2010 has brought an update to Asics' line of running shoes, the Gel Nimbus. The Gel Nimbus 12 is the latest shoe in the companies top of the line cushioning shoe, and has improved cushioning, stability features, and upper comfort. Another added benefit of the updated line is now a separate line that is specifically designed for women. A new feature that can be found in the shoe is the Guidance Line, a flex groove that runs from heel to toe to guide the foot during the gait.
The reason that many runners choose to update their Nimbus shoes year after year is the soft cushioning provided by the Nimbus. The shoes are mainly cushioned using Gel technology. The Gel technology is made from tiny pieces of Asics' silicone Gel, which is inserted into the midsole in both the heel and the forefoot. Solyte foam, a lightweight material, in the midsole is the other feature of the shoe that contributes to the cushioning.
The Nimbus 12 combines cushioning into a few features. The base of the shoe is wider, thus providing the runner with more stability. The heel is separated, to provide shock absorption, and for women the heel is 3mm higher to relieve stress on the Achilles' tendon.
One strong part of the Asics Nimbus 12 is the Space Trusstic System, the plastic shank that is under the arch and provides stability between the heel and forefoot to prevent unnecessary twisting of the foot. The Trusstic System built of a solid compound to offer runners a mix of comfort and stability. This is another area of the shoe that is designed separately for men and women.
The upper of the Asics Gel Nimbus 12 has many features which become obvious when looking at the shoe. The collar and heel lining is filled with a memory foam to form to the shape of the runner's heel and wrap comfortably around the foot. The Gel Nimbus 12 also has asymmetrical lacing design, which was introduced by Asics in 2009. This means that the shoelaces are not positioned in a straight line; rather they are placed on a curve that is designed to follow the natural shape of a foot.
The Asics Gel Nimbus 12 has a generous amount of cushioning, and could quickly become the model shoe for the cushioning category. Much of the improvements for this year's shoe have been focused on adding stability, making this the perfect shoe for an under pronating runner, or mild over prontaors.
