Cue one of many hardest-working footwear within the Hoka lineup—the ninth version of the plush on a regular basis coach, the Bondi. Greater than a decade in the past, this shoe helped pioneer high-cushion expertise, and its newest iteration stays true to that legacy, delivering peak plushness for on a regular basis miles. Whereas it maintains the signature really feel of its predecessors, the Bondi 9 has been fully rebuilt, with elevated stack peak and a brand new premium foam midsole, enhancing the gentle, resilient trip that defines high-cushioned trainers.
On this newest mannequin, Hoka has additionally reworked the midsole and higher to additional distinguish the Bondi 9 from different high-cushioned footwear available on the market.
Specs
Class: Impartial cushioning
Weight: 9.3 oz./263g (girls’s), 10.5 oz./297g (males’s)
Drop: 5mm (43mm heel, 38mm forefoot)
Worth: $200
Launch: January 15, 2025
Higher
The largest change to the Bondi 9’s higher is the elevated 3D-molded heel collar, designed to reinforce stability and make this workhorse coach much more supportive than earlier iterations. The collar extends larger on the heel, offering a safe grip and cushioned help, significantly for runners who heel strike. Whereas this creates a locked-in really feel, it might not be supreme to those that are delicate to agency heel constructions.
I discovered the toe field barely cosy, inflicting delicate rubbing on my toes. The Bondi 9 has a extra compact match general, which provides to the snugness of the forefoot. Whereas the gentle mesh higher is more likely to break in and mold to your foot over time, runners with a wider forefoot could wish to think about going up half a measurement. The shoe transitions into a typical midfoot match with a decrease instep and a non-gusseted, barely thicker tongue. Apart from the match, the higher is each supportive and breathable, making it a dependable alternative for day by day mileage in varied circumstances.
Midsole
The important thing problem in designing the Bondi 9 was determining learn how to make one of many softest cushioned footwear available on the market even softer. One other massive largest replace to the shoe is within the midsole, the place Hoka transitioned from CMEVA foam within the Bondi 8 to supercritical EVA within the Bondi 9.
So, what’s the distinction? The brand new midsole feels noticeably extra responsive and bouncier, making the Bondi 9 the softest iteration but whereas eliminating the firmer really feel of its predecessor. The model additionally added two millimetres of froth underfoot, bringing the stack peak as much as 43mm. This enhances the plush trip with out including pointless bulk.
Hoka’s MetaRocker geometry additional contributes to a easy, easy trip, making the shoe really feel lighter regardless of its substantial stack. Nevertheless, when selecting up the tempo, I seen the rocker—it’s not excessively gentle however nonetheless gives sufficient cushioning for day by day restoration runs and post-workout mileage.
Outsole
Hoka caught with its dependable Durabrasion rubber outsole for the Bondi 9, a characteristic carried over from earlier iterations. This distinctive rubber compound is designed to reinforce sturdiness and traction, reinforcing high-wear areas with out including weight. Regardless of your footstrike, the outsole gives a steady grip, making the Bondi 9 a stable alternative for varied circumstances. I discovered the shoe carried out effectively in snowy and moist environments, providing above-average traction in comparison with different high-cushioned fashions available on the market
Verdict
The Hoka Bondi 9 refines its signature plush trip whereas trimming some weight, although it stays on the heavier facet for these in search of a shoe to do speedwork in. The brand new supercritical EVA midsole injects extra bounce and responsiveness, making the shoe really feel smoother at simple paces. Regardless of the updates, the Bondi stays true to its core id—excessive stack peak, a rocker design and a luxurious but structured cushioned trip.
This shoe excels in restoration runs, regular paces and all-day put on, making it a best choice for strolling and standing. The structured heel gives additional help for many who want it, although it could not go well with runners preferring a extra versatile really feel. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re in search of a shoe to choose up the tempo, the Bondi 9 isn’t one of the best match—the transition from heel to forefoot can really feel gradual and clunky at larger speeds. When you’re in want of a cushioned, steady and comfy day by day coach, the Bondi 9 delivers.