ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 vs New Balance Fresh Foam More v4: Which Max Cushion Trainer Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation?

Introduction

Max cushion trainers are all about comfort, and these two shoes take that brief seriously. The ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 and the New Balance Fresh Foam More v4 are both large, plush daily trainers designed for easy days and long runs rather than speed work. On paper they look very similar, but they ride in noticeably different ways, and the price gap between them matters. Here is how they compare.

At a Glance: Specs and Positioning

The ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 costs £180 or $160, weighs 301 g (10.6 oz) for men in a size 8, and has an 8 mm drop. The New Balance Fresh Foam More v4 costs £140 or $149.99, weighs 298 g (10.5 oz) in the same size, and has a 4 mm drop.

Both are max cushion shoes built for plush, comfortable miles. The Nimbus 26 keeps the soft, cushioned character of its predecessor but adds an updated upper, improved outsole rubber, an added rocker, and a slightly firmer midsole. Its ride combines a thick layer of FF Blast Plus Eco foam with ASICS Pure Gel technology to reduce impact. The More v4 gets even more Fresh Foam X midsole foam than the v3, making it higher and wider for added stability, plus new cushion zones and flex zones in the outsole, a rocker profile, and a breathable engineered mesh upper.

Fit and Sizing

Both shoes are comfortable, but they fit very differently. The Gel Nimbus 26 is a roomy shoe with a lot of available space and a fit that never fully locks down, so going down half a size is worth considering if you sit between sizes. The More v4 sits at the other end of the scale: it runs fairly small and snug, so some runners may want to go up half a size.

In both shoes, heel and midfoot hold is solid with no slippage, and the toe box of the More v4 has handled long runs without any room complaints. The Nimbus 26 also has a new breathable upper and collar construction aimed at improving step-in comfort.

Ride Feel: Rocker vs Bounce

This is where the two shoes genuinely diverge. The Fresh Foam More v4 is defined by its rocker geometry. The lower drop, wide stable platform, and big rocker at the forefoot roll you through your foot strike smoothly, which feels excellent when you are shuffling along at an easy pace. It is not a bouncy or squishy shoe; it simply balances cushioning with smooth turnover. Try to push the pace, though, and the foam feels dull and offers little energy back.

The Gel Nimbus 26 has more life in its midsole. The FF Blast Plus foam feels softer with a bit more bounce, and it is resilient enough to hold up through long runs. It is arguably the more fun shoe of the two. The trade-off is the transition: the rocker is less noticeable than the More v4’s, so transitions feel less smooth, and the updated outsole can produce a slightly slappy sound, especially at faster paces.

Stability and Outsole Grip

Both shoes are naturally stable for neutral trainers, but the More v4 is the more stable design thanks to its wide sidewalls of foam and rolling geometry. It feels planted on the ground with none of the wobbling that some max cushion shoes can have.

On grip, both outsoles perform well with no issues reported. The Nimbus 26’s updated rubber outsole is designed to increase grip and durability and does a good job on wet surfaces. The More v4’s outsole carries generous rubber coverage to protect the soft foam, along with that reflective logo for night visibility. Neither shoe is particularly versatile, though; both are best restricted to easy and long runs.

Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

For many runners, the Fresh Foam More v4 is the smarter pick. It does a very similar job to the Nimbus 26, rides beautifully at easy paces, feels stable and supportive, and costs noticeably less. If you want a dedicated easy run shoe for your rotation, it delivers excellent value.

The Gel Nimbus 26 makes more sense if you want one cushioned shoe for a bit of everything. Its livelier foam handles slightly faster paces better while still being comfortable and protective, and the higher drop generally suits newer runners. It is a great option if you are just starting out and want a single do-it-all trainer.

It is also worth noting that both shoes have historically dropped in price not long after release, and the previous Gel Nimbus 25 rides almost identically for many runners, so a sale can tip the value balance further.

Conclusion

Both of these max cushion trainers do their job well: comfortable, protective miles at easy paces. The Fresh Foam More v4 wins on value and smooth rocker feel, while the Gel Nimbus 26 offers bouncier foam and a bit more versatility. Match the choice to how you run and what your budget allows, and either will be a happy addition to an easy day rotation.