shoes similar to gel nimbus 12 or 13

[cryssi]

I need a new pair of shoes with the level of cushioning found in the gel nimbus. Problem is, I do not like the fit of the nimbus 14. I liked the 12's, and the 13's felt good too, but the 14's just feel wrong. I am not against trying something different at the same level. Suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[cewait]

Welcome to Asics and their design calendar. I quit the brand 7-8 years ago when I found my style was great with the odd number versions and really stunk on the even numbered. The killer was the release date is in the fall, annually. Your lucky that you had two good versions in a row.

I would definitely look to a running store so you can have someone look at your gait, you can feel the ride and to help with questions. But in generally, these are good comps.

Nike Vomero
Brooks Glycerin
New Balance 1080
Ascis Kinsei
Sauconey Triumph


There are others but these are the most direct

 

[jmasgat]

My first suggestion would be to ask a knowledgeable shoe fitter at a local running store. But given that that could be an iffy proposition you might look at the following at Runner'sWorld. I don't know how accurate this is, but it may at least be a place to start. Of course, nothing beats trying on shoes and running in them--but there are so many it is an overwhelming proposition!

http://www.runnersworld.com/shoemine

Maura

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

I tried the Asics and even got a pair, but they felt okay in the store and outside of it, no way. I found that the Nike Lunarglide+(choose your number because like Asics they come out with a new model all the time, but luckily, the changes are pretty minor and usually for the better) to be even more comfortable. Most running stores have return policies, so just try on a few, and bring your favorite running shoes along to compare them. I hope you find something better that works for you. It is so frustrating when you find something that works and they change it!

 

[JCH]

I was also going to suggest the Saucony Triumph or Brooks Glycerin. I've worn all three, and they are pretty comparable. I prefer the Triumph.

 

[cryssi]

Thanks. I found the nimbus 13 for a decent price. I think I'll give that a go and see how it is...I do need to get to a running store and get refitted I think though.

 

[FireDancer]

In addition to what everyone else has said I would also recommend trying to find some 12s or 13s on clearance. They may update the shoe next year into one you like. That is what happened to me.

I train in Mizuno Wave Riders and I've bought them from the 9 through the 14. Up until the 14 they got better every year and then they changed the fit. I was still able to wear the 14 but didn't like it as much. Then when the 15 came out it was garbage in my opinion. I bought two pairs of the 14s on clearance and hoped they would go back to a shoe I like with the 16s. Luckily that is exactly what happened.

Good luck, it is very frustrating to have a shoe you know you like year after year only to have it updated to something you don't like or can't wear because of the fit.

 

[DisneyParrothead]

I may be in the same situation, so good luck! I wear the Asics GT 21xx, and I've read they've changed it (again!). At the moment I just finished a half, so my 2170s will be retired soon since I've had them since July. Every time I need to get new shoes after the new styles come out, I worry.

 

[FFigawi]

Every time I need to get new shoes after the new styles come out, I worry.

That's why I stock up at race expos. Most of the vendors will have discounts on the old models, making for a great opportunity to buy 3-4 pairs for the future.

 

[cryssi]

I started out in the 10's, skipped the 11, got the 12, tried on the 13 and 14 and the 14's just felt horrible, plus I had to size down in the 14 (?).

 

[Dug720]

I may be in the same situation, so good luck! I wear the Asics GT 21xx, and I've read they've changed it (again!). At the moment I just finished a half, so my 2170s will be retired soon since I've had them since July. Every time I need to get new shoes after the new styles come out, I worry.

I only made it one cycle in the GT-21xx series. I started running in the 2150s and those were great. But the 2160s just didn't work for me. Now I'm in Brooks Ravennas and Defyance and am going to introduce Saucony Guide 6s into the rotation just to mic things up.

 

[jimandami]

In addition to what everyone else has said I would also recommend trying to find some 12s or 13s on clearance. They may update the shoe next year into one you like. That is what happened to me.

I train in Mizuno Wave Riders and I've bought them from the 9 through the 14. Up until the 14 they got better every year and then they changed the fit. I was still able to wear the 14 but didn't like it as much. Then when the 15 came out it was garbage in my opinion. I bought two pairs of the 14s on clearance and hoped they would go back to a shoe I like with the 16s. Luckily that is exactly what happened.

Good luck, it is very frustrating to have a shoe you know you like year after year only to have it updated to something you don't like or can't wear because of the fit.

Glad to hear you like the 16s because I got a pair yesterday. To the OP, definitely go in and have your gait assessed when you get a chance. I was originally assessed about a year and a half ago and was put in a stability shoe, so that's what I ran in. Started having problems recently with blisters and also some knee/foot pain so went back and both salespeople agreed I need a neutral shoe. I also am a forefoot striker so I am transitioning to Brooks Pure Flow and running in the Wave Riders while transitioning. I can tell you this: with the PF, I finally feel like I am wearing a shoe that fits my running style. I did my 16-miler in them Sunday and it felt amazing!!

 

[cryssi]

Glad to hear you like the 16s because I got a pair yesterday. To the OP, definitely go in and have your gait assessed when you get a chance. I was originally assessed about a year and a half ago and was put in a stability shoe, so that's what I ran in. Started having problems recently with blisters and also some knee/foot pain so went back and both salespeople agreed I need a neutral shoe. I also am a forefoot striker so I am transitioning to Brooks Pure Flow and running in the Wave Riders while transitioning. I can tell you this: with the PF, I finally feel like I am wearing a shoe that fits my running style. I did my 16-miler in them Sunday and it felt amazing!!

yeah, the very first time I was fitted into a stability shoe...had blisters, ankle and hip issues. After my first half (DL 2008) I went and got refitted into the neutral nimbus and boom, no more blisters or hip issues, even after mickey 09. My right ankle still gets wonky at times, but I must run funny.

 

[Tracerr00]

I feel the exact same way!! I loved the Nimbus 13s and when I needed new shoes I tried the 14s and they were not comfy to me at all compared to the 13s. So I started on a quest to find a new pair and I think I tried about 5 pairs before I found the one for me and I'm finally happy in a Brooks Pure Flow. It's not even similar to a Gel Nimbus but it feels great to me.

By the way, I also got fitted at a running store and they wanted to put me into a stability shoe. I tried and returned many pairs until I went back to a neutral shoe. I have the Brooks Glycerin that are very nice cushiony shoes but the Pure Flow just feels better for me. I could wear either and be happy. But I'm not ruling out getting some Nimbus 13s online for future use as I know they work for me.

 

[ChrisRuns]

I've got a minor hoarding problem with the 13's because the 14's were so horrible - I bought 3 pairs when I found my size and I'm letting that last me through the Disney Marathon. Once that's over with, I'll experiment around...let me know if you find something comparable!

 

[smileyk8]

Another hater of the 14s. Was so sad that my orthotics just don't fit in them! My foot was practically out at the back, never an issue!

Personally I tried the glycerin and found them a bit firmer so not as good for long runs. Actually ended up back in nike's  happy shoe shopping!