
The Hoka Bondi has always been unapologetically maximalist. Itās big, bold, and has sky-high cushioning that kicked off a revolution in running shoes. But despite its standout comfort used by everyone from nurses to marathoners, past versions felt more like walking shoes than true running shoes because of their bulk. Nowāwith the release of the redesigned Hoka Bondi 9 ($170)āthis shoe is finally living up to its full potential. With softer foam, a more responsive feel, and a stable base, this version is ready to run.

Colors: 6 | Sizes: US 4 – 12 | Weight: 9.3 oz | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm
Pros:
- Cushioned but stable for a variety of paces
- Upgraded supercritical EVA foam for a softer, more responsive feel
- Durable for daily training
- Ankle cuff is relatively stiff
- Not the fun color selection Iāve come to expect from Hoka
First impressions of the Hoka Bondi 9
The Bondi 9 stays true to Hokaās roots, and my first thought when unboxing it was that it hasnāt gotten any sleekerābut itās still all about the comfort. Right out of the box, the thick cushioning looked as inviting as ever. I pushed my thumb into the foam to assess its softness and rebound and was pleasantly surprised to find it a bit more plush than the Bondi 8.
The aesthetics left me feeling a little underwhelmed though. The pair I tested came in a minty green (Blue Spark/Mint Fluorite) with a contrasting black ankle cuff that felt mismatched. When I checked the other available palettes online, I was disappointed to find that few of them delivered Hokaās usual vibrant, head-turning colors. Hopefully, more options will roll out in the future.
My review
What I love
Over two weeks, I logged more than 25 miles in the Bondi 9 sneakers, testing them during walking and running workouts, including hours-long incline āhikesā on the treadmill and interval training.
I was most impressed by their performance during brisk walks and when I picked up the pace for running intervals. The cushioning feels slightly firm at slower speeds but has a satisfying bounce when running faster. For full transparency, Iām prone to shin splints, and I felt a bit of shin discomfort during slow jogs, but the pain disappeared when I transitioned to a faster pace.

That said, the new supercritical EVA foam is a huge step up from the Bondi 8, which I considered more of a walking shoe than a running shoe due to its firmer, less responsive cushioning. The Bondi 9 offers a softer, springier feel, making it versatile for both activities.
On the treadmill, I noticed the shoeās exceptional stability. Many max-cushioned shoes can feel wobbly underfoot (especially on the treadmill, where I tend to space out), but the Bondi 9ās wide base and āActive Foot Frameā technology create a secure, supportive ride.
And in my short testing period, this shoe felt super durable. Hoka also incorporated ādurabrasion rubberā into the outsole to combat high-wear areas, which should extend the shoeās longevity. I havenāt tested it long enough to notice any degradation, but knowing the legacy of the Bondi line, I have no doubts it will last for hundreds of miles.
What I don’t love
That said, the Bondi 9 has a few downsides. I found the toe box snug during the first few miles, which required a bit of a break-in period before I felt fully comfortable. If you have wider feet, consider ordering the wide version to avoid this issue. I also think that the padded upper might feel a bit thick in hot weather, as it lacks breathability.
Final thoughts
The Bondi 9 isnāt Hokaās flashiest or fastest option (My go-to for speed work is the Mach X and I prefer the Clifton 9 for long runs), but itās a really solid shoe with serious durability that outlasts anything else that the brand offers. Unlike race-day shoes that you need to care for like a baby, this is a pair you can confidently wear for daily training, errands, and long walks without worrying about the cushioning wearing out too quickly.
If youāre a beginner runner curious about max cushioning, the Bondi 9 is a fantastic place to start. Itās cushy, versatile, and plush without feeling unstableāa rare combo for a max-cushioning shoe.