However , there is also a growing demand worldwide for lightweight shoes with maximilast cushioning , and that saw Asics introduce the Nimbus 22 Lite last year , taking the tried and trusted comfort of the Gel- Nimbus , but in a lighter overall model that could even be used for racing . Asics has had lightweight models on the market for years – notably the Gel-DS Trainer – but I can only assume that the company wanted to build on the great reputation of the Nimbus by offering a lightweight version of one of its most popular shoes . ( Similarly , Asics brought out a Kayano Lite , offering a lighter version of its top-of-range stability model .)

Now we have the Gel-Nimbus Lite 2 as the update of the Nimbus 22 Lite . ( Interestingly , Asics has not called it the Gel-Nimbus 23 Lite – I assume to avoid the shoes sometimes being confused with the actual Nimbus 23 , as happened last year with the Nimbus 22 .) The new shoe is substantially changed , with a new and more expansive midsole geometry , which Asics has made in two genderspecific versions , and both the upper and midsole

feature recycled materials . Being a huge fan of both lightweight shoes , and models that are eco-friendly , this ticks multiple boxes with me !

Magic in the Midsole

The midsole of the Nimbus Lite 2 is made from FlyteFoam , which contains around 20 % of tiny cellulose nanofibers made from recycled sugar cane in the bubbles of the foam to maintain the structure and increase the durability of the midsole . There are also hidden Gel pods embedded in both the heel and forefoot , providing extra cushioning and shockabsorption .

The men ’ s version is slightly wider to provide more stability , and has a 10mm drop from heel to forefoot , whereas the women ’ s version has a 13mm drop to reduce Achilles and calf strain . On both models , the midsole is broader than before , with a protruding and beveled ( rounded ) heel . This creates a very stable platform for a neutral shoe , but without compromising flexibility in the forefoot .

The outsole is a combination of exposed foam with five wave-shaped rubber pods in the forefoot and three in the heel . Another rubber strip is placed on the medial ( inner ) side of the midfoot arch area , plus another smaller pod dead centre on the men ’ s version ( left out of the women ’ s version to reduce weight further ). This not only cuts down the amount of outsole rubber , reducing weight , but also creates an outsole with good grip that accentuates the geometry of the midsole .

Asics has announced that in 2021 it is making a serious effort to move towards more ecofriendly

designs and packaging , and thus this shoe ’ s mesh upper is 80 % recycled material . The upper is seamless and soft , with fused Asics strip overlays for extra structure and a laminated heel counter to ensure heel fit . Another feature is the gusseted tongue ( attached to the footbed ), ensuring a snug but comfortable grip on my foot , and both the tongue and collar have the right amount of padding for a snug and comfortable but not overly plush fit .

Highly Recommended

I found that the shoe provided a lightweight , comfortable , well-cushioned , smooth ride , but I could still feel the stability that the Nimbus is known for , and that wide midsole really gave me the confidence to stride out . I did find that I had to get used to the way the midfoot flexes – it just felt a bit different to other shoes in my cupboard – but I soon got used to that and really enjoyed running in them .

The Nimbus Lite makes a superb training shoe , able to go the long distances comfortably , with more than enough cushioning but also that extra support and stability that most of us need later in a long run , when our muscles tire and we lose form . The shoe could also be used as a racer , but this is where personal choice kicks in . I found it felt a wee bit heavier than other lightweights in my collection – probably not so much due to actual weight , but because the shoe ‘ feels ’ bigger than other lightweights – so I would prefer to race shorter distances in another model , but this would be my shoe of choice for a longer race .

Images : Courtesy Asics