ASICS Dynablast 5 vs Nimbus 27: Which Shoe Wins?
Picking a new running shoe can feel tricky. Two great options from ASICS often come up: the Dynablast 5 and the Gel Nimbus 27.
Both shoes promise comfort. But they serve different runners and different runs.
The Dynablast 5 is light and soft. It shines on easy days and recovery jogs.
The Nimbus 27 brings maximum cushioning. It suits long runs and all day comfort.
Quick Comparison: Asics Dynablast 5 vs Nimbus 27
| Feature | Asics Dynablast 5 | Nimbus 27 |
|---|---|---|
| Heel Stack Height | 41.3mm | 43.5mm |
| Forefoot Stack Height | 13.9mm | 50.1mm |
| Midsole Cushioning | FF Blast Plus | FF Blast Plus Eco |
| Upper Material | Engineered jacquard mesh | Premium breathable upper |
| Ride Feel | Soft, cushioned | Plush but firmer |
| Traction | Poor grip | Top-tier grip |
| Stability | Not emphasized | Fantastic stability |
| Best Use Case | Easy/recovery runs | Long relaxed runs |
Asics Dynablast 5 Review
- Engineered jacquard mesh upper: Helps improve breathability
- FF BLAST PLUS cushioning: Helps provide lightweight impact absorption and a responsive rebound
- Trampoline-inspired bounce
Last update on 2026-08-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
The ASICS Dynablast 5 is a lightweight cushioned trainer built for runners who prioritize soft landings and recovery workouts. Its 41.3mm heel stack delivers excellent shock absorption without feeling sluggish or heavy.
The shoe features FF Blast Plus cushioning paired with an engineered jacquard mesh upper that feels gentle on your foot. Real-world testing shows minimal outsole wear after 100km, making it a durable choice for frequent training.
The Dynablast 5 excels at absorbing impact (156 SA rating at the heel). However, it sacrifices traction and responsiveness—this shoe won’t give you that snappy, bouncy feel some runners crave.
Best suited for easy runs and recovery days, the Dynablast 5 shines when you need a forgiving shoe that keeps your legs fresh between harder workouts.
Pros
- Excellent shock absorption with soft, responsive cushioning
- Lightweight design reduces fatigue on recovery runs
- Durable outsole resists wear over many miles
- Comfortable engineered mesh upper
Cons
- Poor traction on wet or slippery surfaces
- Lacks bounce and snappy responsiveness
- Not ideal for runners wanting a more dynamic feel
Nimbus 27 Review
- Engineered jacquard mesh upper: Wraps the foot with a soft feel
- At least 75% of the shoe's main upper material is made with recycled content to reduce waste and...
- The sockliner is produced with the solution dyeing process that reduces water usage by approximately...
Last update on 2026-08-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 is a premium cushioned running shoe built for runners who want maximum comfort on long distances. It delivers one of the tallest stack heights in the ASICS lineup, making it perfect for plush, relaxed runs.
Last update on 2026-04-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
The shoe features FF Blast Plus Eco midsole technology with 43.5mm heel and 50.1mm forefoot stack. You get top-tier grip and fantastic stability, even on varied surfaces, thanks to its premium outsole design.
The upper feels premium and breathable, wrapping your foot in comfort for extended wear. Real-world testing shows the Nimbus 27 handles long runs and all-day walking without fatigue or soreness.
Build quality is solid throughout, though the midsole sits firmer than you’d expect for such a tall stack. The shoe excels when you prioritize plush cushioning over snappy responsiveness.
Pros
- Maximum cushioning with 43.5mm heel and 50.1mm forefoot stack for impact protection
- Superior traction and stability compared to competing models
- Balanced ride with snappy forefoot feel despite plush cushioning
- Premium breathable upper delivers all-day comfort
Cons
Last update on 2026-04-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
- Bulky midsole makes the shoe feel heavier and less nimble
- Firmer ride than expected for the generous stack height
- Short laces can be annoying during fitting
Head to Head: Key Differences
The Dynablast 5 weighs noticeably less than the Nimbus 27, making it the better choice if you want a shoe that won’t slow you down on recovery days. The Nimbus 27 prioritizes maximum cushioning over lightweight performance, so it feels heavier underfoot.
Your ride experience differs significantly between these two shoes. The Dynablast 5 delivers a soft, forgiving feel that absorbs impact smoothly, while the Nimbus 27 offers plush cushioning with a firmer midsole response that some runners find surprising given its tall stack height.
Traction is where the Nimbus 27 pulls ahead. The Nimbus 27 grips the ground much better on wet surfaces and trails, whereas the Dynablast 5 shows poor traction that limits its use in challenging conditions.
Stack height tells part of the story. The Nimbus 27 sits at 43.5mm in the heel and 50.1mm in the forefoot, while the Dynablast 5 measures 41.3mm and 13.9mm respectively.
This extra cushioning in the Nimbus 27 creates a more elevated, cloud-like feel.
Durability leans toward the Dynablast 5 for high mileage runners. The Dynablast 5 outsole shows minimal wear even after 100km of running, making it excellent for training volume.
The upper construction differs too. The Dynablast 5 uses an engineered jacquard mesh that feels soft and breathable, while the Nimbus 27 features a premium breathable upper designed for all day wear and comfort.
Choose the Dynablast 5 for training runs and recovery workouts where lightweight cushioning matters most. Pick the Nimbus 27 if you want a plush, stable shoe for long relaxed runs and maximum comfort.
Which One Should You Buy
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 27 takes the win here. It brings taller, plusher cushioning and pairs it with top-tier traction on varied surfaces.
Stability also gets a boost, yet the forefoot still feels snappy underfoot. This mix makes the Nimbus 27 the more versatile, premium choice.
The Dynablast 5 still holds its own for simpler needs. It stays light and soft, perfect when responsiveness takes a back seat.
Best for each buyer
- Asics Dynablast 5: Runners who want a lightweight, soft, and durable shoe for easy or recovery days.
- ASICS Gel Nimbus 27: Runners who want maximum plush cushioning, strong grip, and stability for long relaxed runs or all-day wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which shoe works better for recovery runs?
The Dynablast 5 is your answer here. It delivers soft cushioning with 156 SA heel shock absorption.
The lightweight design means less fatigue on your legs. You’ll feel supported without any heaviness slowing you down.
The engineered mesh upper feels comfortable during easy workouts too.
Should I choose the Nimbus 27 if I run long distances?
Yes, absolutely. The Nimbus 27 shines on long relaxed runs.
Its 43.5mm heel and 50.1mm forefoot stack create a cloud-like feel under your feet. The FF Blast Plus Eco midsole keeps impact low mile after mile.
Stability remains strong, so your feet stay secure even when tired.
How does traction compare between these two?
The Nimbus 27 wins decisively here. It offers top-tier grip that handles various surfaces confidently.
The Dynablast 5 has poor traction in comparison. If you run on wet or slippery terrain often, the Nimbus 27 is the safer choice.
Which shoe lasts longer for high mileage training?
The Dynablast 5 shows superior durability. The outsole resists wear with minimal degradation at 100km.
Runners focused on logging consistent miles will appreciate this longevity. The Nimbus 27 performs well too, but the Dynablast 5 edges ahead for pure durability.
What if I want a responsive, snappy feel?
Neither shoe excels here, but the Nimbus 27 does better. Its forefoot delivers a snappy response despite the plush cushioning.
The Dynablast 5 lacks bounce entirely. Both prioritize comfort over responsiveness, so look elsewhere if you need a truly reactive shoe.
Mia Smith is the founder of Shoe Storyteller, a blog that celebrates the art and stories behind shoes. With a passion for fashion and a flair for storytelling, Mia brings a unique perspective to the world of footwear.
