ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 runners

GEL-NIMBUS 26

For more than two decades, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus series has provided runners with superior cushioning and support for long-distance training. After celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, the Japanese brand released the Gel-Nimbus 26 in January 2024, introducing several updates that enhance its performance over previous models.

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 prioritises comfort, with a large midsole made out of a lightweight foam known as FF Blast Plus Eco. This soft cushioning incorporates 24% bio-based materials, which contributes to the shoe’s overall sustainability, and provides the wearer with a good amount of energy return to sustain them over long runs. PureGEL cushioning in the heel brings added shock absorption, and a moisture-wicking OrthoLite X-55 sockliner has been placed inside the shoe for an even more plush feeling underfoot. Meanwhile, the new Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole is formed of AHARPLUS rubber, which delivers even better traction, durability and flexibility, allowing free-flowing movement on a range of surfaces, both dry and wet.

The upper of the Gel-Nimbus 26 features an engineered knit build that is both lightweight and breathable. Soft and stretchy, the material fits snugly around the foot, with a redesigned shape through the midfoot providing excellent lockdown. This effect is enhanced further by the updated eyelets and the knit collar, which both looks sleek and facilitates an easy on-off experience, especially when combined with the convenient pull loops located on the heel and tongue. Reflective strips along the sidewalls provide an added element of safety as they serve to illuminate the wearer in low-light conditions.

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 retains the minimalist aesthetic of its predecessor, with subtle branding elements, including a swooping logo printed lightly onto each flank and elegant text on the midsole showcasing some of the shoe’s key technologies. The model name appears on the lateral collar and the heel pull, while a further ASICS logo highlights the one on the tongue. Lastly, the left insole shows off the silhouette’s small carbon footprint, which is reportedly 25% below the industry average.

With its recycled upper and environmentally friendly production process, the Gel-Nimbus 26 is a highly sustainable running shoe that doesn’t compromise on quality. It has been constructed using some of the brand’s most advanced technologies to offer an optimal training experience while maintaining a stylishly athletic look.