New Balance 1080v15 vs ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28

Two premium cushioned trainers. The 1080 v15 is over 20 g lighter, bouncier and £25 cheaper, and it comes in four widths. The Nimbus is taller and plusher, a pure comfort cruiser that suits slower, long miles.

By the RunShoeRotation team. Written October 2026; specs, scores and prices updated October 2026. How we compare shoes.

Which should you buy?

Choose the 1080v15 if you want a soft but lively shoe that can also pick up the pace, or you need a narrow or extra-wide fit.

Choose the Gel-Nimbus 28 if you want the softest, most protective ride for long easy runs and recovery.

The 1080v15 is 23 g lighter than the Gel-Nimbus 28. It has 3.5 mm less foam under the heel. Its drop is 6 mm against 8 mm. It costs £25 less at full price.

Side by side

Spec1080v15New BalanceGel-Nimbus 28ASICS
Review score91/100 (2 reviews)86/100 (2 reviews)
TypeMax cushionMax cushion
Weight (men's UK 8.5)255 g278 g
Heel stack40 mm43.5 mm
Drop6 mm8 mm
CushioningPlushPlush
BounceBouncyLively
PlateNo plateNo plate
SupportNeutralNeutral
FitTrue to sizeTrue to size
Widthsnarrow, standard, wide, extra widestandard, wide
Waterproof versionNoNo
UK RRP£155£180

Weights are for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5. Prices are UK RRPs; shops often sell for less.

What the critics say

1080v15

  • Lighter Infinion foam
  • Soft but energetic, especially at faster paces
  • Secure, comfortable upper
  • Landings can feel firm at slow paces
  • Average grip and minimal arch support

Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.

Gel-Nimbus 28

  • Noticeably lighter than the Nimbus 27
  • Softer, more comfortable upper
  • Smoother, quicker transitions
  • Less outsole rubber, so less durable
  • Not much energy return for the price

Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.

Paraphrased from published reviews.

What's new in each

New Balance 1080v15: Swaps Fresh Foam X for New Balance's lighter, livelier Infinion foam and cuts around 40 g, with a redesigned, more breathable upper. Same 6 mm drop.

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28: Around 7% lighter than the Nimbus 27, with a slightly softer, more sculpted FF Blast+ midsole, a softer engineered-mesh upper and less outsole rubber.

Prices for the 1080v15 Prices for the Gel-Nimbus 28

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