How many pairs of Gel-Kayano have you seen on the subway this week? Exactly. That's why the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki Storm Cloud White is hitting so hard right now: same Japanese technical DNA, same GEL cushioning, but a silhouette almost nobody is wearing yet. Storm gray, white and an early-2000s trail runner build translated to asphalt.
The ASICS Gel-Nunobiki Storm Cloud White is a trail-inspired lifestyle sneaker: layered mesh upper with synthetic overlays, GEL units in the forefoot and heel, and a trail-specific outsole pattern. It takes its name from the Nunobiki trail and waterfalls in Kobe (Japan), and brings back elements of the GEL-KAHANA 3 and the GEL-TARGET.
Why the Gel-Nunobiki is different from the rest of ASICS retro
Most ASICS silhouettes that win on the street come from road running. Not this one. The Gel-Nunobiki was born on the trail, and you can feel it everywhere: the midfoot is much more locked in, the overlays stack like on a real mountain shoe and the outsole has a pattern designed to grip uneven surfaces.
ASICS built the upper looking at the GEL-KAHANA 3 and the GEL-TARGET, two models from an era when tech mattered more than looks. The result is a sneaker with more layers and more detail than average, but without exaggerated bulk.
Materials and details: what you see up close
In hand, the first thing that stands out is the contrast of finishes. There are matte layers next to semi-gloss surfaces, a deliberate play on the rough textures of the outdoors that reads much better in gray and white than in saturated colorways.
- Upper: layered mesh with stacked synthetic overlays, in Storm Cloud gray and white.
- Translucent laces: the detail you appreciate most up close, and the one that breaks up all the gray.
- Interior: textile lining, cushioned insole and a wraparound midfoot build.
- Cushioning: GEL units in the forefoot and heel to spread out impact.
- Outsole: trail pattern with solid grip on varied surfaces.
If you're into details you only notice on a second look, here are all the photos and available sizes.
ASICS Gel-Nunobiki reviews: what people who already wear them say
The consensus among people who wear them every day is pretty clear on two points: durability and all-day comfort. Several owners point out that the Nunobiki holds up to constant wear better than the brand's other lifestyle silhouettes, which makes sense given its trail roots.
The GEL cushioning in the heel gets the most praise: it's not a soft, cloud-like shoe, but a stable one with a firm step. The most common complaint is the fit: some describe it as narrow and a bit long, so if you have wide feet, keep that in mind before buying.
Does the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki Storm Cloud White run big or small?
The general recommendation is to order your usual ASICS size. That's the starting point for most buyers. That said, there are two real caveats that come up again and again in reviews:
If you have wide feet, the narrow fit can pinch at the midfoot—right where the wraparound build is most pronounced. And if you like a roomier fit or wear thick socks, some recommend going up half a size. For normal or narrow feet, stick with your usual size.
How to style the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki Storm Cloud White
Gray and white are safe territory, but this silhouette calls for a specific vibe: utilitarian, technical, not preppy at all. It works with volume and with fabrics that have texture.
- Cargos + windbreaker: the most straightforward look. Khaki or olive green with the storm gray.
- Wide-leg denim and a black sweatshirt: the everyday option, no thinking required.
- Nylon pants + fleece: this is where the layered upper really makes sense.
- Technical shorts and tall socks: for the warm months, gorpcore style.
Avoid pairing them with overly formal clothes: the trail build clashes. The more outdoor the rest of the outfit, the better they fit in.
Where to buy the ASICS Gel-Nunobiki Storm Cloud White
At Next Step you get them 100% new and authentic, with 14 calendar days to return them from receipt of your order and fast shipping to Spain and the rest of Europe. It's one of the most detailed and least-seen ASICS silhouettes on the street, so the core sizes are usually the first to go.
Check availability in your size and grab yours here before they sell out. And if you want to compare with other silhouettes from the brand, take a look at the ASICS collection.
