Hoka Bondi 9

Summary

Average Weight: Men's 297g / Women's 263g
Offset: 5mm
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 31mm/ 27mm

Are you looking for a smooth, efficient ride with maximum cushioning running shoes? Hoka's latest iteration of the Bondi has arrived! An excellent everyday running shoe, also ideal for long runs and injury recovery.

Women's Hoka Bondi 9

£160.00

Features

Upper:

Combines 55% recycled polyester
Enhanced with a 3D moulded heel collar
Engineered knit upper features zonal breathability
Reflective details help you to stay visible

Midsole:

2mm stack height increase
EVA foam contributes to this plush experience
Smooth MetaRocker™ technology
Rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame™ ensures a seamless transition from midfoot landing to toe-off
EVA sockliner adds an extra layer of comfort

Outsole:

Durabrasion rubber
Strategically placed on the outsole's high-wear zones to enhance durability

Pros

A unique blend of a maximum cushioning in a lightweight shoe
Smooth, efficient ride thanks to the Meta-Rocker technology
Great for long recovery runs

Cons(iderations)

Cushioning may feel too soft for those needing a snappier response

In Testing

If you haven't seen Hoka shoes before, you may be surprised by how bulky they look. The second surprise is that it feels unexpectedly lightweight. And the third revelation may appear as soon as you start running in them... Judging by the look, one wouldn't expect that featherlight and smooth ride.

In my opinion, one of the biggest benefits of this shoe is the maximum amount of cushioning. Hoka shoes are famous for being more cushioned than any of their competitors, and the Bondi 9 is no exception. Shoes with superior cushioning may on the other hand sometimes be lacking in responsiveness. This is, luckily, not the case with the latest iteration.

The superior cushioning of Hoka running shoes is very popular with long distance runners and people who like comfortable shoes in general. I myself, belong to both the categories. But there is also the third category of runners that will appreciate these shoes. Hoka trainers are also often recommended by podiatrists to their patients with various foot problems or injuries, like Morton's neuroma, plantar fasciitis.

Due to my recent heel injury, I've had an opportunity to test the benefits of the Bondi 9 during my recovery. And I have to say that the shoe worked miracles for me, as it offered me the superior cushioning that was very much needed to protect my injured heel from the shocks caused by hitting the ground while landing. Thanks to the comfort and confidence the shoe provided, I was able to gradually get back to running at a time when my heel was still hurting a bit. When compared to other shoes of different brands, I haven't found another shoe that would be able to do the same trick for injured runners or walkers.

Another mind-blowing feature of this shoe is its stability. And here I am not talking about the stability in the anti-pronation control sense. I am talking more about the way how your foot feels inside the shoe and how it's guided through the stride. Simply feeling stable without any interference caused by the anti-pronation control of a medial stability post, which is often the case with the regular support shoes. The Bondi 9 usually works really well for mild over-pronators (which is my case), or people with neutral gait. However, strong over-pronators, may need to look for a shoe with a proper anti-pronation control that is built in the midsole.

If you are not sure about what kind of shoe is suitable for your gait, check out our Natural Gait Analysis service.

Verdict

I absolutely love this latest model of the Hoka Bondi 9. Thanks to its ultimate shock absorption it enabled me to keep running while I was still recovering from my foot injury. Its lightness, maximum cushioning, smooth and efficient transitions make them my favourite daily trainer for all kind of distances, from 2 miles up to marathon distance and more...