I am a very long time Asics Gel Nimbus customer. The first pair purchased was the 11's about 6-7 years ago when I got serious about running. I have owned model 11, 13 (2), 14 (2), 15 (3), 16 (2), 17 (3) and a pair of 18s. I have run over 25 half marathons and one full marathon all in Asics Gel Nimbus. I think that would make me somewhat of a fanboy. Now to the problem that everyone has addressed on the 19's. EVERY pair aforementioned I have purchased men's size 8 D. I have a normal gate, normal arch, and a generally narrow foot. Size 8 is what I have always purchased and they always fit fairly well. This HAS changed with the 19s.
I read all the reviews, and was fairly discouraged by the what I read and even found some new 17s for the past season in light of this. However, my 17's are getting close to the magic retirement age of 400 miles, so I really needed to get new shoes. Here's what I did: I took advantage of Amazon's free shoe return with Prime, and purchased several different pairs of Nimbus 19s to really check out the sizes. As expected, size 8 were too darn small, just like everyone said. So they did make a substantial noticeable change to the size for sure. I went to 8.5, and guess what, the toe box was still too narrow for my narrow foot. How about 8 2E, nope, still too short. Finally, I had one last (and I mean last) try, and purchased the 8.5 2E. These fit, and I mean fit extremely well. In fact, after only a minute on the treadmill, I discovered that the sole was better fitting than any other Nimbus to date. I went on to whip off a 5k on the treadmill and to my amazement, they were outstanding. I was on the verge of giving up fully on the model and Asics, but it was all about getting the right fit.
In closing, I'd say that Asics made huge mistake in their sizing on the 19's, and it cost them dearly, If you've noticed the 20's are already out before the new year, which usually never happens. They obviously know it was a mistake and are trying to quickly correct the issue with a new model. However, the bright side to this is that if you know the size that fits, you can snag a pair at a deep discount just now. Which I just did in buying a second pair. I'd recommend these shoes, but try a few pair and return what doesn't work. Also, make sure you actually RUN in them to test them out. They are exceptionally comfortable to run in, if you get the right size.
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Glad I ordered up half size, hoping for same Asics durability...
I have been purchasing Asics running shoes for the past 6+years. I have been a runner for over 25 years and used nearly every brand out there. Asics fit my narrow foot best, have never resulted in blisters, nor aggravate my Achilles tendon that other brands have. Due to tiring of losing toenails I now buy mens shoes. My shoe size is a womans size 10, in buying up a size I found a womens 11 is limited for choices. After trial & error [which is expensive], I found that the fit/feel of the Asics mens 9.5 is ideal. In needing a new pair, did my research and in reading reviews settled on ordering a mens size 10 and am glad I did. This shoe in fact does run small, the toe box at a .5 size bigger was ample enough for my long toes. After a few runs I can add one slight disappointment, my runs are on varied surfaces...gravel to pavement to dirt are all on my running routes. I have only put about 25 miles on these new shoes and found that the sole, while running on gravel is not as thick as the Nimbus 17's that I just retired. I hope Asics doesn't continue to downscale the thickness and durability on the Nimbus sole. I have always added insoles to help with support and this helps remedy this issue a bit. I do like the new fabric, the laces, arch support and overall look of these shoes. Hope they hold up like previous generations of Nimbus. I remain a loyal Asics customer after purchasing these and plan to put them to the test to determine future purchases.
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Great running shoes, superb price.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 23, 2017