Comparison:
Hoka Bondi X vs Hoka Bondi 7
The Bondi X is a carbon-plated, max-cushioned trainer; the Bondi 7 is a non-plated, max-cushioned trainer. Here we will be comparing these two Hoka trainers.
The Hoka Bondi X is a brand new training shoe with a thick, stiff midsole. It has a full-length carbon plated in its midsole and has a premium price of $200.
The Hoka Bondi is on its 7th iteration and is also a highly cushioned daily trainer. The Bondi 7 costs $150 and weighs more than the Bondi X.
Which one of these max-cushioned Hoka trainers is for you?
Similarity and differences: Bondi X vs Bondi 7
Expert score
Expert score
7/10
Expert score
7/10
Weight
10.60 oz
10.7 oz
Heel Drop
5.5 mm
4 mm
Verdict
The Hoka One One Bondi X is a super premium, max-cushioned trainer with a carbon plate in its midsole that makes it feel snappy. The Bondi X is softer, more comfortable and more versatile than the regular Bondi 7 but it does come with a $50 higher price tag.
The Bondi 7 is supposed to be a max-cushioned, long-distance trainer but it rides more like a daily trainer.
Its stiff Meta-Rocker midsole helps roll you through transitions and makes the ride feel efficient, however the Bondi 7 is missing the signature Hoka “running on clouds” experience.
Version 7 has been updated with a new upper, the biggest addition being a comfortable memory foam collar. It maintains the same midsole and outsole as its predecessor.
Its stiff Meta-Rocker midsole helps roll you through transitions and makes the ride feel efficient, however the Bondi 7 is missing the signature Hoka “running on clouds” experience.
Version 7 has been updated with a new upper, the biggest addition being a comfortable memory foam collar. It maintains the same midsole and outsole as its predecessor.
Recommended for
Daily training
Daily training
Cushioning type
plush
balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
rigid
rigid
Stability
very stable
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$200.00
US$150
Sole unit: Bondi X vs Bondi 7
The midsole of the Bondi X is made of EVA and it’s the softest midsole that Hoka has ever created. The Bondi 7 also has an EVA midsole but it feels firmer than the Bondi X’s midsole.
The biggest difference between the midsoles of these two trainers is that the Bondi X has a carbon plate embedded in its midsole which stops it from flexing.
The carbon plate makes the Bondi X’s ride feel less natural than the Bondi 7 but it makes the Bondi X feel more propulsive. The Bondi 7 relies on a rocker shaped midsole to make it energy-saving and efficient.
The Bondi X is better suited to steady runs while the Bondi 7 is better suited to slow, easy and recovery runs.
Stability is better in the Bondi X because it has a wider midsole base which flares out. The plate in its midsole also makes the shoe feel more stable.
The Bondi 7 has a more durable outsole which has more rubber on it. The Bondi X has less rubber in order to save weight so the Bondi 7 is more durable and will be able to eat up more miles.
Upper unit: Bondi X vs Bondi 7
The upper of the Bondi X is made from hot melt TPU yarns which is lightweight and breathable. It has a thin, racing-inspired tongue which is gusseted and it has a wider fit than most Hokas which makes it very comfortable. It fits true to size.
The upper of the Bondi 7 is made of engineered mesh which is thicker and warmer than the Bondi X’s mesh. The tongue of the Bondi 7 is lightly padded and not gusseted. The collar of the Bondi 7 is filled with memory foam which gives the Bondi 7 a plush, luxurious feel. It fits true to size but has a very narrow fit so it’s available in a wide version.
Which one to buy: Bondi X vs Bondi 7
If you’re looking for a soft daily trainer which can handle easy and steady paced runs, the Bondi X is the better option. Its stiff carbon plate makes the Bondi X more propulsive than the Bondi 7 and it’s also lighter which makes it easier to pick up the pace. The Bondi X has a more comfortable upper but its outsole is not as durable as the Bondi 7.
If you’re looking for a firmer daily trainer for mainly recovery and easy runs, the Bondi 7 is the better option. It has a more natural feeling ride and very plush, comfortable collar padding. The Bondi 7 is also $50 cheaper than the Bondi X which makes it much better value for money.
