Hoka Bondi 9, A Blast From the Past

After some turmoil with the Hoka Bondi 8, the brand needed to right the ship. Taking inspiration from the Hoka Bondi 7, the Hoka Bondi 9 is looking to bring back a fan favorite feel with an updated design. Today, I will be reviewing the Hoka Bondi 9 and its fit, ride, and latest updates along with a performance review too. 

Hoka Bondi 9 At a Glance 

Category: High Cushion Daily Trainer
Support: Neutral
Weight: ~10.5 oz (Men’s 10) & ~9.3 oz (Women’s 8)
Drop: 5mm
Best For: Long runs, recovery, walking, and standing
Ride Feel: Soft, fluid, and easy
Pros: Structured upper, soft landing, versatile
Cons: Slightly narrow mid-foot and a little heavy.

Hoka Bondi 9 Review

Let’s be honest here, Hoka’s Bondi 8 was not the best shoe.  Many life-long Bondi fans found numerous issues with the shoe, such as arch pain, uncomfortable fit, and the shoe feeling heavy.  In fact, fans disliked the Bondi 8 so much that Hoka would re-release the Bondi 7 to satisfy the die hard fans.  With all of that in mind, Hoka faced immense pressure for the release of the new Hoka Bondi 9. 

Hoka’s high cushion running shoe could not fail and it did not.  The new Hoka Bondi 9 is a return to its true self. The shape of the shoe is more akin to that of the Bondi 7.  A sleek, streamlined look with a modern spin on top of it.  In my opinion, the upper the Hoka Bondi 9 came with feels better than what the Bondi 7 had.  The heel collar was the highlight for me.  I was worried about it being too narrow or hitting my ankle bone funny but I was surprised with how well it fit.  The toe box was spacious and my mid-foot felt okay (I like a wide base to my shoes so this is entirely my preference).  Usually Hoka’s uppers are a struggle for me but I thoroughly enjoyed the Hoka Bondi 9’s upper.

The ride is similar to the Hoka Bondi 7 with Hoka’s rocker bottom design being the star of the shoe.  It feels seamless and easy to move, whether I was running or walking.  There is a slight difference in weight between Hoka’s Bondi 8 and 9; the Hoka Bondi 9 being the lighter option.  For anyone curious, the weight difference is around 0.5 ounces.  Not a crazy difference but noticeable.  Overall, I have really been enjoying my time in the Hoka Bondi 9 whether I am standing, walking, or running. 

What’s New in the Hoka Bondi 9?

What I found to be the best feature of the Hoka Bondi 9 was the upper.  Like I said previously, Hoka’s uppers don’t normally work for me.  However, when I slipped on this high cushion trainer, I was very surprised with the fit.  Specifically the heel collar is 3D molded and really accommodated my ankle nicely.  I had no heel slipping, the collar didn’t rub my ankle, and it wasn’t narrow.  I wasn’t the biggest fan of the midfoot, as it felt like my arch was riding on the ridge of foam.  That could just be a personal issue but something to keep in mind.  Also, the toe box is more spacious than what I thought it would be, which is a welcome surprise.

Of course the bottom rocker design is a staple of any Hoka shoe.  Hoka’s Bondi 9 keeps that same design and the ride is similar to that of the Bondi 7.  The cushion is still soft and plush but not over the top where it feels hard to stand or run in.  I also had a strange feeling underneath my feet as I was moving where it felt like there were guide rails helping me move.  I don’t believe this is a feature that Hoka intentionally made but it feels good. 

Hoka Bondi 9 Fit and Sizing 

I was really happy with the fit and size of the Hoka Bondi 9.  My toes weren’t cramped for space and my heel had no slipping.  Like I mentioned previously, the toe box is accommodating and wider than what I was expecting it to be.  I really appreciated the heel collar too.  Overall, Hoka Bondi 9s ran true to size and I had no need for a wide width. 

Compared to the Hoka Bondi 8, the upgrade to the upper is outstanding.  Hoka’s Bondi 8 just hit in weird places and felt unnatural.  A big improvement was to the mid section of the shoe as the Hoka Bondi 8s felt narrow and unsupportive.  While I do feel like I’m still riding on the side of the Hoka Bondi 9’s mid foot, it feels more supportive than its predecessor.

Hoka Bondi 9 Performance Review: On the Run

From clunky and chunky to soft and smooth, the Hoka Bondi 9 is a great high cushion daily trainer.  As I ran in this shoe I kept coming away with more enjoyment than I have in almost any other Hoka.  What impressed me the most was how structured the shoe felt as I was moving.  As much as I love high cushion options, there are times where a lack of support really hinders a shoe’s performance.  I know I have said the mid-foot is lacking in the support region but I am used to wide based, high support shoes.  Regardless of the mid-foot support, my fore-foot and heel felt amazing.  Every time my foot hit the ground I was met with a solid and balanced fore-foot pad.  Downhill, where hill striking is more prevalent, the Hoka Bondi 9s felt smooth and easy to transition from heel to toe.  No surprises there as that is a Hoka staple. 

On top of that, Hoka did a good job making the Bondi 9 feel easier to run in.  A big complaint about last year’s model was how heavy and clunky it was.  This year’s model feels more streamlined.  I will say it is still a “heavy” shoe but like most max cushion running shoes we expect a little bit of weight from them.  However, this weight isn’t over the top.  The Hoka Bondi 9 sits around 10.5 ounces in a men’s size 10. 

If you are looking for a great high cushion daily trainer, the Hoka Bondi 9 might just be for you.  Be warned, it does have a bottom rocker design which can throw some people off.  I recommend trying it out in store first before buying.  Visit a Dave's Running Shop location to try out a pair of the Hoka Bondi 9! 

Hoka Bondi 9: Compared to Similar Models

Before we get to the final verdict of the Hoka Bondi 9, let's do a small comparison between similar options.  We will be comparing the Hoka Bondi 9 to the Asics Gel-Nimbus 28, Saucony Triumph 24, Brooks Glycerin 23, and New Balance 1080v15.  Here’s the break down:

The Final Verdict

Hoka’s Bondi 9 is once again a strong competitor for the top high cushion daily trainer.  It’s a return to glory after a small stumble and I am very happy with how the shoe has performed so far.  This new model is a strong reminder as to why Hoka has been such a big name over the past few years.  Soft, supportive, and streamlined are my personal key descriptors when talking about the Hoka Bondi 9.

If you hated Hoka Bondi 8, do not worry.  This new model will take your doubts and worries away.  The narrow feel is gone and while it is a little heavier than some other options on the market, it doesn’t feel heavy.  I appreciate that Hoka listened to their customers and essentially admitted that the Bondi 8 was a swing and a miss. 

For anyone looking for a comfortable, do-it-all shoe, it’s hard to not recommend Hoka’s Bondi 9.  This shoe does everything that a high cushion running shoe could offer.  Whether that be running, walking, or just standing around.  Other brands are catching up and the battle remains fierce for that top high cushion spot.  However, Hoka sets the standard high for what a high cushion daily trainer should be.  As of now I still think Hoka regains supreme.