The Hoka Bondi has at all times 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 footwear 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 shade choice I’ve come to count on 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 bit of 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. Once I checked the opposite accessible palettes on-line, I used to be dissatisfied 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 after I picked up the tempo for working intervals. The cushioning feels barely agency at slower speeds however has a satisfying bounce when working quicker. 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 after I transitioned to a quicker tempo.
That mentioned, the brand new supercritical EVA foam is a large step up from the Bondi 8, which I thought of extra of a strolling shoe than a working shoe on account of its firmer, much less responsive cushioning. The Bondi 9 provides a softer, springier really feel, making it versatile for each actions.
On the treadmill, I observed the shoe’s distinctive stability. Many max-cushioned footwear can really feel wobbly underfoot (particularly on the treadmill, the place I are likely to house out), however the Bondi 9’s vast base and “Lively Foot Body” know-how create a safe, supportive journey.
And in my brief testing interval, this shoe felt tremendous sturdy. Hoka additionally integrated “durabrasion rubber” into the outsole to fight high-wear areas, which ought to lengthen 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 should final for a whole lot of miles.
What I do not love
That mentioned, the Bondi 9 has a number of downsides. I discovered the toe field cosy in the course of the first few miles, which required a little bit of a break-in interval earlier than I felt totally comfy. When you’ve got wider toes, take into account ordering the vast model to keep away from this situation. I additionally assume that the padded higher would possibly really feel a bit thick in scorching climate, because it lacks breathability.
Last ideas
The Bondi 9 isn’t Hoka’s flashiest or quickest possibility (My go-to for pace work is the Mach X and I desire the Clifton 9 for lengthy runs), but it surely’s a very strong shoe with severe sturdiness that outlasts the rest that the model provides. In contrast to race-day footwear that you have to 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 rapidly.
When you’re a newbie runner interested in max cushioning, the Bondi 9 is a incredible place to start out. It’s soft, versatile, and plush with out feeling unstable—a uncommon combo for a max-cushioning shoe.
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