The Hoka Bondi 8 shoe review is likely one of this blog’s most anticipated shoe reviews. There hasn’t been a reason I haven’t tried the Bondi 8 other than I’ve had a lot of shoes to work through. Sometimes it feels weirdly overwhelming when you still have shoes with plenty of cushion that needs to be used up.
Anyway, the Hoka Bondi is one of the most cushioned shoes in the running industry. If you are thinking: which running shoe has the most cushion? It’s likely the Hoka Bondi 8.
The Bondi 8 has been given some substantial updates, which can see visually geometry of the sole is different; there here is a new type of foam.
Hoka Bondi 8 Quick Facts:
Weight: 8.9 ounces
Heel-to-toe toe drop: 4 mm
Cost: $164.95
Hoka Bondi 8 Introduction:
If you’ve never run in the Bondi, there is a lot of cushion. It’s the original maximum cushioned shoe that is best for easy runs. Recently Hoka introduced the Bondi X, which seems counterproductive to have an easy run shoe with a carbon plate. The Bondi X is more rigid and great for those who need a firm and nonbendy shoe”. I use “nonbendy” because it seems to be a common term doctor send patients into running stores with. I digress. The new crash pad in the Hoka Bondi 8 gives it better transitions, and it’s now softer and lighter. If you wonder: is there a big update in the Hoka Bondi 8? The answer is yes; it’s substantial, and the Bondi feels different from the previous models. Not in a bad way, just a different way.
Hoka Bondi 8 Fit:
The Bondi 8 engineered mesh construction. It’s lightweight, breathable, and doesn’t hold moisture in. You don’t have to worry about hot days in the desert; as far as comfort, almost everything about the Bondi 8 is plush. If you’re looking for a shoe that feels the most luxurious, the Hoka Bondi 8 is probably the best choice. The tongue and heels are padded, while the tongue is gusseted and stays secure.
I firmly believe the best running shoes disappear off your fee,t and the Hoka Bondi 8 does just that. You don’t have to worry about any hot spots, and it breathes well.
I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide in running shoes. The Bondi 8 runs run slightly short, and I found women’s size 11 to be the best. Mainly because I use the Hoka Bondi 8 so much on recovery runs when my feet are already swollen…a lot (swollen just from a hard run/workout…not injury). I recommend trying the Hoka Bondi 8 on, and if you are between sizes too, go up.
Hoka Bondi 8 Ride:
As mentioned, if you’ve never run in the Bondi, it’s designed as a maximalist cushioned shoe. A large heel bevel and forefoot rocker keeps landings and transitions smooth. New deeper flex grooves in the midfoot do give the Hoka Bondi 8 more flexibility than previous versions. But it is every bit as cushioned as previous versions.
Compared to the Bondi 7, the Hoka Bondi 8 is much more firm. The EVA foam compresses more at faster speeds , and the Bondi 8 is also the lightest shoe of them all. The Bondi 8 seems to be getting more cushion each year but is also more lightweight each year. Kind of like how cell phones get smaller and with more technology every year. If any shoe has gone through a significant transformation throughout the years, it’s the Hoka Bondi 8…yet it somehow has always done the job of an extremely well-cushioned trainer.
Stability: Something I want to touch on is while the Hoka Bondi 8 doesn’t have any true stability posting, it does provide inherent stability based on a wide base. This isn’t new to the Bondi 8, and the Bondi has been like this for years. So yes, it’s a more stable shoe, but there is no stability posting.
Durability and Traction: The Hoka Bondi 8 has always been one of the most durable running shoes in the industry. There is a lot of cushion, but it also has plenty of rubber, ensuring you aren’t sliding around. I’ve used the Bondi 8 in several conditions, including inclement weather, and never had an issue with sliding around. I anticipate it will get 400 miles, as every other Bondi I’ve used has.
The Hoka Bondi 8 is designed as a recovery run or easy run shoe. While sure, you can pick up the pace, it’s designed just to provide cushion and make you feel like you’ve run at all. While this year’s version is more firm, it still does the same thing ,and you don’t need to worry about it not providing the same cushion.
Something to keep in mind, too, is the Hoka Bondi 8 is a trendy walking shoe. If you wondered is the Hoka Bondi 8 is good for walking, the answer is yes. It has so much cushion and can protect your feet. I’m known to wear it a lot when I’m on my feet all day. My friends who work in fields such as nursing love it for long days.
Hoka Bondi 8 Conclusion:
If you are looking for a maximalist training shoe with a lot of cushion, the Bondi 8 is an excellent option. You can’t get more cushion for running and walking than that. Plus, you may not feel like you’ve even with all of the cushion. Its a slightly firmer than previous versions, but it still has the same great cushion from Hoka.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: New Balance 108v12 , Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Saucony Triumph 19, Brooks Launch 9,
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge,
Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL:PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky ,Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro ,New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Hoka Bondi 8?
What is your favorite daily trainer?