ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 vs New Balance 1080v15

Gel-Nimbus 28 or 1080v15? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want steady, protective cushion for long runs? Get the Gel-Nimbus 28.

Want the softest cushion we carry, in a light package? Get the 1080v15.

Get the Gel-Nimbus 28 if

• You’d like a little less squish underfoot
• You want more foam underfoot (3.5mm more at the heel)
• You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 6mm)

Get the 1080v15 if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You want more bounce and energy back
• You like a less rigid forefoot
• You want the lighter shoe, by about 0.7 oz

On the run

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.

1080v15: The softest, lightest max cushion. A big change. New Balance’s new foam is the softest of any shoe here in lab tests, noticeably bouncy and much lighter than the v14. That softness can feel a little unstable for runners who need support.

Specs side by side

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-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.

1080v15. True to size. Reviewers disagree on width, with some calling it roomy and others narrow, so try it on. The heel can slip on turns.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the Gel-Nimbus 28 · Shop the 1080v15 · Compare other running shoes