Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 vs Hoka Clifton 9: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 42% of 45 Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 owners recommend it, vs 38% of 24 for the Hoka Clifton 9.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28

42%of 45 owners recommend
42% recommend · 14% neutral · 44% don't
Owners praise
  • Plush, high-cushion feel that owners love for easy, long, and recovery runs, several describe it as 'walking on cloud'
  • Relieves foot pain and soreness better than some other cushioned brands (Hoka, New Balance) for owners who struggle with those
Owners complain about
  • A hole wears through the upper near the toe/toenail area, reported by multiple owners across the 25, 26, and 27 generations as a recurring defect
  • Some owners have switched away to rivals like the Vomero Plus, Asics Superblast, or New Balance 1080v14, finding the Nimbus less responsive or appealing in comparison
  • A subset of owners report painful hot spots, an overly soft metatarsal area, or shin splints, for some, Asics as a brand worsened foot pain
Full owner report →

Hoka Clifton 9

38%of 24 owners recommend
38% recommend · 33% neutral · 29% don't
Owners praise
  • Very comfortable with plush cushioning
  • Great for long runs and easy daily miles
  • Comfortable for walking and all-day wear
Owners complain about
  • Not responsive or fast; feels ploddy when picking up pace
  • Cushioning wears out and feels dead quickly
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 if
  • ✓Long-distance and marathon runners wanting max cushioning for easy/recovery runs
  • ✓Runners who also want a comfy daily walking or standing-all-day shoe
  • ✓People whose feet hurt in firmer trainers and need extra plush support
  • ✓Runners building a rotation who want a dedicated soft recovery-day shoe
Skip it if
  • Runners wanting a responsive, energetic ride for faster-paced training
  • High-mileage runners bothered by recurring upper holes or quick sole wear
Get the Hoka Clifton 9 if
  • ✓Runners wanting a cushioned daily trainer for easy miles
  • ✓Walkers and retail workers on their feet all day
  • ✓Long-distance runners valuing stability and rocker feel
  • ✓Wide-foot runners who benefit from the wide option
Skip it if
  • Runners wanting a fast, responsive shoe
  • Those bothered by a high heel collar rubbing the Achilles

What Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 owners say

“the second I step back into hokas or the nimbus my feet are fine again”
— Jumpy-Daddy5809 on Reddit
“Great so far and a huge cushion upgrade from my older winflos. Great upper. Overall great for long easy runs.”
— Forsaken_Ducky on Reddit
“I tried the Nimbus earlier this week and found them to be extremely soft at the metatarsal head”
— orbitolinid on Reddit

What Hoka Clifton 9 owners say

“Hoka Clifton 9 are so good I have 2 pairs in different colors.”
— @agendasurf8604 on YouTube
“I just got some and LOVE THE CLIFTON!”
— @danielsiminski5878 on YouTube
“These are a absolute nightmare if you have flat feet and unwearable”
— @LAdogg4545 on YouTube

Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 vs Hoka Clifton 9: frequently asked questions

Is the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 or the Hoka Clifton 9 better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 42% of 45 Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 owners recommend it, vs 38% of 24 for the Hoka Clifton 9.

Who should get the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28?

Owners point the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 at long-distance and marathon runners wanting max cushioning for easy/recovery runs, and runners who also want a comfy daily walking or standing-all-day shoe.

Who should get the Hoka Clifton 9?

Owners point the Hoka Clifton 9 at runners wanting a cushioned daily trainer for easy miles, and walkers and retail workers on their feet all day.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28 is a hole wears through the upper near the toe/toenail area, reported by multiple owners across the 25, 26, and 27 generations as a recurring defect. For the Hoka Clifton 9, it's not responsive or fast; feels ploddy when picking up pace.