ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 vs ASICS Sonicblast 2

ASICS Gel Nimbus 28

± Divisive

Lighter and more nimble than the Nimbus 27, with a smooth rocker that some testers find firmer and snappier and others still soft and muted; almost everyone notes low energy return at uptempo paces.

ASICS Sonicblast 2

+ Praised

The redesigned shoe is more fluid and lively at marathon and tempo efforts, though its stiff midfoot and less energetic heel can feel awkward at easy paces.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 28

+ Praised

A towering, protective stack that keeps long runs comfortable and remains the plushest in ASICS' lineup, though the foam feels firmer than the Nimbus name suggests and the soft heel can compress under heavy loads.

ASICS Sonicblast 2

± Divisive

The high stack protects well on long runs, but its firmer feel is not to every runner’s taste and the forefoot bounce is more noticeable than the heel.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 28

± Divisive

The lighter knit upper is soft, secure and more breathable than before, but the thin tongue causes lace bite and the shallow, tapered toe box squeezes wider or higher-volume feet.

ASICS Sonicblast 2

+ Praised

The lighter mesh is breathable and generally secure with useful toe volume, though some find the racer-focused upper less plush and the toe shape tapered.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 28

+ Praised

The hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole and abrasion-resistant foam hold up well in lab and long-term tests, with only one tester seeing average early wear and exposed foam as a concern.

ASICS Sonicblast 2

+ Praised

Early reports and lab testing suggest the outsole holds up well, while the thin toe mesh is a possible weak point.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 28

± Divisive

Lab and some road tests find the hybrid rubber grippy even in the wet, but others report slipping on damp pavement where the reduced rubber coverage leaves foam exposed.

ASICS Sonicblast 2

+ Praised

Lab results are excellent and runners report dependable road traction, with no major grip concerns in early use.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 28

+ Praised

A broad platform, raised sidewalls and a stiff forefoot make it one of the more stable max-cushion neutrals, though the soft heel can still compress under heavier runners.

ASICS Sonicblast 2

± Divisive

Several reviewers find the broad geometry and firmer foam unusually composed for a tall trainer, while others caution it is still a neutral shoe and not the most stable option.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 28

− Criticised

At $170 the ageing FF Blast+ foam and minimal updates make it hard to justify over a discounted Nimbus 27 or livelier rivals, though long-term durability softens the blow for high-mileage runners.

ASICS Sonicblast 2

± Divisive

Some consider the price reasonable for a versatile plated trainer, while others question the premium given the ride and alternatives in the range.