Looking for an indulgently comfortable pair of sneakers that won’t break the bank? 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.”
If you thought the big H was the only comfort sneaker option, we have news for you, reviewers say the chunky, ultra-maximalist Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 “blows Hoka out of the water.” Best of all, today, they’re on sale at Amazon and Zappos at 30% off. Typically retailing at $160, they’re starting at $109.95 in both men’s and women’s sizes in sooo. 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
“Have had 2 foot surgeries in the last year and have lived in Crocs.
Spent more money in sneakers since then that keep going to goodwill. These are the best. Blow Fitville, Ortho feet, Hoka and Cloud out of the water! Guaranteed to make you happy. Pricey but worth it! — William Martin“I really enjoy these shoes and I’m a 20 K a day walker for five years running that I’ve tracked. I’m sure I could sleep in them but unfortunately I have 10 pair and most of them are Hokas. The Hokas are a very good shoe and they are close but no cigar. This is a dream shoe for me. Whoever designed and manufactured this shoe knew exactly what they are doing. The cushioning is like walking on a [cloud], but not too soft and manages to have enough arch support. This is two pair for me” — Amazon customer
“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
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