before the curved rocker bottom upfront pops you back out. While this feeling may not be for everyone, the Gel-Nimbus 25 really shines at long runs, recovery sessions, and even daily mileage, where the cushioned ride helps you cruise along while protecting your legs. However, at faster paces, the shoe can feel somewhat clunky. It also has a wide heel, creating some stability, although it is not specifically a stability shoe.

The Asics Superblast also feels cushioned but is firmer and more responsive underfoot at faster training paces. Despite lacking a plate, the Superblast is still noticeably stiff, and the bounce feels comparable to plated training shoes like the Adidas Boston 12. Because of this, this shoe feels great at half marathon and marathon paces, but the Superblast can also move down to slower paces, making it a great all-round shoe. The Superblast is rockered and the firmer foam helps it feel more stable and grounded  than its 45.5mm stack height would suggest. Overall, the lightweight construction and responsive foam give a comfortable and protective running experience, allowing you to easily run at any pace.

In comparison, the Gel-Nimbus 25 feels much softer and more cushioned than the Superblast; it's heavier, as its purpose is to protect your legs rather than offer a fast ride. 

The Superblast, while still cushioned, is much lighter and more responsive, and you can feel that as you run. Pushing the pace down to marathon effort or faster really feels natural in the Superblast, and with a stack height of 45.5mm, your legs will still be very well cushioned and protected. Both shoes are rockered to help you glide along, but the Superblast is the better option in terms of versatility because of its lighter weight and bouncier foam.

Upper & Fit

The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 features engineered mesh that feels a little stretchy but still keeps your foot locked down. The tongue is knit and gusseted, but some may find the padding a bit lacking.In keeping with the rest of the shoe, the heel is also extremely cushioned, causing a stiffer heel counter that will keep your heel secured in place. As a men's 10, this shoe fits pretty true to size.

The Asics Superblast has a solid mesh upper that does not stretch very much and feels more like a racing shoe than a daily trainer. While still being comfortable, the Superblast locks your foot down for those uptempo runs. The tongue on the shoe is very lightweight but still padded, allowing me to tighten the laces without discomfort. The heel counter is reasonably stiff, but there is a bit of heel slippage, though it did not bother me on runs. The shoe does run a little long, so if this bothers you, going down half a size could be smart.

Outsole & Durability

The outsole grip and durability on both of these is okay. It works fine for everyday runs, but in wet conditions and snow, I found myself slipping with each step. The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 does come in a trail variation that may be better for snow conditions, but it comes at the cost of being a little heavier (310g/10.9 ounces for US mens size 9 vs 10.2 ounces for the non-trail version). In terms of durability, the Superblast definitely lasts longer due to the firmer midsole, as the Gel- Nimbus will start to lose its feel at around 300 miles. The Superblast, on the other hand, should feel cushioned but may lose some of its responsive pop as you push the miles up.

Who Are They Best For?

The Gel-Nimbus 25 is best for someone who wants to add a shoe to their rotation that can soak up miles and keep your legs feeling fresh. With a ton of cushion and a wide landing area, this shoe feels soft and stable at slow paces. The Superblast is for someone who wants a highly-cushioned shoe that can do a bit of everything. It is light, responsive, and cushioned, allowing it to feel good at any pace while still protecting your legs. While still being firmer than the Gel-Nimbus, this shoe is still a great option to soak up miles, and it really comes down to personal preference. If you like a soft ride, the Gel-Nimbus is for you, and if you enjoy a fast, firmer ride, you should go for the Superblast.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of which shoe you choose, both are excellent options and feel amazing underfoot. For more information on other shoes, check out the shoe matcher tool, where we'll choose the best running shoes for you based on your goals and preferences.