ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 vs ASICS Superblast 3
On paper, compared with the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26, the ASICS Superblast 3 is 73 g lighter, 5.8 mm more heel stack, ₹6,000 pricier, Ride +3.
 ASICSGel-Nimbus 26 |  ASICSSuperblast 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 7.17 | 8.67 |
| Ride | 6.0 | 9.0 |
| Design & Comfort | 8.0 | 9.0 |
| Value | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹16,000 | ₹21,999 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Max cushion | Max cushion |
| Weight | 303 g | 230 g |
| Heel stack | 40 mm | 45.8 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 32 mm | 37.7 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8.1 mm |
| Foam | – | FF Leap + FF Blast Plus |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | neutral | neutral |
| Fit | narrow | narrow |
| Sizing | – | true to size |
| Recommended runner weight | Suited to heavy runners; around 80 kg will find it even softer | All runners, including heavy (90 kg+) |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsRace dayWalkingRunners 90 kg+ | Easy runsLong runsBeginnersRunners 90 kg+ |
| Pros | Complete impact protection on hard roads · Very soft compared with other max-cushion shoes · Premium materials and foam · Expected to last 1,000 km · Excellent value at around ₹8,000 on sale · Suits heavy runners, walking and full marathons | Most fun shoe of the year · Extremely soft FF Leap + FF Blast Plus midsole · Fit true to size at UK 8, snug and secure · Plush woven upper with gusseted tongue · Light at 230 g for a 46/38 mm stack · Stability improved once I'd done a few runs |
| Cons | Snug, low toe box · Breathability issue in the toe area · High stack can feel wobbly for beginners with weak ankles · Little energy return, not for fast running · Poor value at the ₹16,000 retail price | Exposed midsole wears and cracks quickly · Outsole rubber wears fast · Narrower forefoot than Superblast 2 · Expensive at ₹22,000–23,000, rarely discounted · Can feel clunky for lighter runners · Less energetic than the Megablast |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you lack ankle stability or need toe room; the Gel-Kayano is the safer choice. | Avoid it if you have ankle pronation and need a stability shoe, or if you have wide feet and can't size up or get the wide version. |
My verdicts
ASICS
Gel-Nimbus 26
I would not recommend it at ₹16,000, but at the ₹8,000 sale price I know of no other shoe this soft, protective, durable and premium. The snug, low toe box is its one major flaw.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you lack ankle stability or need toe room; the Gel-Kayano is the safer choice.
Read reviewASICS
Superblast 3
If money is no issue and you want one shoe that makes you love running, the Superblast 3 is the one I recommend. No other shoe this year gave me this much fun, though the soft exposed midsole wears quickly.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you have ankle pronation and need a stability shoe, or if you have wide feet and can't size up or get the wide version.
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