New Balance More v6 vs ASICS Gel Nimbus 27: Two Comfort-First Trainers Compared

Introduction

When the goal is pure comfort rather than pace, few categories do the job better than max-cushion daily trainers. The New Balance More v6 and the ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 are two of the most comfortable options around, and both are built almost entirely around easy, relaxed running.

The More v6 costs £150 or $154.99, weighs 291 g (10.3 oz) for men in a size 8, and has a 4 mm drop. The Gel Nimbus 27 comes in at £180 or $165, weighs 306 g (10.8 oz) in the same size, and has an 8 mm drop. Those figures frame a comparison between two shoes that do one job very well, but go about it in noticeably different ways.

New Balance More v6: Comfort With Extra Support

The More line has always been designed for easy-mile comfort. The More v5 delivered a noticeably softer ride than its predecessors, but that extra softness came at the cost of some stability. The More v6 addresses that with a more structured heel counter, higher sidewalls, and slightly revised geometry, aiming to keep the comfort people expect from the More line while adding support.

The shoe also features a roomy engineered mesh upper for improved fit, and a modest layer of outsole rubber that protects the midsole while offering decent grip. A wide version is available too.

On the run, the changes feel subtle rather than dramatic. It feels very similar to the More v5, just with a small amount of extra stability, and perhaps a very slightly less bouncy ride. The wide base guides the foot nicely, and the shoe rolls smoothly through each stride. It is built for easy runs, longer easy runs, and recovery runs at relaxed paces, and it does that exceptionally well. What it does not do is speed: the midsole offers some energy return, but it is a slow, smooth response rather than a quick, snappy one.

ASICS Gel Nimbus 27: Refined Cushioning and Stability

The Gel Nimbus 27 is not a drastic update over its predecessor, but it brings two meaningful changes. The stack height of the FF Blast Eco midsole foam increases by 2 mm for even more cushioning, and a new engineered jacketed mesh upper improves comfort and breathability.

Pure Gel technology in the rear of the shoe continues to handle shock absorption, and an OrthoLite X55 sock liner adds another layer of cushioning. There is generous padding across the upper, including a knit rib collar, plus a gusseted tongue-wing fit system for a secure fit. The outsole uses ASICS GRIP hybrid rubber to balance traction and midsole protection.

Compared with the More v6, the Nimbus 27’s midsole feels a touch firmer, which brings a bit more stability as a result. Some runners will prefer that character, particularly those who found the very soft midsoles of the More line too much. For pure walking and everyday wear, that extra stability also makes it a popular choice.

How They Feel on the Run

Both shoes offer plenty of room in the toe box, with the Gel Nimbus 27 having slightly more space in front of the big toe. Across the length of the shoe, both are spacious, with generous padding around the heel. The More v6 has a slightly more padded tongue, while the Nimbus 27 uses a thinner gusseted tongue that still fits very comfortably. Sticking to your usual size in either shoe is a safe bet.

The biggest difference is in the transition. The More v6 rolls you through each stride smoothly and comfortably, while the Gel Nimbus 27 can feel slightly deadening at toe-off, without the same fluid heel-to-toe roll. It is not a major issue for relaxed running, but it is the one area where the More v6 clearly edges ahead. Neither shoe is built for tempo work; both are best at easy, comfortable paces.

Durability and Outsole Grip

The More v6’s outsole is similar to previous versions. The midsole is fairly delicate, so there is a beefy chunk of rubber for protection, though a little wear can show up there, as it did with the More v5, which otherwise held up well. The rubber offers reasonable, if not outstanding, grip. The Gel Nimbus 27 carries a fairly thick layer of rubber that has held up really well, and grip between the two is essentially the same.

Price and Value

Price is where the gap widens. The More v6 has gone up by £10 compared with the More v5 without major changes, which is a little annoying. The Gel Nimbus 27 sits at £180 in the UK, a considerable premium. That said, the Nimbus 27 has been out for a while and can be found considerably cheaper, and the More v6 also tends to drop in price quickly. The More v5, with only minor differences from the v6, can be found at a significant discount if you want to save money.

Conclusion

Both of these are comfort-first trainers that top the list for easy-mile cushioning. For most runners, the New Balance More v6 is the pick: it has a softer, more enjoyable ride, a smoother transition, and a lower price. The ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 is worth considering if you want a bit more stability in a neutral cushioned shoe, especially now that it can often be found discounted. And if budget matters most, the More v5 remains a strong, cheaper alternative to the More v6.