Brooks Glycerin Max vs Asics Gel-Nimbus 28:
Which to Choose

These shoes agree on almost everything that matters: maximum, nitrogen- or gel-enhanced foam, a wide stable-neutral base that steadies a tall stack without pronation posts, no propulsion plate, and a shared optimal pace band of roughly 5:30–6:30 min/km for easy-to-steady running. Both use a rocker to smooth transitions and both fall apart a little when you push past about 5:15 min/km. The differences are real but a matter of degree. The Glycerin Max rides on a slightly taller platform — about 42mm heel / 36mm forefoot versus the Nimbus 28's 40mm / 34mm — and its DNA Tuned nitrogen foam gives marginally more spring and forward drive through the GlideRoll rocker, so it feels a touch bouncier and more willing on steady efforts. The Nimbus 28, with FF Blast+ and a PureGEL heel insert, is tuned the other way: calmer, more planted, and more forgiving on heel-first landings, with a more muted, protective rebound. Weight is the other clear separator — the Glycerin Max is the heavier shoe at around 305g (men's US9) against the Nimbus 28's 278g, nearly 30g lighter, which the Asics wears as the more nimble of two admittedly substantial trainers. Finally, their intended range tilts differently: the Glycerin Max is happiest stretching into marathon-comfort long runs, while the Nimbus 28 centers on the 10K-to-half window and feels most at home as a half-marathon cruiser.