Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: 75% of 134 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

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 →

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4

75%of 134 owners recommend

75% recommend · 6% neutral · 19% don't

Owners praise

Versatile do-it-all daily and tempo shoe
Great for uptempo, tempo and race-pace runs
Nice bounce, pop and protective cushioning

Owners complain about

Narrow, pointy toebox cramps and rubs the pinky toe
Firm, dead-feeling midsole with little bounce
Toe numbness or circulation issues mid-run

Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

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

Get the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 if

✓Runners wanting a plated tempo and uptempo shoe
✓Those doing race-pace workouts and faster efforts
✓Runners with narrow to medium-width feet
✓Runners wanting one versatile do-everything trainer

Skip it if

Wide-footed runners (narrow, pointed toe box)
Runners wanting soft, bouncy cushioning

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

What Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 owners say

“Endo Speed 4 being great”
— @dhgpan on YouTube

“i love them so much i decided to run the marathon i was preparing with”
— @jeremybmxfr on YouTube

“Speed 4 is by far my least favourite version. I loved version 1-3 but this one just doesn't feel right on my foot.”
— @nickskier1 on YouTube

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: frequently asked questions

Is the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 better?

Real owners lean toward the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: 75% of 134 owners recommend it, vs 42% of 45 for the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28.

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.

Who should get the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4?

Owners point the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 at runners wanting a plated tempo and uptempo shoe, and those doing race-pace workouts and faster efforts.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 is 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. For the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, it's narrow, pointy toebox cramps and rubs the pinky toe.