Shoe Purpose
Running surface: Road
Cushioning: Maximum
Running type: Daily training, recovery runs, easy-paced runs, plus casual daily wear
Recommended distances: The shoe can handle any distance, but its weight is noticeable – recommended up to a half marathon
Optimal pace: Easy
A well-known saying in the running community is that in order to run faster, you need to run slower. 60%-70% of weekly running volume should be done at an easy pace – Zone 2 heart rate. First, running at this pace builds the aerobic base (also great for fat burning), in other words: increases endurance. Second and importantly, it allows the body to recover and avoid injuries.
When I joined a running group a decade ago, this concept confused me. I wanted to run faster, and if my body allowed a higher pace and my shoes matched the mechanics of fast running – why slow down?!
During one of those slow Saturday runs, where I kept picking up the pace, a more experienced runner caught up with me and gave me a tip – get shoes designed for slow paces. That’s when I discovered that manufacturers help us by creating shoe lineups where each model is intended for a different purpose. Some are for speed workouts, some for races, and some for easy-paced runs. It’s worth having a variety in the closet to suit different types of training.
Shoes for slower paces – the ones we run in most of the week – tend to be heavier. That signals to our brain that it’s heavier than usual, so we slow down. The added weight comes with a bonus – greater cushioning and more comfort, which protect the legs during the high mileage we’re supposed to cover in these shoes.
In 2011, Hoka introduced its solution to my problem – the Bondi. Since then, it’s become a go-to option for runners seeking to maintain a slow pace with maximum cushioning, comfort, and pain relief.
To review the shoe, I ran 117 km in it across training runs ranging from 10 to 30 km. All were on hard surfaces (sidewalks, asphalt, etc.), with some runs in the middle of the day to test breathability.
Hoka Bondi 9 – What’s New Compared to the Previous Model?
Until version 8, the Bondi was considered too bulky. Senior Hoka officials stated during the shoe’s development that they wanted to aim the Bondi 9 at professional runners. The new generation will be remembered as the one with the most significant updates while retaining the core feature of the series – maximum cushioning and comfort. Apparently, it was worth the 2.5-year wait instead of the typical one-year refresh cycle in the running shoe industry.
Trigger warning – brief science deep dive:
The most significant upgrade is the switch from traditional EVA foam (a standard material in many shoes) to supercritical EVA foam. This innovative foam is created by injecting gas into the standard foam material in a supercritical state – a unique phase between liquid and gas. The result: a foam with desirable running properties – lighter weight, high energy return, long-term durability, better cushioning, more softness, and enhanced structural stability in the sole.
Despite the sole height increasing by 2 mm (adding more cushioning underfoot), the weight dropped by about 14 grams. The heel-to-toe drop also increased by 1 mm to 5 mm.
The upper has been redesigned as well: instead of a thick mesh like in the Bondi 8, the Bondi 9 features a more breathable and flexible knit fabric, reminiscent of the Bondi 7. The fabric feels more pleasant and conforms better to the foot.
The ankle and heel areas were also redesigned: the heel collar received a 3D shape that softly hugs the ankle, and the tongue remains thick and padded (though still not gusseted, so it may slide slightly during runs).
With an improved MetaRocker (rocker geometry in the heel and forefoot) for smoother transitions and a more aerodynamic sole shape, the Bondi 9 feels much less clunky than the Bondi 8, which was one of the stiffer models in the series.
Technical Specifications
Sole height: 43 mm (heel), 38 mm (forefoot) – high sole
Drop: 5 mm (according to Hoka – felt like more to me)
Weight: 297g (EU size 42 men)
Plate type: None
Support type: Neutral (for pronation, supination, or flat feet)
Available sizes: Women 36 to 43⅓, Men 40 to 49⅓
Width options: Regular, Wide, Extra Wide
Footstrike style: Heel, midfoot, forefoot
Hoka Bondi 9 – My Experience
Design and Aesthetics
Available colors in Israel: A wide variety, from classic (white, black, gray, blue) to colorful (for women: lavender, vanilla, mint, etc.; for men: sky blue and olive).
Design elements: The sole features contoured side lines that give an aerodynamic look, offsetting the traditionally bulky appearance of the Bondi line. Some models include a colorful stripe embedded in the sole, enhancing a youthful, modern vibe.
Reflective elements appear on the heel and forefoot.
Sizing: True to size.
The knit upper and sole create a premium, aesthetic appearance, making it enjoyable to wear at work too.
Upper
Width: The regular width fit my foot perfectly, offering a precise fit. Note: Hoka shoes tend to run slightly narrow, so I recommend trying them in-store.
Toe box: Slightly narrow but not problematic, especially as the box is also taller and the knit is flexible.
Breathability: The Jacquard knit provides moderate ventilation via breathable zones. While not super airy, it’s comfortable and didn’t bother me, even in warmer weather.
Water resistance: None.
Padding: The Bondi is one of the most cushioned shoes around. Imagine sitting in a TV recliner.
Heel padding: The soft heel collar makes slipping the shoe on easier and hugs the heel to prevent movement. As someone sensitive to heel fit, this was a pleasant surprise.
Heel loop: Instead of a loop, Hoka designed a heel flare that functions like a pull tab. Surprisingly effective.
Laces: Flat, slightly stretchy, appropriately long.
Aglet: Transparent, flat, durable plastic.
Tongue: Padded and non-gusseted, yet stayed in place for me. Made from the same knit fabric as the rest of the upper.
Midsole
The supercritical foam offers a protected landing, good energy return, and a lighter feel. A definite improvement over previous versions.
The “Active Foot Frame” is a structural design where the sides of the midsole curve upward to cradle the foot. This helps prevent foot slippage and supports the heel – unless your feet are unusually wide, in which case it might feel tight (try in-store).
Cushioning: Exceptionally protective – my go-to when my legs are sore.
Flex/Stiffness: The sole is somewhat stiff due to its thickness, but well within an acceptable range.
Outsole
Hoka uses a rubber compound for added grip and durability, arranged in strategic cube-like patterns. On wet pavement, the shoe performed well. On smooth wet surfaces, I did feel some instability.
Rocker: To maintain easy paces and enable daily use, Hoka designed a mild rocker. Though subtle, it compensates for the shoe’s weight and encourages smooth forward motion.
Stability: Very stable, no wobbling.
Insole: Comfortable and replaceable with orthotics. It’s the wide Bondi footbed we know – still bulky, but now feels more refined, likely to appeal to more runners.
General and Running Experience
Durability: After 117 km, I found no signs of wear.
Everyday Use: Bondis are known as great walking shoes, and they deliver. Supportive and comfortable – perfect for jobs requiring long periods on your feet (medical staff, security, shoe retail).
I wore them daily for over two weeks and loved every moment. They’re also a smart travel solution – one pair for both long sightseeing walks and light runs.
Overall Running Experience
The shoe performs – when my legs were fatigued, switching to the Bondi 9 provided relief. Toward the end of the season, my plantar fasciitis returned, and these helped alleviate the pain.
Distance: The shoe protects the feet well, but the price is weight. Though great for long runs, the heaviness becomes noticeable around the 20 km mark. During a 30 km run, the cushioning was great, but the weight started to interfere.
Speed: At very easy paces, it’s one of the best in its class.
Who It’s For and Who It’s Not
Recommended for runners who…
Want a shoe for slow paces
Value maximum cushioning
Prioritize comfort above all else
Need a shoe that lasts for many kilometers
Are recovering from or hoping to avoid injury
Want a comfortable daily-use shoe
Less suitable for runners who…
Want a fast shoe
Dislike heavy shoes
Need a roomy toe box
Price: NIS 850