Hoka Bondi 9 Review: Same, But Different

Bondi 9: Quick Facts

What’s the Bondi 9 all about?

It's been two years since we last saw an update to the Bondi series from Hoka. This is their premium max cushion neutral daily trainer that's designed for your easy and recovery runs. However, it's also been a shoe we've seen used as a walking option or for people who spend extended periods of time on their feet due to it's large amount of protective midsole underfoot. It's also been a commonly referred for shoe by allied health practitioners managing clients with foot and ankle conditions thanks to the stiff forefoot rocker.

While some of that remains true in the Bondi 9, there's a few changes. It's now lighter, more cushioned, and has more flex through the forefoot. As a result, it's the most runnerable Bondi in years.

The Good, The Bad and The Run: Georgia's Take on the Bondi 9

I've been able to do a couple of recovery runs in the new Bondi 9 which is the perfect type of run for this latest Hoka release. I thoroughly enjoy the stable platform and ride that the Bondi 9 provides as well as a slightly firmer feel underfoot. Hoka has added some more flexibility into the forefoot which I find makes it a lot more runnable than previous models. I struggled to run in the Bondi 8 due to the stiffness which resulted in the shoe becoming more of a walking option for me. One of my runs was on a fairly warm Adelaide morning so the lightweight and more breathable upper was certainly appreciated and definitely an excellent update by the brand. The shape of the heel collar and extra padding also felt comfortable on my achilles; my foot felt secure and there was zero slipping - a big win for me!

I've worn a US 7.5 for previous Bondi models (I am usually a US 8 for all other brands) but I had to size up to an 8 in the v9 - I found the forefoot a bit shallower and narrower than the v8 so going up half a size has allowed a bit more room for my toes to splay. Therefore, if you're someone who could go between sizes, I would highly recommend trying a pair on before purchasing so you can be confident that you have the right fit.

The Bondi 9 is certainly more runnable and works well for the easy recovery days; however, I think I will still be reaching for a couple of models from other brands, such as the Brooks Glycerin Max, before the new Bondi. Hoka are definitely on the right path in making this a runners shoe but still have a little bit of work to do. 

There are 3 key changes in Bondi 9:

1) More stack, new supercritical EVA midsole

One of the most noticeable updates to the Bondi 9 is in the midsole. The Bondi 9 gets an additional 2mm more stack height, moving it up to 43mm in the heel. The midsole formulation has also been upgraded to Hokas' supercritical EVA foam which we've seen Hoka use in their Mach 6, Skyflow and the soon to release Clifton 10. 

The result of this midsole update is a lighter overall feel to the shoe that no longer feels bottom heavy. It's also given the Bondi 9 a more lively feel compared to the predecessor, but it still shines for those easy day and recovery runs, it's not a shoe I'd be reaching for to run faster in. 

Some of the geometry cues from previous Bondi iterations are still featured here such as the broad midsole surface area and sidewalls which make the Bondi 9 stable given it's gained additional stack this year.

2) More flexibility through the forefoot

An interesting move from Hoka is the change to the amount of forefoot stiffness in the Bondi 9. Previous iterations have been known for their stiff forefoot; however, the Bondi 9 has some more flexibility. It still features a subtle rocker, but it's not as aggressive as previous Bondi's. It's a surprising move from Hoka, given the Bondi has been known for its stiffer forefoot for a number of years now. 

For us, the Bondi 9 will probably lose some of the runners and walkers requiring that stiff forefoot for its therapeutic use. However, the change might open the Bondi 9 up to new runners that haven't tried a Bondi or struggled with prior iterations. 

3) New knit upper and improved fit

Up top Hoka have redesigned the Bondi 9 with a new knitted upper, that offers more stretch. It's well padded through the heel collar, with more thickness through the gusseted tongue. It's probably one of the most comfortable uppers Hoka have executed in some time and it's soft plush feel matches up with underfoot midsole experience.

Although still relatively narrow and shallow, the Bondi 9 is a more refined fitting shoe than Bondi 8. We found the toe box to taper too much in the forefoot in Bondi 8, with many runners and walkers jumping straight into the wider versions, but this might not be the case as often with Bondi 9. We still think Hoka has some work to do to get the fit right and make their shoes more accessible to different foot shapes, but its certainly an improvement with Bondi 9.

Nathan’s final thoughts

The updates to the Hoka Bondi 9 make it the most runnerable Bondi in years. It's lighter, more enjoyable underfoot and an improved overall fit. I do think it will lose out in the allied health referral space with shoes like the Ghost Max 2 offering similar characteristics, but with a stiffer forefoot rocker. However, it does deliver on a max cushion running experience geared towards easy runs

The updates in the Bondi 9 will also separate itself more clearly from the soon to release Clifton 10 which has been redesigned top to bottom.

About the author

Nathan Pope - Runner and Shoe Nerd

I'm really passionate about running footwear and how shoes can be used as a tool to get the best of your running, whether that be general fitness or performance.

My favourite event is the marathon. I feel as though the marathon is the ultimate test both physically and mentally! It requires careful planning both within the race and during the training block and it can be super satisfying when it comes together on race day.