HOKA Bondi 9 Review
Recover in Stride with the Plushness of the HOKA Bondi 9
Likes
- Sleeker design with stylish new colour options
- Generous cushioning that feels balanced
- Improved fit for wider feet compared to the Bondi 8
Dislikes
- Lacks energy return
- May feel bulky for some runners
- Not a good fit for those with narrow feet
What's New
The HOKA Bondi built its reputation on being a highly cushioned shoe and a solution for the "broken" runner. Version 9 is a full redesign, but it remains true to its core philosophy: maximum cushioning with inherent stability.
The Bondi 9 has a sleeker look than the Bondi 8 but adds 2 mm more foam. One of the biggest game changers in this update is that the foam is now a supercritical EVA. This change allowed the shoe to maintain weight while increasing cushioning. A brand-new knit upper delivers a fit similar to the beloved Bondi 7, resulting in a more accommodating fit. Whether you are looking for a shoe to support you through your recovery runs or long days on your feet, the Bondi 9 offers comfort and style in one package.
The Bottom Line
The HOKA Bondi disrupted the running shoe industry with what was a bold move into max cushioning. The Bondi 9 is worthy of its heritage. While there are now several max cushion shoes to choose from, the HOKA Bondi 9 adds even more cushioning than its predecessors.
The deciding factor for whether the Bondi 9 is right for you comes down to the width and volume of your foot. Those who found the Bondi 8 to be too constricting will be pleased to learn that the Bondi 9 fits more like the Bondi 7, making it a good choice for wider feet. However, those with narrow feet may find the shoe too wide.
As you'd expect from a max cushioning shoe, the Bondi 9 is best suited for slower runs, recovery runs, walking, and long days on your feet. Within this context, the Bondi 9 is likely to continue to be a best-selling shoe in the max cushion space.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.8 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.3 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 44 mm (Heel), 39 mm (Forefoot) | 5 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Becky: "The upper is one of my favourite improvements in this version. The stretchy mesh feels soft and can accommodate a wider foot than the previous version. The tongue and heel collar have a good amount of padding. People who struggled with the last version not being wide enough should be pleased with the extra forefoot room in version 9."
Caroline: "The new upper of the Bondi has a more structured fit. I have narrow, low-volume feet, and despite the wider base platform and bulkier construction, I was able to get a secure lockdown in the midfoot and there was room for my toes to splay. I didn't experience any irritation, but the eyestay (top lace hole section) was noticeably stiff and uncomfortable."
Ava: "The Bondi 9's knit upper is super comfortable and secure. I felt that it was very breathable without causing any rubbing or irritation and did not have a break-in period for me."
Midsole
Becky: "I would describe the midsole as balanced, as it feels neither soft nor firm to me. With such a high amount of cushion, I prefer the balanced approach HOKA took because it keeps it feeling stable. While it is bouncier than the last Bondi, it honestly does not give much energy back when running."
Caroline: "The Bondi isn't designed to be a bouncy fast shoe, so there isn't much energy return to be expected. Despite that, I didn't get that marshmallowy sinking-in feeling, and it tended to lean more on the balanced side in terms of cushioning and responsiveness, providing adequate underfoot protection. Given its max stack height and the Bondi's reputation as a plush, cloud-like shoe, I was expecting the midsole to be invitingly soft and pillowy, but surprisingly it was slightly firm, especially with how much thick foam is underneath."
Ava: "The midsole was firmer than I was expecting and felt very bulky on first wear. I did not feel like I was sitting in the shoe, although this began to improve after my third or so run. I really enjoyed using this shoe for my recovery runs due to the amount of foam under my foot."
Outsole
Becky: "I've only had the opportunity to test the Bondi 9 in dry road conditions, and for that, the outsole grips well. I haven't seen any notable wear after several runs. While I could take them on a well-groomed trail, I probably wouldn't given the minimal outsole coverage."
Caroline: "The Bondi 9's outsole was a bit slippery when encountering some patches of wet or icy surfaces. I have had no durability issues with HOKA shoes before, and I expect that to be the same with the Bondi 9."
Ava: "I only tested these shoes in dry conditions. The outsole is very protective, durable, and grippy on smooth roads. I hesitated to bring the shoe on trails, although I was pleasantly surprised by how stable and grippy it felt."
Comparable Shoes
PUMA MagMax vs. HOKA Bondi 9
Becky: "The Bondi 9 is a great shoe for my easy recovery miles, which is also what I use the PUMA MagMax for. However, the MagMax has more bouncy foam, while the Bondi doesn't have that same type of responsive feel. Both offer lots of comfort in the upper and maximum cushion for a comfortable experience."
ASICS Nimbus 26 vs. HOKA Bondi 9
Caroline: "Both are max cushioned shoes with a high stack height, but the Nimbus felt lighter on foot whereas the Bondi is heavier, has a wider platform, and feels stiffer. Between the two, the Nimbus has a more traditional, responsive ride and a softer step-in feel that could work as a recovery shoe for some, while the Bondi is better suited for someone who needs a bit of inherent stability with a more confining upper. In terms of overall cushioning, I would pick the Nimbus over the Bondi for a solely comfort-oriented walking shoe. For running, I would choose an all-around, lightweight, daily trainer option."
HOKA Clifton 9 vs. HOKA Bondi 9
Ava: "The Bondi 9 is ideal for long walks and recovery runs, and the Clifton 9 is more versatile and able to handle quicker paces. However, these are both extremely plush shoes that I enjoy for recovery. For the sole purpose of recovery, I actually prefer the Bondi 9, but I will not be using this shoe as my daily trainer, for long runs, or for tempo runs.”
Individual Thoughts
I am so happy to see the Bondi 9 fit closer to version 7, which I really enjoyed for easy runs. This update has one of the best Bondi uppers I can recall and remains an easy choice for recovery runs or longer slow efforts. The last version had been a bit of a disappointment regarding fit and feel, but I am back to having the Bondi in my rotation.
I didn't like the heavy weight and thickness of this shoe. Even though I didn't experience any irritations, I was just always conscious of the uncomfortable stiff plastic eyestays. As a neutral runner with a narrow foot shape and a midfoot strike, I tend to gravitate toward lightweight running shoes. With its heavier weight, wider base, tall height, and stiff construction, the Bondi was too much shoe for me. I would recommend the Bondi to someone who is a heel striker and would benefit from the inherent stability of the shoe. It's also good for beginners who prefer thick, max-stack shoes with a wider base for recovery or slower runs.
I love the Bondi 9 for my recovery miles and long walks. As I was healing from an injury, this shoe was great for all my easy and recovery runs due to the amount of foam under my feet. While it took a couple of runs to get used to how tall the shoe is, the Bondi 9 is probably the most comfortable shoe I have ever run in. It might not be as versatile as the Clifton or other daily trainers, but I love having this shoe in my arsenal for the days when I need some extra support.
