ASICSMen's Gel-Nimbus 21 Running Shoes

Great shoe for training with occasional social wear (because they have some great colors!). Good price point for durability, though I don't want to pay above $100. I'm a former fan of the cushioning and light weight vs sturdiness of Asics' Cumulus and Kayano series shoes, except that Kayano forced a roll in my heel strike and Cumulus are super pricey now. For beginning self-coached runners, I'll give more details to support my summary above. I mention other shoes, but ultimately this review is about Asics Nimbus which I give 4-5 stars out of 5. Solid features, happy I own my Nimbus. If the price keeps edging up, I'll find another shoe.I've run distance in half marathons, occasionally. Meaning 1-2 races per year over a 6-7 year period (work, family, life matter). Probably 1500 miles. I still run when not training for a race, and have tried New Balance too. New Balance feel good but never last long due to construction flaws. Asics are durable, but I've tried a few different models. Unfortunately I didn't figure out the heel roll on other Asics models that opposed my natural stride until a few half marathons, so I had some persistent minor injuries the whole time from Kayano shoes a couple years. Cumulus were nice, but too pricey and their cushioning gave out too soon compared to Gel Kayano. Changing shoes and rest were my recovery. I ran 1 marathon in Zoot Kalani Ultras, and enjoyed the show portion of the experience. Now I've switched to Zoot and Asics Nimbus to start building mileage again, hopefully shoe-induced injury free.So far these Nimbus are great! They are solid (but not to the point of removing all ankle roll on all solid surfaces because I still want to be responsive to pavement changes). They are fairly light weight for being on the higher end of durability - compared to their peers. I don't notice a forced roll on heel strike, and they aren't as aggressive on the heel to toe angle. For 40-50% lower price, my Zoot have more air flow and equal "neutral" design with good cushioning, but seem less durable. I love Zoot because shin splints and other recurring minor injuries went away with Kalani Ultras.I mention all these shoes because I hope it helps other runners understand how these specs matter. You have to build endurance through consistancy, so good shoes are vital. It's all about your stride and foot rotation on the surface you run. Light shoes mean less effort raising your rear heel back to top. Forcing a roll upon heel strike affects your supporting body parts (ITB strain, shin splints, Achilles injuries can result if you are not generally neutral). Heel to toe angle impacts your spring off, meaning it helps you get just enough forward motion without too much heel impact or too much weight always on the balls of your feet. So when you finish the life of your running shoes, they should have a good sole wear pattern (adjusted to generally neutral) and you should have knees, shins, etc that don't hurt.Airflow matters for cooling and handling precipitation while running, plus odor control as they air dry after runs. Durability vs price is a big deal to me, which is why I only run in Asics or Zoot. Asics seem to last 300 to 500 miles (don't wear them as everyday shoes if they are for running). Zoot are my preference for the race as they feel cooler & lighter, but they just don't last as many miles as Asics. Asics & Zoot fit alike - snug but not restrictive on my US size 12 foot (6ft 185 lbs). Haven't tried wide shoes or extra thick socks or weighted vests or trails in these. I just run my neighborhood or a local park with occasional grass & terrain change.

I bought these shoes to replace some New Balance cross trainers since NB was one of very few manufacturers that offer extra wide shoes. Reviews of NB shoes of late were not encouraging since reviewers say their QC has slipped and fit is not the same as they used to be. But in deference to NB, a lot of the name brand shoe manufacturers seem to be getting a similar bad reviews saying the quality is not as it once was. . .for any of them. Back to these Asics: they seemed just a tad tight when I first put them on but its more like they caress your feet like well made driving gloves. The mesh uppers have enough give in them versus leather shoes to render a good fit. I bought these to walk in and not as a running shoe as they're marketed for. But to date I'm completely satisfied with these Asics and will likely purchase them again.

Literally the best pair of running shoes I’ve ever owned. I have never been much of a runner. I’ve always done power-lifting and heavy compound lifts. So as expected I always shunned running and extended cardio exercises. I’m getting old now and let’s face it, my joints and tendons aren’t what they used to be. So I’ve decided to keep my weights lower and add longer runs to my workout regiment. I started running, using just my ordinary Reebok sneakers. Turns out I’m an under-pronater and this was made evident by a calf strain and stress fracture to the outside of my right foot. My doc told me that I supinate too much when I run and I needed a sneaker that had more arch support and encouraged me to pronate more. After a little bit of research, I pulled the trigger and pick these shoes up. In less than a week after those aforementioned injuries, I popped them on and cleared a 5 mile run which was easier and more comfortable than any other time in my life. My calf was a little sore afterwards, but my foot felt fine. Not even a tinge of pain. Since then, I’ve cleared a few more runs between 5 and 7 miles. My calves no longer hurt and forgot that I even had a foot injury. If you have a problem with your arches or not pronating enough (the outside of your feet hurt or your calves feel like they’re going to tear) these are the sneakers for you. Hands down

I liked the fact that Gel Nimbus 21’s are light weight and fit well. Although when I compare the feel of the shoe while running to the Gel Nimbus 19’s which I owned 8 pair, and previous years there is a significant difference in cushion support . The 21’s seem stiff and not as comfortable while running. Every pair of the Gel Nimbus brand I have worn since 10’s required no break in time. I am remaining positive that the 21’s will break in. Note: I did not purchase the Gel Nimbus 20’s due to the overall bad reviews.

Excellent shoe. This is my third iteration Gel Nimbus and after a few misses (the 18 and 19 versions) ASICS is back in the game. I had the 16, then skipped to the 20 and now 21.Fits well - not too tight and not too loose. Light and comfortable. Years ago I had knee issues after road running, I was recommended the Nimbus then and it has delivered ever since. After thousands of K since, knee problems never re-occurred.After reading in Amazon’s product descriptions about light reflective materials I found this not to be true with other colors of this same shoe iteration 21. I therefore exchanged for this Lite Show version , and it delivers. The shoe reflects lights in a multi colored rainbow effect. Certainly noticeable in the light beams of a passing or oncoming car before dawn. That was a major point in my buying decision, and this Lite Show versions delivers - not the other colors though. Recommending this version for low light winter running.