The Short Answer
The primary difference between the Asics Gel-Nimbus 24 vs Gel-Kayano 28 is that they are designed for different levels of pronation. The Gel-Nimbus 24 is a neutral running shoe, designed for athletes with a normal degree of pronation. The Gel-Kayano 28 is a stability running shoe designed for runners that overpronate.
To determine which shoe is better suited to your needs, all you have to do is take a look at the soles of your existing running shoes. If they are very worn just underneath the big toe area, there’s a good chance that you overpronate when running, which makes the Gel-Kayano 28s a very good option to test.
Conversely, if there is an even distribution across the toe area, or even excessive wear near the baby toe area, you will probably find that neutral running shoes are very will suited to your running style. In this case, the Gel-Nimbus 24s are highly recommended.
Specs Comparison
| SHOE FEATURES | Gel-Nimbus 24 | Gel-Kayano 28 |
| PRONATION | Neutral | Overpronation |
| SHOCK ABSORPTION GEL™ | Yes | Yes |
| LEVEL OF CUSHIONING | High | Medium |
| FLYTEFOAM™ | Yes | Yes |
| FLYTEFOAM™ BLAST | Blast + | Blast (Original) |
| REARFOOT GEL | Yes | Yes |
| FOREFOOT GEL | No | Yes |
| ENGINEERED MESH UPPER | Yes | No |
| REFLECTIVITY | Yes | No |
| HEEL STACK | 36 mm | 33 mm |
| FOREFOOT STACK | 26 mm | 23 mm |
| HEEL TOE DROP | 10 mm | 10 mm |
| ORTHOLITE X-55 SOCKLINER | Yes | No |
| EVA SOCKLINER | No | Yes |
| GENDER SPECIFIC TRUSSTIC | No | Yes |
| IMPACT GUIDANCE SYSTEM (IGS) | No | Yes |
| DYNAMIC DUOMAX SUPPORT SYSTEM | No | Yes |
| AHAR® PLUS HEEL PLUG | No | Yes |
Key Differences
1. Different Levels of Cushioning
While both the Gel-Nimbus 24 and the Gel-Kayano 28 include rearfoot gel, forefoot gel and Asics FlyteFoam cushioning technology, the Gel-Nimbus 24 is definitely the ‘softer’ of the two shoes.
For walking, jogging, running and sprinting, you should find the Gel-Nimbus 24s are extremely comfortable, offering near-maximum cushioning that makes most roads feel soft underfoot. Conversely, the Gel-Kayano 28s offer a bit less cushioning, together with significantly more stability features.
2. Neutral vs Stability
As mentioned in the beginning, the most important difference between these shoes is that they are designed for different levels of pronation. The Gel-Nimbus 24s cater to runners with a normal degree of pronation, wherease the Gel-Kayano 28’s cater to runners who overpronate.
3. Reflective Technology
One of the more underrated features of the Gel-Nimbus 24 running shoes is the reflective lines built onto the back of the shoes. These reflective lines enhance visibility during low light conditions, which is important for runners who train in the early morning when it is still dark.
This is not a dealbreaker, but it is a nice feature to have.
4. EVA Sockliner vs Ortholite X-55 Sockliner
One of the more underrated features of the Gel-Nimbus 24 running shoes is the reflective lines built onto the back of the shoes. These reflective lines enhance visibility during low light conditions, which is important for runners who train in the early morning when it is still dark.
This is not a dealbreaker, but it is a nice feature to have.
5. Impact Guidance System (IGS) Stability Technology
The Impact Guidance System (IGS) is a combination of technical features that help make the Gel-Kayano such a stable running shoe. It consists of four key components.
- An external heel counter to minimize ankle movement
- A Trusstic midsole to prevent excessive twisting during landings
- Guidance line technology reduces imbalance caused by shifts in a runner’s centre of pressure
- The Dynamic Duomax Support System reduces inward rolling of the heel that occurs when the foot touches down at the end of the step
Key Similarities
1. Pretty Much The Same Price
The price point of the Gel-Nimbus 24 is almost identical to the price point of the Gel-Kayano 28. They are targeted at the same type of runner, albeit with slightly different needs in terms of stability.
2. 10mm Heel Toe Drop
While the Asics Gel-Nimbus 24s are slightly more elevated than the Gel-Kayano 28s, the difference between the heel stack and the forefoot stack is exactly the same, sitting at 10mm. This is a pretty standard heel toe drop for Asics running shoes.
3. Designed For Long Distance Road Running
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 24s and the Gel-Kayano 28s are both designed for long-distance road running. If you focus on 10km, half-marathons, or full marathons, both of these shoes will be very well suited to the task.
They may not be the fastest shoes ever made, but they deliver on the promise of providing comfort, cushioning and stability for long training sessions and races.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 24 Product Info
The GEL-NIMBUS™ 24 shoe offers advanced impact protection for your distance training. Creating a softer landing in every step, this shoe is also approx. 20g lighter than the previous version.
The upper’s soft engineered mesh and flexible midfoot panel make these shoes more comfortable during long runs. By moving seamlessly with your foot, they help your stride feel smoother with every step.
FF BLAST™ PLUS: This cushioning keeps the shoe lightweight while providing a softer feeling underfoot. This material also helps increase the shoe’s rebound properties at the toe-off stage.
ORTHOLITE LASTING: Provides plush underfoot comfort, excellent moisture management and high breathability
TRUSSTIC SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY: Reduces weight of the shoe while maintaining the structural integrity of the sole
REARFOOT & FOREFOOT SHOCK-ABSORBING GEL: Reduces the impact of every stride, and enhances comfort levels when road running
FLYTEFOAM: Midsole foam is 55% lighter than industry standard, providing a light and responsive ride
FLYTEFOAM™ PROPEL: Enhances bounce and push-off with each stride
REFLECTIVITY: Improves runner visibility during low light hours
ENGINEERED MESH UPPER: Improves ventilation and stability
Asics Gel-Kayano 28 Product Info
The GEL-KAYANO™ 28 shoe creates a stable stride that moves you towards a balanced mindset.
Featuring a lower-profile external heel counter, this piece cradles your foot with improved rearfoot support. To improve stability and responsiveness, we added FF BLAST™ cushioning to the midsole. It provides a smooth and supportive feel in each step.
The trainer’s new GEL™ technology shape delivers a smooth stride, allowing you to experience a softer landing without losing speed.
DYNAMIC DUOMAX™ SUPPORT SYSTEM: This is a collection of technologies that help to enhance the stability and support offered by the shoe.
3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION™: The 3D Space Construction of the Gel-Kayano 28 addresses the different compression rates of men and women.
REARFOOT & FOREFOOT SHOCK ABSORBING GEL: Reduces the impact of every stride, and enhances comfort levels when road running
AHAR® PLUS HEEL PLUG: Highly resistant sole material with excellent abrasion resistance improves the durability of the Gel-Kayany 28
Final Thoughts
In the end, this particular product comparison comes down to cushioning and stability. If you want maximum cushioning and your pronation levels are normal, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 24 running shoes are probably the best bet.
Conversely, if you overpronate and require enhanced stability features in order to reduce pronation, the Gel-Kayano 28’s are the better choice.
Whichever option you end up choosing, it’s safe to say that you will end up with a premium pair of long distance road running shoes.
