Overview: The latest version in the lineage remains true to its predecessors. If you liked the Nimbus in the past, you will like this one too. While Asics claims to have made a significant number of changes to the new model, most are superficial. The primary differences are:
(1) a slightly narrower profile (meaning the soul does not flair out as much), though the toe box retains about the same interior width for your toes;
(2) weight has been reduced by about 4 ounces per pair, while cushioning remains as good as ever; and
(3) flashier colors have been added to suggest a more premium line.
In addition to the more subtle blue/black version, the original release includes two jazzier color combinations: a neon yellow / blue and a black / "digital neon." (If past models are any indication, more color combinations through the year.)
Brief Background: I am 6'1", 175, and run three to seven miles several days a week primarily on city streets and paved running trails, sometimes on the treadmill. Once or twice a year I will train up to the half-marathon to full-marathon level for a short window, but running is generally part of my cross training program. The Nimbus 14s are probably my 7th or 8th version to run in of the Nimbus line. (I also periodically buy a set of Kayanos, but prefer the Nimbus for their slightly higher level of cushioning.)
About Asics: For years Asics has had two popular models: the Kayano (now on its 18th iteration) and the Nimbus. These were the models that first regularly broke the $100 per pair mark. Now, so many iterations later, they are retailing for $140 $150 per pair. To up the ante Asics has added additional designs such as the super premium Kinsei line that is $180+ and the Cirrus, a line aimed at people moving towards a flatter soul (read: natural running a la the 5 Fingers crowd). (Beginning with the last iteration, 13, the Nimbus was already beginning to lower its heal, so the line is keeping pace with evolving trends, but at a more subdued rate.) While I can't speak to the Cirrus line, I have looked at the Kensei line. Though others may disagree, the Kensei strikes me as a Kayano rapped in techno lizard skin. Not that I don't like techno lizard skin, it just appears they are more flash than "superior engineering," regardless of price differential. For most runners, the Kayano and Nimbus will likely retain their place as the real workhorses in the stable for training or exercise.
The Nimbus: For anyone new to Asics or the Nimbus line in particular, the shoe is particularly well-suited for those with a "neutral" gate and slightly higher arches there is greater cushioning for the arches. If you are a high-mileage runner (running 25 miles or more a week) optimizing for comfort over absolute speed, this is an excellent shoe to train in to avoid injuries. Running on a treadmill or anything short of hard cement and you will feel like you are running on soft earth.
Number 14: With respect to the specific changes for 2012:
(1) The weight loss is noticeable. The new shoes feel slightly lighter. It is more evident in the hand than on the foot, but the slight reduction in weight will certainly feel better in those last miles. They also seem slightly airier. This may not be good in the cold, but for running in warm weather it is a plus.
(2) The shoe retains its stability and cushioning. This remains the shoe's strong suit. One of the advantages of their continued lowering is increased sure-footedness. They are stable to run in, such that you can run on fairly uneven surfaces or have a surprise change in elevation and still not turn your ankle ie, you don't feel like you are running on a platform as was the case in the earlier models. At the same time, they continue to retain a good deal of cushioning. I have run in the 5 Fingers and the minimus shoe line by New Balance (which are great to throw in a suitcase when you have limited room and may only be hitting a treadmill). They feel good for short distances or on soft ground, but for longer stretches or pavement, still strongly prefer something with some cushion and that is where the Nimbus still stands apart.
(3) The Nimbus is getting more flash. While they are still offering some regular color schemes, they are finally adding some glitz to the line. The Kayano typically got a good color scheme or two while the Nimbus was still a little on the dull side. Look out. The Nimbus is starting to make tracks and can now stand toe-to-toe with the latest Nikes. And at this price point, it's long overdue.
A few general notes: (a) if you are new to Asics, most people order one size larger than their street shoes ie, if you wear a 10 in regular shoes, you may need to order an 11 and (b) like a toothbrush, they need to be replaced more than you might think. As much as I dislike buying a couple of pair of these a few times a year, every time I try to cheap out and go too long on replacing shoes, I spend some time nursing a shin splint or IT band injury.
As aside and likely one that will continue to remain without remedy because no one at the design studio or factory seems to listen or care, the insoles are still p-a-t-h-e-t-i-c. If you are going to put lots of miles on these, you might consider an aftermarket insole. I like the superfeet, but there are many that work well depending on your running style, arches, foot volume, etc. A trip to a running store may be well worth it on this front. As almost all running shoes suffer from this issue (the paper mache insole), I am not deducting a star for this. (If half a star could be reduced, I would.)
In sum, the new model is same as the old one, only a little better, specifically: lighter and jazzier while retaining the right balance of cushioning for a regular runner. This continues to be an excellent overall shoe for running.
Hope this review helps you.
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I have been wearing Nimbus for the past 6 years. I love the cushioning, but I find that the Nimbus 14 is narrow for my foot. It will stretch because it is made of fabric, but I wish the toe box area had been designed a bit wider. I also preferred the off center lacing of past Nimbus models. This is not my favorite ASICS Nimbus design.Best Deals on ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 14 Running Shoe
If you are looking for a neutral running shoe with lots of cushioning than I highly recomend the Nimbus 14. If your not sure if you have a neutral running gate than go to your local running store (not a chain) and have them asses your gate and buy from them. Without supporting them, this valuable advice/service is gone (trust me I Love Amazon but for running shoes, etc...).This is the lightest Nimbus yet but feels even more cushioned than the previous model. I have an average to narrow foot and the 13 also felt too snug in toe box area, the 14 does not feel too tight for my foot. Fit is the most important aspect of any running shoe, but is an individual thing, so always try on first and jog around the store.
Assuming it's a good fit for your foot (this shoe runs true to size and for most folks this shoe should be a good fit) than I highly reccommend this shoe. I intentially try/buy other brands from time to time just to mix it up and see, over time, how other top line shoes feel/work. For me, hands down, Asics is the best in terms of comfort/fit, quality, and cushioning. And, in all three of these areas, the Nimbus 14 is the best running shoe to date.
Honest reviews on ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 14 Running Shoe
I am a neutral runner who averages only about 10 to 15 miles a week. For years I ran on the Asics Kinsei and loved them, except for the price. I eventually tried the Brooks Ghost, a less supportive shoe that was quick and had a lot of go! The cushioning lacked immensely though for longer runs but I kept them around as a cross training shoe for speed and strength drills.As my Kinsei were seeing their last days and my feet tired of running in the Ghosts (my shins were yelling at me in these shoes), I was back in the market for a shoe that had the quality of the Kinsei, the speed of the Ghosts and a price range that was actually manageable. After a a few weeks of going through Runners World, researching my running style and impact, and eventually looking at the points on my foot that apply the most pressure, I came across the Asics Nimbus 14. I had tried the 13 and 12s during the previous years but was just not jazzed by the feel and responsiveness.
The improvements in the 14s made it feel like a whole new shoe though! The comfort and support are just right for my neutral running style. I have a "normal" arch and run mostly on my mid and forefoot. In some reports, I saw something about a slower responsiveness due to the cushioning in the shoe, but I felt like they had plenty of get up and go when I pushed the run. The shoe is also well ventilated and prevents any overheating while on my 3-4 miles runs. I usually integrated hills with my workouts and the shoe had plenty of grip and stability for the ups and downs as well.
The best part of the shoe is that it provides you (me) with one of the best feelings, not worrying about what's on my feet. I can just run and focus on MY workout. They gave me this feeling within day one. I had to slightly, very slightly, break them in, but they felt plush from the go. I definitely recommend going to your local running store that has a treadmill, try them out for yourself, and see what I am talking about. I am not an avid runner, but these shoes will bring you that much closer to wanting to be one!
Plus, they come in neon yellow, what's more awesome than that!?
These are highly recommended and will most likely buy a couple more pairs for the years to come!
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