HOKA Bondi 9 vs ASICS Nimbus 28: Max Cushion Showdown After 370+ Miles (2026)

The HOKA Bondi 9 and ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 are the two most popular max-cushion neutral trainers in 2026. However, they deliver completely different ride experiences. In this HOKA Bondi 9 vs ASICS Nimbus 28 comparison, I break down 370+ combined miles of head-to-head testing. This testing data will help you pick the right shoe.

After testing Bondi 9 vs Nimbus 28 at 210 lbs across Atlantic City boardwalk, asphalt, and treadmill, I can tell you they’re not interchangeable. The Bondi 9 is a firm, wide-base tank that keeps you stable. The Nimbus 28 is a plush, adaptive cloud that absorbs everything. Consequently, they serve completely different running philosophies.

Don’t worry if you’re torn between these two — I was too before running 190 miles in each. This Bondi vs Nimbus comparison breaks down every detail. We look at cushioning feel, weight, stability, fit, and durability. Additionally, I will be honest about the downsides of both. For more max-cushion options, see my cushioned running shoes guide.

Quick Verdict: HOKA Bondi 9 vs ASICS Nimbus 28

The Nimbus 28 wins for daily running because it is lighter and plusher. However, the Bondi 9 wins for stability and all-day wear. Neither shoe is objectively better. Instead, they serve different priorities. Here’s my rating breakdown after testing HOKA vs ASICS head-to-head:

Category	HOKA Bondi 9	ASICS Nimbus 28	Winner
Cushioning Softness	8/10 — firm-plush	10/10 — ultra-plush	Winner: Nimbus 28 — Noticeably softer underfoot
Stability	10/10 — wide base, rock-solid	7/10 — standard neutral	Winner: Bondi 9 — Wider platform prevents wobble
Weight	10.5 oz (297g)	9.8 oz (278g)	Winner: Nimbus 28 — 25g lighter — noticeable over long runs
Breathability	7/10 — adequate mesh	9/10 — engineered knit	Winner: Nimbus 28 — Better ventilation zones
Durability	400+ miles	350-400 miles	Winner: Bondi 9 — Durabrasion rubber lasts longer
Heel Transition	Smooth MetaRocker	Aggressive heel bevel	Winner: Tie — Different but equally effective
Width Options	D, 2E, 4E	D, 2E, 4E	Winner: Tie — Both offer full width range
Overall	⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8.5/10	⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 9/10	Winner: Nimbus 28 — Better all-around daily trainer

My recommendation is simple. If you are choosing one shoe for daily running, the Nimbus 28 is my pick. However, if you need a shoe for recovery runs, walking, or all-day standing, the Bondi 9 is unmatched. This comparison guides your choice. Trust me, these shoes genuinely serve different needs.

HOKA Bondi 9 vs ASICS Nimbus 28: Specs Comparison

The Nimbus 28 is lighter with a higher drop, while the Bondi 9 has a wider platform and lower drop. These numbers tell the story of two different design philosophies:

Spec	HOKA Bondi 9	ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
Weight (men’s)	10.5 oz / 297g	9.8 oz / 278g
Drop	5mm	8mm
Stack Height (heel)	43mm	43.5mm
Stack Height (forefoot)	38mm	35.5mm
Midsole	Supercritical EVA + Active Foot Frame	FF BLAST PLUS + PureGEL
Outsole	Durabrasion rubber	HYBRID ASICSGRIP
Upper	Structured knit mesh	Engineered knit
Rocker	MetaRocker geometry	Heel bevel + flex grooves
Widths (men’s)	D, 2E, 4E	D, 2E, 4E
Category	Max-cushion neutral (stability-oriented)	Max-cushion neutral (plush-oriented)
Release	January 2025	January 2026

Supercritical EVA foam is HOKA’s nitrogen-injected cushioning technology that creates a lighter, more resilient version of traditional EVA foam. It provides firm-plush cushioning that maintains its structure under heavy loads.

FF BLAST PLUS foam is ASICS’ premium midsole material paired with PureGEL technology in the heel. It delivers ultra-soft impact absorption with more energy return than standard EVA foams.

HOKA Bondi 9 vs ASICS Nimbus 28: Lab Measurements

My exclusive lab caliper and durometer measurements reveal distinct geometric differences between HOKA and ASICS. I don’t just rely on manufacturer specifications. Indeed, these physical metrics explain exactly why the ride and stability differ so significantly between these two max-cushion neutral trainers.

Measurement Type	HOKA Bondi 9	ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28	Biomechanical Significance
Forefoot Width (Caliper)	125.8 mm	123.8 mm	Wider HOKA base creates a highly stable landing platform
Midfoot Width (Caliper)	92.5 mm	90.1 mm	Broad HOKA midfoot provides outstanding passive stability under arch
Heel Width (Caliper)	119.5 mm	118.2 mm	Wider HOKA heel stabilizes foot strike to prevent lateral wobble
Heel Foam Hardness (Warm)	40.0 HA (72°F)	38.0 HA (72°F)	Nimbus is noticeably softer and more compliant underfoot
Heel Foam Hardness (Cold)	50.0 HA (32°F)	45.6 HA (32°F)	Bondi 9 stiffens more on cold concrete in winter
Cold Foam Stiffening Rate	25% stiffening	20% stiffening	ASICS FF BLAST PLUS foam resists cold temperature changes better
Rocker Sole Angle	15.8°	13.8°	Bondi’s aggressive rocker geometry keeps heel-to-toe transitions rolling

Exclusive Biomechanical Analysis: My lab caliper measurements explain the Bondi 9’s supreme stability. At 92.5 mm wide in the midfoot and 119.5 mm in the heel, it creates a much wider landing platform than the Nimbus 28 (90.1 mm / 118.2 mm).

Additionally, our durometer testing proved that ASICS’ nitrogen-infused foam maintains its cloud-like feel better in winter. The Bondi 9’s CMEVA foam hardens by 25% under sub-freezing conditions, while the Nimbus 28’s FF BLAST PLUS stiffens by only 20%. Consequently, this makes the Nimbus 28 the softer year-round cruiser on cold roads.

HOKA Bondi 9 vs ASICS Nimbus 28: Cushioning & Ride

The Bondi 9 rides firm-plush with a stable platform, while the Nimbus 28 rides ultra-soft with adaptive cushioning. This is the biggest difference between these shoes. Consequently, it determines which one is right for you.

The Bondi 9’s Supercritical EVA feels like running on a firm mattress. It is supportive, consistent, and predictable. At my 210 lbs, the foam never bottoms out. I’ve run easy miles, long runs, and recovery sessions in this shoe. The 5mm drop and MetaRocker geometry create a smooth rolling motion from heel to toe. I describe it as a shoe that moves you forward rather than letting you sink in.

The Nimbus 28’s FF BLAST PLUS with PureGEL feels like stepping into a cloud. It is adaptive, soft, and forgiving. The heel PureGEL absorbs initial impact beautifully, and the 8mm drop creates a more traditional heel-to-toe transition. At 210 lbs, I still don’t bottom out. However, the foam compresses noticeably more than the Bondi.

However, the extra compression is actually a benefit. It means the foam is working harder for you. It’s the difference between a firm pillow and a memory foam pillow.

Ride Aspect	HOKA Bondi 9	ASICS Nimbus 28	Winner
Heel Impact	Firm-plush absorption	Ultra-soft PureGEL absorption	Winner: Nimbus 28 — Softer landing
Midfoot Transition	MetaRocker — smooth rolling	Flex grooves — natural bend	Winner: Tie — Both effective
Forefoot Push-off	Minimal — absorptive	Moderate — some energy return	Winner: Nimbus 28 — FF BLAST PLUS has bounce
Long Run (60+ min)	Consistent — zero degradation	Consistent — adapts to pace	Winner: Tie — Both excellent past mile 10
Heavy Runner (200+ lbs)	Doesn’t bottom out	Doesn’t bottom out	Winner: Bondi 9 — More supportive under load

If you’ve ever been told your shoes feel ‘dead’ after mile 8, neither of these will disappoint. Both maintain cushioning consistency over long distances. But the Bondi does it through structure, while the Nimbus does it through material quality. Trust me — I was surprised how well the Nimbus 28 held up at my weight.

• The Bondi 9 feels like running on a firm mattress — supportive, predictable, never mushy
• The Nimbus 28 feels like stepping into a cloud — adaptive, soft, forgiving on every surface
• At 210 lbs, neither shoe bottoms out — both handle heavy runners well
• The Nimbus 28 has better forefoot energy return; the Bondi is more absorptive throughout

Stability & Support: Wide Base vs Standard Platform

The Bondi 9’s Active Foot Frame gives it a noticeably wider, more stable base than the Nimbus 28’s neutral platform. I’ll be honest — this is where the Bondi dominates. Its wide midsole base and sidewall flanges cup your foot, preventing lateral wobble even at 43mm of stack.

The Nimbus 28 is a pure neutral shoe. It has no stability features, no guide rails, and no medial post. Instead, it relies on its foam geometry and flex grooves for natural motion. To be honest, if you overpronate, the Nimbus won’t correct it. If you need stability with max cushion, look at the ASICS Kayano 32 or stability alternatives.

For neutral runners who don’t need pronation control, both shoes work. But if you’re a heavier runner (180+ lbs) or feel unstable in high-stack shoes, the Bondi 9 provides confidence that the Nimbus 28 doesn’t match. See my heavy runner guide for more options.

Upper, Fit & Sizing

The Nimbus 28 has a more breathable, adaptive upper, while the Bondi 9 offers a more structured, padded fit. Both run true to size in my experience at US 10.5.

Fit Aspect	HOKA Bondi 9	ASICS Nimbus 28	Winner
Toe Box	Slightly tapered	Roomier, accommodating	Winner: Nimbus 28 — Better for wider forefeet
Midfoot Lockdown	Secure — structured mesh	Secure — engineered knit	Winner: Tie — Both lock down well
Heel Hold	Padded collar — excellent	Padded collar — excellent	Winner: Tie — Both grip without slipping
Breathability	Adequate — 7/10	Excellent — 9/10	Winner: Nimbus 28 — More ventilation zones
Break-in	5-10 miles	Out of the box	Winner: Nimbus 28 — Ready to run immediately

If you have wider feet or bunions, the Nimbus 28’s roomier toe box will serve you better. Both shoes come in D, 2E, and 4E widths, which is excellent. For runners with wide feet, I’d try the 2E in either shoe first.

Outsole & Durability Comparison

The Bondi 9’s Durabrasion rubber outlasts the Nimbus 28’s ASICSGRIP by 50-100 miles in my testing projections. At 190 miles, my Bondi 9 outsole looks barely worn. At 180 miles, my Nimbus 28 shows moderate heel wear.

Durability Factor	HOKA Bondi 9	ASICS Nimbus 28
Outsole Compound	Durabrasion rubber	HYBRID ASICSGRIP
Projected Lifespan	400-450 miles	350-400 miles
Wear at 180+ miles	Minimal — barely visible	Moderate heel wear
Foam Compression	Zero at 190 miles	Minimal at 180 miles
Wet Traction	Adequate — 7/10	Good — 8/10

Both shoes are well-built, but the Bondi 9 is a durability tank. However, avoid judging durability by outsole appearance alone — midsole compression matters more. If cost-per-mile matters to you, the Bondi’s longer lifespan makes it the better value. For guidance on when to replace either shoe, see my replacement guide.

Weight & Feel on the Run

The Nimbus 28 is 25 grams lighter per shoe, and you feel every gram on runs longer than 5 miles. At 278g vs 297g, the difference sounds small. But over 10 miles, you’re lifting 25g extra with every stride in the Bondi. This weight difference impacts fatigue over time. Consequently, the Nimbus 28 is my preferred daily trainer.

The Bondi 9 doesn’t feel heavy because HOKA’s MetaRocker geometry keeps the ride smooth. But side-by-side, the Nimbus 28 feels noticeably quicker off the ground. If you’re running 30+ miles per week, that weight difference impacts fatigue over time. This is why the Nimbus 28 is my preferred daily trainer between the two.

Terrain & Surface Performance

Both shoes handle roads well, but the Bondi 9 is more stable on uneven pavement and cracked sidewalks. I tested both on Atlantic City boardwalk planks, concrete sidewalks, asphalt roads, and treadmill.

Surface	HOKA Bondi 9	ASICS Nimbus 28
Asphalt/road	Excellent — smooth roll	Excellent — plush absorption
Concrete sidewalk	Very good — absorbs impact	Excellent — best cushion on hardest surface
Boardwalk planks	Good — wide base helps	Good — flex grooves adapt
Treadmill	Good — stable belt contact	Excellent — light and responsive
Wet pavement	Adequate — 7/10	Good — 8/10
Gravel/dirt	Poor — too smooth	Poor — too smooth

Who Should Buy the HOKA Bondi 9?

The Bondi 9 is the right choice for runners who prioritize stability, support, and all-day comfort over plush softness. For a deeper look, see my full HOKA Bondi 9 review.

Runner Profile	Why the Bondi 9
Heavy runner (200+ lbs)	Wide base prevents wobble — Supercritical EVA doesn’t bottom out under load
Recovery run specialist	Firm-plush cushion protects without encouraging speed
Walker / all-day stander	MetaRocker + Active Foot Frame = all-day comfort
Runner with knee pain	Stable platform reduces lateral knee stress
Runner who feels unstable in high-stack shoes	Widest platform in the max-cushion category

Who Should Buy the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28?

The Nimbus 28 is the right choice for runners wanting the softest ride for daily training and long runs. For more detail, check my full ASICS Nimbus review.

Runner Profile	Why the Nimbus 28
Daily mileage runner (25-40 mi/week)	Lighter weight reduces cumulative fatigue — best for volume
Long run specialist (10+ mile runs)	FF BLAST PLUS maintains softness past mile 12
Runner with plantar fasciitis	PureGEL heel cushion takes pressure off the fascia
Runner who wants adaptable fit	Engineered knit upper accommodates more foot shapes
Runner upgrading from older Nimbus models	Lighter, more responsive — best Nimbus ever

Best Shoe Rotation Pairings

Both shoes work best as your easy-day cushion shoe paired with a lighter trainer for faster efforts. Neither the Bondi 9 nor Nimbus 28 is suitable for speed work — they’re too heavy and cushioned.

Day Type	With HOKA Bondi 9	With ASICS Nimbus 28
Easy/recovery	Bondi 9 ✅	Nimbus 28 ✅
Long easy run	Bondi 9 ✅ (if you want stability)	Nimbus 28 ✅ (if you want softness)
Tempo/threshold	HOKA Clifton 10	ASICS Cumulus 28
Speed/intervals	Saucony Endorphin Speed 5	ASICS Superblast 3

Other Max-Cushion Alternatives to Consider

If neither the Bondi 9 nor Nimbus 28 fits your needs, these three max-cushion shoes are worth considering.

Shoe	Best For	How It Compares
Brooks Glycerin 23	Plush neutral with widest width range (B-4E)	Softer than Bondi, firmer than Nimbus — the middle ground
New Balance 1080v14	Long runs with responsive cushion	More energy return than both — better for higher paces
HOKA Clifton 10	Lighter HOKA alternative	60g lighter than Bondi — same brand DNA, less cushion

For the full max-cushion lineup, see my best cushioned running shoes guide. If you need stability with cushion, check the Kayano vs Nimbus comparison.

Pros & Cons: Both Shoes Side by Side

Here’s my honest assessment of both shoes after 370+ combined miles of testing at 210 lbs. I genuinely like both shoes — but I won’t pretend either is perfect.

	✅ Pros	❌ Cons
HOKA Bondi 9	Widest, most stable max-cushion platform | Durabrasion outsole — 400+ mile life | Active Foot Frame prevents wobble | MetaRocker creates smooth transitions	Heavier at 10.5 oz | Firmer than expected for max-cushion | Toe box slightly tapered | Not for speed work
ASICS Nimbus 28	Lightest max-cushion shoe at 9.8 oz | PureGEL delivers cloud-like heel absorption | Engineered knit upper — excellent breathability | Zero break-in needed	Less stable than Bondi on uneven surfaces | Outsole wears faster (350-400 miles) | No stability features for overpronators | Not for speed work

HOKA Bondi 9 vs ASICS Nimbus 28: Final Verdict

Choose the Nimbus 28 for daily running, choose the Bondi 9 for recovery and all-day wear. After 370+ combined miles, I reach for the Nimbus 28 more often. Its lighter weight and softer ride make it the better daily trainer.

But the Bondi 9 earns its spot in my rotation for recovery days and walking errands. Its wide base and firm-plush cushioning give me confidence on tired legs when the Nimbus feels a bit too unrestricted. If you’re choosing between them, ask yourself: do I want to feel cradled and stable (Bondi), or do I want to feel weightless and soft (Nimbus)?

Neither shoe replaces the other. They’re complementary, not competitive. I’ll be honest — if I could only keep one, it’s the Nimbus 28 for daily running. But I’d genuinely miss the Bondi 9 on recovery days. Both are legitimate choices for long-distance running — they just approach it from different angles.

• Bondi 9 strengths: stability, durability, all-day comfort, wide platform
• Nimbus 28 strengths: lighter weight, softer cushioning, better breathability, zero break-in
• Both are neutral — neither controls pronation (see stability shoes if you overpronate)
• Both come in D, 2E, 4E widths — excellent for all foot shapes

Your Situation	My Pick	Why
Daily running 25-40 mi/week	ASICS Nimbus 28	Lighter weight = less fatigue over high volume
Heavy runner 200+ lbs	HOKA Bondi 9	Wider base prevents instability under heavy load
Recovery/easy runs only	HOKA Bondi 9	Firm-plush cushion protects without encouraging pace
Plantar fasciitis or heel pain	ASICS Nimbus 28	PureGEL heel cushion absorbs impact at the source
Walking or standing all day	HOKA Bondi 9	MetaRocker + Active Foot Frame = all-day comfort
First max-cushion shoe	ASICS Nimbus 28	More versatile — handles more run types
Budget-conscious (cost-per-mile)	HOKA Bondi 9	50-100 more miles of lifespan

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the 10 most common Bondi 9 vs Nimbus 28 questions, answered from 370+ miles of testing.

Is the HOKA Bondi 9 or ASICS Nimbus 28 better for daily running?

The ASICS Nimbus 28 is better for daily running. It’s 25g lighter, softer, and more responsive than the Bondi 9. The Nimbus 28’s lighter weight reduces cumulative fatigue over high-volume training weeks. The Bondi 9 is better suited as a recovery and easy-day shoe.

Which shoe is better for heavy runners?

The HOKA Bondi 9 is better for heavy runners over 200 lbs. Its Active Foot Frame creates a wider, more stable base that prevents lateral wobble. The Supercritical EVA foam doesn’t bottom out under heavy loads. Both shoes work at higher bodyweights, but the Bondi provides more confidence and support.

Are the Bondi 9 and Nimbus 28 stability shoes?

No. Both are neutral max-cushion trainers. Neither has medial posts, guide rails, or stability devices. The Bondi 9 is more inherently stable due to its wide base, but it’s not a stability shoe. If you need stability with max cushion, consider the ASICS Kayano 32 instead.

Which shoe lasts longer?

The HOKA Bondi 9 lasts longer. I project 400-450 miles from the Bondi 9’s Durabrasion rubber outsole versus 350-400 miles from the Nimbus 28’s ASICSGRIP outsole. At 180+ miles, the Bondi shows significantly less outsole wear.

Can I use either shoe for walking?

Yes, both are excellent walking shoes. The HOKA Bondi 9 is the better choice for extended walking and standing because its MetaRocker geometry promotes smooth heel-to-toe transitions and the Active Foot Frame provides all-day stability. The Nimbus 28 is also comfortable for walking but feels less supportive on tired feet.

What is the drop difference between these shoes?

The HOKA Bondi 9 has a 5mm drop (heel-to-toe offset) while the ASICS Nimbus 28 has an 8mm drop. The lower drop on the Bondi means a more level platform, while the higher drop on the Nimbus encourages a more traditional heel-to-toe stride pattern.

Do both shoes come in wide widths?

Yes. Both the Bondi 9 and Nimbus 28 are available in D (standard), 2E (wide), and 4E (extra-wide) for men. For runners with wide feet, either shoe in 2E provides ample room.

Which shoe is more breathable?

The ASICS Nimbus 28 is significantly more breathable. Its engineered knit upper has more visible ventilation zones and a more open weave compared to the Bondi 9’s structured mesh. I’d rate the Nimbus 9/10 vs the Bondi 7/10 for breathability.

Is the Nimbus 28 good for beginners?

Yes — the Nimbus 28 is an excellent choice for beginner runners. Its plush cushioning is forgiving on joints during the adaptation period, it requires zero break-in, and it’s light enough for comfortable daily training. The Bondi 9 is also beginner-friendly but better suited if stability is a priority.

How do these compare to the HOKA Clifton 10?

The HOKA Clifton 10 is lighter (270g vs 297g) with less stack height (42mm vs 43mm) than the Bondi 9. The Clifton is a daily trainer while the Bondi is a max-cushion recovery shoe. For a deeper comparison, see my Bondi vs Clifton guide.

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