ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 vs HOKA Bondi 9
Gel-Nimbus 28 or Bondi 9? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want steady, protective cushion for long runs? Get the Gel-Nimbus 28.
Want max cushion with a firmer, more supportive feel? Get the Bondi 9.
Get the Gel-Nimbus 28 if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
- You want the lighter shoe, by about 0.6 oz
- You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 5mm)
Get the Bondi 9 if
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You want more bounce and energy back
- You like a less rigid forefoot
- You prefer a lower drop (5mm vs 8mm)
On the run
Gel-Nimbus 28: The protective long-run cruiser. Max cushion that’s more supportive than plush, with a stiff, steady forefoot. It’s smooth but uneventful, and it feels blocky if you try to push the pace.
Bondi 9: The supportive max-cushion tank. A huge, protective slab of foam that’s firmer than it looks, more supportive than squishy. The rocker keeps it moving, but it’s built for easy miles and long days on your feet, not speed.
Specs side by side
| Gel-Nimbus 28 | Bondi 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169.99 | $175 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 43.5 / 35.5mm* | 43 / 38mm* |
| Drop | 8mm | 5mm |
| Weight, men’s | 9.9 oz | 10.5 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 8.5 oz | 9.3 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide, Extra wide | Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Recovery runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Recovery runs, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 350–450 miles | 400–500 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Gel-Nimbus 28. True to size, with a stretchy knit that feels like a slipper as you step in. The toebox is average in width but low over the toes. Wide and extra-wide available.
Bondi 9. Lower volume, with a toebox that tapers, so wide feet should go straight to the wide. The heel counter is stiff, so it isn’t a sockless shoe.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Gel-Nimbus 28 · Shop the Bondi 9 · Compare other running shoes