Asics Gel Nimbus 14 Review

You can also my Asics Gel Nimbus 15 shoe review right here.

Continuing in the recent trend of me digging about every shoe Asics creates, I have bought the newest generation Asics Gel Nimbus 14.While not having been changed to drastically from the Asics Gel Nimbus 13, there are some noticeable differences and improvements.

For those who are unfamiliar with the famous Asics Gel Systems, you will notice the second you step into the Nimbus especially, you know you're in for a pillowy-soft ride. Boatloads of cushioning underfoot allow you to float comfortably over any road surface, and memory foam lining translates to that plush fit that has truly won me over and will be quite noticeable the first time you put the shoe on.

Additionally, the Asics Gel Nimbus 14 weighs in at a mere 11 ounces. This is lighter than the 13 by a whopping 0.7 ounces! This makes the newest version of the Nimbus deliver incredible shock protection but resists feeling clunky.

As with all Asics shoes, the upper part of the shoe is VERY comfortable and does an absolutely amazing job of keeping your feet as comfortable as can be expected and hoped for in any shoe! The Asics Gel Nimbus 13 use to have a lace pattern which would follow the natural top line of the foot. The Gel Nimbus 14, does not have this feature anymore. Why? Well what they have been able to do with changing the lace pattern back to a more traditional setting is they have been able to create a "one piece vamp." What is a one piece vamp? Essentially it allows Asics to have the top fabric run from the toe box, all the way up to the tongue, allowing Asics to push the seam, normally found at the bottom of the laces, higher up on the tongue, making the shoe MUCH more comfortable.

Additionally, Asics has done another interesting, yet so far, much more preferred/improved method of keeping the heal locked in the shoe. They have removed the traditional plastic hard heal counter and replaced it with memory foam to create an almost vice like grip around the heal, locking it in place. This appears to be working quite well so far, though will be curious to see if it's effectiveness continues after hundreds of miles.

Another update to the Asics Gel Nimbus 14 is they have removed a millimeter of foam from the profile of the shoe, saving just shy of an ounce of weight.

On the outsole and midsole of the Asics Gel Nimbus 14 they have infused what they call a "guidance line." As seen on the picture to the left, this line essentially allows the foot to move more naturally through the entire gate cycle. 

So how good is this running shoe really? Well it was good enough to claim the coveted Editor's Choice award from Runnersworld. I will revert back to what Runnersworld said about the Asics Gel Nimbus 13 and apply it again to the 14, they said " "The Nimbus is the down comforter of running shoes. It wraps soft, pliable cushioning around your foot, creating an ultracozy interior."

Asics has once again created a masterful shoe and I am curious to see if the latest addition Gel Nimbus can hold up for a 1,000 miles like my 13's did without any problems. Only time will tell. In the meantime, I will continue to enjoy this amazing shoe.