Asics Gel Nimbus 25 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4: Max Cushion Daily Trainers Compared

Introduction

The Asics Gel Nimbus 25 and the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 are both max stack, highly cushioned trainers designed mainly for easy and long runs, and they are two of the best shoes in that category. They look almost identical out of the box: similar outsole width, similar sock-like uppers, and a towering stack on both. But on the run they feel noticeably different, and the difference in price makes the comparison more interesting than the spec sheet suggests.

The Gel Nimbus 25 costs £175 in the UK or $160 in the US, while the More v4 sits at £140 in the UK and $150 in the US. That gap matters for a daily trainer that is not built to deliver standout performance benefits at faster paces. In UK size 9 the Nimbus weighs 315g (11.1 oz) and the More v4 weighs 316g, so they are effectively the same weight. The Nimbus has an 8mm drop with a 41.5mm heel stack; the More v4 has a 4mm drop with a 34mm heel stack.

How They Compare on Paper

The Gel Nimbus 25 is a big change for the line, moving from a cushioned daily trainer into a genuine max cushion shoe. It uses a stretchy, soft knitted upper with loads of internal padding, an FF Blast Plus midsole with a Pure Gel section beneath the heel, and 20% more foam than the previous version. The AHAR rubber outsole uses a firmer compound in the rear section, with some exposed foam but all key impact areas covered.

The More v4 takes a different route: a towering Fresh Foam X midsole with high side walls so the foot sits inside the foam, a very pronounced rocker for a smooth heel-to-toe transition, and a central heel groove to aid rolling. Its rubber outsole offers good coverage with no key impact areas left exposed, and it has proved hard wearing and grippy.

Upper, Fit, and Sizing

Both shoes fit true to size with no issues. The Gel Nimbus 25 has the more comfortable slip-in feel thanks to its plush knitted upper, with a little extra room in the toe box and a touch of space at the heel that did not affect the run. The More v4 offers good toe box room, slightly more hold through the midfoot, and ample heel padding. Both hold the foot well with no lockdown problems.

If comfort is the priority, both uppers are excellent, and the Nimbus in particular is comfortable enough that it works as a lounging or walking shoe for people who may not even run regularly.

Ride Feel: Two Very Different Characters

The More v4 is defined by its pronounced rocker. Once you sync with it, the shoe lets you flow along on easy runs, and despite its size it disappears on the foot, feeling lighter and nimbler than it looks. The foam itself is fairly balanced rather than soft or bouncy: not the most dynamic foam, quite a dull ride on paper, but the geometry keeps you ticking along nicely at easy efforts.

Push the pace, though, and the More v4 shows its limits. It is not a versatile shoe, and harder impact on the foam makes the dullness more noticeable. It is best reserved for easy and long runs, where it feels great.

The Nimbus 25 is also not versatile, but its ride is different: softer than the New Balance with a bit more response and bounce from the FF Blast Plus foam. It is not an all-out squishy shoe, but it gives a little more back, with a slight rocker and an effortless feel at easy paces. It takes a few runs to grow on you, and it is a balanced, smooth ride that protects your legs nicely at the end of a heavy training week. One early note: the outsole grip can feel a bit slick at first, though it settles down and is fine on wet pavement.

Outsoles, Grip, and Durability

Both outsoles cover the key impact zones with a fair amount of exposed foam elsewhere. The More v4 appears to have the edge in both durability and grip, handling dry and wet conditions well, and it is the better pick for running in wet conditions. The Nimbus is not far behind, and grip is not a major concern, but the New Balance gets a slight nod here.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want the most enjoyable, smooth, rolling ride and better outsole durability at a lower price, the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 is the stronger value pick at £140 / $150. If you prefer a slightly softer, more responsive feel with a more traditional balanced ride that will work for pretty much anyone, and money is less of a factor, the Gel Nimbus 25 has the slightly more rounded performance. For newer runners who want one very cushioned shoe to do all their running in, the Nimbus has a little more to offer when the pace rises.

Conclusion

Both are standout max cushion shoes that protect your body very well on easy and long runs. The More v4 wins on price, smooth rolling ride, and outsole durability; the Nimbus 25 wins on plushness, midsole feel, and a touch more responsiveness. Pick based on which ride character suits you and what you want to spend.