The Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 suits neutral high-mileage runners who want taller, lighter maximum-stack comfort for easy and long days. The Brooks Glycerin 23 suits runners who want softer-forefoot, stable everyday cruising for easy miles, long runs and recovery. Both are premium cushion running trainers, meaning neutral daily trainers built for comfort rather than racing. The Nimbus 28 lists around $169.95 and under 10 oz for men, while the Glycerin 23 lists at $175 and about 10.6-10.7 oz for men.
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Table of Contents
- How do the listed specs compare?
- Which ride feels softer or faster?
- What are the fit and durability limits?
- Which shoe fits your running?
How do the listed specs compare?
The Glycerin 23 lists 38mm/30mm stack with an 8mm drop, according to the Alastair Running Glycerin 23 review. The Gel-Nimbus 28 lists 43.5mm/35.5mm for men and 42.5mm/34.5mm for women, also with an 8mm drop. Doctors of Running reports those Nimbus figures in its Nimbus 28 review.
Lab weighing found a similar gap: 299.4g for Glycerin 23 versus 272.9g for Nimbus 28. Lab heel stacks measured 39.9mm and 42.5mm. Measured drops were 9.6mm and 6.4mm.
Which ride feels softer or faster?
Lab testing scored Nimbus 28 higher for cushioning, 8.6 versus 7.4 for Glycerin 23. RTINGS reports those cushion scores in its lab-tested Nimbus 28 data and lab-tested Glycerin 23 data. Nimbus 28 also scored higher for stability, 8.3 versus 8.0.
Energy return favors Glycerin 23, 4.1 versus only 1.6 for Nimbus 28. Doctors of Running calls Nimbus 28 the lightest Nimbus ever and describes a lighter, snappier, more versatile ride. Glycerin 23 keeps a heavier, rear-loaded, heel-led ride that resists faster paces.
What are the fit and durability limits?
A direct comparison treats both as premium max-cushion trainers for long runs. It says they differ in fit, weight, stability, cushion feel and durability.
Glycerin 23 offers steady cruising but feels rear-loaded at quicker effort. Nimbus 28 can cause lace bite and feels firmer than expected for some runners. It also uses less outsole rubber, which can reduce confidence on wear.
Which shoe fits your running?
Choose Nimbus 28 for taller, lighter long-day comfort and Glycerin 23 for softer-forefoot, stable everyday miles.
- Pick Nimbus 28 for maximum-stack comfort on easy days, long runs and recovery miles.
- Pick Glycerin 23 for stable daily cruising with a softer forefoot feel.
- Avoid Glycerin 23 for tempo work because the heel-led ride resists faster paces.
- Check Nimbus 28 lacing and outsole wear because lace bite and thinner rubber are reported limits.