Welcome to Flawless Shoe Reviews! Today, we’re comparing two of the most popular max-cushion shoes on the market: the Asics Gel Nimbus 27 and the Hoka Bondi 9. Both shoes are packed with comfort and designed for long-distance runs or everyday walking, but they feel very different underfoot and cater to unique needs. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of which shoe works best for you.
Fit and Comfort
Asics Gel Nimbus 27
- Toe Box: The Gel Nimbus 27 offers a normal-width toe box with ample space for most foot types. It also comes in wide and extra-wide options, making it ideal for those with broader feet.
- Upper: Features a thin, gusseted tongue to keep it from slipping and a well-padded heel cup for a luxurious fit. The moderately stiff heel counter provides excellent support without causing discomfort, even for those with sensitive heels.
- Overall Fit: The lockdown is secure, ensuring your foot stays in place while walking or running. It’s a great option for those who prioritise comfort without sacrificing stability.
Hoka Bondi 9
- Toe Box: Hoka addressed the narrow fit of previous models, giving the Bondi 9 a wider toe box that accommodates normal-width feet comfortably. Like the Nimbus, it also comes in wide and extra-wide options.
- Upper: The Bondi 9 has a padded tongue and heel counter for a secure lockdown. However, the heel design can feel compressive, which may not suit individuals with conditions like Haglund’s deformity.
- Overall Fit: Despite the snug feel around the heel, the Bondi 9 offers excellent comfort and support, making it ideal for those who need a secure fit.
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Midsole and Cushioning
Asics Gel Nimbus 27
- Cushioning: Retains the FF Blast+ Eco cushioning but with an updated design. The added 2mm of stack height makes it slightly more responsive, offering better feedback and spring during runs.
- Stack and Drop:
- Rearfoot: 43.5mm
- Forefoot: 35.5mm
- Drop: 8mm
- Performance: Slightly firmer than the Bondi 9, the Nimbus transitions smoothly through the gait cycle. This makes it versatile for easy runs, recovery runs, and even early-stage tempo workouts.
Hoka Bondi 9
- Cushioning: Upgraded to supercritical foam, replacing the CMEVA midsole from the Bondi 8. This foam provides a cloud-like softness, especially while walking, but firms up slightly when running to prevent excessive squishiness.
- Stack and Drop:
- Rearfoot: 43mm
- Forefoot: 38mm
- Drop: 5mm
- Performance: While exceptionally soft and plush, the Bondi struggles with faster transitions, making it better suited for walking, standing all day, and recovery runs. It’s not ideal for uptempo workouts due to its slower, clunkier transitions.
Weight Comparison
- Gel Nimbus 27: 307g (Men’s size 9 US)
- Bondi 9: 297g (Men’s size 9 US)
Both shoes fall within the typical range for max-cushion trainers, but the Bondi is slightly lighter, which may appeal to those looking for a softer shoe without added weight.
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Use Cases
Asics Gel Nimbus 27
- Best For:
- Easy runs
- Recovery runs
- Longer distances
- Early-stage tempo runs
- Key Benefits: Its firmer, more responsive midsole makes it ideal for those who want a shoe that can handle both long and slightly faster workouts.
Hoka Bondi 9
- Best For:
- Walking or standing all day
- Lifestyle use
- Easy or recovery runs
- Key Benefits: The soft foam and secure fit make it one of the most comfortable options for long days on your feet.
Which Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for a versatile shoe with a firmer ride and better responsiveness for various workouts, the Asics Gel Nimbus 27 is your best bet. However, if you prioritize plush comfort and need a shoe for walking, standing, or slower-paced runs, the Hoka Bondi 9 is hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
Both the Gel Nimbus 27 and the Bondi 9 are excellent max-cushion shoes, but they cater to slightly different needs. Let us know in the comments which one suits your lifestyle better or if you’ve tried both!
If you’re interested in similar max stack shoes then check out our reviews of the New Balance 880 v15 and the On Cloudmonster 2!
