Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 vs Asics Gel-Cumulus 28:
Which to Choose

September 14, 2026

Verdict

It genuinely depends on your stride and your distance goals. Go Nimbus for the most cushioned, most protective, lower-drop ride focused on 10K-to-half comfort and recovery miles; go Cumulus if you're a heel striker who wants a steeper drop, a slightly livelier feel, and a single shoe that comfortably scales up to the marathon. Neither is built for fast running, so if speed is your aim, look elsewhere in the Asics lineup.

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28

170.00 USD

Asics Gel-Cumulus 28

145.00 USD

Pace

3 of 6

Cushioning

6 of 6

Responsiveness

4 of 6

Stability

5 of 6

Drop

6 mm

Support

Stable Neutral

Plate

None

Distances

10KHalf

Pace

3 of 6

Cushioning

5 of 6

Responsiveness

4 of 6

Stability

4 of 6

Drop

13 mm

Support

Neutral

Plate

None

Distances

10KHalfMarathon

At a Glance

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28Asics Gel-Cumulus 28

Who Should Choose Each Shoe

Choose

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28

Choose the Gel-Nimbus 28 if maximum underfoot protection is the priority and you want the softest, most planted ride for easy days, recovery runs, and long training efforts in the 10K-to-half range. Its lower 6mm drop and deeper 34mm forefoot make it the better fit for midfoot and forefoot strikers, or anyone who prefers a more even platform and the most cushioning Asics offers in a neutral trainer. It's ideal for higher-mileage runners who value a calm, cosseted landing over any hint of turnover.

Choose

Asics Gel-Cumulus 28

Choose the Gel-Cumulus 28 if you're a heel striker who likes a tall, steep 13mm drop that rolls you through the gait, and you want one shoe that can handle everything from easy jogs to steady marathon-distance long runs. Its slightly firmer, more flexible FF Blast Max ride feels a touch more energetic and versatile than the Nimbus, making it the better all-rounder for building weekly volume. Beginners logging their first big mileage blocks and experienced runners wanting a comfort-first cruiser that stretches to 26.2 will both feel at home.

Head-to-Head

These two are far more alike than different: nearly identical weight (278g for the Nimbus, 275g for the Cumulus in men's US 9), the same PureGEL-in-the-heel, foam-only, plateless recipe, and the same comfort-first, non-propulsive personality that goes vague if you try to push tempo. The real separators are geometry and cushioning. The Nimbus rides on a 40mm heel / 34mm forefoot stack for a 6mm drop, while the Cumulus sits on a 43mm heel / 30mm forefoot stack for a much steeper 13mm drop — so the Cumulus is markedly more heel-biased and heel-striker-friendly, whereas the Nimbus's lower, more even platform keeps far more foam (34mm vs 30mm) under the forefoot and suits a more natural or midfoot-leaning stride. On cushioning the Nimbus is the true max-cushion option (rated a notch higher) with a wider, more planted stable-neutral platform, giving it the more protective, floated feel for long time on feet; the Cumulus is plush but a touch firmer and more nimble, with the newer FF Blast Max foam giving it a slightly livelier, more do-it-all character. Both cap out around easy-to-steady paces, but the Cumulus's lighter, more flexible feel and marathon-ready billing make it the more versatile mileage cruiser, while the Nimbus concentrates its strengths on 10K-to-half comfort and recovery-oriented easy running.