Hoka One One Bondi 9 Introduction

The discharge cycle for trainers usually follows an annual replace schedule. Nevertheless, 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 big replace roughly each two years, breaking away from the minor yearly refresh cycles generally noticed within the operating shoe business.

The Bondi is likely one of the bestselling Hokas and the brand new model is at all times a extremely anticipated launch. The explanations it sells so nicely are that it has a particularly thick midsole that absorbs affect, it isn’t tender or squishy so it has an unimaginable quantity of assist & stability, and it’s out there in a plethora of colors together with all black and all white variations so you’ll be able to 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 broad ft 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 nevertheless assessment the Bondi 7 and I discovered it method too slender for me and method 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. It is 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 broad variations of the Bondi 9 within the retailer. The broad 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 outstanding in comparison with earlier fashions.

My first run was a 13 kilometre restoration run which I loved. The revamped midsole foam noticeably enhanced the vitality return, offering a extra dynamic really feel. The shoe provided 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 experience 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 slender match. The toe-box may be very slender and it tapers in considerably so I recommend getting the broad model or going up a half measurement if a large just isn’t out there. Hoka sells broad and additional broad variations of the Bondi.

It’s constituted of a tender, knit jacquard higher that seems like extra of a conventional mesh than knit. It conforms to your ft and it has a mean degree of breathability. It’s extra suited to chill climates than heat ones as a result of all of the padding.

The non gusseted tongue is generously padded and it doesn’t slide round throughout runs because of its broad wings and the loop within the center for the laces to undergo. The brand new 3-D molded collar does a superb job in locking your heel in.

The Bondi 9 has a superb 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 however it’s not the softest. The Clifton is softer and plusher however the Bondi has extra affect safety with zero floor really feel due to its uber thick midsole.

The Bondi 9’s headline characteristic 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 remains to be a comparatively agency operating shoe in comparison with all the opposite present TPU, PEBA and POE based mostly 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 ft 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 vitality return or velocity help however it’s comfy and really well-cushioned. At 297 g (10.5 oz), it’s not the heaviest max-cushioned coach available on the market however its weight is important so operating over 20 kilometres within the Bondi 9 seems like a chore.

The Bondi 9, as a result 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 in the course of the gait cycle, significantly in the course of the toe-off part.

This yr’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 peak and elevated cushioning depth makes it really feel much more “Bondi” like.

The Bondi 9’s best asset is its outstanding stability, achieved by a design that feels akin to a lightweight stability coach. This stability is primarily as a result of shoe’s exceptionally broad 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 tender and there’s loads of uncovered midsole foam, nevertheless outsole sturdiness is appropriate. Grip is superb, even in moist situations.

Hoka One One Bondi 9 Conclusions

So was the two yr wait value 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 vigorous experience, enhancing the general consolation of the shoe. Nevertheless, whereas it’s a step in the fitting route, it nonetheless falls quick when it comes to vitality return and the “enjoyable issue” that I crave.

In comparison with different premium max-cushioned trainers available on the market, the Bondi 9’s midsole doesn’t provide the identical bounce or springiness, which might really feel considerably lackluster throughout longs or any run sooner than simple tempo.

Regardless of this minor disadvantage, the Hoka Bondi 9 stays a dependable and comfy every day coach, significantly for many who prioritise stability and cushioning depth over velocity. 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 experience 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 vigorous rides. In addition they really feel extra participating though they aren’t almost as steady or rockered because the Bondi.