Hoka Bondi 9 Review

The Hoka Bondi 9 is Hoka’s latest max-cushioned daily trainer running shoe, featuring a revamped supercritical foam midsole and an even higher stack height than before.

Having recently reviewed the Hoka Clifton 10, I find the Bondi 9 shares many similarities, particularly in how soft it feels underfoot, how the midsole looks, and the design of the upper, yet it comes with a slightly lower drop that offers a more natural ride and other features that I know many are going to love.

Despite these differences, both models sit in a similar niche of comfort-focused, daily mileage shoes that aim to reduce impact on easy runs or long walks.

Yes, they’re becoming a bit of an overlap shoe for Hoka, and potentially the reason why Hoka recently changed the drop on the Clifton 10 to be 8mm rather than 5mm which is the same as the Bondi 9.

I’ve been testing them on easy, recovery-type runs and the odd dog walk around my neighborhood because the Bondi range is renowned for also being a great walking shoe (as is the Clifton series), and here’s how they performed.

Key specifications

• Price: $170 at Hoka (launch date is currently set for January 15th, 2025)
• Weight: 10.9 oz (309g) for a size US 9 (my pair)
• Drop: 5mm (43mm heel / 38mm forefoot)
• Midsole: Supercritical EVA with MetaRocker™
• Upper: Engineered mesh (55% recycled) with a 3D molded collar
• Outsole: Durabrasion rubber
• Ideal Use: Easy runs, recovery miles, walking, and long hours on your feet

How they fit and feel

I opted for my usual Hoka size, and the Bondi 9 offers a decent amount of volume, enough to keep my toes comfortable over longer distances without feeling sloppy / loose in any way. Some will find they’ll need to opt for the racer’s loop heel lock method when lacing them up to get a more secure fit with reduce heel slip when running.

The plush collar feels secure around the ankle (that’s coming from the new 3D molded collar geometry), and while the stack height is substantial, there is built-in stability through the raised sidewalls. Overall, it’s a soft, cradling fit that I really appreciate for recovery runs.

Hoka Bondi 9 vs Bondi 8 (the stats only)

Unfortunately, I skipped the Bondi 8, so can’t speak directly to the ride performance, but here are some key stats that have been updated:

Bondi 9 now has 2mm more in the stack height over Bondi 8 (learn why stack heights matter), new supercritical foam, updated 3D collar, and a structured knit upper for a more accommodating fit.

What’s good

The supercritical EVA foam and high stack is probably the biggest story for me with the Hoka Bondi 9. It delivers a soft landing without that over-compressed feeling you sometimes get in overly plush running shoes, which makes it enjoyable on easy-paced runs or long walks when my legs are already tired.

I also appreciate how this foam recovers fairly quickly, so my foot transitions smoothly through each stride rather than sinking into the midsole.

The MetaRocker™ geometry plays a big role in providing a rolling sensation from heel to toe. This design feels especially helpful toward the end of my runs when form can start breaking down. Instead of stalling out between strides, I’m guided forward with a steady rhythm that makes the shoe feel a bit more lively.

One surprise with such a tall stack is how stable the Bondi 9 remains for a neutral shoe. The raised midsole sidewalls do a great job of cradling my feet, so I’m not shifting side-to-side as much on uneven pavement.

Although the shoe overall can still feel a bit bulky, those sidewalls and the straighter medial side give enough structure to help me maintain a consistent footing – this is something that heavier runners are going to love, and It’s a subtle touch that many high-cushion shoes overlook.

I’ve also found the updated knit upper (pictured above) to be fairly breathable, which is handy on warmer days or longer outings.

The 3D molded collar surrounding my ankle (pictured below) is nicely padded, and the heel counter at the rear does a good job of keeping my Achilles comfortable without rubbing.

Once I get moving, the overall break-in period is very short, I didn’t need more than a mile to feel fully confident with how the Bondi 9 fits and moves.

Finally, the Durabrasion rubber (pictured below) in high-wear zones makes sense if you plan on piling up miles or using these as your daily walking shoes.

It protects the midsole foam in areas that typically see more scuffs and scrapes. Given the higher price tag, I like knowing these will last me through many miles of steady running, run-walk intervals, or even just casual wear on my feet all day. So many running shoes nowadays just leave exposed foam in the midfoot area, which I’m not a fan of, even if it does reduce weight – I want my running shoes to last.

Things to note before buying

There’s no getting around the weight. At just under 11 ounces, it definitely feels heavier when I try to pick up the pace, confirming that it’s not great for faster paced runs but to be fair to the Bondi, it’s not trying to be. This isn’t the kind of shoe I reach for if I want snappy turnover or a highly responsive feel, if I want that I pick up my speed training shoes.

Another factor is bulkiness. The high stack height and wide platform can feel a bit imposing, particularly if you prefer more ground ‘feel’ or a more minimal, lower-profile platform. It’s also on the pricier side – $170 isn’t cheap, although that’s increasingly common for max-cushioned running shoes.

My verdict

The Hoka Bondi 9 continues the line’s legacy of plush-ish, protective cushioning that’s geared toward runners who prefer (or require) comfort over speed. Compared to the Clifton 10, the Bondi 9 stands a little taller under the forefoot and has a lower drop, creating a more natural stride, and one I think I prefer.

It’s certainly not a shoe for tempo days or races, but if you’re focused on easy mileage, recovery runs, or simply want a soft, stable companion for daily life on your feet, this updated Bondi model fits the bill.

For me, it’s a dependable option whenever I want maximum shock absorption with a smoother stride. If that’s what you’re after, the Bondi 9 is worth checking out.

The Bondi 9 is set to launch on January 15th, 2025 and can be purchased via the link above. Visit my max cushioned daily trainers roundup next, for a list of the best ones right now – yes, the Bondi 9 made the cut.

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