ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 vs New Balance 860 (Men's)
These split by gait, not quality — the cushioned, neutral ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 suits a neutral stride building mileage, while the New Balance 860's medial stability post steadies a mild overpronator.
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At a glance
| Attribute |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Shoe type | ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 27 SneakerCushioned neutral trainer | New Balance Men's 860 SneakerMotion-control stability trainer |
| Gait suited to | ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 27 SneakerNeutral or mild underpronation | New Balance Men's 860 SneakerMild overpronation |
| Cushioning and support | ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 27 SneakerGel in heel and forefoot, FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole | New Balance Men's 860 SneakerMedial stability post for alignment |
| Ride feel | ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 27 SneakerForgiving and protective for building mileage | New Balance Men's 860 SneakerStructured and steadying on the road |
Which should you choose?
Buy this if ASICS Men's Gel-Nimbus 27 Sneaker
You have a neutral or mildly underpronating gait and want a forgiving, cushioned ride to build mileage — gel in the heel and forefoot, a light FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole and a wide toe box.
Buy this if New Balance Men's 860 Sneaker
You mildly overpronate and want structured support — a medial stability post steadies your stride on a durable road outsole, rather than a soft neutral ride.
How we compared
We synthesized this
Which to choose
These two trainers aren't better or worse than each other — they suit different feet. Choose the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 if your gait is neutral or mildly underpronating and you want a forgiving ride while you build mileage: gel cushioning in the heel and forefoot, a light FF BLAST PLUS ECO midsole and a wide toe box make landings feel protected. Choose the New Balance 860 if you mildly overpronate and want structure — a medial stability post steadies your stride on a durable outsole built for the road.
The honest trade-offs
Match the shoe to your stride and each shines; mismatch it and neither does. The Gel-Nimbus is a cushioned neutral trainer, so it won't correct moderate-to-severe overpronation — a stability model like the Kayano suits that. The 860's stability structure, by contrast, can feel unnecessarily rigid for a neutral runner. Unsure of your gait? A gait analysis at a running shop settles it. Our read synthesises each maker's documented build rather than a hands-on wear test — see how we test.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 27 or the New Balance 860?
It comes down to your gait. The Gel-Nimbus 27 is a cushioned neutral trainer for a neutral or mildly underpronating stride; the New Balance 860 is a stability shoe with a medial post for mild overpronators. Match the shoe to how your foot rolls, not to a spec sheet.
What is a medial stability post, and do I need one?
It's firmer support under the arch that counters the foot rolling inward, so it helps mild overpronators stay aligned. If your gait is neutral, you likely don't need it — the New Balance 860's structure can feel rigid, and the neutral Gel-Nimbus 27 will feel more natural.