ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 vs Gel-Nimbus 28
Gel-Kayano 33 or Gel-Nimbus 28? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want comfort-first stability? Get the Gel-Kayano 33.
Want steady, protective cushion for long runs? Get the Gel-Nimbus 28.
Get the Gel-Kayano 33 if
- Your feet roll inward or you like extra support
- You like a less rigid forefoot
Get the Gel-Nimbus 28 if
- You don’t need stability and prefer a neutral ride
- You want more foam underfoot (3.5mm more at the heel)
- You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
- You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
On the run
Gel-Kayano 33: Comfort-first stability. Soft on landing at easy paces, with support that’s more gentle guidance than correction and a stiff, steady forefoot. It feels best slow, and at running pace some runners find it flat.
Gel-Nimbus 28: The protective long-run cruiser. Max cushion that’s more supportive than plush, with a stiff, steady forefoot. It’s smooth but uneventful, and it feels blocky if you try to push the pace.
Specs side by side
| Gel-Kayano 33 | Gel-Nimbus 28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $170 | $169.99 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 40 / 32mm* | 43.5 / 35.5mm* |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 10.5 oz | 9.9 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 9.1 oz | 8.5 oz |
| Support | Stability | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Long runs, Recovery runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 400–500 miles | 350–450 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Gel-Kayano 33. True to size. The toebox tapers on the little-toe side, so it suits normal-width feet. Plush heel and tongue. Wide available.
Gel-Nimbus 28. True to size, with a stretchy knit that feels like a slipper as you step in. The toebox is average in width but low over the toes. Wide and extra-wide available.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Gel-Kayano 33 · Shop the Gel-Nimbus 28 · Compare other running shoes