HOKA Bondi X Shoe Review
HOKA's Bondi Gets Carbon-Aided Upgrade
Likes
- High level of protection
- Ultra-smooth ride
- Efficient feel that can handle a variety of paces
Dislikes
- A little heavy
- Could feel slightly faster
- Higher price
What's New
Most runners are likely familiar with HOKA's Bondi series, and even beginners have probably at least heard the shoe's name once or twice. That said, the HOKA Bondi X is almost an entirely new animal. Outfitted with a maximal level of HOKA's classic EVA foam, the Bondi X offers ample cushioning and protection ideal for long runs. What truly distinguishes this shoe from its Bondi siblings is the carbon fiber plate in the midsole, which is also combined with an extended early-stage meta-rocker for smooth, efficient running. Lightweight, high-abrasion rubber, as well as a heel bevel, highlight the Bondi X's outsole design, promising runners increased traction and durability while out on the roads. Finally, the Bondi X features a ventilated engineered mesh upper that provides a high level of breathability and security.
The Bottom Line
The new Bondi X shares many of the Bondi series' signature performance attributes, but HOKA has introduced contemporary carbon-plated technologies to elevate this shoe to a new level of performance. After testing, the Bondi X has proven itself to be a uniquely fun shoe that has a lot to offer those looking for a dynamic recovery option or a long run shoe with an efficient feel.
The EVA foam midsole is stacked to its limits, delivering the maximum cushioned underfoot feel expected from a Bondi, and even though there's a stiff carbon plate in the midsole, the Bondi X's midsole feels nearly as soft as its classic Bondi counterpart. But what really sets the Bondi X apart is the extended meta-rocker midsole geometry which works seamlessly with the carbon fiber plate to create a super smooth and highly efficient ride with an uncharacteristic snap at toe-off. The Bondi X is not going to be everyone's speed-day shoe, but it does offer more versatility than the standard Bondi and can easily accommodate the occasional tempo run. Furthermore, the Bondi X is an excellent introductory marathon racing shoe for beginner runners who want to try their first carbon-plated shoe.
As for fit, HOKA has nailed it with the engineered ventilated mesh design, and our tester had nothing but praise for the shoe's comfortably secure feel. To round things out, the Bondi X's high-abrasion lightweight rubber outsole provides fantastic grip on the roads and has the durability to last for miles.
The only notable downside with the Bondi X, besides the higher weight, is the nearly $300 price tag, which is relatively high compared to other shoes that fall within the recovery or daily training categories. Also, with HOKA having more suitable shoes for faster paces, the Bondi X will find itself in a rather niche category in many runners' training arsenals.
All said and done, the Bondi X is a unique addition to the HOKA lineup that delivers a high-performing recovery shoe in a package versatile enough to conquer a variety of longer runs. Whether you're a competitive racer or just a fan of the Bondi series, the smooth, efficient ride of this carbon-aided maximal shoe is fun and delivers the comfort needed to keep your body feeling good day in and day out.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.2 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.5 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 40 mm (Heel), 35 mm (Forefoot) |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Connor: "The Bondi X is somewhat soft underfoot, but it is certainly not the softest maximally cushioned shoe on the market. It feels fairly similar to the standard Bondi, but the addition of the carbon fiber plate embedded in the midfoot creates a firmer feel. There are softer shoes in the HOKA lineup, but overall, the shoe still leans slightly to the softer side of the scale."
Ride/Energy Returni
Connor: "The Bondi X has a lot of foam, which creates a slightly bouncy underfoot feel. The EVA foam is paired with a stiff carbon plate and a highly efficient early-stage meta-rocker, which offers a little more propulsion than your average Bondi. Though I preferred using the Bondi X for more recovery-type runs, I felt that the shoe had a lively enough feel to accommodate tempo efforts when I wanted extra cushioning."
Underfoot Protectioni
Connor: "The Bondi has always represented the epitome of a maximum-protection shoe, and the Bondi X is no different. The extremely high stack height and wide platform provide a high level of protection no matter the distance of the run. I could feel the familiar cushioned comfort that I have experienced with other Bondi models in the past, but thanks to the addition of the plate, the Bondi X is slightly more aggressive. This helped make picking up the pace feel that much easier. If you're looking for one of the most cushioned daily trainers on the market with a very efficient design, then you can't go wrong with this shoe."
Flexibilityi
Connor: "With a large stack height and a carbon plate, there's pretty much no flex in this shoe. This is not a bad thing, as the rigidity creates the shoe's efficiently smooth underfoot ride and may also help protect runners who struggle with plantar fasciitis issues. Simply put, the Bondi X is very stiff and almost acts like a cast for your foot."
Upper Supporti
Connor: "I got a good amount of support from the Bondi X's upper. With a highly stacked shoe such as the Bondi, you need a supportive upper to contain your foot, and HOKA accomplished this very well with their engineered mesh design. My foot always felt securely locked in, and I never experienced any slippage while wearing the Bondi X."
Individual Thoughts
Overall, I think that the Bondi X is a fantastic addition to HOKA's 2021 lineup. The shoe takes a lot of inspiration from the standard Bondi but is modified to provide a slightly more performance-oriented running experience. It took me a while to figure out where this shoe would fall in my lineup, but after putting it through some miles, I think that the Bondi X is great for a mixture of recovery days and some steadier long runs. Occasionally, I might consider bringing it out for a tempo effort, but considering the slightly higher weight, the Bondi X will probably be best on days when my legs are feeling a little beat up.
Loyal Bondi fans will likely enjoy the Bondi X as well, given the similarities of the two models. If you're someone who normally uses the Bondi for marathon race day, then I think the Bondi X will give you a peppier, more efficient experience, which will help lead to faster times. The Bondi X will continue the Bondi tradition of being a max cushioned workhorse, and if you haven't joined the carbon-plate bandwagon yet and are looking to test the waters with a solid introductory model, then the HOKA Bondi X is highly recommended.