ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 vs ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
On paper, compared with the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 is 4 mm more heel stack, ₹8,800 cheaper, Ride −0.5.
My take
Same comfort level: Kayano if you overpronate, Nimbus if you're neutral. For wide feet, buy the wide version or go half a size up.
 ASICSGel-Kayano 33 |  ASICSGel-Nimbus 27 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.33 | 7.83 |
| Ride | 8.0 | 7.5 |
| Design & Comfort | 9.0 | 8.0 |
| Value | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹16,999 | ₹8,159 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Stability | Max cushion |
| Weight | 300 g | 300 g |
| Heel stack | 39 mm | 43 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 31 mm | 35 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Foam | FF Blast Max (top) + FF Blast Plus Eco (base) | FF Blast Plus Eco |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | stability | neutral |
| Fit | standard | standard |
| Sizing | – | – |
| Recommended runner weight | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) | Suitable for heavy runners |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Long runsRace dayBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ | Long runsBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ |
| Pros | Soft, bouncy FF Blast Max top layer · Stable firmer base layer · Plush heel and tongue padding · More breathable than the Kayano 32 · 8 mm drop · Comfortable on 20 km long runs · Safe option for a first full marathon · Suits flat, neutral and high arches | Huge impact protection for any body weight · Slightly bouncier foam, no sinking feeling · Taller toe box and more breathable jacquard upper than the 26 · Forgiving, premium comfort from the first step · Good for long runs up to the full marathon |
| Cons | Durability doubts for runners over 90 kg · About 20% less structure than the Kayano 32 · Too soft for severe overpronators who dislike soft foam · Not for wide feet in the standard width · Expensive at ₹17,000 | Heavy at 300 g (UK 8) · Expensive at the ₹16,000 launch price · Less sock-like plushness than the 26's knit upper · Not for fast running · Not a stability shoe |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you are over 90 kg with flat feet, or overpronate heavily and dislike soft foam; the Kayano 32 suits you better. | Avoid it if you want a light shoe for fast running or need a stability shoe. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Gel-Kayano 33
This became my favourite Kayano of all the ones I have tested, and at ₹17,000 it is one of the safest full marathon shoes in India for most runners. Very heavy runners and severe overpronators who dislike soft foam should stick with the Kayano 32.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you are over 90 kg with flat feet, or overpronate heavily and dislike soft foam; the Kayano 32 suits you better.
Read reviewASICS
Gel-Nimbus 27
A premium, highly protective max-cushion shoe for beginners, heavy runners and long distances, and one of my top three max-cushion daily trainers. ₹16,000 is too expensive, but at around ₹11,000 I'd pick it over the 26 without a second thought.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you want a light shoe for fast running or need a stability shoe.
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