ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 vs Saucony Hurricane 24: Two Max-Cushion Easy-Day Trainers Compared

Introduction

Max-cushion daily trainers are the shoes most runners reach for on easy days, recovery runs and long slow kilometres. Two of the most prominent options right now are the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 and the Saucony Hurricane 24. Both sit at the comfort-first end of the market, and both are best thought of as cushioned cruisers rather than versatile tempo shoes. After spending time running in both, here is how they compare and which one deserves a place in your rotation.

Price, Weight and Specs

The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 costs £180 or $165, weighs 306g (10.8 oz) for men in a size 8, and has an 8mm drop. The Saucony Hurricane 24 costs £165 or $160, weighs 323g (11.4 oz) for men in a size 8, and has a 6mm drop.

The GEL-Nimbus 27 is not a drastic update over its predecessor, but it brings two meaningful changes for comfort: the FF BLAST ECO midsole foam stack has been increased by 2mm for more cushioning, and a new engineered jacquard mesh upper improves comfort and breathability at the rear of the shoe. You still get the same PureGEL technology for shock absorption and an ortholite X55 sock liner for extra cushioning underfoot. Plenty of padding remains across the upper, including a knit rib collar and a gusseted tongue with a width-fit system for a secure fit.

The Hurricane 24 is a high-stack cushioned shoe that provides stability through a wide platform and high sidewalls. Its dual-layer midsole combines soft, bouncy PWRRUN PB foam with a lower layer of PWRRUN for support and durability, and those foams work alongside a rocker design for a smooth heel-to-toe transition. The upper is a roomy engineered mesh that offers a comfortable fit and good breathability.

Ride and Stability

Both shoes are designed for daily cushioned miles. Neither is particularly versatile: these are not shoes you would normally buy for speed training. They are built for comfortable, base-level running, and they are very accessible options for newer runners thanks to how stable they feel.

The Hurricane 24 is the more interesting of the pair. Stability shoes have changed in recent years, and this one feels like a normal cushioned shoe that quietly kicks in with support when you need it. The midsole foam is balanced, slightly firmer than a pure neutral shoe but still soft and comfortable. When you push your foot onto certain areas of the shoe you can feel the stability elements engage, but running neutrally you barely notice them. In comparisons with other cushioned shoes released over the past year, it often comes out on top simply because it is such a good cushioned daily shoe.

The GEL-Nimbus 27 is still a stable shoe, though less so than the Hurricane, which is not designed to be a stability model. Its ride is best suited to easy days and recovery runs. The transition is not its strongest point: it feels somewhat flat underfoot, and picking up the pace can feel a little awkward for some runners. Over the longer kilometres of a long run it can become a bit of a slog. The Hurricane 24, by contrast, has a noticeably better transition, a smooth rocker geometry and a slightly lower drop, making it more enjoyable to run at a consistent pace.

That said, the GEL-Nimbus 27 has a snappier character in its own way. It feels surprisingly stiff, which helps move from heel to toe and gives a little more energy return when running at pace. The trade-off is a slightly slappy feeling: the outsole is loud at pace and the feel can put a little more force through the forefoot. The Hurricane is quieter, smoother and more muted, letting you simply tick along.

Fit and Sizing

Both shoes fit true to size in normal running shoe sizes, and testers with different foot shapes reported no concerns. The uppers are accommodating all round, with good heel and midfoot hold, comfortable padding around the back of the shoe and plenty of room in the toe box.

The GEL-Nimbus upper is almost too accommodating for narrow feet: it is quite voluminous, though it still holds well around the heel and midfoot. The Hurricane 24 offers plenty of forefoot space and a well-liked tongue design that makes it easy to get a nice lockdown fit. One small criticism of the GEL-Nimbus is its thin tongue, which can roll over when you are tying the laces. It is a minor annoyance rather than a deal-breaker, but worth knowing about. For both shoes, stick with your normal running shoe size.

Outsole and Durability

The GEL-Nimbus 27 outsole has a fair amount of rubber, but it is a thin layer sitting close to the midsole foam, with a lot of exposed midsole visible. Some wear was already apparent after roughly 50km, and if the rubber wears down in an area you could start hitting midsole foam fairly quickly.

The Hurricane 24 uses a similar amount of rubber but slightly thicker, and it proved grippier than the GEL-Nimbus, making it a better choice for wetter conditions and public footpaths. It also has large areas of exposed midsole, which is a little worrying, but no major signs of wear had appeared yet, and the midsole foam seems sturdy. Overall, the outsole is better on the Hurricane 24 than on the ASICS.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you are a newer runner looking for a first comfortable daily trainer, the GEL-Nimbus 27 is a good starting point. It is the more versatile daily trainer of the two and can handle a wider variety of runs a little better, with a snappier ride that some neutral runners will appreciate.

For most other runners, the Hurricane 24 gets the vote. Its rocker geometry, slightly lower drop and smooth rolling ride simply work better, and the stability features are a genuine bonus even for neutral runners. If your form dips late in a long run, those support elements quietly help you out without affecting the ride. It is a very good balanced cushioned shoe that is a little more versatile than many big-stack options.

Whichever you choose, both are shoes to place squarely at the easy end of your rotation, paired with lighter, faster shoes for any tempo work.

Conclusion

The ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 is a comfortable, stable, snappy cruiser best suited to easy days, recovery runs and newer runners who want a roomy, well-padded shoe. The Saucony Hurricane 24 edges the comparison with its smoother transition, better outsole and quietly effective stability, and it is the pick for runners who want one cushioned shoe to tick off recovery miles and long runs alike. Choose the GEL-Nimbus for everyday versatility and generous padding; choose the Hurricane 24 if you value a smooth ride with support on tap.