The Bondi is one of the most popular trainers in the Hoka lineup. Runners love its deep cushioning, stable ride and comfortable upper. It's also used by many as a walking or standing shoe because of how supportive and stylish it is.
The Bondi 9 gets a head-to-toe update and has some substantial upgrades. This comparison will tell you which version is better for you.
The Bondi 9 has a new supercritical EVA midsole. This midsole foam is lighter, softer and more energetic than traditional EVA. The Bondi 8 has the older compression moulded EVA which is heavier and slightly firmer. The Bondi 9 is better for faster-paced runs due to its more energetic midsole foam. It’s easier to pick up the pace in the Bondi 9.
One of the Bondi’s main features is bucket seat technology which consists of raised midsole edges to keep your feet centred. This is one of the main reasons why the Bondi is such a stable shoe. In the Bondi 8, the bucket seat is prominent and the edges of the midsole are very high. This can cause irritation to runners with flat arches or runners with wide feet. In the Bondi 9, the bucket seat has been toned down so the ride is more comfortable for a wider variety of runners.
The stack heights of the Bondi 9 are 2 mm more than the Bondi 8 in both the forefoot and heel. This translates to deeper cushioning in the Bondi 9. It also means that your feet sit higher off the ground so the 9 is not as stable as the 8. The 8 has the raised midsole edges which are more supportive and its midsole is firmer so it provides a more stable ride than the Bondi 9.
The outsoles are very similar with all the high wear areas being covered by high abrasion rubber. Both of them are full ground contact outsoles. The Bondi 8 has a little bit more rubber coverage in the forefoot so it has a slightly more durable outsole.
Both versions have meta-rockers which ease you through transitions and make running feel easier.
Both versions have narrow-fitting uppers so most runners will need to opt for the wide versions. Alternatively, you can buy a half size up if a wide is not available in your area.
The Bondi 9 has a new warp knit jacquard upper while the Bondi 8 has a thicker engineered mesh upper. Both of them have padded tongues which are not gusseted but the Bondi 8’s tongue is slightly longer than the Bondi 9. Overall, the Bondi 9’s upper is less puffy and feels more streamlined than the Bondi 8.
If you’re going to be using it for running, the Bondi 9 is the better option. It’s lighter so it’s more versatile and it has a more modern midsole foam which provides more energy return. It also has more cushioning depth which feels more comfortable on long runs. If you have wide feet or flat arches, the Bondi 9 is also the better shoe for you.
If you’re going to be using it for standing or walking, the Bondi 8 is the better option. It has a firmer midsole and raised edges which translate to more stability. It also has a more durable outsole which will last longer.
