Asics Gel Nimbus 28 vs Hoka Bondi 9 by a Foot Specialist

Summary

The video compares the Athics Gel Nimbus 28 and the Hoka Bondi 9, highlighting six key differences. The Nimbus 28 is lighter, more responsive, and features firmer cushioning with an aggressive rocker geometry, making it ideal for runners and uptempo workouts. In contrast, the Bondi 9 provides a softer, more cushioned feel, offering greater stability with its wide platform, making it better for recovery runs and lifestyle use. The video also covers fit, lockdown, and design features, helping viewers choose the best option based on their needs, whether for running or day-to-day comfort.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Athics Gel Nimbus 28 is 25g lighter than the Bondi 9, making it a more lightweight option for runners.
• 😀 The Nimbus 28 uses FFlass Plus cushioning, which is firmer and more responsive compared to the super-critical foam in the Bondi 9, which offers a softer, more pillowy feel.
• 😀 The Nimbus 28 has a more aggressive rocker geometry, providing more toe spring and a faster, more responsive ride, while the Bondi 9 offers a traditional rocker for stability.
• 😀 The Nimbus 28 features a narrower platform, while the Bondi 9 has a wider platform for greater stability, especially with its softer cushioning.
• 😀 The Bondi 9's toe box is tapered, which may cause discomfort for those with wide feet or sensitivities like Morton's neuroma.
• 😀 The Nimbus 28 offers a more minimal, streamlined fit with a thin tongue, whereas the Bondi 9 provides more padding around the tongue and heel for extra comfort.
• 😀 The Nimbus 28’s firmer cushioning and aggressive geometry make it ideal for running, including uptempo workouts or longer races, while the Bondi 9 excels for recovery miles and easy miles.
• 😀 The Bondi 9 is highly popular for lifestyle use, especially for standing jobs or long walks, thanks to its stability and comfort that last all day.
• 😀 The Nimbus 28 is a more responsive shoe for runners, providing a fun and dynamic feel underfoot, ideal for marathon or half-marathon distances.
• 😀 The heel bevel on the Nimbus 28 has been changed to a split design, which might make it less suitable for supinators compared to the Bondi 9.

Q & A

What is the key difference in weight between the Hoka One One Nimbus 28 and the Bondi 9?

The Nimbus 28 is lighter than the Bondi 9, weighing 272g for a Men's US size 9, which is 25g lighter than the Bondi 9.

How does the midsole foam of the Bondi 9 differ from the Nimbus 28?

The Bondi 9 uses a supercritical foam that is softer and more pillow-like, offering a cushioned feel, while the Nimbus 28 uses FFlass Plus cushioning, which is firmer and more responsive underfoot.

What is the cushioning height difference between the Bondi 9 and Nimbus 28?

The Bondi 9 has 43mm of cushioning in the rearfoot and 38mm in the forefoot, while the Nimbus 28 has 43.5mm in the heel and 35.5mm in the forefoot, resulting in a 5mm height difference in the Bondi 9 versus an 8mm difference in the Nimbus 28.

How does the rocker geometry of the Nimbus 28 differ from the Bondi 9?

The Nimbus 28 features a more aggressive rocker geometry, with a greater upward tilt in the forefoot, offering more toe spring and a propulsion-forward feel, while the Bondi 9 has a more standard rocker geometry.

What is the difference in the platform width between the two shoes?

The Bondi 9 has a broader platform, offering more stability, while the Nimbus 28 has a more narrow platform.

How does the toe box fit compare between the Bondi 9 and Nimbus 28?

The Bondi 9 has a tapered toe box, which can cause tightness or blistering, especially for those with wide feet. In contrast, the Nimbus 28 has a more standard fit and also offers a wide version.

What are the differences in the tongue and heel cup design between the two models?

The Nimbus 28 has a thin tongue and a more minimal heel cup design, while the Bondi 9 features a more padded tongue and additional padding around the heel cup for better comfort and support.

Which shoe is better suited for lifestyle use and why?

The Bondi 9 is better suited for lifestyle use, offering stability and comfort for extended walking or standing, such as for nurses or people with demanding jobs. It provides a stable, cushioned feel throughout the day. The Nimbus 28, while also comfortable, is more geared towards runners and walkers with its firmer, responsive cushioning.

What types of running are each of these shoes best suited for?

The Bondi 9 is ideal for recovery miles or easy-paced runs, providing a cushioned, comfortable experience for slower, long-distance runs. The Nimbus 28, with its firmer cushioning and aggressive geometry, is better for uptempo workouts, such as marathons or half marathons, though it's not as responsive as its predecessor for faster workouts.

How does the heel bevel design in the Nimbus 28 compare to the Bondi 9?

The Nimbus 28 has a split heel bevel design, whereas the Bondi 9 has a heel bevel on the outside. The split heel bevel on the Nimbus 28 makes it less ideal for supinators, as it compresses easier on the outside compared to the Bondi 9.