Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28
Best OverallHoka Clifton
Best CushionedPrice
$160-$180
$140-$160
Summary
Consistently recommended across Reddit communities and expert review sites for daily training. Delivers excellent cushioning and support for runners of all levels without sacrificing responsiveness.
Hoka's most popular everyday trainer earns consistent praise for its maximal cushioning without the dead, hollow feel some competitors deliver. Recommended across Reddit and expert sites for easy miles and recovery runs.
Pros
- Excellent cushioning and comfort for longer runs
- Highly recommended for beginners and experienced runners alike
- Broad consensus across Reddit communities and expert reviewers
- Durable enough to handle high mileage training
- Maximum cushioning ideal for high-mileage training and recovery runs
- Lighter than it looks for a max-cushion shoe
- Consistently recommended across beginner and experienced runner communities
- Wirecutter notes Hoka delivers cushion without 'dead hollow feel'
Cons
- Can feel squishy at faster paces compared to more responsive options
- Higher price point than entry-level trainers
- Not ideal as a race-day shoe
- Polarizing — some runners dislike the 'Hoka-fication' trend toward excessive cushion
- Less responsive feel compared to firmer trainers
- Wide platform can feel awkward for narrower feet
Our take
ASICS shows up in nearly every thread and every expert list — the Nimbus line is the shoe people keep coming back to when they want something that just works for long miles.
The Clifton is the shoe that made Hoka a household name, and it still earns its spot — if you want to feel like you're running on clouds without sacrificing too much ground feel, this is it.
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