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I previously reviewed the Asics Gel Nimbus 24 running shoes that I have been a long term fan of. But what else is there available? This week I have compiled the best alternatives to Asics Gel Nimbus 24 running shoes. Working with our panel of runners I have built this short list to help you consider what else might be worth trying before you buy.
Take a look through the 5 best neutral running shoes worth considering for anyone taking running seriously this year.
Asics Gel Nimbus 24
Trivelo Rating 1 / 5
| Running Shoe Type | Road running shoe |
| Support | Neutral |
| Weight | 290g |
| Heel Toe Drop | 13mm |
| Price | £123.75 |
The latest version of the Asics Gel Nimbus running shoes are the lightest shoes Asics have made in the Nimbus range. The weight having dropped 20g from the Nimbus 23. The shoes have a new integrated tongue system that makes them very tight initially. This makes them snug but prevents any alternative insoles being used with them. They make them with a wide fitting that may be worth trying.
The Asics Gel Nimbus 24 use a cushion system called FlyteFoam Blast +. This has a genuine spring to it and helps with pace. That said this is more of a long distance running shoe given the weight of it so suited to anyone training for a marathon this season. The soft knitted upper is very comfy and would be good for anyone even considering running without socks. A good triathlon running shoe contender. If you had used the Asics Gel Nimbus previously in earlier models though BEWARE as the fit has changed.
My score for the Asics Nimbus Gel is 1/5. The tight fit making them impossible to use now and inappropriate for my feet. Earlier models had all been perfect and have used them well beyond the 500 mile usage milestone.
Are Asics Gel Nimbus 24 worth it?
Yes. They are a well made neutral support running shoe. Very well suited to comfortable running over long distance.
Best Price for the Asics Gel Nimbus 24
If you are also considering the Asics Gel Cumulus we have run in both shoes and done a head to head test. Read our direct comparison of the Asics Nimbus vs Asics Cumulus and see what is best for you.
List of the best alternatives to the Asics Gel Nimbus 24
- Hoka Carbon x 3
- Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind 2
- Adidas Ultraboost 22
- On Cloudmonster
Hoka Carbon x 3
Trivelo Rating 4/5
| Running Shoe Type | Road running shoe |
| Support | Neutral |
| Weight | 325g |
| Heel Toe Drop | 6mm |
| Price | £102 |
The Hoka Carbon X 3 are a relative bargain compared to some equivalent running shoes. They feature the Nike Vaporfly carbon plate. Punchy. This brings with it some weight penalty for that midsole technology weighing in at 325g. One of the heaviest shoes in our line up of the best alternatives to Asics Gel Nimbus 24.
These are a very comfortable neutral running shoe. The carbon plate helping provide a smooth running feeling with good cushioning. The midsole has less spring back than some others trading this for a comfortable foot strike.
For those that like more space in the shoe possibly for an insole the Hoka Carbon X 3 are less snug than the Asics Gel Nimbus 24. The soft knit upper comfortable without feeling snug. Like many modern “super shoes” the Hoka Carbon X 3 has a swallowtail heel. As the shoes are more designed for distance than speed you may feel little value from this.
Are Hoka Carbon X 3 worth it?
Currently well discounted so worth a try if you find the Asics Gel Nimbus 24 too tight. Not the lightest so go for them if heading out for some distance running.
Best Price for the Hoka Carbon X 3
If you like to run with music but struggle with finding the right headphones read our review of the Oladance open ear headphones. Designed to help you maintain spacial awareness while achieving high audio quality. Stay safe while running and listen to your favourite guilty pleasure.
Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind 2
Trivelo Rating 3.5/5
| Running Shoe Type | Road running shoe |
| Support | Neutral |
| Weight | 238g |
| Heel Toe Drop | 8mm |
| Price | £69.30 |
Under Armour are the relative newcomer in this list of neutral running shoes. That said this is the second version of the Flow Velociti Wind running shoe. Seeing some weight shaving going on to bring this shoe in at a featherweight 238 grams. These shoes have ambitions of suiting runners of all distances.
Under Armour have developed a simple design using a one-piece flow sole. Unlike others here this has no “air” type pockets but a Flow foam compound that promises serious durability. There is no midsole and outsole. Simple design with a foam sole stitched to UA warp upper. This simple design is key to the low weight of the shoes.
Under Armour tend to come up small sizing wise so recommend trying up a size to ensure comfort.
Are Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind 2 worth it?
There are some real bargains around on these shoes too so potential to get them for half the price of the Asics Gel Nimbus 24.
Best Price for the Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind 2
Adidas Ultraboost 22
Trivelo Rating 4.5/5
| Running Shoe Type | Road running shoe |
| Support | Neutral |
| Weight | 333g |
| Heel Toe Drop | 12mm |
| Price | £89 |
The Adidas Ultraboost 22 is another classic alongside the Asics Gel Nimbus 24. The latest version continues the theme of a focus on comfort. This is in a large part due to the Boost midsole foam creating comfortable shock absorbing over distance. You pay for this comfort in weight, however, as the shoes weigh 333g. The heaviest shoe in our list of neutral running shoes.
The latest version of the shoe has improved the heel cushioning. This has been a response to the feedback on the previous version S-Curve heel pocket. A welcome addition on a shoe designed more for long distance running.
The upper is manufactured using Primeknit+ that I was pleased to read contained 50% recycled ocean plastic. A positive nod to the green credentials of these shoes. The shoes stretch well around the foot with a similar snug design to the Asics Gel Nimbus 24.
This has been the running shoe of choice for Trivelo founder Scott who has been using them for over a decade including Ironman Wales races. Popular and well proven running shoe.
If you are looking out for new running shorts read my review of the Under Armour 2-in-1 Vanish shorts. Easily my favourite running shorts. Ever.
Are Adidas Ultraboost 22 worth it?
A comfortable classic for longer runs. The closest equivalent running shoe to the Asics Gel Nimbus 24.
Best price for the Adidas Ultraboost 22
If you are looking to build on your running and get into triathlon check our guide to triathlon distances. Includes guidance on how much training to do for each distance to help you pick the best place for you to start.
On Cloudmonster
Trivelo Rating 4/5
| Running Shoe Type | Road running shoe |
| Support | Neutral |
| Weight | 275g |
| Heel Toe Drop | 6mm |
| Price | £105 |
The On Cloudmonster is a big cushioning maximalist neutral running shoe that weighs roughly the same as the Asics Nimbus 24. 15g lighter for those watching the numbers closely. The Cloudmonster uses the largest CloudTec (hollow pods across the midsole of the shoe) for any of the On running shoes. Style wise they are pretty much all sole and minimal upper.
The cushioning across the ankle is soft giving a snug fit for any runner. They are more soft than previous On shoes but not as comfy as some other maximalist style shoes you can buy. Target for these shoes is anyone looking for serious comfort over longer runs. These are not for fast 5km personal best times but for those pushing distance.
There is a lot of tech packed into the shoes that you would expect from the On brand. This includes their Speedboard to provide a solid platform for the bounce back and push-off in your stride.
Are On Cloudmonster worth it?
For something very different the On Cloudmonster is a credible alternative but they are in short supply. Would recommend try before you buy for fit.
Best price for the On Cloudmonster
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