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
| Spec | 1080v15New Balance | Gel-Nimbus 28ASICS |
|---|---|---|
| Review score | 91/100 (2 reviews) | 86/100 (2 reviews) |
| Type | Max cushion | Max cushion |
| Weight (men's UK 8.5) | 255 g | 278 g |
| Heel stack | 40 mm | 43.5 mm |
| Drop | 6 mm | 8 mm |
| Cushioning | Plush | Plush |
| Bounce | Bouncy | Lively |
| Plate | No plate | No plate |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Widths | narrow, standard, wide, extra wide | standard, wide |
| Waterproof version | No | No |
| 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
More comparisons
- ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 vs Brooks Glycerin 23
- HOKA Bondi 9 vs ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
- Nike Vomero 18 vs ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
- New Balance 1080v15 vs Saucony Triumph 24
- ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 vs ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28
Still torn?
The shoe finder checks every current shoe against how you run and shows your two best matches.

