New Balance More v5 vs ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27: Which Max-Cushion Shoe Should You Buy?

Introduction

If your goal is maximum comfort and easy miles, the New Balance More v5 and the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 are two of the most obvious candidates. Both are max-cushion shoes built for easy runs and long, relaxed sessions, and both sit in that easy-going, tick-off-the-miles category rather than the tempo or workout space. The surprise is that they are quite different to run in, and the midsole feel is what ultimately separates them.

Quick Specs at a Glance

On paper, these shoes are remarkably close. Both weigh 306 g (10.8 oz) for men in a size 8, so weight is a non-factor. The New Balance More v5 costs £140 or $154.99 with a 4 mm drop, while the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 costs £180 or $165 with an 8 mm drop.

The price gap is worth noting if you are buying purely on budget, but the real decision between these two comes down to how the midsole feels underfoot, not the spec sheet.

What Is New in the New Balance More v5

The fifth version of New Balance’s max cushion shoe brings a set of updates aimed at improving on the popular v4. The biggest change is a new midsole composition using the same soft foam found in the 1080 v13, paired with a slightly increased stack height. To counter all that softness, there is a noticeably wide base that keeps the shoe stable.

The More v5 also gets a modified engineered mesh upper for better breathability, plus more padding around the ankle collar and tongue. The outsole has been overhauled with less rubber coverage, which leaves some exposed midsole sections, and the shoe comes in three different width sizes.

What Is New in the ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27

The GEL-Nimbus 27 is not a drastic update, but it includes two meaningful changes for comfort. The stack height of the FF BLAST ECO midsole foam increases by 2 mm to add even more cushioning, and a new engineered jacket mesh upper improves comfort and breathability.

At the rear, you still get pure GEL technology for shock absorption, and an OrthoLite X-55 sock liner adds another layer of cushioning. The upper keeps plenty of padding with a knit rib collar and a gusseted tongue wing fit system for a secure fit, while a hybrid ASICS grip outsole provides traction and protects the midsole.

Fit and Comfort

Both shoes are comfortable, but they fit slightly differently. The GEL-Nimbus 27 has plenty of room before the big toe and good space around the sides of the foot. It is not the widest shoe, but if you have a fairly average width foot, you will be fine. Stick to your usual size and enjoy the generous padding.

The More v5 is slightly less roomy before the big toe and a bit less spacious around the forefoot and midfoot than the Nimbus. If you want more space, going up half a size in the More v5 is the safer move, though many testers will happily stick with their normal size. After well over 100 km in the shoe, it has proven very comfortable on long sessions.

Ride Feel: The Key Difference

The midsole is where these two shoes genuinely diverge. The GEL-Nimbus 27 is very comfortable and balanced, with a midsole that does not feel overly squishy, giving it a decent level of stability for such a high-stack shoe. The trade-off is the heel-to-toe transition: it does not feel particularly efficient, more of a what-shoe than a propulsive one. On easy runs that is no problem, but when trying to pick up the pace or hold a consistent faster rhythm, the shoe struggles to help you maintain smooth turnover.

The More v5 is definitively softer and squishier than the Nimbus, but it has a bit more of a rocker, which makes the turnover feel more efficient. The softer midsole makes it less versatile than the firmer, more pronounced More v4, and it is harder to hold a taxing pace in, but for genuinely easy long runs it is a pleasure. If you are doing marathon training and need to hold near-race pace, neither shoe is the right tool, but for relaxed miles the More v5 has the nicer foam and nicer turnover.

Stability Underfoot

Despite the very soft midsole, the More v5’s wide base does a good job of keeping things steady. The GEL-Nimbus 27 gets a bit of inherent stability from its sturdier FF BLAST foam. In practice, the two are probably on a par for stability; they simply feel different on the foot because of how soft the New Balance is.

Durability and Outsole

The GEL-Nimbus 27 has a thick layer of outsole rubber over a sturdy foam, and after around 80 km there are no real signs of wear. Grip has also held up well on wet footpaths. The More v5 has plenty of rubber too, though more exposed midsole, which is marginally more delicate. Even so, after about 100 km there are no issues, and the thick rubber at the heel shows only light wear.

Both shoes should last comfortably if they are used for what they are built for: easy, relaxed running.

Buying Advice

If comfort and softness are your top priority, the New Balance More v5 is the easier recommendation. It is one of the best easy-day cushion shoes for runners who want a soft midsole and a little rocker to keep easy miles enjoyable, and the wide base adds welcome reassurance. Just do not expect it to handle tempo work or harder sessions.

Choose the GEL-Nimbus 27 if you prefer something more balanced rather than maximally soft, or if you mainly run shorter easy distances like 5Ks and 10Ks, where the difference between the two is small. Just be aware that the heel-to-toe transition may not feel as smooth or efficient as you would like. Neither shoe suits interval sessions, fartleks, or a versatile daily-training role; both are firmly easy-run shoes.

Conclusion

These two shoes are closer than their price tags suggest, and the choice really comes down to the midsole. The More v5 wins on softness and ride feel for easy and long easy runs, while the Nimbus 27 offers a slightly more balanced, stable ride for those who find extreme softness too much. Pick based on which ride character suits your easy days best.