Customer Reviews ASICS GEL-Nimbus® 13

Nimbus 13: still asymmetrical lacing, too short arch support, now with less padding. The Nimbus 13 just adds to the earlier mistakes Asics made in the Nimbus 12. Having run exclusively in the Asics Nimbus series for 10 years, I am very perceptive on recent model changes. The Nimbus 11 and previous models (10, 9, 8, etc.) had a pronounced arch support in the insole of the shoe that perfectly matched the arch of my own foot. On the Nimbus 11, the dropdown point where the insole arch support terminated was 3/4 inch to 1 inch forward from the terminal end of the plastic arch support which is visible on the underside of the shoe. Unfortunately, the arch support of the Nimbus 12 and the Nimbus 13 is much shorter -- it only extends as far as the forward edge of the plastic arch support and is almost an inch shorter than my foot's natural arch. After 2 painful runs in the Nimbus 12, I reverted back to my Nimbus 11s. I went to a shoe store and lined up the heels at the same starting point, and found the Nimbus 11 has the same arch length as the Kayano 17. The Nimbus 12 and Nimbus 13 both have a shorter arch, and hence rapidly fatigue my feet on long runs. Recently I tried on the Nimbus 13, and found the arch support is still the same dysfunctional design. In addition, Asics has removed a lot of cushioning in the Nimbus 13 compared to earlier models -- this shoe now has the padding thickness of a $60 shoe, not a shoe at this price. Furthermore, the combination of the thinner padding and the asymmetrical lacing now makes the outside edge of the sole fail to extend to the lateral edge of my foot -- the outside edge of my foot hangs out in space without any sole directly underneath it - a gap of 1/4 to 3/8 inches. Unbelievably shoddy design. I'd recommend skipping the Nimbus 12 and Nimbus 13 and instead buying the Kayano 17. The Kayano 17 has been improved over the Kayano 16 in that the asymmetrical lacing which drives many runners crazy has now been moved back towards the center - not quite center-aligned lacing, but about 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch closer to the middle compared to the Kayano 16, which was rather extreme with the inner lacing eyelets located at the inner edge of the shoe, while the outer lacing eyelets are located about in the middle of the shoe. However, I recently tried the Kayano 18 and found that they also removed a lot of the padding in the shoe, particularly from the heel area. I just ordered 2 pair of the old Kayano 17s online so I have enough shoes to last me until Asics (hopefully) learns from its mistakes by way of lost sales in these anti-ergonomically designed shoes. So this review is a positive review for the (old models) Nimbus 6 through Nimbus 11 and the (old model) Kayano 17, and a negative review for the (old model) Nimbus 12, (new model) Nimbus 13, (old model) Kayano 16, and (new model) Kayano 18.

The Asics Gel-Nimbus 13 is the best running shoe I have personally experienced. I could not really imagine anything Asics could improve on with this shoe rather than making the forefoot cushioning more similar to that of the Gel-Cumulus 13 (which are great for when you're not running), but that is so minor it's not really a factor. I went years being thrown into Structured Cushioning shoes just because I am a bigger runner (200+lbs). Even when I was previously running in the Gel-Kinsei 3 it wasn't a positive experience. Running in the GN-13's changed my running experience as a whole. No shin splints, knee pain, or my feet jutting to the outside of the shoe. I actually can't wait to lace them on because they're so comfortable, and when you love your shoes it makes it so much easier to get out and pound the pavement. I would recommend this shoe to anyone (except for over-pronators). But I can't stress enough to get properly fitted for your running shoes. Just because the wet foot test says this or that, etc. Doesn't matter. Have a specialist examine your gait and tread-wear on some old shoes. Because it's easy to get shoes that are inappropriate for you. Everyone is different and has different shoe needs, don't buy a shoe because of what an online guide says based one factor. Try some on, feel them, and make sure they're are right for you. Because trust me, when you're not running in comfortable shoes, you won't be running.

I had the Nimbus 12 and even though I could get the 12 at a discount when these came out, the lighter weight made it more appealing and I coughed up more money. It didn't seem all that cushy right out of the box, but I wear mine with custom orthotics that don't have a lot of cushioning, so I'm sure the standard insole provides that, but it definitely is a tough shoe. I'm 6'5 and 225lbs and I don't sink in with the cushioning and it's definitely built for bigger people. I like the new styles. The colored laces are really cool. The collar around the ankle is a little bit thinner than the previous model and it still has a nice snug fit. The laces seem to tighten down better than the last one, too. Good for Clydesdale and people who want a stiffer, durable neutral shoe.

I've been wearing the Gel Nimbus line for several years (going through 4-5 pair a year). So I was really disappointed when I received the new version 13 and saw (felt actually) that the toe box is much narrower and the inner support rises up on the front-outside of each shoe. Very uncomfortable.

It is difficult to find 4E shoes. Zappos had lots of choices. I chose these because of the gel support. It is as close to barefoot as you can get and still have on shoes.

This is the best running shoe I have ever owned. The most comfortable and best support of any on the market including my more expensive Nike Air Max that fell apart in 3 months and when I sent back to Nike they returned saying normal wear and tear! Treat yourselves to these Asics. You'll never wear another sneaker for running.

Seriously great running shoe. I ordered the wider fit in my size because in the past I've had issues with regular fitting shoes - and the wider fit made the world of difference. It's like running on air!

I purchase ASICS Gel-Nimbus shoes because of my feet. I can't walk barefooted around the house, but with these shoes, I can walk and run outdoors. Plus ordering from Zappos, I saved a lot over retail stores.

I no longer run, but these shoes are simply the most comfortable I have ever owned. I used to wear the NB 992's, but since the change to 993's they hurt my feet. The Gel-Nimbus 13's are a great find. Also, it's amazing that I can order shoes from Zappos on Wednesday morning and they arrive on my doorstep on Thursday morning.

I was looking for another shoe, but lucky for me it wasn't available in my size. I bought these instead and I love them! Run 3-5 miles per day in them and it's all good.

If you want the absolute maximum amount of cushioning possible in a running shoe, look no further. One word of warning for those with wider feet: I tried a pair of these at a certain sporting goods store and the standard width feels too tight. I ordered the 2E width from Zappos and they feel amazing.

First to describe my shape and stride: I am 195lbs and have a flat, wide-ish foot. Although my walking gait includes a slight overpronation, my running stride is more efficient and slightly under-pronated. (I always wear out running shoe soles most under the small toes and outer heel.) I bought my shoes from a local running store. Based on the clerk watching my walking stride, I ended up with the Kayano-17. They seemed comfortable just testing in the store. But when I got home and ran on them, my foot felt no inclination to pronate, and I felt like I was running only on the outsides of my feet. I returned them after six miles and the new clerk had me actually run and noted my under-pronated gait. He suggested the Nimbus-13 which is similar to the Kayano but lacks the Duomax in the midsole. It is this Duomax material that makes the Kayano stiffer and so much more supportive. The cushion in the Nimbus is comparatively dreamy and allows my foot to rotate to the neutral position. Very comfortable! I tried running through the mall in about eight different brands and models of shoes. The Mizuno Wave Riders, Saucony Ride 4's, and the Brooks Glycerin 9 were all close, but not quite as cushioned and comfortable to my foot as the Nimbus-13. I never tried earlier versions of the Nimbus but did notice the slight difference in arch placement between the Kayano-17 and Nimbus-13 mentioned by earlier reviewer. To my foot, this was a very slight change and did not affect my perception of the fit.

The shoes are by far the most comfortable to run/walk in I've come across so far. The only drawback would be the gel in the back of the heel started coming apart piece by piece after about a month of wearing them. I kept them anyway and am still pleased.

Zappos is a great online shopping experience! I've had good luck finding sandals and athletic shoes for my son who wears a size 16. The Asics Gel-Nimbus 13 is a great shoe. We can't find these shoes in his size in local stores. Each time I've ordered my order is shipped immediately and I receive it within a few days.

Excellent cushioning without compromising responsiveness. Ran 300 miles with them while training for a Marathon. Great shoes!

Love these shoes! I run on a treadmill everyday and switched from New Balance to these and wow what a difference! Much more support for my arch and just overall feels good to put on.

I have really wide feet. I'm also a heavier runner (240+). These shoes feel great. I have been measured at 2E but the toe box ran a little narrow for me, so I ordered 4E and they fit wonderfully.

After more than 25 years of running exclusively in Nikes, I recently purchased my first pair of Asics and I am very happy with the results. I switched to the Nimbus 13 after my last two pair of Nikes were a big disappointment. To date I have logged less than 50 miles on the 13s, so I cannot attest to their durability, but so far so great! These shoes provide exceptional cushioning in both the heel and forefoot yet are relatively lightweight. They also have adequate support, however, if you over pronate and need the support of a true stability shoe, the Nimbus may not be for you. So far I really love running in these shoes. If they hold up as well as I hope they will, it may be so long Nike and hello Asics from now on.

I only buy Asics. Perfect fit, support, comfort and style. Love these new ones.

This is by far the best running shoes I ever had! I had the Nimbus 12 version and didn’t like nearly as much as I enjoy running with the new one! It has a lot more cushion and it fits better. Amazing shoes! I bought 2 pairs.

This is my second pair of the GEL Nimbus shoes. I walk 2-3 hours 5 days a week. I am 6'7" and weigh 267 pounds. I also have plantar fasciitis issues. I take out the inserts in all my shoes and replace them with Lynco L405 orthotics. I have walked 2 half-marathons with no feet issues at all. Highly recommended shoes.

Amazing shoes, comfortably, cushion and lightweight. Nice shoes to training and race day in marathon!

I love wearing these shoes at work or just casually in addition to running. Comfortable and stylish. I pretty much eliminated other brands except Asics. I have the 11 and 13, but I missed the 12 only because I did not like the colors they had. I am looking to get each color in the line of 13 because they are such awesome shoes. You cannot go wrong with these!

Loyal Nimbus user for 8 years and it just keeps getting better! Zappos is 2nd to none with customer service; I'll never buy shoes anywhere else.

I have Mortons Neuroma in one foot and these shoes plus a New Balance insert work great to eliminate the pain