Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Adidas Ultraboost 5 vs Asics Gel-Nimbus 28: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28: 42% of 45 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 34 for the Adidas Ultraboost 5.

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

Adidas Ultraboost 5

35%of 34 owners recommend

35% recommend · 21% neutral · 44% don't

Owners praise

Many owners call them among the most comfortable shoes they've owned, day to day and out of the box
Durability holds up well for years of regular wear when the pair isn't defective
Well suited to distance running, including high weekly mileage and marathon training

Owners complain about

Sole cracking, peeling, and premature breakdown, sometimes within just 3-6 months of purchase
Comfort and cushioning have declined across generations, with older versions (1.0, 3.0, 4.0) feeling comfier than the newer 19/5
Divisive looks, especially the caged design and redesigned heel cup, which some owners find ugly

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 Ultraboost 5 if

✓Casual runners and walkers who won't rack up serious weekly mileage
✓Distance runners who prioritize long-run comfort over sprint responsiveness
✓Buyers who want an all-around comfortable everyday sneaker for gym or casual wear
✓Shoppers grabbing them on sale who value fashion and comfort over ultimate durability

Skip it if

High-mileage runners doing serious weekly distance or fast sprint training
Anyone wanting a shoe to double as regular walking or travel footwear

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 Ultraboost 5 owners say

“Say what you want about the design, these are insanely comfortable shoes. IMO look better in person.”
— ridukosennin on Reddit

“I have Allbirds and UB 3.0s and I can say definitively my UBs are far more comfortable for me. It’s a treat to wear them haha”
— SunriseMoon on Reddit

“Anyone have the issue of the footbed moving around in their Ultraboost 19s? It makes mine nearly unwearable. (It slides back constantly. No matter how tight or loose they are.)”
— Easy-Lucky-Free on Reddit

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 Ultraboost 5 vs Asics Gel-Nimbus 28: frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Ultraboost 5 or the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 better?

Real owners lean toward the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28: 42% of 45 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 34 for the Adidas Ultraboost 5.

Who should get the Adidas Ultraboost 5?

Owners point the Adidas Ultraboost 5 at casual runners and walkers who won't rack up serious weekly mileage, and distance runners who prioritize long-run comfort over sprint responsiveness.

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 Ultraboost 5 is sole cracking, peeling, and premature breakdown, sometimes within just 3-6 months of purchase. 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.