Hoka One One Bondi 9 Introduction

The release cycle for running shoes typically follows an annual update schedule. However, the Hoka Bondi line deviates from this norm. The launch of the Bondi 9 took two and a half years, and its predecessor, the Bondi 8, also experienced a two-year gap between releases.

This pattern suggests that the Bondi series undergoes a significant update approximately every two years, breaking away from the minor yearly refresh cycles commonly observed in the running shoe industry.

The Bondi is one of the bestselling Hokas and the new version is always a highly anticipated launch. The reasons it sells so well are that it has an extremely thick midsole that absorbs impact, it isn’t soft or squishy so it has an incredible amount of support & stability, and it’s available in a plethora of colours including all black and all white versions so you can wear it for work.

Traditionally, the Bondi has been a very narrow-fitting trainer with raised midsole edges (the infamous Hoka bucket seat). These edges made it uncomfortable for runners with wide feet and runners with flat arches. I tried walking around in the Bondi 8 in the store when it launched and it felt like a torture device because of how much it poked into my arches.

I did however review the Bondi 7 and I found it way too narrow for me and way too firm for a max-cushioned trainer. I have always preferred the Clifton which is lighter, softer and more energetic.

The new Bondi 9 weighs 297 g (10.5 oz) for a men’s US 9. This is a slight decrease from the Bondi 8 which weighed 307 g (10.8 oz). It’s 43 mm in the heel, 38 mm in the forefoot, 2 mm more in the heel and forefoot than its predecessor. Sadly, it has increased in price and now costs $170, $5 more than the Bondi 8.

Hoka One One Bondi 9 First Impressions

I tried on both the regular and wide versions of the Bondi 9 in the store. The wide version provided a more comfortable fit. Additionally, I was relieved to discover that the arch support in this version felt significantly less prominent compared to previous models.

My first run was a 13 kilometre recovery run which I enjoyed. The revamped midsole foam noticeably enhanced the energy return, providing a more dynamic feel. The shoe offered substantial support, almost reminiscent of a stability trainer. While categorised as a max-cushioned trainer, the cushioning had a relatively firm but balanced feel.

The shoe that it reminded me of most was the Brooks Glycerin Max. Both of these maximalist trainers ride a lot firmer than they look. The Glycerin Max felt a little bit softer and more energetic but the Bondi 9 felt more stable.

Hoka One One Bondi 9 Upper

The Bondi 9 upper has the notorious Hoka narrow fit. The toe-box is very narrow and it tapers in significantly so I suggest getting the wide version or going up a half size if a wide is not available. Hoka sells wide and extra wide versions of the Bondi.

It’s made from a soft, knit jacquard upper that feels like more of a traditional mesh than knit. It conforms to your feet and it has an average level of breathability. It’s more suited to cool climates than warm ones due to all the padding.

The non gusseted tongue is generously padded and it doesn’t slide around during runs thanks to its wide wings and the loop in the middle for the laces to go through. The new 3-D molded collar does a good job in locking your heel in.

The Bondi 9 has a good amount of reflectivity. There’s a thin reflective strip on the lateral side of the toe-box and a large reflective piece on the back of the heel counter.

Hoka One One Bondi 9 Sole Unit

A lot of runners assume that the Bondi is the softest Hoka in the range because it’s the max-cushioned trainer. The Bondi is the most cushioned because it has the most cushioning depth but it’s not the softest. The Clifton is softer and plusher but the Bondi has more impact protection with zero ground feel because of its uber thick midsole.

The Bondi 9’s headline feature is that it now has a supercritical EVA midsole. Previously, it had a compression molded EVA midsole. Hoka claims that the Bondi 9 midsole foam is the same that’s in the Mach 6 but the Bondi 9 feels significantly denser and compresses far less than the Mach 6.

The Bondi 9 is still a relatively firm running shoe compared to all the other current TPU, PEBA and POE based trainers. Hoka purposely makes it firm so that it has a high level of stability although, when walking around, it feels noticeably softer because your feet have time to sink down into the foam.

Easy and recovery runs are what the Bondi 9 does best. It doesn’t provide a particularly high level of energy return or speed assistance but it’s comfortable and very well-cushioned. At 297 g (10.5 oz), it’s not the heaviest max-cushioned trainer on the market but its weight is significant so running over 20 kilometres in the Bondi 9 feels like a chore.

The Bondi 9, due to its thicker midsole, exhibits a more pronounced forefoot rocker when compared to the Clifton 9. This increased thickness contributes to a reduction in forefoot flexibility, which in turn amplifies the rocker effect. Consequently, the Bondi 9 provides a more noticeable rolling sensation during the gait cycle, particularly during the toe-off phase.

This year’s Bondi has a 2 mm thicker midsole than its predecessor. This is an update that I approve of, especially considering that it has still lost weight. The increased stack height and increased cushioning depth makes it feel even more “Bondi” like.

The Bondi 9’s greatest asset is its remarkable stability, achieved through a design that feels akin to a light stability trainer. This stability is primarily due to the shoe’s exceptionally wide base, which creates an expansive landing area for the foot.

Additionally, the midsole’s composition resists excessive compression, minimising any tendency for the foot to lean excessively to either side. These features combine to deliver a running experience characterised by a planted and stable feel.

The rubber on the outsole of the Bondi 9 is soft and there’s plenty of exposed midsole foam, however outsole durability is acceptable. Grip is excellent, even in wet conditions.

Hoka One One Bondi 9 Conclusions

So was the 2 year wait worth it? Yes: the Hoka Bondi 9 is a solid update and is a trainer that I’ve enjoyed doing my daily training in. The high level of stability (without the poking arch sensation) is the thing that keeps me coming back to it. The introduction of the new midsole foam is also a noteworthy improvement over the previous CMEVA foam.

This new foam provides a softer and more lively ride, enhancing the overall comfort of the shoe. However, while it is a step in the right direction, it still falls short in terms of energy return and the “fun factor” that I crave.

Compared to other premium max-cushioned trainers on the market, the Bondi 9’s midsole doesn’t offer the same bounce or springiness, which can feel somewhat lackluster during longs or any run faster than easy pace.

Despite this minor drawback, the Hoka Bondi 9 remains a reliable and comfortable daily trainer, particularly for those who prioritise stability and cushioning depth over speed. Its improved midsole foam and steadfast stability make it a worthy contender in the maximalist running shoe category, catering to runners seeking a cushioned and supportive ride for everyday mileage.

At $170, I feel that its price is slightly too high.

The Nimbus 27, Glycerin 22, Triumph 22, and More v5 are all cheaper than the Bondi 9 and they have more lively rides. They also feel more engaging although they aren’t nearly as stable or rockered as the Bondi.