Hoka Bondi 9 Review: My Honest Thoughts On Hoka's Most Cushioned Design

Forbes

2 days ago

I've logged hundreds of miles in my 15 years as a runner, completing one full marathon and seven half marathons along the way. In other words, I'm sharing my Hoka Bondi 9 review because I know a thing or two about what makes a good running sneaker. Hoka makes some of my favorite designs (I ran the NYC marathon in the first generation Kawanas), so I was excited to get my hands on a pair of the Hoka Bondi 9s when they first launched back in January. Over the past seven months, I've put them to the test for everything from incline walks on the treadmill to speed workouts on pavement. The verdict? They're extremely comfortable and supportive—but not very versatile.
Here's what our supervising editor Kara Cuzzone thought of the Hoka Bondi 9 after testing it out for ... More seven months. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: KARA CUZZONE
For the uninitiated, the Bondi is one of Hoka's most cushioned silhouettes. The first iteration debuted in 2011, and the style has remained a favorite among walkers and runners who prefer cushy shoes that minimize impact. The newest generation features a new midsole and increased breathability while still providing plush support. Here's my full Hoka Bondi 9 review based on months of wearing the shoe.
Price: $175 | Weight: 9.3 ounces (women's), 10.5 ounces (men's) | Drop: 5mm | Stack height: 42 mm (heel), 37 mm (forefoot) | Upper: Jacquard knit | Midsole: Supercritical EVA foam | Outsole: Rubber
Best for: Long walks and easy runs
Those who want plenty of cushioning
Travel days
Skip if: You need a racing shoe
You want something highly breathable
Walkers and runners with sensitive joints should appreciate that Hoka added two additional millimeters of cushioning to the Bondi 9's midsole, so it absorbs impact and cradles your foot even better than previous versions. It results in a chunky silhouette, but the sneaker isn't heavy. In fact, the design is only 0.5 to 0.7 ounces heavier than the Hoka Clifton 10 (depending on whether you're buying a men's or women's shoe).
The Hoka Bondi 9 features two extra millimeters of cushioning than the previous generation. Kara Cuzzone For Forbes
The thick cushioning makes these sneakers especially supportive for long walks and travel days spent on your feet. I occasionally deal with foot pain on days when I log 10,000-plus steps, but that didn't happen to me once while I was wearing these shoes.
They allow for a really smooth run, too—as long as you're not concerned about speed. I found these sneakers to be best for my casual evening runs, during which I typically ran 4 miles at most and kept an easy pace. When I tried to push my pace, I felt weighed down by the thick design. I didn't experience the easy turnover that I've felt in lighter sneakers, but these aren't really designed for that, so I can't fault them too much. Plush And Comfortable Over Time
The Hoka Bondi 9 is undoubtedly one of the most comfortable sneakers I've ever worn. And that's by design. In addition to its famous cushioning, the Bondi 9 features special heel and arch support and a soft knit upper. The shoe feels comfortable and plush from the very first wear, and I didn't get any blisters (a problem I've had with other sneakers in the past).
Some sneakers start out comfortable, but start to make your feet hurt as the day goes on. That isn't the case here. I've worn the Bondi 9s for busy days in New York City when I'm trekking to and from the subway, tackling steep stairs and chasing my dog around. And at the end of those days, I find that my feet aren't sore or tired thanks to the ample support of these shoes.
Special heel and arch support keep your feet feeling comfortable—even when you're standing for hours ... More on end. Kara Cuzzone For Forbes Impressive Durability
In my tenure as a runner, I've found that I can usually tell when a sneaker is starting to wear down, because I start to get pain in my right knee and arch. To me, that's a sign that the shoe's support has worn down, and my joints are starting to pay the price. Depending on how much I'm running, that tends to happen at the six- to nine-month mark. So far, I've been wearing the Bondi 9s for seven months and I haven't felt any discomfort. And even more impressively, the treads don't look that worn either.
After seven months, my Hoka Bondi 9s feel just like they did on day one and barely show signs of ... More wear. Kara Cuzzone For Forbes
Another issue that I sometimes have with sneakers is that the upper starts to wear down near my inner ankles, possibly because I occasionally rub one shoe against the other due to overpronation. None of my Hoka sneakers have ever shown this sign of wear and tear, and that continues to be true with the Bondi 9. That really speaks to the durability of the upper material in my opinion. What To Consider About The Hoka Bondi 9
If you're looking for a versatile sneaker that you can get away with using for easy runs, speed workouts and long runs, this isn't the shoe for you. The thick design is going to leave you feeling weighed down and held back from your best pace. It's designed for casual runs and walking, and those activities are the only ones in which it truly excels.
It's also worth noting that my feet got a bit hot in the Bondi 9s during tougher workouts, despite the brand's tweaks to the upper aimed at improving breathability. So if you already struggle with sweaty feet, you may want to steer clear of this sneaker. The Final Verdict
I've gotten way more use out of the Hoka Bondi 9s than I originally thought I would. I find myself reaching for them when I know I've got a long day on my feet ahead of me, and they never disappoint. I initially planned on wearing them mostly for walking, but they've also become a go-to for easy run days when I'm not worried about my pace.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more supportive neutral sneaker. Just make sure you're okay with a chunky silhouette, because these certainly aren't subtle. How I Tested The Hoka Bondi 9
To uncover the advantages and drawbacks of the Hoka Bondi 9, I wore the sneaker for a variety of activities including walking, running and sprinting over the course of seven months. I took note of how my feet and joints felt during each exercise, and observed whether it felt like the shoes weighed me down at all (they only did when it came to sprinting). I also wore them for long travel days and while running errands around New York City to assess their performance as an everyday sneaker. And I monitored the foams and fabrics to ensure they didn't fail over time. Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team regularly reviews sneakers to uncover the best models for specific activities—like running—as well as specific concerns—like plantar fasciitis. We personally test top pairs from brands like Hoka, On and Brooks to find the best options for our readers needs. Supervising deals and coupons editor Kara Cuzzone, who authored this review, has over seven years of experience testing products in multiple categories—including health and fitness. She's been running regularly for the past 15 years, logging hundreds (if not thousands) of miles in various sneakers from Asics, Brooks, Hoka and Nike.
This article was reviewed by commerce editor Christine Colby. She has over a decade of experience in media, with a deep knowledge of the product testing process thanks to her experience with sites like People , Verywell Health and The Spruce .