ASICS Gel Nimbus 24 vs Gel Nimbus Light 3: Which Daily Trainer Makes Sense for You

Introduction

ASICS has two neutral trainers that look similar on paper but ride differently underfoot: the Gel Nimbus 24 and the Gel Nimbus Light 3. After a full 50-mile testing block, the two landed with remarkably close scores, 6.8 and 6.95 respectively, but they suit slightly different runners. Here is how they compare and which one deserves your money.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 24: 50-Mile Verdict

The Gel Nimbus 24 is a neutral road running shoe with a 26mm heel and 16mm forefoot for a medium stack height. In men’s size 9, it weighs about 9.5 ounces, which is a little heavier than expected. Part of that likely comes from the dense gel unit in the heel, a signature ASICS tradition the brand clearly has no intention of abandoning.

The upper uses a jacquard mesh with a large semi-gusseted tongue that is flexible and stretchy. It works, but it takes some getting used to if you prefer a traditional tongue, and lockdown scored 7 out of 10. The heel collar, counter, and tab are stout as always with ASICS, giving a very secure heel pocket.

Ride and Midsole Feel

The midsole combines FlyteFoam Blast Plus with the gel in the heel. Measured with a durometer tester, the midsole material came in at around 33, essentially the same as the Gel Nimbus Light 3 at 34, since both use the same foam compound. Lower numbers mean softer material, so both shoes sit in a similar firmness band. The ride energy score is fine rather than spectacular, and the overall midsole score lands at 6.5.

The gel in the heel is the divisive element. It adds a bit of girth and density there, and for some runners that creates a more stable ride, which can be a genuine plus. But if you prefer a leaner heel, the Light 3’s slimmer rear end feels cleaner.

Fit, Outsole, and Durability

Fit is true to size and standard through the toe box and midfoot, with excellent lockdown in the heel pocket. The outsole uses ASICS AHAR Plus rubber, scoring 8 out of 10: well covered, with good flexibility under the forefoot that rewards forefoot strikers through toe-off.

Durability prediction is 500-plus miles, rated 8 out of 10. The upper is built like a tank and should not break down quickly. If your legs are strong and you are not injury prone, this is the kind of shoe you could push toward 900 or even 1,000 miles, which goes a long way toward justifying the $160 price point.

Which One Should You Buy

The two shoes are fairly similar, which is why their final scores sit so close together. The Gel Nimbus Light 3 edges ahead on score, but its chunkier heel can feel slightly clunky. The Gel Nimbus 24 has the leaner heel setup and, as the pick if you could only buy one of the two, it makes a strong case for 4 to 6 mile daily runs, especially if you like a lower-profile stack with some ground-contact feel.

If you want alternatives outside ASICS, the Brooks Ghost 13 or 14, the Brooks Glycerin 19, and the New Balance 880 v11 are all worth a look in the same category. For ASICS to break into the 7s, a weight reduction and a friendlier price point around $140 to $145 would do it.

Conclusion

Both ASICS trainers are durable, well-built neutral daily trainers, and the difference comes down to heel feel. Leaner heel and a more traditional daily-trainer ride point to the Gel Nimbus 24; a slightly more stable, girthier heel points to the Gel Nimbus Light 3. Either way, expect a shoe that goes the distance.