Head-to-head · Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 vs ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about high-arch runners who want maximum plush protection for slow, high-mileage and recovery days — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28

4.2

$144.95as of Jun 7

The Gel-Cumulus 28 is the value pick: a lighter, more affordable sibling to the Nimbus with plush cushioning, a wide stable base, and a very high effective drop that suits heel-striking high-arch runners. RunRepeat measured a 42.8mm heel stack and praised its plush, stable geometry for heel strikers, though it flagged the limited pace range.

Strengths

— Plush cushioning on a wide, stable platform — great for heel-striking high arches
— Light for its cushioning at about 8.9 oz
— Very high effective drop (RunRepeat measured 13.3mm) reduces Achilles strain

Watch-outs

— Tall heel-biased geometry feels extreme for forefoot strikers
— Limited pace range and modest energy return
— Less premium upper and outsole grip than the Nimbus

$144.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Running Shoes for High Arches

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

4.3

$160

The Gel-Nimbus 27 is ASICS' range-topping neutral cushioned trainer and a classic high-arch recommendation. Its 42mm-plus stack and reinforced sidewalls deliver a stable, shock-absorbing ride that protects a high arch on slow miles. RunRepeat scored it 85/100 but flagged it as best for easy paces, and Believe in the Run found it soft with a touch of road feel.

Strengths

— Among the highest stack heights and most cushioning of any neutral trainer
— Stable, shock-absorbing platform with reinforced sidewalls that high arches appreciate
— Premium, plush upper and step-in comfort

Watch-outs

— Bottom-heavy feel and firmer-than-expected foam isn't for everyone
— Heavy at over 10.5 oz, lacking versatility for faster paces
— Priced at the top of the daily-trainer range

$160 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28

A lighter, cheaper alternative to the flagship ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 with a similarly plush but more heel-biased ride. Its very high effective drop matches the Nike Pegasus 42 and Brooks Ghost 18, and it is softer and more cushioned than the moderate-stack Pegasus while less bouncy than the ASICS Novablast 5.

ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27

Plusher and more protective than the ASICS Novablast 5, but heavier and less bouncy. More cushioned than the Brooks Ghost 18 and softer than the firmer Nike Pegasus 42. Shares ASICS DNA with the lighter, heel-biased ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 but sits at the top of the cushioning range.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28	ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27
Weight	8.9 oz (M)	10.5 oz (M)
Drop	8mm (13.3mm measured)	8mm
Stack height	42.8mm heel / 29.5mm forefoot	42.7mm heel / 34.4mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral	Neutral
Cushioning	High (FF Blast Plus)	Max (FF Blast Plus Eco)
Width options	Standard, Wide, Extra Wide	Standard, Wide, Extra Wide
Upper	Engineered mesh	Engineered stretch knit

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