The Hoka Bondi has all the time been unapologetically maximalist. It’s massive, daring, and has sky-high cushioning that kicked off a revolution in trainers. However regardless of its standout consolation utilized by everybody from nurses to marathoners, previous variations felt extra like strolling sneakers than true trainers due to their bulk. Now—with the discharge of the redesigned Hoka Bondi 9 ($170)—this shoe is lastly residing as much as its full potential. With softer foam, a extra responsive really feel, and a secure base, this model is able to run.
Hoka Bondi 9 — $170.00
Colours: 6 | Sizes: US 4 – 12 | Weight: 9.3 oz | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm
- Cushioned however secure for quite a lot of paces
- Upgraded supercritical EVA foam for a softer, extra responsive really feel
- Sturdy for every day coaching
- Ankle cuff is comparatively stiff
- Not the enjoyable coloration choice I’ve come to anticipate from Hoka
First impressions of the Hoka Bondi 9
The Bondi 9 stays true to Hoka’s roots, and my first thought when unboxing it was that it hasn’t gotten any sleeker—but it surely’s nonetheless all in regards to the consolation. Proper out of the field, the thick cushioning seemed as inviting as ever. I pushed my thumb into the froth to evaluate its softness and rebound and was pleasantly shocked to seek out it a bit extra plush than the Bondi 8.
The aesthetics left me feeling a little bit underwhelmed although. The pair I examined got here in a minty inexperienced (Blue Spark/Mint Fluorite) with a contrasting black ankle cuff that felt mismatched. After I checked the opposite obtainable palettes on-line, I used to be disenchanted to seek out that few of them delivered Hoka’s normal vibrant, head-turning colours. Hopefully, extra choices will roll out sooner or later.
My assessment
What I like
Over two weeks, I logged greater than 25 miles within the Bondi 9 sneakers, testing them throughout strolling and working exercises, together with hours-long incline “hikes” on the treadmill and interval coaching.
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I used to be most impressed by their efficiency throughout brisk walks and once I picked up the tempo for working intervals. The cushioning feels barely agency at slower speeds however has a satisfying bounce when working sooner. For full transparency, I’m vulnerable to shin splints, and I felt a little bit of shin discomfort throughout sluggish jogs, however the ache disappeared once I transitioned to a sooner tempo.
That stated, the brand new supercritical EVA foam is a big step up from the Bondi 8, which I thought-about extra of a strolling shoe than a working shoe as a consequence of its firmer, much less responsive cushioning. The Bondi 9 gives a softer, springier really feel, making it versatile for each actions.
On the treadmill, I seen the shoe’s distinctive stability. Many max-cushioned sneakers can really feel wobbly underfoot (particularly on the treadmill, the place I are likely to house out), however the Bondi 9’s huge base and “Energetic Foot Body” expertise create a safe, supportive experience.
And in my quick testing interval, this shoe felt tremendous sturdy. Hoka additionally included “durabrasion rubber” into the outsole to fight high-wear areas, which ought to prolong the shoe’s longevity. I haven’t examined it lengthy sufficient to note any degradation, however figuring out the legacy of the Bondi line, I’ve no doubts it can final for a whole lot of miles.
What I do not love
That stated, the Bondi 9 has a couple of downsides. I discovered the toe field cosy throughout the first few miles, which required a little bit of a break-in interval earlier than I felt absolutely snug. When you’ve got wider toes, think about ordering the huge model to keep away from this difficulty. I additionally assume that the padded higher may really feel a bit thick in scorching climate, because it lacks breathability.
Ultimate ideas
The Bondi 9 isn’t Hoka’s flashiest or quickest possibility (My go-to for velocity work is the Mach X and I favor the Clifton 9 for lengthy runs), but it surely’s a very strong shoe with severe sturdiness that outlasts the rest that the model gives. In contrast to race-day sneakers that it is advisable take care of like a child, it is a pair you may confidently put on for every day coaching, errands, and lengthy walks with out worrying in regards to the cushioning sporting out too shortly.
In case you’re a newbie runner interested by max cushioning, the Bondi 9 is a implausible place to begin. It’s comfortable, versatile, and plush with out feeling unstable—a uncommon combo for a max-cushioning shoe.
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