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 day by 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—however it’s nonetheless all concerning 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 search 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 out there palettes on-line, I used to be disillusioned to search out that few of them delivered Hoka’s common vibrant, head-turning colours. Hopefully, extra choices will roll out sooner or later.
My overview
What I really like
Over two weeks, I logged greater than 25 miles within the Bondi 9 sneakers, testing them throughout strolling and operating 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 operating intervals. The cushioning feels barely agency at slower speeds however has a satisfying bounce when operating quicker. For full transparency, I’m liable to shin splints, and I felt a little bit of shin discomfort throughout gradual jogs, however the ache disappeared once 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 operating shoe resulting from its firmer, much less responsive cushioning. The Bondi 9 affords a softer, springier really feel, making it versatile for each actions.
On the treadmill, I observed 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” know-how create a safe, supportive journey.
And in my brief testing interval, this shoe felt tremendous sturdy. Hoka additionally included “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 understanding the legacy of the Bondi line, I’ve no doubts it should final for a whole bunch of miles.
What I do not love
That mentioned, 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 comfy. In case you have wider toes, take into account ordering the huge model to keep away from this challenge. I additionally suppose 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 choose the Clifton 9 for lengthy runs), however it’s a very strong shoe with critical sturdiness that outlasts the rest that the model affords. In contrast to race-day sneakers that it’s worthwhile to look after like a child, it is a pair you’ll be able to confidently put on for day by day coaching, errands, and lengthy walks with out worrying concerning the cushioning sporting out too rapidly.
For those who’re a newbie runner interested by max cushioning, the Bondi 9 is a incredible place to begin. It’s soft, versatile, and plush with out feeling unstable—a uncommon combo for a max-cushioning shoe.
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