We kick off our Running Shoes Review Series with local running content creators and athletes by looking at ASICS' latest daily trainer
PHOTO: SPORTPLUS MEDIA PTE LTD
As part of an ongoing collaboration with Singapore's premier running specialty iRun Singapore, SportPlus.sg has teamed up with local running content creators and Key Opinion Leaders and athletes to have them share their thoughts on the latest running footwear.
To kick-off our first episode of this video series titled 'Sole Mates',runner and SportPlus.sg host John Yeong discusses the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25, launched in January this year and dubbed as the most comfortable pair of running shoes.
Are these daily trainers really the perfect sole mates for runners? Read on to find out.
PHOTO: SPORTPLUS MEDIA PTE LTD
Overview
A quick look at the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 will tell that ASICS has really done a total re-design of the Gel-Nimbus series with this latest iteration.
It doesn’t only look different but also feels entirely different from previous editions of the series.
Noticeable Upgrades and Specs
- A significant increase in overall stack height – 6mm in the forefoot and 4mm in the rearfoot, perfect for the rearfoot and heel strikers
- A Synthetic Upper knitted tech with more space around the ankles and a knitted tongue and collar design, without sacrificing on having a good lock down
- The biggest emphasis would be on the midsole and outsole – this is a very highly cushioned shoe that will guarantee you a very plush ride. Largely thanks to the FLYTEFOAM BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning, similar to the NOVABLAST 3
- PUREGEL™ technology that creates a softer and smoother transition during your strides, and it is also placed on the rearfoot to improve shock absorption
- It weighs approximately 299g in size US 10.5
PHOTO: SPORTPLUS MEDIA PTE LTD
John's Personal Experience Running with the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 running shoes
What's your mileage so far and what do you like about the shoe?
So far I have run about 70KM in this Gel Nimbus 25, in both dry and wet conditions. I found that it does not really soak up water too much, and the AHAR+ high abrasion rubber means it still has pretty good grippiness in rainy conditions.
In terms of spaciousness, I would say it has a medium sized toe box, so it doesn’t squeeze or pinch on my foot, and wraps around the contours of my feet so it feels like my feet are wrapped in pillows.
Noticeably I feel that the shoe is firmer at the front and softer at the back, possibly for better shock absorption for heel strikers. The plush cushioning should protect runners' knees when you hit those longer miles.
PHOTO: SPORTPLUS MEDIA PTE LTD
What do you dislike about the shoe or think can be improved?
It can feel a bit stuffy after a very long run, not to the point of discomfort but a bit warm as it traps heat. Might be best for those in colder climates, but yet to test this out.
Who is this Shoe Most For?
I feel this shoe is good for a wide range of runners, doesn’t matter if you are just a beginner just picking up running or a seasoned runner who has been competing in marathons. It is probably best suited for recovery runs and those long run days.
It’s a safe shoe, with the cushioning guaranteeing that you will have a lot of protection when you do those road runs.
It may not be a good fit for those runners who prefer firmer shoes that are more snappy and responsive and where you can feel the ground more.
PHOTO: SPORTPLUS MEDIA PTE LTD
Sole Mates Overall Shoe Rating
Comfort: 5/5
Stability: 4/5
Responsiveness: 3/5
Grippiness: 4/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Taking all this into consideration I would give the Gel-Nimbus 25 and overall rating of 4 Soles, and would recommend to runners doing their marathon training or multi-day races.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 is currently going for S$249 and you can purchase them from any iRun Store or online or directly from ASICS.
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