HOKA Clifton 9 vs ASICS Gel Nimbus 28
John MorrisQuestion: Should you buy the HOKA Clifton 9 or the ASICS Gel Nimbus 28?
Answer: Buy the HOKA Clifton 9 if you want a lighter-feeling, smoother, more rocker-driven daily trainer. Buy the ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 if you want a softer, more plush, more comfort-first neutral shoe for easy miles and long wear.
HOKA Clifton 9 vs ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 Quick Verdict
This is a very useful comparison because both shoes are popular neutral trainers, but they sit in different comfort lanes. The Clifton 9 feels lighter, more efficient, and more modern in the way it moves. The Gel Nimbus 28 feels softer, deeper, and more premium if your top priority is plush comfort.
If you want a versatile daily trainer that feels smooth and light on foot, the Clifton 9 is the better pick. If you want a more luxurious easy-day shoe with softer cushioning, the Gel Nimbus 28 is the better pick.
HOKA Clifton 9 — Check Price on Amazon
ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 — Check Price on Amazon
Quick Comparison Table
| Category | HOKA Clifton 9 | ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Daily training, walking, lighter smooth comfort | Easy runs, recovery days, plush premium comfort |
| Ride Feel | Light, rockered, efficient | Soft, plush, relaxed |
| Cushioning Style | Balanced soft cushioning with forward roll | Deeper, softer max-comfort cushioning |
| Fit Feel | More streamlined and secure | More premium and comfort-focused |
| Walking Use | Excellent | Very good |
| Best For Easy Runs | Very good | Excellent |
Cushioning and Underfoot Feel
The HOKA Clifton 9 gives you a lighter-feeling cushion experience. It still protects well underfoot, but it does not feel as deep or plush as the Gel Nimbus 28. Instead, it feels more efficient and more directed, which is part of why so many buyers like it for daily use.
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 clearly leans harder into plush comfort. It feels softer and more premium underfoot, especially for easy miles and recovery-style running. If your main goal is comfort rather than versatility, that softer feel is a big selling point.
If you want smoother and lighter cushion, choose Clifton 9. If you want softer and more indulgent cushioning, choose Gel Nimbus 28.
HOKA Clifton 9 — Check Price on Amazon
ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 — Check Price on Amazon
Daily Training Performance
The Clifton 9 is the better pick if you want one shoe that can handle daily miles, walking, travel, and general all-around comfort without feeling too specialized. It feels modern, smooth, and easy to move in. You can also read our full HOKA Clifton 9 review.
The Gel Nimbus 28 is the better pick if your daily training is more comfort-driven. It shines more on easy days, recovery runs, and relaxed mileage where softness matters more than versatility. You can also read our full ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 review.
If you want the better one-shoe daily trainer, choose Clifton 9. If you want the better easy-day comfort shoe, choose Gel Nimbus 28.
HOKA Clifton 9 — Check Price on Amazon
ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 — Check Price on Amazon
Fit and Upper Comfort
The Clifton 9 usually feels more streamlined and more athletic in fit. Many runners like that secure, dialed-in feel, but it can feel a bit more specific depending on foot shape.
The Gel Nimbus 28 usually feels more premium and a little more relaxed in step-in comfort. It often wins buyers over with upper softness and a more plush overall comfort impression.
If you want a more secure fit, choose Clifton 9. If you want a more premium comfort-focused fit, choose Gel Nimbus 28.
HOKA Clifton 9 — Check Price on Amazon
ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 — Check Price on Amazon
Walking and All-Day Wear
Both shoes work well for walking, but again they do it differently. The Clifton 9 feels light and smooth, which makes it great for buyers who want easy all-day comfort without feeling like they are wearing a bulky shoe.
The Gel Nimbus 28 feels softer and more plush, which can be great for relaxed walking and long casual wear if you like a more comfort-first shoe.
For lighter, smoother walking, choose Clifton 9. For softer, more cushioned walking, choose Gel Nimbus 28.
HOKA Clifton 9 — Check Price on Amazon
ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 — Check Price on Amazon
Stability and Support
Neither of these is a true stability shoe, but they still feel different. The Clifton 9 can feel a little more guided because of its rocker shape and geometry. The Gel Nimbus 28 feels more like a plush neutral comfort shoe.
If you need actual stability help for overpronation, neither should be your first choice. In that case, something like the HOKA Clifton vs Arahi comparison or the ASICS Gel Kayano 32 vs Gel Nimbus 28 comparison is more relevant.
HOKA Clifton 9 — Check Price on Amazon
ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 — Check Price on Amazon
Who Should Buy the HOKA Clifton 9?
- Runners who want a lighter-feeling daily trainer
- Walkers who like smooth rocker transitions
- Buyers who want one versatile comfort shoe
- People who prefer a more modern ride feel
HOKA Clifton 9 — Check Price on Amazon
Who Should Buy the ASICS Gel Nimbus 28?
- Runners who want plush easy-day comfort
- Buyers who like softer, deeper cushioning
- People who want a more premium-feeling upper and ride
- Anyone prioritizing comfort over versatility
ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 — Check Price on Amazon
Who Should Buy Something Else?
You may want another shoe if:
- You need a true stability shoe for overpronation
- You want a faster shoe for workouts or racing
- You want a firmer, more traditional daily trainer
- You dislike either rocker geometry or plush max-comfort rides
Pros and Cons
| Shoe | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| HOKA Clifton 9 | Light-feeling, smooth ride, excellent for walking, versatile daily use | Fit can be more specific, less plush than Nimbus 28 |
| ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 | Plush comfort, premium feel, excellent for easy days and recovery running | Less versatile as a one-shoe option, softer and more comfort-specific |
HOKA Clifton 9 — Check Price on Amazon
ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 — Check Price on Amazon
FAQ
Which is softer, HOKA Clifton 9 or ASICS Gel Nimbus 28?
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 usually feels softer and more plush underfoot.
Which is better for walking?
Both are good, but Clifton 9 is better for light and smooth walking comfort, while Gel Nimbus 28 is better for softer plush comfort.
Which is better for daily running?
The Clifton 9 is usually the better all-around daily trainer. The Gel Nimbus 28 is better if comfort is your main priority.
Which is better if I only want one shoe?
For most buyers, the Clifton 9 is the safer one-shoe option because it is more versatile.
Final Verdict
The HOKA Clifton 9 is the better choice if you want a lighter, smoother, more versatile daily trainer for running, walking, and all-around use.
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 is the better choice if you want a softer, more plush, more comfort-first neutral trainer for easy miles and relaxed wear.
If I were recommending one to the average buyer, I would lean Clifton 9 because it is easier to use across more situations. If I were recommending one to the buyer who wants premium easy-day softness, I would lean Gel Nimbus 28.
HOKA Clifton 9 — Check Price on Amazon
ASICS Gel Nimbus 28 — Check Price on Amazon