Article by Canice Harte
ASICS GEL-Nimbus 22 ($150)
Nimbus 21 RTR review
Introduction
Canice: The Nimbus 22 is designed to provide as much shock absorption as possible while still creating a fun lively shoe to run in. In particular the Nimbus 22 has a new softer GEL® cushioning unit in the heel which provides excellent shock absorption. The Nimbus 22 also has improved forefoot GEL® technology that further reduces the load on your feet. Combine that with FLYTEFOAM® designed to give you a more energetic ride and TRUSSTIC® technology under the arch of the shoe which provides stability, and helps extend the life of the shoe, and you have a max cushion, high mileage running machine.
Pros:
Canice: Soft flexible upper, a nice heel pocket with a well padded tongue and loads of cushioning. I love the breathability of the shoe as well.
Cons:
Canice: Heavy and though the goal of this shoe is to absorb as much impact as possible, the loss of ground feel is a negative
Stats
Weight::11.0 oz / 312g men's US9 9.6oz / 272 g women's US8
Samples: 11.7 oz / 332g men’s US10, 9.6 oz / 272 g women’s US8
Stack Heights:
Men’s 31mm heel / 21 mm forefoot, 10mm drop
Women’s 33 mm heel / 20 mm forefoot, 13mm drop
Available now. $150
Tester ProfileCanice is a 2 x finisher of the Wasatch 100, the Bear 100, Moab 100, Western States 100, and Leadman as well as many other ultras. He regularly competes in Expedition Length Adventure races with his longest race to date 600 miles as well as in traditional road races and triathlons.
First Impressions and Fit
Canice: I’ve logged many miles in the Nimbus over the years and slipping into the Nimbus 22 felt like returning home. If you heel strike you’ll love that the Nimbus 22 absorbs all the impact you can throw at it. The shoe has an amazing amount of stability and is incredibly breathable.These shoes are comfortable and fit true to size.
Upper
Canice: The best thing I can say about the upper is that it is incredibly comfortable. The upper itself is an “Engineered Mesh upper” which has multi-directional material and improves ventilation and stability. It truly is breathable.
Canice: I have also always loved the Nimbus heel pocket and the extra foam used at the top of the collar. It really locks you heel into place and never rubs or causes any problems. It really is great. I also enjoy the soft laces and the well padded tongue. Together your foot is held securely in place and you do not feel any pressure points.
Midsole
Canice: First you have GEL® in the heel and forefoot. Then you have FLYTEFOAM® Propel technology that provides supreme bounce.
Below Propel you have FLYTEFOAM® LYTE technology which provides continuous cushion throughout.
Then there is the TRUSSTIC system which provides stability and designed into the midsole there is GUIDANCE LINE® technology which are flex grooves that decouple the tooling along the line of progression for enhanced gait efficiency.
Canice: Needless to say there is a lot going on with the midsole. The big takeaway is that you get an insane amount of cushioning, great stability and a fun pop to your step. All good things.
Outsole
Canice: The Nimbus 22 has what Asics call a AHAR® outsole and is designed to reduce the overall level of wear. For my part I had plenty of traction and the outsole is holding up great.
Ride
Canice: The Nimbus 22 is all about shock absorption and when you land on your heel, it’s what you don’t feel that you notice most. No nasty impact or bone jarring heel strike and a soft transition to the ball of your feet. As you roll forward you feel under control and as you toe off you get a nice bounce which propels you forward. With the Nimbus 22 you feel as if you can run all day!
Conclusions and Recommendations
Canice: The Nimbus 22 does everything it was designed to do. It’s soft, comfortable, absorbs massive amounts of impact and is fun to run and is a great high mileage shoe. My one real ding is the weight. I know it’s hard to put everything Asics has put into this shoe without picking up some unwanted ounces so there is a trade off, but if I could have anything as it relates to the Nimbus 22, it would be lighter.
Score: 9.8 / 10Read reviewers' full run bios here.
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