Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 vs Asics Gel-Nimbus 28: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 13: 55% of 309 owners recommend it, vs 42% of 45 for the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Adidas Adizero Boston 13

55%of 309 owners recommend

55% recommend · 20% neutral · 25% don't

Owners praise

Much-improved upper over the 12
Versatile do-everything trainer
Great for tempo and faster paces

Owners complain about

Too firm for easy, slow long runs
Laces and lockdown are fiddly
Narrow, tapered toe box

Full owner report →

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28

42%of 45 owners recommend

42% recommend · 14% neutral · 44% don't

Owners praise

Plush, high-cushion feel that owners love for easy, long, and recovery runs, several describe it as 'walking on cloud'
Relieves foot pain and soreness better than some other cushioned brands (Hoka, New Balance) for owners who struggle with those

Owners complain about

A hole wears through the upper near the toe/toenail area, reported by multiple owners across the 25, 26, and 27 generations as a recurring defect
Some owners have switched away to rivals like the Vomero Plus, Asics Superblast, or New Balance 1080v14, finding the Nimbus less responsive or appealing in comparison
A subset of owners report painful hot spots, an overly soft metatarsal area, or shin splints, for some, Asics as a brand worsened foot pain

Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 if

✓Runners doing tempo and faster workouts
✓Those wanting one versatile do-it-all trainer
✓Runners who like a firm, stable ride
✓Heavier runners needing stability and durability

Skip it if

Runners wanting soft cushioning for slow long runs
Wide feet or those needing a roomy toe box

Get the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 if

✓Long-distance and marathon runners wanting max cushioning for easy/recovery runs
✓Runners who also want a comfy daily walking or standing-all-day shoe
✓People whose feet hurt in firmer trainers and need extra plush support
✓Runners building a rotation who want a dedicated soft recovery-day shoe

Skip it if

Runners wanting a responsive, energetic ride for faster-paced training
High-mileage runners bothered by recurring upper holes or quick sole wear

What Adidas Adizero Boston 13 owners say

“I love the 12 so much I will choose the 13 over EVO SL any time”
— @olsa2k on YouTube

“So i bought the Boston 13 and like it much more.”
— @marcojo111 on YouTube

“i found the 12’s. WAY too hard.”
— @neilhulme8426 on YouTube

What Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 owners say

“the second I step back into hokas or the nimbus my feet are fine again”
— Jumpy-Daddy5809 on Reddit

“Great so far and a huge cushion upgrade from my older winflos. Great upper. Overall great for long easy runs.”
— Forsaken_Ducky on Reddit

“I tried the Nimbus earlier this week and found them to be extremely soft at the metatarsal head”
— orbitolinid on Reddit

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 vs Asics Gel-Nimbus 28: frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 or the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 better?

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 13: 55% of 309 owners recommend it, vs 42% of 45 for the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28.

Who should get the Adidas Adizero Boston 13?

Owners point the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 at runners doing tempo and faster workouts, and those wanting one versatile do-it-all trainer.

Who should get the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28?

Owners point the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 at long-distance and marathon runners wanting max cushioning for easy/recovery runs, and runners who also want a comfy daily walking or standing-all-day shoe.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 is too firm for easy, slow long runs. For the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28, it's a hole wears through the upper near the toe/toenail area, reported by multiple owners across the 25, 26, and 27 generations as a recurring defect.