Asics Gel Nimbus 21

Here it comes another edition of one of the most successful running shoes ever among premium ones: Asics Gel Nimbus 21 has been released. Every year competitor brands launch more and more interesting running shoes like amazing Nike Air Zoom Vomero 14 or fantastic Adidas Solar Boost to gain some market share within top (from both features and price points of view) running shoes for neutral runners which most probable will be lead in next season by current Gel Nimbus 21.

It would be hard to disrupt Nimbus saga so japanese brand introduces minor but meaningful changes to improve what is already there based on feedback from those who bought its predecessor Gel Nimbus 20. Upper has been upgraded with new "Jacquard" engineered mesh plenty of ventilation holes to improve breathability while more room in toe-box will reduce complains about narrowness. Impressive external heel counter provides great stability from rearfoot and collar pad adapts design already seen in its counterpart with pronation support, the popular Gel Kayano 25 to meet high expectations.

As expected, midsole from Gel Nimbus 21 offers top materials and technologies from Asics in a multiple layer configuration. Using realiable SpEVA 45 as baseline, there is FlyteFoam Propel (firmer, bouncier) layer on top and another FlyteFoam Lyte (softer for premium comfort) below it. In addition, classical GEL® unit pads are embedded to enhance cushioning in both forefoot and rearfoot. Probably outsole is the part which has changed most and features only internal half (was completely removed from its smaller sibling Gel Cumulus 20) of typical plastic shank (Trusstic System®) in midfoot for appreciated stiffness. Also longitudinal groove (Guidance Line) becomes a slightly smaller player in forefoot where transversal grooves get original design intended to improve flexibility for smoother and quicker transition. As usual, harder AHAR+ rubber is used is more exposed areas to increase durability.