ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 vs ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
On paper, compared with the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is 20 g lighter, 4 mm more heel stack, Ride −1.5.
My take
Same comfort level: Kayano if you overpronate, Nimbus if you're neutral. If you're a beginner and not sure which you need, go with the Kayano 33.
 ASICSGel-Kayano 33 |  ASICSGel-Nimbus 28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.33 | 7.50 |
| Ride | 8.0 | 6.5 |
| Design & Comfort | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Value | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹16,999 | ₹16,999 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Stability | Max cushion |
| Weight | 300 g | 280 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 |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | stability | – |
| Fit | standard | standard |
| Sizing | – | true to size |
| Recommended runner weight | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Long runsRace dayBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ | Easy 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 | Outstanding step-in comfort · Plush upper, soft laces and thick heel padding · True to size with good toe room · Extremely protective cushioning · About 20 g lighter than the Nimbus 27 · Reflective overlays for night runs |
| 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 | Foam feels flat on runs over 10 km after 100 km · Squishing sound from the foam after 60–70 km · Upper traps heat at faster paces · Narrower platform than the 27 · may feel less stable · Less outsole rubber and more wear than earlier versions · Poor value at ₹17,000 next to a discounted Nimbus 27 |
| 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 one shoe for long runs or faster running, because the foam felt flat after 10 km and the upper traps heat. |
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 28
For heavy beginners, walk-runners and recovery days, it is one of the most comfortable shoes in the world. With ₹17,000 in hand I would not buy it again: I'd buy a discounted Nimbus 27 and a lighter daily trainer.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you want one shoe for long runs or faster running, because the foam felt flat after 10 km and the upper traps heat.
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