ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 11 Running Shoe Review

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(More customer reviews)For background, I am an average runner that runs three to six miles several days a week - 2/3rds of the time on a treadmill and 1/3 of the time outside. Some seasons I kick up the miles for a marathon, but in general running is part of a cross training program.I have traditionally, oscillated between New Balance and Asics, but flirted with other brands.

Asics makes excellent running shoes in general, but at the high end of their range the Kayano and the Nimbus are standouts.Kayanos are best suited for "neutral" runners who have a perfect step and gate.The Nimbus are a bit more forgiving for those of us who run on the outer edge of one or both of our feet.I fall into this category, in that my shoes show wear on the outer edge of one of my heals.Having run in both the Kayano and the Nimbus, I would give the nod to the Nimbus as it provides a little more "support." (Note - they provide support for running, but next to no lateral support necessary in other sports such as basketball.They are best for running or spending time on your feet all day.)

This is the eleventh (or XI) version of the Nimbus. In theory each iteration would get progressively better, but that has not always been true.Version ten (X) was a bit less cushioned and slightly heavier than nine (IX).That has been cured with this latest model.It is softer and lighter (purportedly by an ounce, which sounds silly unless you run).It breathes a bit better as well.

For the fashionable crowd, the colors are much better in person than shown on the website.The black / graphite version in particular is a nice addition to the traditional white / blue color combo.For those new to Asics, the one downside of all of the Asic's shoes is they have lots of textures and grooves in the foam / rubber areas that pick up dirt easily, but they are "running" shoes so buy something else for street shoes.

One other comparison of note is that Nike's competitor, the Vomero, has improved as well and is close, but not quite as good.They have a slightly wider toe box and feel softer at the ball of the foot out of the box, but the softness translates to a slight dissipation of energy. Ok, for the casual runner, but not for higher mileage - like running in soft sand.

Two niggles that bother me with running shoes at this level that are worth mentioning:(1) the insoles are pathetic and (2) they are made in China. I find it irritating that you spend more than $120 for a pair of shoes and the insole is barely better than cardboard.Second, I always feel a slight pang that anything made in China is made under suspect circumstances.But all running shoes (save for a few New Balance models) suffer from these issues, so I am not deducting a star for this.

In summary, if you like the Asics feel, you will be pleased with this latest Nimbus. It is a worthy successor to the heritage.

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Product Description:
Crafted with the ASICS® Impact Guidance System (I.G.S.®) in place, the Gel Nimbus 11 men's running shoe guarantees a smooth, fluid ride from heel strike to toe-off. It also features a responsive Solyte® midsole, which attenuates shock on impact.

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