The Hoka Bondi has all the time been unapologetically maximalist. It’s huge, 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 dwelling as much as its full potential. With softer foam, a extra responsive really feel, and a steady 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 steady for quite a lot of paces
- Upgraded supercritical EVA foam for a softer, extra responsive really feel
- Sturdy for each day coaching
- Ankle cuff is comparatively stiff
- Not the enjoyable colour 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—nevertheless it’s nonetheless all in regards to the consolation. Proper out of the field, the thick cushioning regarded 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 just a little 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. After I checked the opposite accessible palettes on-line, I used to be upset 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 evaluation
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 once 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 susceptible 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 stated, 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 resulting from 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 seen the shoe’s distinctive stability. Many max-cushioned footwear can really feel wobbly underfoot (particularly on the treadmill, the place I are likely to area out), however the Bondi 9’s extensive base and “Energetic Foot Body” expertise create a safe, supportive journey.
And in my quick testing interval, this shoe felt tremendous sturdy. Hoka additionally included “durabrasion rubber” into the outsole to fight high-wear areas, which ought to prolong 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 can final for a whole bunch of miles.
What I do not love
That stated, the Bondi 9 has a number of downsides. I discovered the toe field comfortable throughout the first few miles, which required a little bit of a break-in interval earlier than I felt absolutely comfy. When you have wider toes, contemplate ordering the extensive model to keep away from this difficulty. I additionally assume that the padded higher may really feel a bit thick in scorching climate, because it lacks breathability.
Remaining ideas
The Bondi 9 isn’t Hoka’s flashiest or quickest choice (My go-to for velocity work is the Mach X and I choose the Clifton 9 for lengthy runs), nevertheless it’s a extremely strong shoe with severe sturdiness that outlasts the rest that the model provides. In contrast to race-day footwear that it is advisable to take care of like a child, it is a pair you may confidently put on for each day coaching, errands, and lengthy walks with out worrying in regards to the cushioning sporting out too rapidly.
Should 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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