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If you made a New Year’s Resolution to be more active this year, or you’re already a runner or walker on the lookout for that new daily workhorse, consider grabbing a pair of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26. Why? As one nurse who spends all day on their feet puts it: “These are, hands down, the best athletic shoes I’ve ever owned […] When I slip on these beauties, I feel like I’m walking on a cloud.”
Today, this chunky, ultra-maximalist Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 is on sale at Zappos and Amazon at 30% off. Typically retailing at $160, they’re down to just $109.95 in both men’s and women’s sizes and so many colors.
These super-soft running shoes are what reviewers rave help with their plantar fasciitis and foot problems, and they’re so good that one reviewer who claims to be a foot doctor says they always recommend them to their patients. And yes: even over Hokas.
This sneaker is strapped with everything you need for a comfy walk or run, including an OrthoLite X-55 sockliner for comfort, a cloud-like cushioning to add some squish to your step, plenty of perforation to air out those toes and a rocker design to propel you forward at toe-off. It also has some neat accessible features like a knit ankle collar for a snug fit and a pull tab to help slide them on. You can grab them in women’s sizes 5-13 and men’s 7-14, with Amazon carrying a few pairs of narrow and wide widths.
Snag a pair for yourself and get ready to cloud-walk through the week. Keep reading to see what happy Zappos customers had to say about their Gel-Nimbus 26 experience.
“I am a foot and ankle surgeon and am very in tune with shoe design. ASICS did a great job redesigning this shoe. The 8mm heel drop and cloud cushioning makes this a top shoe on the market not only for runners but for anyone on their feet a lot or with foot problems. This is especially great for plantar fasciitis. I have previously recommended only HOKA shoes to my patients for these reasons and now ASICS has a great shoe for all foot pathology. Easy to accommodate orthotics and great design. I now recommend this shoe to all my patients” — Dr. P
“I really love this line and the 25/26 have really elevated the shoe. For the 26, they improved traction which was sorely needed from the 25. They also improved the breathability of the upper. The only glaring issue is the tag on the tongue. It has rough edges and if you don’t have the right socks to protect you, it can get really uncomfortable quickly. If they removed that or changed it to something more comfortable, it would literally be one of the most perfect shoes ever. Hoping the 27 can fix that. Also, if you see any reviews saying that this shoe if slightly firmer than the 25 I personally don’t see it. What I think is happening, is that people are remembering the last time they wore their 25 that’s already been broken in and then they get a fresh 25 that hasn’t been broken in yet. I can assure you after a few wears the 26 is just as soft as the 25. Don’t let that discourage you and the traction is probably the best part of this update.” — Komorebi
“These are, hands down, the best athletic shoes I’ve ever owned. I’m a nurse and I spend a lot of time on my feet.When I slip on these beauties, I feel like I’m walking on a cloud. Since I overpronate and I have wide feet, both the size 10 women’s wide and size 8.5 men’s standard width are perfect for me, my feet, and my needs.” — Robynn H.
“Bought these sneakers because I stand at my desk a lot and I need firm but soft support. There’s another brand I normally go to for supportive running shoes, but something about the look of the ASICS caught my eye and I thought I’d try them. Turns out that they are much softer and wear more comfortably than my go-to brand. Who knew? I could not be happier with these shoes.” — Anonymous
“I have worn several models of this shoe for the past several years and I have liked them all. This one is great as well. I love the extra cushioning as I have had planter fasciitis in the past. These do feel a little bit stiffer than the Nimbus 25, but not much. These are still very cushioned and comfortable. I have only worn them for 30 minutes on a treadmill, but there is no breaking in period needed as with all of my previous pairs. To me that is the determining factor. I only walk, not run, but I do walk long distances often. Asics Gel-Nimbus have always lasted well and have not ever hurt my feet. I feel sure these will do the same. They look great and feel great. I would highly recommend these.” — Anonymous
“These feel like you are walking on clouds! They are a bit chunkier looking than the pictures show, but very lightweight. Returned because they felt a bit overkill for what I do: walking, jogging, and gym training. Definitely more suited for road running, or for those prone to sore joints.” — Taylor