Shoe Name: ASICS GEL-NIMBUS™ 25

Terrain: Women’s Road running shoes

Shoe type: Underpronation and Neutral

Other features: Engineered knit upper that wraps the foot with a soft feel while improving breathability and AHAR™ outsole rubber which Improves durability. The FF BLAST™ ECO PLUS technology which creates a softer landing and a more responsive toe-off. PureGEL™ technology, which helps provide lightweight cushioning and softer landings, and the reflective details on the shoe are designed to improve visibility in low-light conditions. It is important to note that, almost 75% of the shoe's main upper material is made with recycled content to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

TESTING OF THE ASICS GEL-NIMBUS™ 25

To test this most comfortable yet lightweight road running shoe, I did a 15 km tempo training run from Camps Bay to Granger Bay, around the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town. First of all, before evening sharing how the run was, let’s talk about how beautiful the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 design is, as the shoe comes in multiple (12 colours) impressive colours, with reflective details designed to improve visibility in low-light conditions. And I do find the latter as a positive thing with regards to being inclusive and showing that shoe tech designers did run the extra mile on thinking about different runners' shoe colour preferences, as nothing can beat running in one’s favourite colour trainers, it so uplifting, one tends to like the shoes more and feel good during their runs.

Anyway, back to the run (smiling). To be specific, I tested ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 (wide fit) which comes in Papaya/Dusty Purple colour and I really enjoyed the running in them, to a point that I just kept going and going, no wonder I ended up at Granger Bay (laughing), as it wasn’t part of the plan. But, well… Talk about running with the best comfortable trainer that makes the landing feel like you're landing on clouds (inspired by the FF BLAST™ ECO PLUS technology feature, creating a more responsive ride), it was inevitable to just keep on running. Half way the run (at 7.5km), the shoe still felt good, not too tight and I was still strong running at a moderate pace, thanks to how lightweight the shoe is, with exceptional cushioning; 65% softer from the pure gel, 20% more foam and higher stack hight providing a softer landing (inspired by the PureGEL™ technology feature). Additionally, I could feel the flexibility and advanced ventilation on my foot provided by the updated knit tongue (which extends around the ankle for a more luxurious fit and feel) and the soft knit upper (which comfortably wraps your foot), respectively. Besides the productive test run and being impressed by the shoe colour design; I was also amazed to learn that almost 75% of the shoe's main upper material is made with recycled content to reduce waste and carbon emissions. And that the sock liner is produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately 33% and carbon emissions by approximately 45% compared to the conventional dyeing technology, really inspiring and eco-friendly.

In short, I do recommend ASICS GEL-NIMBUS™ 25 , especially for long-distance running (15km, 21km, 42km) even though you could still get away with doing your 5 km-10 km with them. If you are looking for a neutral or underpronation running shoe that is lightweight with exceptional cushioning support, for your upcoming half- or full-marathon race; then you must consider getting yourself or trying out some ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25 trainers, As nothing feels better than running with the most comfortable running shoe and the best-improved version of Gel-Nimbus to date :).

Happy Running and be on the lookout for my next shoe review!