Hoka Bondi 9 review: comfort meets performance

The pursuit of the perfect running shoe can often feel like an endless quest. For runners who look for comfort above all else, the Hoka Bondi 9 may be the answer.

Combining high-grade cushioning with innovative upgrades, this shoe is designed to provide a smooth and supportive ride across various conditions.

Whether you’re preparing for long-distance runs during a marathon block or looking for a reliable daily trainer, the Bondi 9 promises to turn heads – both on and off the road. But does it live up to its claims?

Let’s find out in our Hoka Bondi 9 review.

First impressions

Out of the box, the Hoka Bondi 9 immediately impresses with its smooth, functional style. Our experience of wearing the Bondi 9 for the first time highlights its focus on delivering a perfect fit for a variety of foot shapes.

Its engineered mesh upper features a structured knit upper design, providing both support and comfort. The upper also uses zonal breathability, with different mesh zones engineered to enhance airflow and keep your feet cool during runs. Available in several colourways, there’s an option for everyone, whether you fancy vibrant hues or muted tones. For our review, we chose the white, black, and red variant.

Holding the shoe, it’s impossible to ignore the cushioning. The thick stack height – 41.3mm at the heel -visually signals the comfortable ride to come. Upon first wear, the snug and accommodating fit stands out, thanks to the supportive 3D moulded collar, well-padded tongue, and a secure heel cup that helps lock the heel in place.

The heel tab makes it easy to put on and remove the shoe. However, those with wide feet might notice the toe box is on the narrower side, but Hoka offers a wide version to ensure an accommodating fit, and you can learn more details about the brand’s offerings in our HOKA Tecton X 2 review. Some runners may also need to go up half a size for the best fit and comfort.

The initial walkaround in the Bondi 9 sets high expectations for a comfortable fit.

Design and materials

The Hoka Bondi 9 takes pride in its build quality, offering thoughtful updates that elevate both performance and comfort. Compared to the previous version, the Bondi 9 maintains the core comfort and ride characteristics fans love, while introducing notable improvements.

The star of the show is the new supercritical EVA foam midsole. This updated composition promises enhanced energy return, lighter cushioning, and a smoother, more energetic ride compared to previous models in the Bondi series.

Here’s what makes the Bondi 9 stand out in terms of design and materials:

• Midsole innovation: The new supercritical EVA foam strikes a balance between responsiveness and excellent cushioning. The Bondi 9 also uses a balanced fresh foam approach, combining softness with energy return for a smooth, propulsive ride. The high stack design delivers maximum cushioning and underfoot comfort, especially in the heel. An active foot frame lifts the midsole walls near the heel, providing enhanced support and responsiveness for long-distance runs.
• Engineered mesh upper: Strategically designed ventilation holes improve breathability, keeping feet cool during warmer runs. Though effective, the ventilation scores a modest 3/5 – sufficient for most, but those who sweat heavily might seek more airflow.
• 3D moulded collar: This update reduces irritation around the ankle and provides a locked-in feel, adding to the shoe’s stable fit.
• Toebox dimensions: While the forefoot space is generous for standard feet, it might feel restrictive for those with wider ones, an aspect to consider if your feet tend to swell during long runs. The Bondi 9 offers moderate arch support, whereas the previous version provided more arch support and a wider fit.
• Rocker design: The smooth MetaRocker geometry facilitates seamless, efficient transitions, reducing joint impact and enhancing ride comfort.

With durability in mind, Hoka has maintained its strong outsole construction. The rubber outsole features a durabrasion rubber outsole compound, carefully placed to ensure both flexibility and grip without compromising the overall weight. This enhances durability and traction on various surfaces, making the Bondi 9 suitable for long-distance road running and occasional non-technical trails.

Performance of the running shoes on the run

Running in the Hoka Bondi 9 feels like gliding on a cloud. The overall ride of these running shoes is exceptionally smooth and stable, making them a top choice for comfort-focused runners.

The shoe is designed to cater to runners who prioritise comfort over speed, excelling at slower paces, easy runs, everyday runs, everyday miles, and recovery runs.

Here is how the Bondi 9 elevates the running experience:

• Cushioned ride for long runs: The substantial stack height, combined with Hoka’s signature rocker design, provides a smooth transition from heel to toe without requiring extra effort. This is a cushioned shoe that covers long distances and everyday miles without punishing your feet. Our testers have praised its shock absorption, particularly for runners managing conditions such as plantar fasciitis. The excellent cushioning and high stack reduce ground feel, making it ideal for road running and extended sessions.
• Stability and support: The ultra-wide platform ensures lateral stability on uneven terrain, reducing the risk of injuries. A moderately stiff heel counter keeps your foot secure while maintaining comfort for everyday wear. As a cushioned shoe and even a walking shoe, the Bondi 9 offers reliable support for those who use their shoes for more than just running.
• Flexibility in stride: Cutouts in the midsole and strategically placed flex grooves allow natural foot movement, creating a balanced running experience and enhancing adaptability without sacrificing support. The flexibility score? A respectable 17N stiffness on the bend test – firm enough for structure, soft enough for comfort.
• Weight performance: Weighing 10.7oz (303g), the Bondi 9 might feel heavy when aiming for speed, but surprisingly light for slow paces, easy runs, everyday runs, and long-distance runs. For those focused on comfort, the weight becomes negligible, and the shoes excel at covering everyday miles.

The midsole foam feels noticeably softer than previous models, yet the Bondi 9 maintains a firmer feel compared to some competitors, striking a balance between plushness and stability. The bit of extra rubber and cushioning in the outsole contributes to overall stability and durability.

It’s worth noting that while the shoe tackles dry roads effortlessly, its wet-grip performance could benefit from improvement. However, with a traction score of 0.40, it remains reliable for most conditions, including light wet conditions during road running.

When worn over time, the Bondi 9 running shoes maintain their comfort and support, making them a dependable choice for long distances, easy runs, and daily training.

Who should choose the Hoka Bondi 9?

The Bondi 9 stands out as a shoe built for runners who prioritise cushioned, stable rides.

It’s an excellent match for:

• Mid-pack and back-of-the-pack runners who focus on endurance over speed.
• Recovery runners looking for a shoe to provide a plush landing while giving their legs a break.
• Long-distance enthusiasts in need of consistent comfort for full and half marathons.
• Runners with foot sensitivities, like plantar fasciitis, benefit from its shock absorption and support.

Compared to other brands, the Bondi 9 delivers maximal cushioning and a smooth, stable ride, rivalling models from New Balance that are known for their soft cushioning and cruiser-like comfort. If you prefer a lighter, more responsive shoe for speed or uptempo runs, you might consider an alternative model like the Hoka Clifton 10, which offers more agility at the expense of plushness.

Overall, the Bondi 9 is a smart choice for runners who prioritise comfort and support on their daily miles.

Pros and cons

To help you decide, here’s a quick breakdown of the Bondi 9’s strengths and weaknesses:

The standout features of the Bondi 9 include its maximum cushioning, enhanced design, and reflective elements that improve visibility, comfort, and performance.

Pros:

• Exceptionally cushioned for unparalleled comfort during long runs.
• Improved energy return via the supercritical EVA midsole.
• Rocker design that reduces strain and supports smoother transitions.
• Wide base for excellent stability, even on uneven terrain.
• Durable design, maintaining performance over hundreds of miles.

Cons:

• A narrow toebox may not suit runners with wider feet.
• Heavier feel during speed sessions or tempo runs.
• Moderate ventilation might fall short in very hot conditions.
• Average wet-surface grip can feel less secure during rainy runs.

Our final verdict

8 out of 10

The Hoka Bondi 9 delivers on its promise of comfort and stability, excelling as a recovery and endurance trainer.

Whether you’re looking to log easy miles or prioritise foot protection during long runs, it’s a worthy contender in your running shoe lineup. While its weight and narrow toebox may not suit every runner, those who value maximum cushioning and support will find the Bondi 9 a dependable daily companion.

Retailing at around £140, it represents a solid investment for those prioritising comfort over speed. Its durability also ensures you get plenty of mileage for your money.

For runners who need reliable support from their footwear, the Bondi 9 provides a fulfilling running experience – one step, and one mile at a time.

Are you ready to race in comfort? Try the Bondi 9, and feel the difference!

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