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Hoka or Asics? Clifton 10 vs Gel-Nimbus 27 compared

Nesim Yılmaz · 09.11.2026

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

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.

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