ASICS GEL-Nimbus 26 vs New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13: Two Max Cushion Trainers Head to Head

Introduction

Max cushioned daily trainers have become the default choice for runners who want easy miles to feel effortless, and two of the most popular options in this space are the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 26 and the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13. Both are comfort-first trainers with a tilt toward the plush and cushioned, but they take noticeably different approaches to the ride.

The 1080 is a longstanding veteran that was somewhat rethought for its v13, while the Nimbus 26 mainly follows an if-it-ain’t-broke approach with minor tweaks to the upper and outsole. After putting serious miles into both, here is how they compare.

Design and Specs Compared

On paper, the two shoes sit close together. The GEL-Nimbus 26 packs 41.5mm of foam in the heel and 33.5mm in the forefoot for an 8mm drop. The 1080 v13 carries 38mm in the heel and 32mm in the forefoot for a 6mm drop.

Weight is where they diverge more clearly. In a UK 8.5 test size, the Nimbus 26 weighs in at 11.1oz (314g), while the New Balance comes in at a lighter 9.2oz (260g). That difference shows up on the run, as we will get into below.

Pricing is also close: the Nimbus 26 costs around $160 (with the New Balance slightly higher at around $165 in the US), and both sit firmly in the premium daily trainer bracket.

Midsole and Cushioning

The Nimbus 26 midsole remains largely the same as before, with a big and wide stack of FF Blast Plus Eco foam made with 20% bio-based content. It is tuned medium-soft to soft, but with a bit of rebound. There is also a familiar PureGEL heel insert, a section of springy rebounding material designed to create soft landings with maximum impact absorption around the heel. A rocker midsole geometry aims to smooth out transitions.

The 1080 v13, meanwhile, gets a bigger midsole stack of new, lighter Fresh Foam X, a lower drop, an updated rocker shape, some extra forefoot stiffness, and a meaningful drop in overall weight. The midsole platforms are quite similar in width, but the Nimbus is noticeably longer.

Uppers, Fit, and Sizing

The Nimbus 26 features a new engineered stretch knit upper, the same big padded heel collar as before, and a stretchy knitted gusseted tongue. The lace eyelets have been updated with a more robust design intended to create a more supportive midfoot hold and improved durability.

The 1080 v13 uses an engineered mesh upper that offers a wrapped fit. Its heel collar and gusseted tongue are generously padded for boosted plushness and good step-in comfort, and that on-foot comfort genuinely rivals the Nimbus 26.

On fit, both shoes worked well in a normal running shoe size, with enough room in the toe box and no lateral slippage. The Nimbus runs slightly longer in the toes and a bit roomier in UK sizing, with a touch more volume across the top of the foot. Both shoes have large padded heel collars and cushioned holds that keep the feet firmly in place, with no heel slippage reported. If you prefer a more compact feel, the 1080 has the edge, and some runners may consider going half a size down in the Nimbus, though that could slightly change the ride.

Ride Feel: How They Differ

This is where the two shoes genuinely part ways. Both are comfort-focused shoes best suited to easy runs and long runs, and neither is really designed for fast workouts. Their aim is to put a lot of foam between you and the pavement and deliver a comfortable ride for ticking through daily training miles.

The 1080 v13 is a departure from previous versions in that it is a lot softer underfoot. The new Fresh Foam X formulation feels much squishier, and a little wobblier too. It is not quite as stable or responsive as the foams on previous 1080s, and it sinks in quite a lot. That makes it very comfortable for short, easy cruises, but it gives less back, which can feel like wading through foam on longer efforts or anything vaguely quick.

The Nimbus 26 is a bit more balanced. It is a soft shoe for sure, but not as soft as the New Balance. The foam gives a little more back, the rocker smooths the ride, and it is noticeably more stable, which provides a greater feeling of support on long runs. It is also a fair bit heavier, and fast workouts did not feel good in it, as it is a big, unwieldy shoe not set up to push you onto your toes.

In a side-by-side comparison with one shoe on each foot, both delivered that plush, pillowy cushioned ride that essentially takes the road out from underneath your feet. The on-foot comfort is on a par, and they perform very similarly for easy plodding miles. The main differences: the Nimbus feels heavier, less compact, and less agile, while the 1080 has a precision and compactness that makes it feel more natural. The Nimbus also has a slappier outsole that some runners find intrusive, both in sensation and sound.

Durability and Outsoles

The Nimbus 26 has an updated outsole with a hybrid of ASICS Grip and AHAR rubber. The coverage is about the same as the previous generation, but there are now small studs to provide extra grip. That said, the new outsole is a bit slappier and firmer than before, and some forefoot discomfort was noticed when running fast or even long in it.

The 1080 v13 has a generous outsole covering of New Balance’s endurance rubber for boosted grip and durability, and it avoids the slappy feel of the Nimbus.

Which One Should You Buy?

Both are solid max cushion shoes, and neither is particularly versatile beyond easy and recovery running. If you want the softest, squishiest feeling underfoot and are not bothered about stability, the 1080 v13 is the softer shoe and the lighter one, and it also comes in slightly cheaper in the US. If you prefer a more balanced, firmer platform with a bit more stability, especially for longer distances, the Nimbus 26 makes a strong case.

Weighing performance against price, there is not much reason to spend extra on the Nimbus over the 1080. The 1080 feels a little more natural and compact, which is why it gets the narrow overall edge here.

Conclusion

The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 26 and New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v13 are incredibly similar as easy-day and recovery shoes, well matched in cushioning, protection, and step-in comfort. The differences come down to ride character: the squishier, lighter, softer 1080 versus the firmer, more stable, slightly more responsive Nimbus. For most runners ticking through daily miles, the 1080 v13 is the pick, while the Nimbus 26 remains a great option for those who want a more balanced long-run platform.