HOKA Bondi 9 vs ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27: Which Max-Cushion Shoe Is Better?

Quick answer

Neither shoe can be called a universal winner from the evidence reviewed here. HOKA Japan’s men’s Bondi 9 page lists a 297 g reference weight and 5 mm offset. The ASICS Philippines page identifies the men’s GEL-NIMBUS 27 in Black/Lake Grey, style 1011B958-002, and describes cushioning and construction features, but it does not provide comparable weight or drop figures on the checked page. RunRepeat reports sample-specific laboratory measurements for each model. Olive Branch did not wear-test or lab-test either shoe. Check the exact market, size and width before comparing products.

What the manufacturers list

HOKA’s Japanese men’s Bondi 9 listing (model 1162011) lists a 297 g reference weight and 5 mm offset. It describes the intended use as running and lists a supercritical EVA midsole, Smooth MetaRocker, rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame, engineered mesh and Durabrasion Rubber outsole.

The ASICS Philippines men’s GEL-NIMBUS 27 listing (style 1011B958-002; Black/Lake Grey) describes soft cushioning, an engineered jacquard mesh upper, FF BLAST PLUS ECO cushioning, PureGEL and HYBRID ASICSGRIP. These are manufacturer statements about the listed product, not independent performance findings or evidence of individual fit.

The HOKA figures are reference values for the linked Japan-market listing. The checked ASICS Philippines product page does not list matching weight or heel-to-toe-drop values. These page-level details do not establish a size-matched, like-for-like specification comparison.

Independent laboratory measurements

RunRepeat’s Bondi 9 laboratory review reports 146 SA heel and 133 SA forefoot shock absorption, plus a 0.45 forefoot traction result. Its GEL-NIMBUS 27 laboratory review reports 136 SA at both heel and forefoot and a 0.84 forefoot traction result.

Those numbers belong to the samples and procedures in the linked reports. They are not Olive Branch test results, owner-satisfaction data, guarantees of grip on a particular surface, or proof that one shoe is safer or more comfortable for a particular person. The reports do not establish that their tested shoes were the same size.

How to use this comparison

• Start with the exact product generation, market, size and width shown by the seller or manufacturer.
• Use the manufacturer pages for listed design features and reference specifications.
• Use independent lab reports only for the measurements and methods they describe.
• Try on the exact version when fit or comfort is the deciding factor; the sources do not predict an individual fit.
• Check current local price, stock, warranty and return terms directly with the seller. None is established by this comparison.

For how Olive Branch distinguishes manufacturer statements, independent measurements and editorial conclusions, see the Review Methodology. Browse other model comparisons in the Comparisons archive.

Sources and verification

• HOKA Japan — Bondi 9, men’s model 1162011 (manufacturer-listed use and specifications).
• ASICS Philippines — GEL-NIMBUS 27, men’s style 1011B958-002, Black/Lake Grey (listed identity and manufacturer-described features; no comparable listed weight/drop on the checked page).
• RunRepeat — HOKA Bondi 9 laboratory review (reported sample measurements).
• RunRepeat — ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27 laboratory review (reported sample measurements).

Source pages checked September 30, 2026. This is a documentation-based comparison; Olive Branch did not conduct wear testing, laboratory testing, gait analysis or a medical assessment.