ASICS Gel-Nimbus v28 vs HOKA Bondi v9

Ride profile: high cushion , firm_responsive feel , low energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.

• 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"

  — Believe in the Run , source

• The reviewers consider the Nimbus 28 the best version of the Gel-Nimbus line yet, praising its improved transition and lighter feel compared to previous versions. They prefer it over the Kayano 32 for its greater versatility and softer ride, though note it remains too heavy and bulky for faster-paced work.

  Ride:Softer and more cushioned than the Kayano 32 with a bit more energy return. Noticeable heel compression on heel strikes. More versatile than the Kayano with a slightly lighter feel on foot. Improved heel-to-toe transition compared to previous versions.

  Fit:True to size with a roomy toe box and good wiggle room. Thin knit tongue with no padding but comfortable. Spacious forefoot with a bit more give in the upper than the Kayano 32. Good heel lockdown.

  In their words: "notably more cushioned and soft" · "favorite one of the gel Nimbus line" · "extra life to the Nimbus 28"

  — The Run Testers , 30 mi tested , source

• Kofuzi finds the Nimbus 28 a leaner, more enjoyable max-cushion daily trainer than the 27, with welcome midsole geometry and weight updates, though he thinks the $170 price is too high.

  Ride:Leaner and lighter than the 27 with a less dense, airier midsole; foam compresses and decompresses nicely but isn't springy or bouncy; trimmed midsole geometry allows more dynamic compression.

  Fit:Fits true to size with the same amount of space as the Nimbus 27; also available in wide and extra wide; very comfortable knit upper with plush heel collar.

  In their words: "a leaner, meaner Nimbus" · "a more lively and flexible shoe" · "optimal for my easy daily training miles"

  — Kofuzi , source

• 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"

  — FORDY RUNS , source

Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .

• 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"

  — Kofuzi , source

• 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"

  — Seth James DeMoor , 50 mi tested , source

• 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"

  — The Run Testers , 36 mi tested , source

• 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"

  — Run Moore , source