The Hoka Bondi has at all times 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 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 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 a wide range of paces
- Upgraded supercritical EVA foam for a softer, extra responsive really feel
- Sturdy for every day coaching
- Ankle cuff is comparatively stiff
- Not the enjoyable coloration choice I’ve come to count on 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 concerning the consolation. Proper out of the field, the thick cushioning appeared as inviting as ever. I pushed my thumb into the froth to evaluate its softness and rebound and was pleasantly stunned to search out it a bit extra plush than the Bondi 8.
The aesthetics left me feeling a little bit 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 dissatisfied 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.
Associated Tales
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 sooner. For full transparency, I’m vulnerable to shin splints, and I felt a little bit of shin discomfort throughout gradual jogs, however the ache disappeared once I transitioned to a sooner tempo.
That mentioned, the brand new supercritical EVA foam is a large step up from the Bondi 8, which I thought-about extra of a strolling shoe than a operating shoe on account of its firmer, much less responsive cushioning. The Bondi 9 presents a softer, springier really feel, making it versatile for each actions.
On the treadmill, I observed 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 huge base and “Lively Foot Body” know-how create a safe, supportive trip.
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 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’s going to final for a whole lot of miles.
What I do not love
That mentioned, the Bondi 9 has just a few 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. You probably have wider toes, think about ordering the huge model to keep away from this situation. I additionally assume that the padded higher may really feel a bit thick in scorching climate, because it lacks breathability.
Closing ideas
The Bondi 9 isn’t Hoka’s flashiest or quickest choice (My go-to for pace work is the Mach X and I favor the Clifton 9 for lengthy runs), nevertheless it’s a extremely stable shoe with critical sturdiness that outlasts anything that the model presents. Not like race-day footwear that you might want to take care of like a child, it is a pair you possibly can confidently put on for every day coaching, errands, and lengthy walks with out worrying concerning the cushioning sporting out too rapidly.
In the event you’re a newbie runner interested in max cushioning, the Bondi 9 is a improbable place to begin. It’s comfortable, versatile, and plush with out feeling unstable—a uncommon combo for a max-cushioning shoe.
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