ASICS Gel-Nimbus 11 Road Shoes

If the ASICS shoe company was an elite runner it would be known as a consistent competitor who always shows up at the starting line ready to race hard.  With few exceptions, ASICS has produced shoes that are of excellent quality, fit and performance. The GEL-Nimbus 11 ($125) is a prime example. As a long distance runner with a high arch, I need a neutral shoe that is comfortable and stable for the long haul, yet also light and fast for tempo runs.  This latest GEL-Nimbus model successfully meets both of my needs, making it my go-to shoe for training.  

(Disclaimer: I have trained in and worn the ASICS GEL-Nimbus shoe for several years now, but this also makes me quite critical of any changes ASICS makes from model to model).

The GEL-Nimbus 11 improves upon the cushioning and stability of previous models with the addition of a new comfort-centric lightweight upper. They also removed overlays at the end of the asymmetrical lacing, which allows for a larger and more traditional open-air mesh toe-box. I hadn’t realized just how restrictive the previous model’s toe-box had been until I started running in this version, but I really do appreciate having more room and breath-ability in this area.  ASICS also did away with seams to reduce heel irritation while the high-density foam in the heel area molds well to individual heel shape and structure, decreasing slippage and improving fit.  I have a narrow heel and have had problems with slippage in the past, but found that in the GEL-Nimbus 11 my heel stays in place without feeling too tightly restricted. Suffice to say that at the end of long marathon training runs my feet felt as comfortable in the shoes as when I had first put them on. 

ASICS also changed the midsole of the shoe, which significantly reduces the weight (making it 12.4-ounces versus the previous 13.2-ounces ).  Previous models had a compression molded midsole and ASICS improved upon this with the use of Solyte in the GEL-Nimbus 10,  a significantly lighter cushioning material than EVA cushioning materials.  For the GEL-Nimbus 11, ASICS also improved the composition of Solyte, which is supposed to give the shoe more bounce back and make it more durable.  I definitely felt an increase in response to impact, but this could also be due to the fact that any new shoe feels better upon impact.  The jury is still out on Solyte, but day in and day out I do appreciate a lighter shoe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for less weight. 

 In my pre-ASICS days I wore some “women’s” running shoes (read: they came in girly colors like pink and purple).  However, women and men’s feet differ across many variables, including arch shape and the lateral side of the foot and the ball of the foot. Women also have different injury patterns than men. 

I care more about having women's-specific technology than color. In the GEL-Nimbus 11, ASICS uses a gender-specific “space trusstic” system that adjusts to the normal periodic changes in the shape of a woman’s arch and incorporates a molded component under the mid-foot to provide stability and aid in controlling torsion.  In the men’s model the shoe accounts for the typically higher compression weight of the male footstrike by incorporating a denser injection in the forefoot.       

 Although changes from one model of a running shoe to another can often be hit or miss, ASICS definitely has a hit with the new GEL-Nimbus 11.  I’ve been running heavy mileage in this shoe for a while now and I’m still getting a consistently great fit and performance, which makes both me and my feet very happy!