ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 vs HOKA Bondi 9
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
The consensus read
Each paragraph is a synthesis across every reviewer in our database for that shoe — what they collectively concluded after wear-testing. Not a quote. Not one person's take. The shape of the room.
HOKA Bondi 9
A modernized max-cushion trainer that trades the Bondi's traditional firmness for a softer, bouncier ride via supercritical EVA, making it genuinely runnable for easy and recovery days while retaining its signature stability—though some testers flag a blockier toe-off feel compared to lighter racers.
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Nimbus 28 sits at the top of the max-cushion neutral category alongside it
Nimbus 28 is the nicer shoe of the two according to the reviewer.
Gel-Nimbus 27 has a stiffer midsole, slightly better/faster transition off the forefoot, and more versatile ride; Bondi 9 feels softer at the heel, wider, and more protective but more blocky at toe-off
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , firm_responsive feel , low energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.
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Maximum comfort shoe for heel strikers featuring FF Blast Plus, a knit tongue, and plush memory foam heel cup padding; provides similar ride to Cumulus but with more cushioning.
In their words: "maximum level of comfort" · "plush, comfortable memory foam type padding" · "knit tongue just like in the Cumulus, which I absolutely love"
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A good, durable and supportive daily trainer that is just fine, but its foam focuses on protection over fun and feels dull compared to livelier max-cushion options.
Ride:Supportive, stable big cushion cruiser with a slightly firmer, more balanced foam; comfortable and protective but lacks spring and fun, feels muted versus the Vomero Plus.
Fit:Very good fit true to size with plenty of toe box room and a slightly more breathable design than the Vomero Plus.
In their words: "just kind of fine" · "very muted and dull in comparison" · "a big cushion cruiser"
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The Gel-Nimbus 28 is a reliable, comfortable max-cushion shoe that benefits from weight reduction over the previous version, but lacks the excitement or performance edge of competitors. Megan rated it a B overall while Thomas gave it a C, both agreeing it is solid but uninspiring.
Ride:Plush max-cushion ride with a nice roll-through. EVA-based Flight Foam Blast Plus midsole is comfortable but lacks the rebound of more performance-oriented shoes like the Puma MagX 2 or Nike Vomero Plus.
Fit:True to size with no hot spots or rubbing. Heel counter and collar lock in well. Tongue is lighter and less padded than previous version but still comfortable. Upper is slightly more breathable.
In their words: "great for easy days, recovery days" · "very much a max cushion comfortable shoe" · "very sturdy, reliable shoe"
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A good incremental update that shaves meaningful weight and feels lighter and more responsive than version 27, but the platform is starting to lag behind competitors using newer foams and needs a bigger innovation leap next cycle.
Ride:Max stack comfortable daily trainer that feels noticeably lighter and livelier than the previous version; picks up the pace better, felt good down to around 6:45-7:00 min/mile while still cruising nicely at 8:00 min/mile.
Fit:Fits true to size in UK 9.5 but the left shoe rubs the little toe on the outside over 10 miles; wide version is available and recommended for wider feet.
In their words: "definitely feels lighter on foot" · "Definitely feels more alive than the previous version" · "lot lighter, a lot faster feeling"
HOKA Bondi 9 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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An excellent max cushion shoe that nails the balance between cushion and bounce without feeling mushy.
Ride:Max cushioned with a little bit of bounciness — doesn't feel tall for the sake of being tall and isn't mushy. A fantastic update.
In their words: "a little bit of bounciness" · "they got it just right with the Bondi" · "excellent example of a max cushion shoe"
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A genuine surprise: the updated midsole makes the Bondi 9 feel meaningfully better than prior Bondis, and he'd pick it over the Vomero 18.
Ride:Feels noticeably better under step than prior Bondis thanks to updated EVA midsole; softer and more cushioned, and under 10 oz in his size which is very good for a maximalist daily trainer.
Fit:Snug through the midfoot — maybe a touch too snug — and a smidge in the toe box; consider a half size up for wider feet. Love the heel pocket and counter; tongue could be a bit more plush.
In their words: "felt snug through the midfoot" · "Maybe a half size up" · "felt so much better under step"
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A reliable max-cushion cruiser with soft heel and strong natural stability, but a blocky feel and sticky toe-off make it less versatile than the Gel-Nimbus 27 at any pace.
Ride:Softer feel at the heel with a nice bevel, but forefoot rocker can feel a bit stuck/ponderous at toe-off. Super-critical EVA is comfort-focused, not lively; very wide base for natural stability.
Fit:Stick to normal size; a bit narrower than the Gel-Nimbus 27 but not a narrow Hoka overall — wide versions available. Cradles Achilles nicely without aggression; plenty of padding.
In their words: "a bit ponderous" · "a bit cushier" · "really nice heel bevel design"
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A well-updated Bondi that finally modernizes into a bouncier, much more runnable max-cushion option thanks to the super critical EVA, best suited to neutral runners.
Ride:Much more runnable than the Gaviota with noticeable bounce from the super critical EVA; feels lighter than its listed 12 oz; heavier than ideal for a high-cushion runnable shoe but still springy; neutral platform can let some runners drift onto the outside of the foot
Fit:Reviewer notes Bondi 9 is available in 4E width for men and 2E for women; a men's 2E Bondi fits roughly like a 4E in other shoes
In their words: "much more runnable" · "much more bounce" · "heavier than it probably wants to be"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 if
- Runners who want a max-cushion neutral trainer that is actually runnable for long distance, not just a walk-around shoe — Run Moore
- Easy runs, recovery runs, and longer runs at easy pace for neutral runners who want plush cushioning with moderate stability. — The Run Testers
- Easy runs for runners wanting cushioned comfort — The Run Testers
- Versatile daily trainer that can occupy multiple rotation positions; good travel/run shoe — EDDBUD
- Plush, comfortable easy and recovery runs, long base-building miles, and beginner-friendly cushioned daily use. — The Run Testers
- Runners who liked recent Nimbus versions (25, 26, 27) and want a lighter, faster-feeling max-stack daily trainer. — FORDY RUNS
Consider the HOKA Bondi 9 if
- Runners wanting a plush, stable max-cushion neutral trainer for easy miles — Doctors of Running
- Maximalist daily training and comfort-focused runners, including those who loved prior Bondis — Seth James DeMoor
- Max stack easy-day running and lifestyle/walking wear for people who love the classic Bondi feel — Believe in the Run
- Max cushion easy and recovery days — Kofuzi
- Easy day and recovery runs, walking, and travel; a plush max cushion comfort shoe — Believe in the Run
- Runners wanting a tall-stack, stable, cushioned shoe for easy and recovery days, or people who found previous Bondis too firm — Kofuzi
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 and the HOKA Bondi 9?
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is a recovery / easy and the HOKA Bondi 9 is a recovery / easy. By the numbers, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 weighs 272g, has a 42mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the HOKA Bondi 9 weighs 306g, has a 44mm heel stack and a 5mm drop. MSRP is $170 for the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 and $175 for the HOKA Bondi 9.
Should I buy the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 or the HOKA Bondi 9?
Run Moore on the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28: Runners who want a max-cushion neutral trainer that is actually runnable for long distance, not just a walk-around shoe. Doctors of Running on the HOKA Bondi 9: Runners wanting a plush, stable max-cushion neutral trainer for easy miles.
Per Run Moore, Doctors of Running.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 and the HOKA Bondi 9?
Yes — Run Moore and The Run Testers directly compared the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 and the HOKA Bondi 9 in their reviews.
Per Run Moore, The Run Testers.
Which is lighter, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 or the HOKA Bondi 9?
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is lighter, at 272g versus 306g (men's 9) — about 34g less.
Which is more cushioned, the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 or the HOKA Bondi 9?
Measured by stack height, the HOKA Bondi 9 has more underfoot foam — 44mm at the heel versus 42mm.