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Are you in the market for a reliable, comfortable daily training running shoe? Two top contenders that should be on your radar are the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 and the Saucony Ride 17. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down the key features, pros and cons of each shoe to help you decide which is the best fit for your running needs.
Meet the Contenders
ASICS Gel Nimbus 26
The ASICS Gel Nimbus line has long been a favorite among runners seeking a plush, cushioned ride. Now in its 26th iteration, the Gel Nimbus continues to deliver signature ASICS technologies:
- Rearfoot and forefoot Gel cushioning
- FlyteFoam Blast+ midsole for a responsive yet soft feel
- Engineered mesh upper for breathability and comfort
- AHAR+ rubber outsole for durability
The Gel Nimbus 26 weighs in at 10.9 oz (309g) for men and 9.3 oz (264g) for women. It features a 10mm heel-toe drop for men and 13mm for women.
Saucony Ride 17
Saucony’s Ride series is known for its versatility as an everyday trainer that can handle high mileage. The Ride 17 offers a balance of cushioning and responsiveness with features like:
- PWRRUN cushioning for a lively feel
- FORMFIT construction for a personalized fit
- Breathable engineered mesh upper
- XT-900 carbon rubber outsole for traction and durability
The Ride 17 is lighter than the Nimbus at 9.7 oz (275g) for men and 8.1 oz (230g) for women. It has an 8mm heel-toe offset.
Fit and Comfort
Both the Gel Nimbus 26 and Ride 17 prioritize step-in comfort with their engineered mesh uppers that conform to the foot. However, there are some key differences in overall fit:
| Shoe | Fit Notes |
|---|---|
| ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 | Slightly wider fit, especially in forefoot. Plush tongue and collar padding. Suitable for runners with higher volume feet. |
| Saucony Ride 17 | More streamlined, performance-oriented fit. FORMFIT hugs the foot without feeling constrictive. Ideal for average to low volume feet. |
The Nimbus 26 has a roomier toe box and more generous forefoot volume compared to the Ride 17. This makes it a great option for runners with wider feet or those who experience swelling on longer runs. The plush padding around the collar and tongue enhances the luxurious feel.
In contrast, the Ride 17 has a more dialed-in fit through the midfoot and saddle area thanks to Saucony’s FORMFIT technology. This creates a snug, locked-down feel without restricting toe splay. The engineered mesh upper allows enough give to accommodate various foot shapes.
Ultimately, fit comes down to personal preference and foot shape. Those with higher volume feet or a tendency for swelling will likely prefer the roomier Nimbus. The Ride is an excellent choice for runners with lower volume feet seeking a performance-oriented fit. It’s always best to try shoes on in person if possible. Both the Gel Nimbus and Ride work well for neutral foot types.
Midsole Cushioning
This is where the two shoes start to diverge significantly. The Gel Nimbus 26 and Ride 17 use different midsole foam compounds that produce distinct ride characteristics.
Gel Nimbus 26
ASICS equips the Nimbus with their premium FlyteFoam Blast+ midsole foam. This bouncy yet plush foam provides excellent step-in comfort and impact protection. The Gel pods in the rearfoot and forefoot add an extra layer of shock absorption.
Pros of FlyteFoam Blast+:
- Very cushioned, great for long runs and recovery days
- Smooth, easy ride at slower paces
- Gel pods enhance impact protection
- Durable foam doesn’t break down quickly
Cons:
- Feels a bit mushy and less responsive when picking up the pace
- Heavier weight detracts from overall energy return
- Less ground feel and connection to the road
Ride 17
The Ride 17 utilizes Saucony’s PWRRUN midsole foam, which has a lower density for a lighter, springier ride. While still providing ample cushioning, PWRRUN feels firmer and more responsive underfoot compared to FlyteFoam Blast+.
Pros of PWRRUN:
- Cushioned yet responsive feel
- Feels faster and more agile than Nimbus
- Lighter weight is great for uptempo runs
- More ground feel and connection to the road
Cons:
- Firmer ride not as plush as Nimbus
- Less impact protection for heavier runners or those prone to injuries
The Nimbus 26 is better suited for runners who prioritize a supremely cushioned ride for long runs and recovery days. The PWRRUN foam in the Ride 17 makes it more versatile for mixing in some faster paces while still providing enough cushioning for easy and long efforts.
Outsole and Durability
Both shoes utilize durable rubber compounds on high-wear areas of the outsole to maximize traction and longevity. The Gel Nimbus 26 has ASICS’ AHAR+ blown rubber while the Ride 17 uses Saucony’s XT-900 carbon rubber.
The Nimbus 26 features full ground contact rubber coverage for excellent grip on roads and light trails. The lugs are fairly shallow for a smooth heel-toe transition. AHAR+ rubber is known for its durability.
In contrast, the Ride 17 has more exposed midsole foam on the outsole. The rubber is concentrated under the heel and forefoot for traction on paved surfaces. This setup shaves weight but may wear down faster than the Nimbus on high mileage.
In terms of overall durability, both the Nimbus and Ride are built to handle high mileage training for most runners. The engineered mesh uppers are reinforced and resist premature breakdown and stretching. With proper rotation, you can expect to get at least 300-500 miles out of each shoe before they start feeling flat or compressed.
The full rubber coverage on the Nimbus provides excellent traction and makes it better suited for occasional light trail use. The more exposed midsole foam on the Ride means it performs best strictly on paved surfaces like roads and tracks.
Stability and Support
As neutral cushioned trainers, neither the Gel Nimbus 26 nor Ride 17 incorporate any built-in stability features like medial posts. However, the Nimbus does provide a bit more inherent support and motion control from its wider platform and Gel cushioning system.
The rearfoot and forefoot Gel units work together to attenuate impact forces and keep the foot centered during the gait cycle. This makes the Nimbus a good option for runners who underpronate (foot rolls outward) or need some extra support and structure.
In contrast, the Ride 17 has more of a curved “guidance line” shape to encourage a smooth heel-toe transition. But it doesn’t offer as much inherent stability as the Nimbus. Neutral runners and mild overpronators should be fine in the Ride, but more severe overpronators may want to consider a stability shoe.
Aesthetics
Looks are subjective, but both ASICS and Saucony offer the Nimbus and Ride in a variety of colorways to suit different tastes. The Nimbus has a slightly more classic sporty look while the Ride appears sleeker and racier.
Some of the standout Gel Nimbus 26 colorways include:
- Black/Pure Silver
- White/Electric Blue
- Metropolis/Hot Pink
- Black/Blazing Coral
And for the Ride 17:
- Blue Shade/Alloy
- Charcoal/Lime
- Midnight/Orange
- White/Blackened Pearl
Both shoes come in enough versatile and eye-catching color options to satisfy most runners’ style preferences.
Price
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 has an MSRP of $160 while the Saucony Ride 17 retails for $140. Considering the high-quality materials and durability of each shoe, both represent a solid value for the performance you get.
You can often find last season’s models on sale for $20-40 off the MSRP from various running retailers. This makes the Nimbus 25 and Ride 16 excellent value buys if you don’t need the very latest version.
The Verdict
So which shoe takes the crown as the best daily trainer? It ultimately depends on your specific preferences, biomechanics, and needs as a runner. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Choose the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 if you want:
- A plush, luxurious cushioned ride
- A roomier fit, especially in the forefoot
- A reliable shoe for long runs and recovery days
- A bit more inherent stability from the Gel cushioning
- Traction for occasional light trail use
Go with the Saucony Ride 17 if you prefer:
- A responsive, faster-feeling ride
- A lighter, more streamlined performance fit
- A versatile shoe that can handle daily training and some uptempo efforts
- More ground feel and connection to the road
- A lower price point
If you’re still on the fence, here are some scenarios where each shoe particularly excels:
ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 Excels For:
- High mileage training: The premium FlyteFoam Blast+ and Gel cushioning provide excellent impact protection for logging a high volume of miles each week. The durable outsole can handle the pounding.
- Recovery runs: After a hard workout or race, the plush cushioning of the Nimbus allows you to give your legs a break while still getting in some easy mileage.
- Runners with a history of injuries: The combination of cushioning, support, and inherent stability make the Nimbus a smart choice for injury-prone runners or those returning from lower body issues.
- Heavier runners who want more impact protection: The Nimbus is built to withstand the greater forces generated by heavier runners. The cushioning prevents a harsh, jarring ride.
Saucony Ride 17 Excels For:
- Everyday training with some faster paces mixed in: The versatile PWRRUN foam provides enough cushioning for easy days while still feeling responsive for picking up the pace on workouts.
- Tempo runs and intervals: The Ride 17 is light and snappy enough to handle faster paces during uptempo efforts and VO2max intervals on the track.
- Lighter runners with efficient strides: Runners with lighter frames and more efficient biomechanics can take advantage of the Ride’s lighter weight and firmer ride.
- Racing half and full marathons for most runners: The Ride 17 is a great option to consider for racing a half or full marathon. It has enough cushioning for long distances but feels fast and responsive.
Ultimately, the ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 and Saucony Ride 17 are both highly capable daily trainers that offer distinct rides. Factoring in your biomechanics, training goals, and personal preferences will help you choose the right one. You can’t go wrong with either shoe, so pick the one that will make you excited to lace up and log those miles!