With a major update to HOKA’s flagship pair, the 9th iteration of the fan-favorite Bondi is one of the year’s most anticipated releases. Find out why it was the perfect time to try my first pair of the “original” max cushion shoe, in this HOKA Bondi 9 review.
Judging by HOKA’s continued dominance in the shoe market — brand net sales increased 34.7% to $570.9 million in Q2 of 2024—it’d be easy for them to rest on the laurels of popular shoes like the Clifton and Bondi. Instead, they’ve done quite the opposite. Over the past couple years, the French-born brand has introduced a lineup of new shoes like the Skyward X, Cielo X, and Skyflow—all while innovating their two iconic pairs.
Case in point: The Bondi 9 is one of this year’s best updates. Arguably the originator of the max cushioned trend when it was released in 2011 amid the barefoot running craze, the ultra-stacked Bondi has become a dependable shoe for those looking for more comfort and extra cushion: runners, walkers, and those working on their feet all day—think: standing behind a desk staring at a computer screen. Oh, and I guess those in the service industry, too. But it was never mistaken for an exciting shoe; however, that all changed this year. The Bondi has been completely retooled from top to bottom for a pair that can go the distance.
HOKA Bondi 9 Review
| STACK HEIGHT | WEIGHT | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| M: 43/38 mm W: 42/37 mm (5 mm drop) | M10: 10.5 oz/298g W9: 9.3 oz/264g | $170 |
Midsole
The biggest update comes in the midsole. HOKA incorporates super critical EVA foam, replacing the standard EVA midsole, and increasing the already immense stack height by 2 additional millimeters. Recent editions of the Bondi were criticized for being too firm, but it’s clear this new foam bucks that trend. It’s super soft, presumably lighter than the old foam, and has great energy return.
In fact, the bounce from this shoe is so enjoyable that it’s inspired me to start a new online trend that’s sure to be taking the world by storm any day now: the “Bondi Bounce.” Move over, Electric Slide, Harlem Shake, and Cupid Shuffle. (Are those still a thing?) Get ready to feel the extreme bounce of the Bondi! It’s no dance move, but the “Bondi Bounce” will have your body in motion with a smile on your face! It’s the easiest “dance” you’ll ever do. Just put one foot in front of the other at an elevated pace with a pair of Bondi 9 on foot and let the foam propel you forward. It’s that easy!
Ride
Soft, responsive, and comfortable—what more can you ask for in a running shoe? Well, runners ask for a lot more, actually. A light weight, a name that’s not dumb, cool design, a variety of colorways, some stability—but not too much— and a lower price tag. Runners are so damn needy!
The shoe’s MetaRocker geometry has a curved sole design that promotes smooth transitions and a forward roll for each stride, while the rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame™ offers supportive landings. Just like ebony and ivory, these two components live (and work) together in perfect harmony.
Long runs, recovery runs, daily training—this shoe can tackle it all. I happily lace these up for any run when I’m not trying to run fast. So, I guess this shoe can’t tackle it all. But the Bondi provides first-class comfort that makes it feel like you’re lying on the sand of the Australian beach it was named for. Ok, maybe not that relaxing.
Upper
Made of 55% recycled polyester, the comfy warp jacquard knit upper provides solid breathability with its “zonal venting.” The pillowed soft tongue is the ideal length—long, but not too long. A 3D-molded heel collar cradles the ankle, helping reduce heel slippage and enhance stability. A molded EVA sockliner adds a bit of cushion and support underfoot.
Although, the toe box is on the narrow side, and there’s not much room for my toes to move. Those who had issues with narrow-fitting HOKA uppers in the past may want to consider the wide version of the shoe for more breathing room and comfort.
Outsole
There’s a podular outsole for added flexibility and Durabrasion rubber to combat high wear zones. I had no issues with traction in wet conditions, and, after 60 miles, the outsole looks to be in great shape.
Weight
The Bondi 9 cut 0.3 ounces from last year’s edition, weighing in at 10.5 ounces for a men’s size 10 and 9.3 oz for a women’s size 9. HOKA seems to be the only major shoe brand that reports their weight specs using these sizes, instead of the standard sizes 9 and 8, respectively. It can make comparing weights with other brands’ pairs a bit difficult, especially when math is a second language.
While a bit heavy, 10.5 ounces for a men’s size 9 wouldn’t be awful. So, the fact that it weighs less than that is a big positive, especially for an ultra-stacked shoe (43/38 mm) with a plush upper.
Aesthetics
Although the design is more modern than the previous version, the colorways leave a lot to be desired. Frankly, the colorways for this shoe utterly suck. They’re some of the most boring, monochromatic themes imaginable; a lot of black and white. Yet, much of life often lies in the grey, in between the black and white. Which is ironic, because there’s also a lifeless grey colorway named “galactic grey / stellar grey.” It’s neither galactic nor stellar. A shoe this fun deserves more fun colors! Do better, HOKA!
Price
Death, taxes, and running shoe price increases: the only 3 things you can count on in life. HOKA upped the price $5 from the previous edition to a heftier price tag of $170. I really wish they hadn’t. Unfortunately, I already used the three wishes I was granted when I rubbed the back of some genie named Fabian I met in a back alley behind a dive bar. You know, I’m starting to think that wasn’t a real genie, because none of my wishes have come true. Still holding out hope, though.
The majority of max cushion trainers sit in the $160-$165 price range, so $170 for a shoe without a plate is tough to swallow. It’s the same price point as the Saucony Endorphin Speed, ASICS Magic Speed and Glideride Max, and Nike Zoom Fly—again, all of which have a plate. By that reasoning, I’d say it’s slightly overpriced, even with all the great updates.
Conclusion
HOKA claims the Bondi is one of the hardest working shoes in their lineup—that…doesn’t make any sense. The runner is the one working hard, the shoes are just along for the ride, quite literally. Just as an individual is the one to give life meaning, the runner is the one to give shoes purpose.
But no matter why or how you run, the Bondi 9 is a pair that can serve just about all of your running purposes—except for speed work; it’s definitely not a shoe designed for fast days.
The Bondi 9 is available on the HOKA website, or wherever you prefer to empty your wallet on shoes.
HOKA graciously provided this shoe to me for wear testing. I was not compensated for this HOKA Bondi 9 review and they did not get an opportunity to see this HOKA Bondi 9 review before I published.
