Celebrate Walking Day with comfort: I wore the Hoka Bondi 9s for a month and they're worth every penny

Yahoo

02-04-2025

As a trail runner, I've put thousands of miles on pavement, dirt and everything in between. I've tried the best running shoes money can buy — and I've been let down. But even if you're just jogging around the neighborhood, walking the dog or standing on your feet all day, Hoka's new Bondi 9 shoes deliver next-level comfort. They're legit for serious runners, but at the end of the day, most people buy them because they're just really comfortable.
And since it's National Walking Day, it's worth pointing out: You don't need to be training for a marathon to appreciate these shoes. To put them to the test, I wore them nonstop for 30 days. They became my go-to for everything from running to errands to chasing my toddler around the playground. They're cushioned enough for marathon training, but they're so plush that I find myself wearing them everywhere — yes, even when I'm not running.
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There's something so satisfying about unboxing a fresh pair of running shoes — peeling back the tissue paper, catching that new-shoe smell and feeling the plush cushioning for the first time. As soon as I pulled the Hoka 9s from their signature blue box, I could tell they were built for comfort. The thick, pillowy midsole and soft, structured upper stood out immediately. Naturally, I took them for a spin — a 5-mile walk. I had no blisters, no hot spots, no foot or knee pain whatsoever. They were plush, not stiff, right out of the box.
Hoka is known for its bright, eye-catching colors, but it's keeping things relatively neutral so far with the Bondi 9s. Options include all-white, all-black, blue and gray. I went with gray and white.
I'm usually a size 9, and that held true for the Bondi 9s. If you have wider feet, good news: Hoka offers wide and extra-wide versions. The shoes have a snug midfoot and roomy toe boxes that let my toes spread naturally. Heel lockdown is solid — there was no slipping, even on longer walks and runs. If you wear orthotics, thicker socks or just like more wiggle room, you may want to size up. Hoka offers a 30-day try-on period, so you can order two sizes and return the one that doesn't fit.
A family member who runs ultramarathons first clued me in about Hokas. "They're like pillows for your feet," he said. And he was right: I have never worn shoes with more cushioning than the Bondi 9s.
These have a stack height of 43 millimeters in the back (42 for the women's shoes), 2 millimeters more than the Bondi 8s. What does this mean for comfort? Well, there's loads of it. If you're coming from a shoe with minimal or even medium cushioning, the difference will be night and day, in a good way. It usually takes me a few miles to get used to a new shoe, but that wasn't the case with the Bondi 9s. They were my feet's best friend from mile one.
The Bondis' thick foam doesn't just soften impact — it adds a surprising bounce. With each stride, I felt an unexpected responsiveness that propelled me forward rather than sinking me into the shoe. The Bondis delivered plush comfort without sacrificing speed, truly the best of both worlds.
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It's hard to gauge long-term durability after a month of testing, but here's what I can say. I am not gentle on my running shoes. I've worn these on gravel-strewn trails and to the gym; I've chased my toddler around in them. So far, they've handled it all without major signs of wear. The outsole still has plenty of tread, and the midsole hasn't compressed or lost that signature Hoka cushioning.
That said, Hokas have never been known for having the most resilient outsoles. Previous versions of Bondis and Speedgoats, a Hoka trail runner, tend to wear down faster, especially for midfoot or forefoot strikers. If you're using these primarily on pavement or putting in high mileage, you might notice some wear sooner than you would with a stiffer, less cushioned shoe.
As for breathability, the engineered mesh upper does a solid job of keeping things ventilated, at least in cooler weather. My feet never felt overly warm, but the real test will come in the summer. Given the amount of foam underfoot, they may run a bit warm, but that's the trade-off for maximum cushioning.
If you're on your feet all day — whether pacing hospital halls, chasing kids or grandkids, or running errands — these are the most cushioned shoes you'll find. They also make an excellent recovery shoe for runners logging high mileage.
Are these a magical cure for plantar fasciitis or a bum knee? No‚ but no shoe is. Still, Bondi 9s offer exceptional cushioning and support, helping reduce impact stress and providing a smoother ride for those with aches and pains. The curved sole encourages a smooth transition from heel to toe, which may ease joint strain. No shoe can replace proper recovery and strength training, but these are a great option for anyone looking for extra comfort underfoot.
The only time I leave these shoes at home is when I hit the gym for strength training. The thick cushioning is great for running and walking, but for weightlifting — especially squats and deadlifts — I prefer my grippier, more grounded Nike Metcons.
Related: These are the best Hoka shoes for walking
If you loved the Hoka Bondi 8, don't worry — the 9s will feel familiar, with a few key upgrades. The midsole is softer and more responsive, and the upper got a refresh with a more accommodating fit that hugs your foot without feeling restrictive. The Bondi has never been lightweight, but the 9 shaves off 0.3 ounces, making for a slightly less clunky feel.
If you're comparing the 9s to the Bondi X, that's a different story. The Bondi X takes that plush cushioning and adds a carbon plate, making it more performance-oriented. It's still a Bondi — well-cushioned and built for long miles — but with extra propulsion for those who want more speed. If you're mostly walking, working on your feet or prioritizing maximum comfort, the Bondi 9s are the better pick. If you want something with more zip, the Bondi X might be worth a look.
How do they compare with other shoes? Well, they offer more cushioning than anything I've worn. Even Nike is playing catch-up, adding more foam than ever before (the Nike Vomero 18 now has a 46-millimeter stack height, 3 more than the Bondi 9).
Will I be throwing away all of my previous pairs of running shoes? No. (That would be wasteful!) Plus, different shoes serve different purposes — some are better for speed work, others for trails and still others just fit my mood on any given day. But will the Bondi 9s become a go-to in my rotation for walking, easy runs and recovery days? Absolutely. The plush, bouncy cushioning, improved fit and surprisingly smooth ride make for one of the most comfortable shoes I've tested in a long time.