Since HOKA burst onto the running scene back in 2009, its shoes have become synonymous with comfort and cushioning. The brand is a go-to for walkers and runners alike who want a plush and padded underfoot experience wherever they go.
Even among all of HOKA’s comfortable, cushioned running shoe lines, one shoe model has consistently stood out: The HOKA Bondi.
First released in 2011, the Bondi quickly became a cult favorite among those looking for a high cushion, maximalist running shoe. When it was first released, this daily trainer’s stack height and cloud-like softness were unheard of from other running shoe brands at the time. But this bold design paid off, and the Bondi quickly became HOKA’s flagship road running shoe model.
Today, nearly every other running shoe company has dipped its toes into this maximalist, high cushion running shoe market. However, after 9 iterations, the Bondi continues to be a standout in this category. Whether you’re at the gym, at the starting line of a race, or even just walking around town, you’ve likely come across countless people wearing these renowned running shoes.
The HOKA Bondi has truly built a name for itself in the running shoe community. But with the release of the newest version – the Bondi 9 – HOKA has made some key adjustments and updates to this beloved shoe. So how do these changes hold up compared to previous versions of the Bondi?
This is where our team of dedicated Marathon Sports reviewers comes in. In this HOKA Bondi 9 review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about HOKA’s newest addition to the Bondi running shoe line and help you decide if the Bondi 9 is the right shoe for you.
Our Review Process
At Marathon Sports, our goal is to help you find the best running shoes and gear for your running journey. And we know that every runner has their own unique goals and needs.
We put each running shoe to the test so we can make the best recommendations for all your running needs. We set out on roads, trails, and treadmills to test out each shoe and see how it performs over a variety of different types of runs.
Along with doing a deep dive into the technology of each shoe, we truly get to see how the shoe feels over the course of speed workouts, treadmill runs, long run days, and slow recovery runs. Throughout this process, our reviewers seek to understand how the Bondi 9 performs against its predecessors, how the shoe stacks up against other high cushion running shoes, and who might benefit from adding the Bondi to their running shoe rotation.
If you’re considering the Bondi 9 for your next shoe, keep reading for a deep dive into everything HOKA offers in one of their best-selling running shoe lines.
The Bondi 9: A Quick Overview
In order to know the shoe inside and out, our reviewers have looked into all the specs and details about the Bondi 9. Here’s a quick rundown of everything we found:
- Women’s stack height is 42 mm/37 mm, men’s stack height is 43 mm/38 mm (2 mm increase from Bondi 8)
- Women’s weighs 9.3 oz, men’s weighs 10.5 oz
- 5 mm heel-to-toe drop
- Midsole is made up of a super critical EVA foam
- Incorporates a MetaRocker design for smooth transitions
- Designed as a neutral daily trainer with Active Foot Frame technology and a wide platform for added stability
- Knit upper includes zonal ventilation for extra breathability
- Durabrasion rubber outsole adds traction and durability in high-wear areas
- Fits true to size
- Available in standard, wide, and extra-wide widths
- Price: $169.95
A Closer Look at the Bondi 9
These features all play a huge role in making the Bondi the well-loved running shoe it is today. Here’s a closer look at how all these aspects come together in the newest addition to the Bondi running shoe line.
High Stack, Super Critical EVA Midsole
HOKA is most well-known for the plush, maximalist cushioning on their running shoes, and no shoe encompasses this renowned cushioning better than the Bondi 9.
While the Bondi 8 midsole was made up of HOKA’s traditional EVA Foam, the midsole on the newest iteration has been updated and reworked to offer an even softer and plusher underfoot feel. The new premium midsole foam provides a well-balanced softness and bounciness to the shoe so you can enjoy unmatched plushness and comfort as you log your miles.
HOKA also added two extra mm of cushioning to the Bondi 9, bringing the stack height to 42 mm/37 mm in women’s shoes and 43 mm/38 mm in men’s shoes. And despite the increased stack height, the switch to a lightweight super critical foam helps the shoe maintain a sleek feel and even reduces the weight compared to its predecessor.
Updated Upper Design
The Bondi 9 is designed for long runs and everyday comfort, and with that, you would expect every part of the shoe to be made with long-term comfort in mind. This focus on comfort is obvious in the new upper design of the Bondi 9, complete with plenty of extra padding and a lightweight, breathable construction.
With the Bondi 9, the model graduated from an engineered mesh upper to a soft, more accommodating knit upper. This new upper comfortably wraps the foot while offering some additional structure to keep you feeling secure throughout your runs. The zonal ventilation found throughout this new knit upper also keeps your feet cool and comfortable throughout long runs in any climate.
If you’ve worn the Bondi before, it’ll come as no surprise that this shoe offers plenty of extra padding and cushioning throughout the entire shoe, and the upper is no exception. The padded tongue and 3D molded heel collar hug your foot and help prevent any movement so you can focus on crushing all your distance goals.
MetaRocker Geometry
Along with cushioning, a rocker design is a staple in any HOKA shoe. This rocker geometry means that a shoe has a curved sole to help propel you through strides and drive smoother transitions with each step.
This MetaRocker design is particularly prevalent in the Bondi 9. Throughout long runs, this geometry plays a major role in guiding runners through each stride and reducing pressure as they transition from heel-to-toe. If you want that extra touch of guidance on long runs, the Bondi 9’s dialed-up rocker design could be a great option for you.
Stability Features
The Bondi 9 is technically a neutral shoe, meaning it doesn’t have any built-in support or correction for overpronation. However, HOKA does incorporate some mild stability elements in the Bondi 9 that make it suitable for both neutral runners and those who need a touch of support and stability.
The Active Foot Frame technology in the rearfoot of the shoe provides adaptive support and guidance throughout each landing and stride. The higher side walls cradle the foot and prevent side-to-side movement so you can feel secure and confident with every step.
The Bondi’s wide platform also offers some inherent stability. While some max cushion shoes can feel unstable, the combination of the structural support and wide base provide a stable and grounded feeling throughout walks or runs.
Long Term Durability
Because the Bondi 9 truly shines when it comes to long runs, the miles runners put on these shoes can quickly add up. With a shoe meant to handle mileage, you’ll want something durable and versatile that will hold up well during long training blocks.
Fortunately, HOKA addressed this need for durability with an improved durabrasion rubber outsole. Focused specifically in high-wear areas of the shoe, this rubber outsole helps the shoe last longer so you can enjoy the Bondi 9’s comfort and support for miles and miles.
This outsole also plays a major role in adding some traction and grip to the shoe. While the Bondi 9 excels when used on road runs, this extra grip can keep you feeling confident and safe in snowy conditions, on wet pavement, and even on some trails.
Overall Fit
Every running shoe brand and model has a different fit and feel, so we would suggest stopping by a local Marathon Sports and trying out different sizes for yourself. But if you can’t swing in in person, keep in mind that the Bondi 9 does run true to size.
The new upper offers a roomy fit that’s accommodating for all different foot shapes and sizes. And those with a wider foot have plenty of options as well. The Bondi 9 is available in standard width, wide, and extra wide.
Bondi 9: Road Test Performance
At Marathon Sports, we want to know everything there is to know about each running shoe. And that includes how it feels and performs on a variety of different runs.
That’s why we put the Bondi 9 to the test, taking them out on long runs, tempo runs, track workouts, and more. While all the specs and details of a shoe are critical, the most important (and most fun!) part of any review is how the shoe feels on these different runs.
When we first slid the Bondi 9 on, there were a few improvements that were immediately evident. The structured yet accommodating upper felt soft and secure around the foot, while the plush heel collar and extended heel tab kept everything locked into place.
Right out of the gate, the super critical EVA foam also felt fantastic under our feet. The cushioning was softer and more plush than in the Bondi 8, but maintained a responsiveness and bounciness to it.
With overly soft, cushioned shoes, it can often feel like you’re sinking into the foam and lose efficiency and responsiveness when you land. The Bondi 9 avoids this common pitfall with its new and improved foam and subtle guidance elements. When our reviewers set out on different runs, the cushion felt incredibly well-balanced, offering plenty of plush foam without losing its bounce.
Our reviewers felt that the Bondi 9 truly shined on long runs and recovery days. This cushioning helped reduce impact on our feet and legs, while the Active Foot Frame and MetaRocker kept us moving forward while reducing fatigue. All these elements came together – from the structured upper to the luxurious padding and renowned HOKA guidance technology – to keep us comfortable and supported throughout long runs.
One common critique of the Bondi in the past has been that the excess cushioning feels blocky or unstable on runs. With the new updates, HOKA effectively addressed these concerns and managed to create a more stable and sleek high cushion shoe, all while adding even more foam underfoot.
That’s not to say that the Bondi 9 felt light and fast by any means. While the shoe feels less blocky on runs than previous versions of the shoe, the whopping stack height makes the Bondi 9 less effective when it comes to speed work and picking up the pace.
With a more lightweight foam and sleeker design, the shoe is definitely heading in the right direction in terms of adaptibility. But our reviewers found that the weight of the shoe and amount of cushion prevents it from being versatile across all types of runs.
Pros and Cons
While HOKA made lots of improvements and updates to the Bondi 9, no shoe is perfect for every runner. Here are a few pros and cons to consider if you’re deciding if the Bondi 9 is the perfect shoe for you.
Pros
- Super critical EVA foam is soft and plush while maintaining some bounce and responsiveness
- Updated knit upper with zonal ventilation adds more breathability to the shoe and keeps feet comfortable and secure throughout long runs
- High stack height helps reduce shock and impact throughout long runs
- HOKA technology such as MetaRocker geometry and Active Foot Frame provide extra guidance, support, and stability
- Durabrasion rubber outsole helps the shoe last longer and provides extra traction on slippery surfaces
Cons
- While the new cushion reduces some weight, the Bondi 9 is still heavier than many other daily trainers
- Price increased to $169.95 – a high price tag for a daily trainer
- May feel too cushioned for faster, more uptempo runs
Who Should Try the Bondi 9?
Despite a few downsides, there are countless runners, walkers, and gym goers out there who could benefit from the cushioning and support that comes with the Bondi 9. So who should consider adding it to their rotation?
Runners looking for a designated long run shoe may want to consider giving the Bondi 9 a try. The high stack height, balanced cushioning, and subtle support are perfect for anyone who wants to get in some longer mileage without worrying about speed or pace.
The Bondi 9 is also a great option for beginner runners. Impact-related injuries and pain is all too common for runners just getting started and building mileage. As you’re getting started with high-impact activities such as running, a high cushion shoe such as the Bondi 9 will help you stay comfortable and healthy.
For runners looking for an all-around versatile shoe or a shoe for faster runs, you may want to look elsewhere. While the Bondi 9 excels during long runs or slower, everyday training runs, the heavier, high cushion design is pretty limited when it comes to speed workouts or uptempo days.
How Does the Bondi 9 Stack Up?
HOKA may have started the shift towards maximalist running shoes, but today, more and more brands are releasing their take on bulky, high cushion shoes. So how does the update to the original maximalist shoe, the Bondi 9, stack up against these competitors?
One of the other most popular high cushion shoes on the market today is the Asics Gel-Nimbus 27. Like the Bondi, this shoe offers 40+ mm of plush foam under the heel and a soft, knit upper designed for unparalleled comfort on long runs. Asics incorporates a gel technology into the heel, offering an even softer landing. While you can’t go wrong with the plush cushioning of either shoe, runners who prefer a more balanced feel may find the Gel-Nimbus too soft and prefer the Bondi 9.
With a 5 mm stack height, high cushion construction, and rocker geometry, the Topo Atmos is another option comparable to the Bondi 9. The Atmos has less cushioning than the Bondi (38 mm in the heel and 33 mm in the forefoot), along with a wider fit, including a wide, rounded toe box. Those with a wider forefoot, or anyone looking for a lighter, more versatile high cushion shoe, may want to consider testing out the Atmos.
Looking to stick with a HOKA shoe but aren’t sure about the Bondi 9? The HOKA Skyflow incorporates some of the best features of a Bondi 9 – the rocker geometry, the high stack height, and the Active Foot Frame – in a lighter, more versatile package. The stiffer midsole feels slightly less plush underfoot than the Bondi 9 but allows for more versatility from long runs to speed workouts.
The Bondi 9: Verdict and Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for high cushion and max comfort in your running shoes, there are few options out there better than the Bondi 9.
While this high cushion shoe has been a fan favorite for years, HOKA is continuing to innovate and adapt to create the best and most comfortable shoes possible. These upgrades are evident in the Bondi 9, which continues the legacy of the high cushion running shoe line while adding new details and elements for overall comfort and support.
Our reviewers found that the new super critical foam and knit upper were massive improvements to the Bondi’s design. Meanwhile, the elements that HOKA carried over from previous models such as the rocker geometry and high side walls continue to work well and provide extra comfort and support. And despite the increase in stack height, the Bondi 9 feels more stable and grounded than ever.
Overall, the new Bondi 9 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a long run shoe or who just prefers a luxurious, cushioned underfoot experience. While the shoe doesn’t carry over well to speed days due to the weight and bulky cushioning, it offers guaranteed comfort for long runs or recovery days.
While we can offer our thoughts on the Bondi 9, every runner is different. The best way to truly tell for yourself if the Bondi is the right shoe for you is to try it for yourself at your nearest Marathon Sports location.
Stop in today to try out the Bondi 9 or some of the other latest running shoe brands. With some help from our footwear experts, you can find the perfect shoe for your needs and be ready to take on any run!
