ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 vs Saucony Paramount Max

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.

Saucony Paramount Max

+ Praised

A very soft, springy ride makes easy and long runs its strong suit, but the tall shoe feels less nimble when pace changes.

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.

Saucony Paramount Max

+ Praised

Reviewers agree the deep, responsive foam offers substantial protection and rebound for long mileage.

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.

Saucony Paramount Max

± Divisive

The padded mesh and broad fit feel comfortable to many, but reviewers also report low toe volume, heel movement, a minimally padded collar and heat retention.

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.

Saucony Paramount Max

± Divisive

Lab and retailer assessments are optimistic about outsole life, while one runner noticed early wear in exposed midsole foam.

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.

Saucony Paramount Max

− Criticised

Grip is average on roads and can be unreliable on loose gravel, so it is best kept to smooth surfaces.

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.

Saucony Paramount Max

± Divisive

A very broad base and sidewalls help some runners feel stable, but the soft, bouncy platform feels unpredictable to others.

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.

Saucony Paramount Max

± Divisive

The $200 price is steep, though reviewers see a case for it in the unusual foam, protection and orthotic accommodation.