Asics is one of the top running shoe brands on the market today. Their shoes are well-known for comfort and shock absorption with the innovative GEL Technology in models like the Gel-Kayano and Gel-Nimbus.
The Asics Gel-Kayano 33 and Gel-Nimbus 28 are popular choices for runners looking for high-cushion training options for recovery days and low-impact runs.
While they both offer great comfort and lots of support, they do so in different ways, and the right one for you depends on your natural gait and foot type.
How do these shoes compare? Stick around as we break down the features of the Asics Kayano vs. Nimbus head-to-head to help you determine the right one for your needs.
Quick Verdict
The Asics Gel-Kayano 33 is best for runners who overpronate and need a shoe that provides stability to keep their feet in an optimal position.
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 is best for neutral runners looking for a comfortable high-cushion shoe for recovery days.
Specs at a Glance
| Specs | Asics Gel-Kayano 33 | Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 |
| Average Weight (Men’s) | 10.5 ounces | 10.8 ounces |
| Average Weight (Women’s) | 9.1 ounces | 9.3 ounces |
| Stack Height (Men’s) | 39 mm in the heel and 31 mm in the forefoot | 43.5 mm in the heel and 35.5 mm in the forefoot |
| Stack Height (Women’s) | 38 mm in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot | 42.5 mm in the heel and 34.5 mm in the forefoot |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Midsole | Dual-layer FF Blast Max and FF Blast Plus foam, FLUIDSUPPORT technology, and PureGEL in the rearfoot | FF Blast Plus foam with PureGEL in the rearfoot |
| Support Type | Stability | Neutral |
| Price | $169.95 | $169.95 |
Midsole & Support Tech
These shoes use the same type of midsole cushioning, with both shoes featuring FF Blast Plus foam. The Gel-Kayano also features a layer of FF Blast Max foam on top of this FF Blast Plus layer. Both shoes also have PureGEL technology in the rearfoot.
The FF Blast foam is lightweight cushioning that provides great responsiveness with each foot strike. These are both high-cushion shoes, so you will sink into the foam more and have less pop off the ground than something lighter. Still, the foam is very comfortable and provides great support during distance running.
Additionally, the PureGEL in the rearfoot provides really nice heel cushioning. It’s a great fit for runners who heel strike more often or like having extra impact resistance in that region.
The main difference between these shoes is the support system.
Asics Gel-Kayano 33
The Gel-Kayano 33 is known as a stability shoe. It provides extra support for runners who overpronate, meaning the feet roll inward too much. Not correcting overpronation can increase fatigue and lead to problems like shin splints and knee pain. Therefore, having the right shoes to help can be essential for optimal performance and health.
This shoe uses new FLUIDSUPPORT technology to prevent overpronation. This support uses the dual-layered midsole and upgraded shoe geometry to intuitively support the arch and work with your biomechanics to correct for overpronation throughout the gait cycle.
During testing, we found that the stability system in the Kayano 33 is more subtle than your typical stability trainer. You will feel it start working when you pronate too far, but it’s not as stiff as many other stability shoes on the market. It still feels plush for extra comfort during your low-intensity training.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 28
The Gel-Nimbus 28 doesn’t have the extra stability system in the midsole. Instead, it’s a neutral running shoe that’s best when you have a neutral gait, where your feet don’t roll too far in either direction.
While both of these shoes are soft and comfortable, you will feel like you can sink into the Nimbus 28 more since it doesn’t have that built-in support structure. Instead, it focuses purely on comfort and impact resistance.
Fit & Upper
Along with differences in amount of support, the Gel-Kayano and Gel-Nimbus also differ when it comes to upper material and overall fit around the foot.
Asics Gel-Kayano 33
The Kayano 33 fits a bit tighter around the foot. Particularly, you’ll feel it around the heel, going from the midsole into the upper. It’s designed to cup your foot in place, again preventing any tilting that would cause overpronation.
It’s also made with an engineered mesh upper. Mesh is a great option for breathability, and we found that it kept feet feeling cool and fresh during extended training sessions.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 28
The Nimbus 28 fits a little roomier. You’ll especially feel some extra footspace in the midfoot and toebox. However, it still hugs your foot enough to keep it secure and prevent sliding from side to side.
The newest Nimbus iteration also features a new refined engineered knit upper. This flexible upper is softer and less structured than the Kayano, boasting immediate step-in comfort with a soft and secure fit.
Ride & Best Uses
You’ll find that the ride of these shoes is quite similar. They’re soft, comfortable, and perform best at slower paces. These are best used as high-cushion shoes for recovery days, low-impact training, and slow-paced distance running.
The FF Blast foam in the midsole does give them enough responsiveness that you can pick up the pace in these shoes at times, with the FF Blast Max in the Gel-Kayano offering even more rebound and energy return. However, their weight and size will hold you back during true speed training.
Minor differences you’ll feel in the ride are based on the support system of these shoes. As mentioned, the Kayano 33s FLUIDSUPPORT system for overpronation makes it a little stiffer during the ride, whereas the Nimbus 28 favors pillowy comfort through and through.
Weight, Stack, & Drop
These shoes weigh about the same. They’re both on the heavier end, which is to be expected with a high-cushion shoe that packs a lot of foam and support in the midsole. The weight and size are why you’ll find they’re best suited to slower training sessions.
They also have the same heel-to-toe offset, although there are some key differences when it comes to stack height.
Asics Gel-Kayano 33
The Kayano 33 comes in with a lower stack at 39 mm in the heel and 31 mm in the forefoot for men’s shoes and 38 mm in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot for women’s. While this is still a high stack height, it means that compared to the Nimbus, you get a bit less cushioning underfoot for impact resistance.
However, the benefit of being closer to the ground is that it can help you feel more connected on each foot strike. That’s essential in a stability shoe where maintaining form and preventing side-to-side wobbling is a primary goal.
Previous versions of this shoe had a higher 10 mm drop, but Asics slightly lowered the drop to 8mm in recent iterations. While the offset is lower than before, 8mm is still on the higher end when it comes to running shoe drops. This higher drop means the shoe provides extra cushioning and impact resistance under the heel for those who heel strike more often.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 28
You get a higher stack height of 43.5/35.5 mm with the men’s Nimbus 28 and 42.5/34.5 with the women’s. It packs plenty of cushioning underfoot for soft landings.
That said, some runners feel like a higher stack makes them feel disconnected from the ground and can affect form. Therefore, it’s something to consider when trying these shoes on for the first time.
Like the Gel-Kayano 33, the Gel-Nimbus 28 also has an 8mm drop and provides a good amount of impact resistance for light heel strikers.
Durability & Outsole
Both of these shoes feature a high-quality hybrid ASICSGRIP rubber outsole. When we were testing them, we found they provided effective grip on dry and wet paved surfaces, so you should feel confident in them while training in different weather conditions.
Overall, the Gel-Kayano 33 has slightly more outsole coverage and grip, so you may find it a bit more durable and adaptable to different terrains across your runs.
Sustainability Notes
Asics has been working hard in recent years to operate more sustainably throughout the supply chain. A statement from Asics showed that they reduced CO2 emissions during manufacturing by 29.8% from 2015 to 2023. The company’s long-term goal is to reduce emissions by 63% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Each of these shoes also uses sustainable organic materials in its composition:
- The Gel-Kayano’s mesh upper is made from recycled polyester fabric
- The Gel-Nimbus’s upper is made from 75% recycled bio-based materials with a and the dyeing process reduces water usage and carbon emissions compared to traditional dyeing technology
Asics’ growing use of organic materials in their shoes shows that they’re striving to create net-positive products for customers and the environment. It’s a win-win for anyone looking for a great pair of running shoes while trying to minimize their carbon footprint.
Price & Value
These shoes retail at $169.95. They’re about a mid-range price compared to other Asics running shoes and comparable to similar models from other top brands.
We believe these shoes offer good value for the price. You get a high-quality cushioned experience in both.
The Kayano 33 gives you the benefits of effective stability features for overpronation while still offering a smooth and cushioned ride.
Alternatively, neutral runners looking for a recovery shoe should be happy with the plush comfort provided by the Nimbus 28.
If you aren’t sure which shoes are right for you or want to check out models from other top brands, we’re here to assist at Marathon Sports. When you stop in, one of our footwear experts can provide a complimentary gait analysis and give you recommendations based on your foot type and training goals.
You can also shop online and receive free shipping on all orders of $74.95 or more, with returns or exchanges within 30 days of purchase.
Gel-Kayano vs. Gel-Nimbus – Which is Best for You?
To sum things up, here’s what you should consider to determine which of these shoes is best for you.
Asics Gel-Kayano 33
The Kayano 33 will be right for you if:
- You need a stability shoe to support overpronation
- You prefer a lower stack height that keeps you closer to the ground
- You want a snug fit that keeps your feet in an optimal position
Asics Gel-Nimbus 28
The Nimbus 28 will be right for you if:
- You’re a neutral runner looking for a comfortable recovery shoe
- You prefer a higher stack with plenty of cushioning underfoot to minimize impact
- You want a looser fit that allows some extra footspace for comfort
FAQs
Are These Shoes Compatible With Orthotics?
Orthotics for overpronation, supination, and arch support are compatible with a neutral shoe like the Gel-Nimbus 28. However, they usually aren’t recommended for stability trainers like the Gel-Kayano 33 unless someone struggles with severe overpronation that requires extra support.
We offer many orthotics and insoles at Marathon Sports that can optimize support and comfort, and can help you determine if they’re the right fit for your needs.
Do These Shoes Fit True to Size?
Most runners will find that these shoes fit true to size. The Kayano 33 fits a bit tighter, but comes in a wide option for those who need extra foot space. The Nimbus 28 will feel a bit roomier and also comes in a wide option for those who need even more foot space.
Where Will They Fit Into a Running Shoe Rotation?
The Asics Gel-Kayano 33 and Gel-Nimbus 28 are both high-cushion shoes that perform best for slow paces and light recovery training. They’re meant to provide lots of impact resistance to minimize fatigue and joint strain.
You can complement them in a rotation with a versatile daily trainer like the Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 and a high-cushion tempo shoe like the Asics Superblast 3.
Try on the Asics Gel-Kayano 33 and Gel-Nimbus 28 at Marathon Sports
We offer a wide selection of running shoes from Asics and other top brands at Marathon Sports. That includes the Asics Gel-Kayano and Asics Gel-Nimbus.
You can stop by one of our retail locations and try them on today. Our in-store footwear experts are happy to help with any questions and provide a professional gait analysis to ensure you find the right fit.
You can also shop online and have them shipped straight to your doorstep with free shipping on all orders of $74.95 or more.
Start shopping today to find the ideal pair of shoes for your needs!
