Hoka Bondi 8 vs Asics Nimbus 25: Which One? (2023 Comparison)
When choosing the right running shoe, the decision often boils down to personal preference, running style, and individual foot anatomy. Two popular and similar picks are the Hoka Bondi 8 and the Asics Gel Nimbus 25. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.
Note: the Nimbus series has undergone significant revamp in 2023 with the 25th version with a much bigger stack. Therefore, this analysis is less relevant if you’re looking at purchasing an earlier model like the Nimbus 23 or 24.
Cushioning and Ride
The Hoka Bondi 8 is renowned for its soft cushioning, ideal for everyday running and recovery. It has a 39 mm heel stack height and a low drop of 4 mm. The Nimbus 25 is similar, with an even bigger stack (41.5 mm in the heel) but a higher, more standard drop (8 mm). The underfoot feel is also soft, with more structure and firmness than the Bondi.
This Hoka Bondi 8 offers a smooth and easy ride, particularly suitable for daily training, long runs, and recovery. However, it is not exceptionally responsive, and some users may find it lacks a bit of spring and flexibility. On the other hand, the Asics Gel Nimbus 25, now a max cushion daily trainer, isn’t the most responsive shoe either, but it does slightly better than the Bondi in this area.
Foot Lockdown
The Bondi 8 has an imposing build with a thick and cushioned upper, especially around the heel collar, to comfortably lock in the foot. It features a large toe box, accommodating wider feet and improving overall comfort. However, its raised and flaring midsole can press hard against some people’s foot arch near the heel, potentially causing discomfort on long runs.
Conversely, the Asics Gel Nimbus 25 uses an engineered mesh for its upper, providing a precise lockdown and perfect fit. The mesh is slightly stretchy, accommodating the foot’s shape, and the wider base should also fit wide feet, including in the toe box.
It’s hard to beat Asics’ shoes when it comes to foot lockdown. The Japanese brand has refined its craft for decades, and it’s one area where it truly excels. The Nimbus 25 is praised for its foot lockdown, with some considering it their favorite shoe for this feature.
Grip and Durability
The Bondi 8 uses a combination of exposed EVA foam and rubber overlays on its outsole, offering a convincing grip on wet pavement and easy dirt roads. It also shows decent durability with few signs of wear after several long runs.
The Gel Nimbus 25, true to its reputation, maintains durable construction, featuring the famous AHAR+ under the heel to protect the shoe from abrasion with repeated shocks. The traction is decent, allowing safe running on roads in rainy weather. It is expected to easily pass the 350 mi mark in terms of durability.
Bondi or Nimbus: Which One Should You Pick?
You can’t go wrong with either model if you’re looking for max cushion running shoes for your daily sessions or recovery runs. They’re solid picks in their category.
The main difference comes down to the lockdown and drop.
The Hoka Bondi 8 is slightly looser than the Nimbus 25 with more space. The fit is also secure, but if you want the most precise option, the Nimbus 25 seems better. Having said that, it can also depend on your foot shape and width, so it’s always best to try the shoes if possible.
As for the drop, 4 mm is low and can be surprising if you’re used to a higher offset or just started running. In this case, we recommend the Nimbus. However, if you prefer a lower drop or are generally familiar with the Hoka shoes and know what to expect, the Bondi 8 is your best option.
Side-By-Side Comparison Table
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| Overview | ||
| Description | The Hoka Bondi 8 is a shoe with soft XL cushioning ideal for everyday running and recovery. | The Asics Gel Nimbus 25 marks a tectonic shift in the popular collection with more comfortable but less responsive max cushion. |
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9
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9
8.5
8
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8
9.5
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| Facts | ||
| Terrain | Road | Road |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Heel stack height | 39 mm | 41.5 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 35 mm | 33.5 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 4 mm | 8 mm |
| Weight (men) | 307 g | 299 g |
| Weight (women) | 252 g | 260 g |
| Features | Vegan, Wide feet, Heavy runner, Recycled materials | Heavy runner, Recycled materials |
| Athletes | ||
| Release year | 2022 | 2023 |
| Technologies | ||
| Outsole | Durabrasion Rubber | AHAR+ |
| Midsole | EVA foam, Ortholite Hybrid | FlyteFoam Blast Eco, PureGEL, OrthoLite X-55 |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh | Technical Mesh |
| Cushioning | ||
| Cushioning | Soft | Soft |
| Responsiveness | Low | Medium |
| Use | ||
| Distance | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Speed | Slow, Moderate | Slow, Moderate |
| Workouts | Daily running, Recovery | Daily running, Recovery |
