Hoka Bondi 9 vs Asics Gel-Nimbus 28:
Which to Choose

On paper these two are near-twins: both rate maximum cushioning, both are stable-neutral with a wide, planted base and no plate, both are happiest at 10K and half-marathon distances, and both are honest about not being built for fast running. Stack heights are almost the same — roughly 41mm at the heel on the Bondi versus 40mm on the Nimbus, with the Nimbus carrying a touch more forefoot foam (about 34mm to the Bondi's 32mm) — and the drops are close too, 5mm on the Bondi against 6mm on the Nimbus. The most concrete separation is weight: the Bondi 9 lands around 303g while the Nimbus 28 comes in near 278g, so the Asics is meaningfully lighter on the foot, which shows up in its slightly livelier rating and marginally quicker effective ceiling. The foams differ in character, too — the Bondi uses a supercritical-EVA midsole tuned for deep, muted, impact-soaking protection, while the Nimbus rides on FF Blast+ with a PureGEL insert under the heel that smooths heel-first landings into an especially gentle touchdown. The Bondi's calling card is its pronounced rocker, which rolls you forward at conversational efforts and gives it that unmistakable planted, protective Hoka feel; the Nimbus leans on its GEL-cushioned heel and lower weight for a slightly more versatile daily ride. Both go dead and feel heavy the moment you try to push the pace, so neither changes the verdict on speed — this is a difference of flavor within the same max-cushion category, not a difference of purpose.