HOKA
ASICSWhich should you buy?
Choose the Bondi 9 if you want maximum protection, a 5 mm drop and a smooth rocker for slow miles and walking, or need an extra-wide fit.
Choose the Gel-Nimbus 28 if you want a plusher, lighter premium trainer that feels less clunky when the pace lifts.
The Bondi 9 is 25 g heavier than the Gel-Nimbus 28. Its drop is 5 mm against 8 mm. It costs £20 less at full price.
Side by side
| Spec | Bondi 9HOKA | Gel-Nimbus 28ASICS |
|---|---|---|
| Review score | 90/100 (2 reviews) | 86/100 (2 reviews) |
| Type | Max cushion | Max cushion |
| Weight (men's UK 8.5) | 303 g | 278 g |
| Heel stack | 43 mm | 43.5 mm |
| Drop | 5 mm | 8 mm |
| Cushioning | Soft | Plush |
| Bounce | Calm | Lively |
| Plate | No plate | No plate |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Widths | standard, wide, extra wide | standard, wide |
| Waterproof version | No | No |
| UK RRP | £160 | £180 |
Weights are for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5. Prices are UK RRPs; shops often sell for less.
What the critics say
Bondi 9
- Softer supercritical foam
- Secure heel and midfoot
- Lighter than the Bondi 8
- Slow, clunky transitions at faster paces
- Snug heel counter can bother sensitive heels
Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.
Gel-Nimbus 28
- Noticeably lighter than the Nimbus 27
- Softer, more comfortable upper
- Smoother, quicker transitions
- Less outsole rubber, so less durable
- Not much energy return for the price
Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.
Paraphrased from published reviews.
What's new in each
HOKA Bondi 9: Swaps the Bondi 8's EVA for a supercritical foam, adds 4 mm of heel stack and 3 mm up front, and still sheds about 14 g. Wider forefoot, snugger heel.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28: Around 7% lighter than the Nimbus 27, with a slightly softer, more sculpted FF Blast+ midsole, a softer engineered-mesh upper and less outsole rubber.
Prices for the Bondi 9 Prices for the Gel-Nimbus 28
More comparisons
- ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 vs Brooks Glycerin 23
- Nike Vomero 18 vs ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
- HOKA Bondi 9 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6
- Brooks Ghost Max 4 vs HOKA Bondi 9
Still torn?
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