ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 vs New Balance 1080v15

Quick Verdict

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 and New Balance 1080v15 are premium neutral road shoes for daily, long, and recovery mileage. Their MSRPs are identical at MSRP: $170, and both have 34mm forefeet. The meaningful differences are heel height, drop, weight, width range, and ride character.

Choose the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 for a controlled 42/34mm maximum-cushion platform with an 8mm drop. Choose the New Balance 1080v15 for a lighter 40/34mm shoe with a 6mm drop and four width choices.

Specification Comparison

Key Differences

Nimbus 28 uses FF BLAST PLUS and rearfoot PureGEL. OutdoorGearLab found its ride protected and controlled rather than highly springy, with a meaningful weight reduction from Nimbus 27. The review also flagged a thin tongue and weak wet-surface traction.

The 1080v15 introduces Infinion foam and weighs 0.4 ounces less in both catalog references. Tom's Guide found it lighter and more responsive than v14, while OutdoorGearLab favored it for easy and long runs but noted possible loose midfoot hold.

Nimbus has 2mm more heel and the higher 8mm drop. The 1080's forefoot height matches it, creating a lower 6mm offset.

Fit and Sizing

Independent testing found Nimbus 28 true to size in standard width. Standard and wide versions are available, but the thin tongue may make lace pressure more noticeable.

The 1080 offers narrow through extra-wide and generally normal length. Runners with low-volume feet should test midfoot lockdown carefully. Width breadth is valuable only when the chosen last holds the foot securely.

Ride and Best Uses

Nimbus fits easy runs, recovery outings, steady daily mileage, and long runs where controlled cushioning matters more than bounce. Its 9.6-ounce men's weight and cruiser character make it less obvious for hard intervals.

The 1080 covers the same three catalog roles with slightly lower weight and more responsive independent feedback. It can handle steady pace changes but remains comfort-first. Compare more options in our best cushioned running shoes and best recovery shoes.

Who Should Choose the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28

• Runners preferring an 8mm drop and 42mm heel.
• Athletes who enjoy controlled rather than highly bouncy cushioning.
• Standard- or wide-footed buyers who can verify tongue comfort.

Who Should Choose the New Balance 1080v15

• Runners preferring a 6mm drop and lower weight.
• Athletes needing narrow or extra-wide sizing.
• Buyers wanting a livelier easy-to-long-run package.

Tradeoffs

Nimbus has limited width breadth, a thin-tongue caution, and weak wet-grip feedback. The 1080 may have variable midfoot security and is not a dedicated speed shoe. Neither has a guaranteed service life.

See our best long-run shoes for other high-mileage options.

Value and Rotation Context

Because both cost MSRP: $170 and share all three use categories, value depends on fit and how many roles the chosen shoe actually covers. Either can anchor easy, recovery, and long mileage beside a faster workout model.

The 1080's four widths and lower weight create broader practical value, particularly for hard-to-fit runners. Nimbus earns its place when the controlled 8mm-drop ride is specifically preferred. Buying both would be redundant for most rotations; choose one and spend the second slot on a meaningfully faster or more terrain-specific shoe.

Final Verdict

Nimbus 28 is the more traditional maximum-cushion cruiser. The 1080v15 is lighter, lower-drop, and more inclusive in width. With identical MSRPs and use categories, fit and ride preference make the choice.