The Nimbus 12 is new for 2010 and is a worth successor to the excellent Nimbus 11. If you are a neutral runner (with maybe slightly higher arches) that optimizes for comfort over distance ahead of absolute speed this is a good shoe for you or at least a good shoe for you to train in to avoid injuries.
The Nimbus line is one of Asics franchise shoes; it is at the higher end of cost and purpose made for running. Note that there is little lateral support, so if you are cross-training in other sports you may need another pair of shoes. The Nimbus is particularly well suited for high-mileage runners (those running 25 miles or more a week) and those with a "neutral" gate and slightly higher arches there is greater cushioning for the arches.
For background, I am 6'1", 175, and run three to six miles several days a week 2/3rds of the time on a treadmill and 1/3 of the time outside. Some seasons I kick up the miles for a marathon, but in general running is part of a cross training program. I have traditionally, oscillated between New Balance and Asics, but tend to favor Asics (in part because the numbering system used by New Balance makes it more challenging to find the same types of shoes from year to year). The Nimbus 12s are probably my 5th or 6th iteration with the Nimbus line.
When you first see these in person you will notice two changes from previous versions:
1. more flash
2. an asymmetrical lacing pattern
The toe caps and portions of the shoe are shiny and look jazzier (to some maybe more expensive) than previous versions. The asymmetrical lacing pattern means that the laces follow an angle from the front of the shoe to the back, rather than the traditional parallel line (along the middle) from front to back. In theory this is to follow the contour of your foot more closely for comfort. Personally, I cannot feel a real difference, but I don't cinch my laces very tightly either, and the tongue of the shoe tends to provide enough cushion from the laces. Would rate this as much marketing as a value add feature.
The real difference from earlier versions is evident when you put them on. Instead of your foot sitting on a traditional wedge of foam, your heel actually sinks lower into the footbed of the shoe. At first they feel almost a little big, like you are wearing a low top shoe that comes up to your ankle and is also one size too large. But your foot also feels like you just slid into a well fitted shoe strange paradox that is a little disorienting...until you go for a run.
Running is where these really stand out. If you are looking for cushioning, these are the softest version of the Nimbus yet. Running on a treadmill or anything short of hard cement and you will feel like you are running on soft earth. Not so soft that you feel like you are running on sand, but soft earth like a well kept grass soccer field. The clunky feeling that you felt in first trying them on disappears and they feel great. You can run many miles and your feet still feel good. On the flip side, if you feel that the cushioning robs you of energy, then would suggest another shoe.
Two asides: (1) if you are new to Asics, most people order one size larger than their street shoe ie, if you where a 10 in regular shoes, you may need and 11 and (2) maybe in the minority on this, but I continue to be bothered that the stock insoles on the Nimbus are pathetic. For a shoe you are investing more than $120 in, the insoles are barely better than cardboard. But almost all running shoes suffer from this issue, so I am not deducting a star for this.
In summary, if you like the Asics feel, these are significantly different from previous iterations externally and internally, but an excellent shoe overall.
Hope this review helps you.
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The Nimbus 12 is new for 2010 and is a worth successor to the excellent Nimbus 11. If you are a neutral runner (with maybe slightly higher arches) that optimizes for comfort over distance ahead of absolute speed this is a good shoe for you or at least a good shoe for you to train in to avoid injuries.
The Nimbus line is one of Asics franchise shoes; it is at the higher end of cost and purpose made for running. Note that there is little lateral support, so if you are cross-training in other sports you may need another pair of shoes. The Nimbus is particularly well suited for high-mileage runners (those running 25 miles or more a week) and those with a "neutral" gate and slightly higher arches there is greater cushioning for the arches.
For background, I am 6'1", 175, and run three to six miles several days a week 2/3rds of the time on a treadmill and 1/3 of the time outside. Some seasons I kick up the miles for a marathon, but in general running is part of a cross training program. I have traditionally, oscillated between New Balance and Asics, but tend to favor Asics (in part because the numbering system used by New Balance makes it more challenging to find the same types of shoes from year to year). The Nimbus 12s are probably my 5th or 6th iteration with the Nimbus line.
When you first see these in person you will notice two changes from previous versions:
1. more flash
2. an asymmetrical lacing pattern
The toe caps and portions of the shoe are shiny and look jazzier (to some maybe more expensive) than previous versions. The asymmetrical lacing pattern means that the laces follow an angle from the front of the shoe to the back, rather than the traditional parallel line (along the middle) from front to back. In theory this is to follow the contour of your foot more closely for comfort. Personally, I cannot feel a real difference, but I don't cinch my laces very tightly either, and the tongue of the shoe tends to provide enough cushion from the laces. Would rate this as much marketing as a value add feature.
The real difference from earlier versions is evident when you put them on. Instead of your foot sitting on a traditional wedge of foam, your heel actually sinks lower into the footbed of the shoe. At first they feel almost a little big, like you are wearing a low top shoe that comes up to your ankle and is also one size too large. But your foot also feels like you just slid into a well fitted shoe strange paradox that is a little disorienting...until you go for a run.
Running is where these really stand out. If you are looking for cushioning, these are the softest version of the Nimbus yet. Running on a treadmill or anything short of hard cement and you will feel like you are running on soft earth. Not so soft that you feel like you are running on sand, but soft earth like a well kept grass soccer field. The clunky feeling that you felt in first trying them on disappears and they feel great. You can run many miles and your feet still feel good. On the flip side, if you feel that the cushioning robs you of energy, then would suggest another shoe.
Two asides: (1) if you are new to Asics, most people order one size larger than their street shoe ie, if you where a 10 in regular shoes, you may need and 11 and (2) maybe in the minority on this, but I continue to be bothered that the stock insoles on the Nimbus are pathetic. For a shoe you are investing more than $120 in, the insoles are barely better than cardboard. But almost all running shoes suffer from this issue, so I am not deducting a star for this.
In summary, if you like the Asics feel, these are significantly different from previous iterations externally and internally, but an excellent shoe overall.
Hope this review helps you.
Best Deals on ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 12 Running Shoe
First of all let me begin telling you that I'm new to the Asics Brand. I did the terrible mistake of believing all running shoes were similar, therefore didn't pay much attention to brand, just a correct fit for my underpronation.
And Yes, what I mistake I made.
I'm not a marathoner or intend to be, I categorize myself as an individual who tries to have a somewhat healthy or active lifestyle and not be surprised by a heart attack in my mid 40's.
I jog around 6 kms (3.7 miles) per day and wear out my running shoes approximately each 6 months (my last pair was a NB 767).
Been feeling a bit of pain in my lower back and knee in the last couple of months, so a friend of mine recommended changing to a cushioning type of running shoe.
After doing my internet research, I stumbled upn the Asics Nimbus 12 model, and got some great reviews of it.
So I took the chance and ordered them.
The minute I tried them on, I felt amazingly well, my feet felt like cuddled, supported and cushioned. Then I went out and did my daily jog.
Not only I got less tired, but felt no pain.
So, considering that I'm not into fads or anything like that, I strongly recommend this par of running shoes if u haven't made up your mind.
I know that my next pair of shoes will be Asics Nimbus....
Honest reviews on ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 12 Running Shoe
The Gel-Nimbus 12 is very comfortable and has excellent cushioning. It's also a very breathable shoe (I live in Florida so it's a must for me). I recently did a 22 mile long run w/these shoes and had no issues. My only two complaints are:
1. I wish there was a better selection of colors for this shoe.
2. The inside area of the shoe that supports the Achilles tendon seems to wear out quickly if I wear cotton socks.
Previously, I was wearing Asics Kayano 15, however, after about 100 miles I started getting runner's knee and calf cramps on my runs. At first, I couldn't figure out the cause of my injuries, but then a friend recommended that I get a shoe that works for my foot type (flat feet). The Asics Kayano 15 is rated as a 'Stability' shoe. I needed a 'Neutral-Cushioned' shoe, so I bought the Gel-Nimbus 12 and have not had any sign of runner's knee or calf cramps since.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 12 Running Shoe
Bought this shoes and first time I used they were great!
They are comfortable a feel wonderful.
However, after using them for three runs I started feeling a ridiculous pain inside my lag, just next to my calf. I did not change anything in my running routine, only the shoes. So I went on line and found that this shoes were designed to compensate for suppination (which is actually a very unusual orthopedics problem).
I went back to my Mizzunos and the pain is gone!
So I would recommend the shoes if you suppinate, but if you don't, don't buy the shoes or you will end up getting hurt.
Also, don't buy it from Foot Locker online. Their costumer care is terrible and if you have any problems with the shoes it will be just a hassle. Unless you are 200% sure of what you want and the have the best price out there, buying online with them is an overall bad experience.
