FairSoleHoka or Asics? Clifton 10 vs Gel-Nimbus 27 compared
Nesim Yılmaz · 20.10.2026
Hoka and Asics make two of the best-selling cushioned running shoes: the Clifton and the Gel-Nimbus. Both are neutral shoes for long, easy miles. The differences are in the details.
The key numbers
| Hoka Clifton 10 | Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 | |
|---|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Stack heel / forefoot | approx. 42 / 34 mm | approx. 43.5 / 35.5 mm |
| Character | light, smooth roll | maximum cushioning, premium upper |
| Widths | standard and wide | standard, wide and extra wide |
With the Clifton 10, Hoka raised the drop to 8 mm, so the two shoes now match on that.
Cushioning and ride
Both are "max-cushion" shoes. Reviewers don't agree on which is softer: some find the Nimbus plusher, others the Clifton. They do agree that the Clifton feels lighter and a little more stable, while the Nimbus feels more premium – thicker upper, padded tongue, more "sofa".
Fit
- Clifton 10: a bit more volume over the instep and forefoot, good for wider feet.
- Gel-Nimbus 27: narrower in standard width, but one of the few available in extra wide.
Who should buy which?
- Clifton 10: daily easy runs, walking and long days on your feet – a light, no-fuss all-rounder.
- Gel-Nimbus 27: long runs, runners who want maximum comfort and a premium feel, and very wide feet.
When to buy
Both get a new version roughly every year. Soon after the new model launches, the previous one often drops sharply in price – and the differences between generations are usually small, so the old model is the better deal.
Matching models on Amazon
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