Hoka One One Bondi 9 Introduction
The discharge cycle for trainers sometimes follows an annual replace schedule. Nonetheless, 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, additionally skilled a two-year hole between releases.
This sample means that the Bondi collection undergoes a major replace roughly each two years, breaking away from the minor yearly refresh cycles generally noticed within the operating shoe business.
The Bondi is without doubt one of the bestselling Hokas and the brand new model is at all times a extremely anticipated launch. The explanations it sells so properly are that it has a particularly thick midsole that absorbs influence, it isn’t smooth or squishy so it has an unimaginable quantity of assist & stability, and it’s accessible in a plethora of colors together with all black and all white variations so you may put on it for work.
Historically, the Bondi has been a really narrow-fitting coach with raised midsole edges (the notorious Hoka bucket seat). These edges made it uncomfortable for runners with large toes and runners with flat arches. I attempted strolling round within the Bondi 8 within the retailer when it launched and it felt like a torture machine due to how a lot it poked into my arches.
I did nonetheless assessment the Bondi 7 and I discovered it approach too slim for me and approach too agency for a max-cushioned coach. I’ve at all times most well-liked the Clifton which is lighter, softer and extra energetic.
The brand new Bondi 9 weighs 297 g (10.5 oz) for a males’s US 9. This can be a slight lower from the Bondi 8 which weighed 307 g (10.8 oz). It’s 43 mm within the heel, 38 mm within the forefoot, 2 mm extra within the heel and forefoot than its predecessor. Sadly, it has elevated in worth and now prices $170, $5 greater than the Bondi 8.
Hoka One One Bondi 9 First Impressions
I attempted on each the common and large variations of the Bondi 9 within the retailer. The large model offered a extra comfy match. Moreover, I used to be relieved to find that the arch assist on this model felt considerably much less distinguished in comparison with earlier fashions.
My first run was a 13 kilometre restoration run which I loved. The revamped midsole foam noticeably enhanced the power return, offering a extra dynamic really feel. The shoe supplied substantial assist, nearly harking back to a stability coach. Whereas categorised as a max-cushioned coach, the cushioning had a comparatively agency however balanced really feel.
The shoe that it jogged my memory of most was the Brooks Glycerin Max. Each of those maximalist trainers trip loads firmer than they give the impression of being. The Glycerin Max felt just a little bit softer and extra energetic however the Bondi 9 felt extra steady.
Hoka One One Bondi 9 Higher
The Bondi 9 higher has the infamous Hoka slim match. The toe-box may be very slim and it tapers in considerably so I counsel getting the large model or going up a half measurement if a large will not be accessible. Hoka sells large and further large variations of the Bondi.
It’s constituted of a smooth, knit jacquard higher that seems like extra of a standard mesh than knit. It conforms to your toes and it has a mean degree of breathability. It’s extra suited to chill climates than heat ones because of all of the padding.
The non gusseted tongue is generously padded and it doesn’t slide round throughout runs because of its large wings and the loop within the center for the laces to undergo. The brand new 3-D molded collar does a very good job in locking your heel in.
The Bondi 9 has a very good quantity of reflectivity. There’s a skinny reflective strip on the lateral facet of the toe-box and a big reflective piece on the again of the heel counter.
Hoka One One Bondi 9 Sole Unit
Loads of runners assume that the Bondi is the softest Hoka within the vary as a result of it’s the max-cushioned coach. The Bondi is probably the most cushioned as a result of it has probably the most cushioning depth but it surely’s not the softest. The Clifton is softer and plusher however the Bondi has extra influence safety with zero floor really feel due to its uber thick midsole.
The Bondi 9’s headline function is that it now has a supercritical EVA midsole. Beforehand, it had a compression molded EVA midsole. Hoka claims that the Bondi 9 midsole foam is the identical that’s within the Mach 6 however the Bondi 9 feels considerably denser and compresses far lower than the Mach 6.
The Bondi 9 continues to be a comparatively agency operating shoe in comparison with all the opposite present TPU, PEBA and POE primarily based trainers. Hoka purposely makes it agency in order that it has a excessive degree of stability though, when strolling round, it feels noticeably softer as a result of your toes have time to sink down into the froth.
Simple and restoration runs are what the Bondi 9 does greatest. It doesn’t present a very excessive degree of power return or pace help but it surely’s comfy and really well-cushioned. At 297 g (10.5 oz), it’s not the heaviest max-cushioned coach in the marketplace however its weight is important so operating over 20 kilometres within the Bondi 9 seems like a chore.
The Bondi 9, because of its thicker midsole, displays a extra pronounced forefoot rocker when in comparison with the Clifton 9. This elevated thickness contributes to a discount in forefoot flexibility, which in flip amplifies the rocker impact. Consequently, the Bondi 9 offers a extra noticeable rolling sensation through the gait cycle, significantly through the toe-off section.
This 12 months’s Bondi has a 2 mm thicker midsole than its predecessor. That is an replace that I approve of, particularly contemplating that it has nonetheless misplaced weight. The elevated stack top and elevated cushioning depth makes it really feel much more “Bondi” like.
The Bondi 9’s best asset is its exceptional stability, achieved by means of a design that feels akin to a lightweight stability coach. This stability is primarily because of the shoe’s exceptionally large base, which creates an expansive touchdown space for the foot.
Moreover, the midsole’s composition resists extreme compression, minimising any tendency for the foot to lean excessively to both facet. These options mix to ship a operating expertise characterised by a planted and steady really feel.
The rubber on the outsole of the Bondi 9 is smooth and there’s loads of uncovered midsole foam, nonetheless outsole sturdiness is appropriate. Grip is great, even in moist situations.
Hoka One One Bondi 9 Conclusions
So was the two 12 months wait price it? Sure: the Hoka Bondi 9 is a strong replace and is a coach that I’ve loved doing my every day coaching in. The excessive degree of stability (with out the poking arch sensation) is the factor that retains me coming again to it. The introduction of the brand new midsole foam can also be a noteworthy enchancment over the earlier CMEVA foam.
This new foam offers a softer and extra energetic trip, enhancing the general consolation of the shoe. Nonetheless, whereas it’s a step in the fitting path, it nonetheless falls quick when it comes to power return and the “enjoyable issue” that I crave.
In comparison with different premium max-cushioned trainers in the marketplace, the Bondi 9’s midsole doesn’t supply the identical bounce or springiness, which may really feel considerably lackluster throughout longs or any run quicker than straightforward tempo.
Regardless of this minor downside, the Hoka Bondi 9 stays a dependable and comfy every day coach, significantly for many who prioritise stability and cushioning depth over pace. Its improved midsole foam and steadfast stability make it a worthy contender within the maximalist operating shoe class, catering to runners searching for a cushioned and supportive trip for on a regular basis mileage.
At $170, I really feel that its worth is barely too excessive.
The Nimbus 27, Glycerin 22, Triumph 22, and Extra v5 are all cheaper than the Bondi 9 they usually have extra energetic rides. In addition they really feel extra participating though they aren’t practically as steady or rockered because the Bondi.