Hoka Bondi 9 Review

Our Experience

Running in the Bondi 9 is a unique experience. It's a big shoe, and the bulk is noticeable. It isn't a versatile option, and doesn't feel conducive to fast running due to its bulk and non-resilient foam. It provides a lot of support, making it a solid choice for runners who value structure, as well as for walkers and those who spend a lot of time on their feet. Still, it falls short of providing the premium comfort and versatility its price suggests.

Comfort and Fit

The Bondi 9 promises ultimate comfort, but it falls a little short. The upper materials, while of good quality, lack the refinement of some competitors in this price range. Rather than truly soft-touch materials around the heel collar, the material is softer than the mesh on the exterior of the shoe, but still slightly rough. The heel cup is pretty rigid, providing a great lockdown, but the somewhat rougher materials on the heel tab under the Achilles caused some rubbing on long runs. We believe some of this discomfort may be due to the overall stiffness of these shoes; they don't flex underfoot much at all, which can cause the back of the shoe to press against the Achilles tendon. This issue is most noticeable at steady to moderate paces. It's a non-issue at slower paces or while walking.

The heel retention on the Bondi 9 is excellent and extends to the lockdown throughout the entire shoe. It fits snugly throughout as the upper doesn't have a lot of volume. This snug fit is paired with an easy-to-adjust lacing system, resulting in no slipping or foot lift. The lower volume upper does have drawbacks. The toe box feels cramped, with an early taper, which leaves the outside of the foot pushed up against the edge of the shoe. It's narrower than average and is noticeably narrower than the midsole. Through the midfoot, the Bondi remains snug. There is significant support under the arch and along the medial side of the foot. The heel is about average width and similarly supported by sidewalls and a snug fit. Whether this shoe will feel good to you likely depends on your foot shape and fit preferences. Hoka offers a wide version of the Bondi 9, and we recommend considering it if you prefer some room for your toes.

Cushioning

We were surprised by the Bondi cushioning. It features a massive stack height of 44mm, accompanied by an 8mm heel-to-toe drop. Hoka used a supercritical EVA in the midsole, and we expected a moderately soft ride. Instead, the Bondi is actually a pretty firm and supportive shoe. It's neither pillowy nor energetic. To be clear, firm cushioning is not inherently bad. However, if you're picking up the Bondi expecting a plush shoe, we think you'll be disappointed.

On the run, the Bondi 9 is much more responsive to pace changes than the previous version, though it still feels clunky and obstinate at faster paces. If you enjoy a slower tempo, it might feel like home. If you're a runner who regularly pushes the pace, we suggest looking elsewhere. During most runs, we felt the cushioning was protective, but we looked forward to pulling our feet out of the shoe at the end of runs. This desire is likely a result of the bucket-esque design of the midsole at the heel. It left our feet feeling cramped and pressured. However, for some runners, this highly supportive structure will be welcome, as it helps keep your mechanics similar regardless of how fatigued you become.

Breathability

We were impressed by the breathability of the Bondi 9. It's huge, but it's not heavy. Some of that is due to the lightweight upper materials. The outer layer of the upper is an engineered mesh that is highly breathable. The inner layer did feel a little rough, but it seemed to allow a decent amount of airflow to our feet. While it's not the most breathable shoe, we think most runners won't have an issue on hot summer days.

Traction

The Bondi struggled to grip well on cold, wet asphalt. At slow paces, most of the slips were low-consequence. However, we don't recommend this shoe for runners who spend a significant amount of time on cold and wet roads during the winter. We're not exactly sure why the shoe struggled; it features a grooved, rectangular rubber outsole pattern that covers all the main contact patches of the shoe, but it still felt slippy when it mattered most.

Should You Buy the Hoka Bondi 9?

If you're looking for a dedicated running shoe, we think you should look elsewhere. If you plan to wear the shoe casually for running, walking, standing around, or at work, then the Bondi might be a good fit, assuming it fits your foot well; even narrow-footed testers preferred the wide version.

What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?