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
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 is the nicer shoe of the two according to the reviewer.
Nimbus 28 sits at the top of the max-cushion neutral category alongside it
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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An ultra-comfortable, max-cushioned easy-day shoe that doubles as an all-day casual/walking shoe, at the cost of being heavy and pricey for what is now dated foam.
Ride:A big slab of FF Blast Plus foam that prioritizes comfort over speed; amazingly stretchy knit tongue and heavy heel padding.
In their words: "definitely one of the most comfortable shoes out there"
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Grouped with shoes the hosts wouldn't personally pick in any category, viewed as unable to function well outside easy cushioned running.
Ride:Very cushioned but seen as limited to pure easy-day use
In their words: "wouldn't pick in any category" · "don't think they're winners for me"
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Briefly mentioned as a very good ASICS daily trainer option alongside the Kayano.
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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"
HOKA Bondi 9 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: maximal cushion , neutral stability .
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Grouped with shoes the hosts consider unable to perform well outside easy cushioned running and not a personal favourite.
Ride:Seen as unable to function well outside of the pure cushioned easy-day category
In their words: "can't really function very well"
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A high-stack comfort cruiser the reviewer calls the go-to shoe for recovery runs when legs need an easy day.
Ride:Very high stack, comfort-cruiser ride described as an even bigger, more cushioned Clifton.
In their words: "more cushioning, more stack, just more" · "this is the comfort cruiser"
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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"
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
- Max-cushion easy daily training, recovery runs, treadmill miles, and all-day comfort. — Kofuzi
- Easy runs, recovery runs, and longer runs at easy pace for neutral runners who want plush cushioning with moderate stability. — The Run Testers
- Club runners wanting a do-it-all daily trainer — easy runs, long runs, aerobic efforts, and even marathons for lighter runners. — 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
- Easy runs for runners wanting cushioned comfort — The Run Testers
Consider the HOKA Bondi 9 if
- 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 plush, stable max-cushion neutral trainer for easy miles — Doctors of Running
- 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?
Kofuzi on the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28: Max-cushion easy daily training, recovery runs, treadmill miles, and all-day comfort. Seth James DeMoor on the HOKA Bondi 9: Maximalist daily training and comfort-focused runners, including those who loved prior Bondis.
Per Kofuzi, Seth James DeMoor.
Has anyone reviewed both the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 and the HOKA Bondi 9?
Yes — The Run Testers and Run Moore directly compared the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 and the HOKA Bondi 9 in their reviews.
Per The Run Testers, Run Moore.
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.