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The Roving Cow Puts the ASICS Gel-Nimbus Platinum to the Test

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on The Roving Cow Puts the ASICS Gel-Nimbus Platinum to the Test

ASICS Gel-Nimbus Platinum
Road tested by Modern Athlete’s Roving Cow – Richard Laskey

There’s something lekker about pulling on a proper cushioned daily trainer. Not your flashy race-day rocket, not something that makes you feel like you need to chase Strava segments… just a solid, dependable shoe that’s ready to go when the plan simply says: “Run.”

That’s exactly where the Nimbus Platinum fits in.

I took it out on my usual mix, suburb tar loops, the odd dodgy patch of pavement, and a couple of longer steady runs where you’re not chasing pace, just time on feet. And straight away, you can tell this shoe’s job is simple: keep your legs happy.

Upper

Out the box, the upper feels soft and breathable, no fuss, no breaking-in drama. The engineered mesh has a bit of stretch, so it hugs the foot nicely without feeling sloppy. There’s just enough structure through the midfoot to keep things locked in when you naturally pick things up a notch.

On those warmer Gauteng mornings, airflow was spot on. No hotspots, no pressure points, it’s one of those uppers you stop thinking about after the first kilometre, which is exactly what you want.

Midsole

This is where the magic happens.

The FF BLAST+ ECO foam gives you that proper plush Nimbus feel, but without turning the run into a soggy marshmallow situation. It cushions well, especially on longer runs, but still keeps things controlled underfoot.

The PureGEL in the heel does its thing quietly in the background, softening those heavier landings when the legs start to tire. And with a bit of rocker built into the shoe, it rolls you forward nicely without you even thinking about it.

Let’s be clear, this isn’t a speed shoe. But that’s not the brief. This is comfort-first, cruise-control running at its best.

Outsole

Underneath, you’ve got a combo of AHAR+ and ASICSGRIP rubber, and it shows.

Grip is solid on tar, even when things are a bit dusty or slightly damp. No sketchy moments, no second-guessing your footing. The flex grooves in the forefoot also help the shoe move naturally through your stride, which keeps everything feeling smooth.

And durability? Ja, this one looks like it’ll go the distance.

Tongue

Nicely padded, partially gusseted, meaning it stays put.

No slipping around, no fiddling mid-run. It also spreads the lace pressure evenly, which you only really appreciate a few kays into a long run when everything still feels comfortable up top.

Heel Counter

The heel setup is spot on, structured where it needs to be, but still cushioned.

Your foot feels locked in without that stiff, restrictive feeling. No heel slip, no irritation… just a secure, comfortable hold that does its job quietly

Toe Box

Sits right in that sweet spot.

Not too wide, not too narrow, just enough room for your toes to splay naturally, especially as the run goes on and your feet start to swell a bit. The slight stretch in the mesh helps here too.

Fit (Last)

Built on a standard neutral last, so it’ll suit most runners.

Secure through the midfoot, with a bit more room up front, a well-balanced fit that works for everyday mileage and those longer weekend runs.

The Numbers

  • Heel stack: 41 mm
  • Forefoot stack: 33 mm
  • Drop: 8 mm
  • Weight: 290 g (men) / 248 g (women)

The Roving Cow Verdict 

The Nimbus Platinum is exactly what you want from a max-cushion daily trainer: comfortable, reliable, and built to eat up the kilometres.

It’s the shoe you grab on recovery days, long steady runs, or those mornings when the legs feel a bit cooked but the training plan says, “No excuses.”

Will it help you win a sprint finish? Definitely not.
Will it keep your legs fresher for tomorrow? 100%.

And honestly, that’s sometimes the real win.

PUMA Deviate NITRO™ 4: Roving Cow Approved

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on PUMA Deviate NITRO™ 4: Roving Cow Approved

Road-tested in Bedfordview, cow-approved

By Richard Laskey – Modern Athlete’s Roving Cow

The PUMA Deviate NITRO 4 is built to be a proper all-rounder, not a full-on carbon- plated race weapon, but a fast, versatile daily trainer that can handle everything from easy kilometres to tempo runs. It’s lighter and more responsive than your typical training shoe, but still comfortable enough for those longer sessions around Bedfordview.

To get a proper feel for it, Modern Athlete’s Roving Cow took it out on the local roads, from early morning solo runs to relaxed social outings with the usual running crews where the pace is honest but the coffee stops are compulsory.

General Feel (Out the Box & On the Road)

First impression out the box: the Deviate NITRO 4 feels light without feeling flimsy. It’s not one of those shoes that disappears in your hand, but it definitely feels ready to move. Step into it and you immediately get that soft Nitro cushioning underfoot with a bit of bounce waiting for you.

On the road, it feels smooth and easy to run in. This is the kind of shoe where you head out for a relaxed 5km and end up stretching it to 8 or 10 without really thinking about it. It’s comfortable enough for easy runs but has enough response when you decide to pick up the pace.

It doesn’t feel overly aggressive, which makes it much easier to live with day to day compared to a full race shoe.

Upper (Comfort That Just Works)

The upper is breathable and light without being paper-thin. On warm Gauteng mornings, ventilation is solid and your feet don’t feel like they’re cooking halfway through the run.

The fit is secure without feeling tight, and it holds your foot nicely through the midfoot. It’s a comfortable, everyday fit that should work for most runners. There’s enough structure to keep things stable without feeling stiff or restrictive.

The laces stay put once tied, which is always a win. No mid-run lace drama while your running mates disappear up the road.

Midsole (Bounce Without the Drama)

The midsole uses PUMA’s NITRO foam paired with a PWRPLATE for a bit of extra snap. Instead of the aggressive carbon plate found in race shoes, this setup feels more forgiving and much easier to run in over longer distances.

You get a nice bit of cushioning on landing, and when you push the pace, the shoe responds without feeling harsh. It’s not overly soft and not overly firm, it sits nicely in that middle ground that works for most types of runs.

Whether you’re cruising along or pushing a steady tempo, the ride stays smooth and predictable.

Sole (Road Feel & Protection)

Underfoot, the Deviate NITRO 4 gives you a good balance between cushioning and road feel. There’s enough protection to keep your legs happy on longer runs, but you still feel connected to the road.

Transitions feel natural from heel to toe, and the shoe rolls along nicely once you find your rhythm.

Outer Sole (Grip You Can Trust)

PUMAGRIP continues to impress. Bedfordview roads can be a mixed bag, smooth tar, rough patches, dusty corners, and the grip handles it all without any issues.

Even on slightly wet sections, the shoe feels planted and reliable, which gives you confidence when you’re moving at pace or cornering.

Inner Comfort (No Fuss Running)

Inside the shoe, everything is simple and comfortable. No rubbing, no hotspots, and no slipping around. It’s the kind of shoe you can just put on and run without thinking too much about it.

That’s exactly what you want from a daily trainer.

On the Road Reality Check

This is a versatile shoe that fits nicely into a regular running routine. It can handle easy runs, steady sessions, and even the occasional faster effort without complaining.

It’s not as aggressive or demanding as a carbon race shoe, which makes it far more practical for everyday running. You don’t need perfect form or fresh legs to enjoy it, it just works.

For most runners, this is the kind of shoe that will end up doing a lot of mileage.

Conclusion (Would the Cow Run Again?)

Definitely. The Deviate NITRO 4 is a solid, dependable running shoe that can handle a bit of everything. It’s comfortable enough for daily training but lively enough to keep things interesting when you pick up the pace.

It feels right at home on Bedfordview roads, whether you’re out for a steady run, chasing a Strava segment, or just cruising with the crew.

The Roving Cow’s verdict:

A proper all-rounder. Comfortable, responsive, and easy to run in, the kind of shoe that quietly becomes your go-to without making a big noise about it.