THE SPECS
Support: Neutral
Weight: 10.5 oz / 297 g (men), 9.3 oz / 263 g (women)
Stack Height: 43mm/38mm (men) 42mm/37mm (women)
Midsole Drop: 5 mm
Cushion Level: High
ON THE RUN
Joe: If you’re a product on the market, it’s usually not a good sign if the customer demand for your previous model is so great they bring it back, while you undergo price drop after price drop to make you disappear faster than that the secret stash of snacks you are trying to hide from your kids when you get home from grocery shopping.
For Hoka, the Bondi 9 couldn’t come out soon enough after the swing and miss that was the Bondi 8 (RIP). And from the initial step-in, you can tell that Hoka listened to its customer base, knocking it out of the park with the Bondi 9. It is the much needed upgrade after the let down that was the Bondi 8.
The Bondi 9 pays homage to the crowd favorite, the Bondi 7, while introducing a revamped midsole and knit upper that leave your feet feeling and looking good!
THE FIT
Joe: The fit of the Hoka Bondi 9 is spot-on for me—it’s true to size, with a plush step-in feel that’s both comfortable and secure. The new knit upper is soft yet structured, offering a snug, breathable fit that molds to your foot without feeling restrictive. The toebox offers plenty of space, letting your toes spread out comfortably, and I never felt cramped. If there’s any critique I had, it’s that the arch didn’t quite hit right on my left foot, but I attribute that more to my footshape rather than anything the shoe is or is not providing, and something that could be remedied with adding an insert to replace the standard insole.
The heel cup is solid, providing a firm, locked-in feel without being overly tight. The last also appears to be slightly more straight when compared to the Bondi 8. Despite the occasional slush and ice on the sidewalks that define a Michigan winter, the fit never felt slippery or unstable. It’s a nice balance between a soft, cushioned feel and the security needed for traction, especially in tricky winter conditions. Overall, the Bondi 9 strikes a perfect blend of comfort, support, and performance, making it ideal for anyone looking to tackle both everyday runs and unpredictable weather.
THE FEEL
Joe: The Hoka Bondi 9 offers a firm, yet responsive cushion. The increase in responsiveness comes through the introduction of a supercritical EVA midsole, as compared to the compressed EVA midsole of previous models of the Bondi. What does this mean? Supercritical EVA uses a process that involves high pressure and temperature with gas (like nitrogen). This creates a lightweight foam with a lot of tiny, uniform bubbles. It typically makes the shoes lighter and more bouncy, kind of like that traditional EVA finally had its morning coffee. It also results in a slight (2mm) increase in overall stack height.
Without a doubt, Russ Cook would have conquered Africa in well under a year if he were in the Bondi 9. No amount of tarmac or African Sahara could have stood up to his 1s & 2s if he were floating across the terrain with the updated supercritical EVA of the Bondi 9.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Joe: The Bondi 9 is a solid option for recovery runs and easy days. While it’s not built for speed workouts or race days, it excels in comfort, providing a plush, cushioned ride ideal for those looking to get in some relaxed, lower-intensity miles. It does its job well for easy runs and walks, making it a great choice for long, slow miles or simply for recovery days when you’re not pushing the pace.
Compared to its predecessor, the Bondi 8, the Bondi 9 offers an even better experience, especially when it comes to versatility. The added comfort and cushion have made the Bondi 9 one of my favorite shoes to wear for everyday use, especially wearing it to work where I am standing on concrete floors 40 hours a week. The Bondi 9 shines in situations where you need a bit more support and cushioning, especially for those who prefer a softer feel underfoot. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable, cushioned shoe for easy-paced running, daily walks, and everyday wear, the Bondi 9 fits the bill perfectly.
Competition: Brooks Ghost Max, Saucony Hurricane, New Balance Fresh Foam More v5, Altra FWD Via, Puma MagMax
THE RUNDOWN
Joe: The Bondi 9 is a great upgrade to the Bondi lineup, with noticeable improvements in both the EVA midsole and the upper. These changes have made it a more comfortable and stable option, which is a much-needed update after the mess that was the Bondi 8. If the previous version left you feeling unsure, the Bondi 9 definitely hits the mark in terms of balance, offering plush cushioning without feeling too clunky. I’ve appreciated how it combines comfort with enough performance for easy miles, and it feels more refined overall.
Consider me a fan of the upgrades and the overall feel of the shoe. It strikes the right balance between comfort and stability, making it an easy go-to for recovery runs or relaxed training sessions. While I wouldn’t change much, it’s still on the heavier side, so if you’re looking for something lighter or faster, this might not be the shoe for that. But for what it’s designed to do, the Bondi 9 is a solid pick and a big step up in the right direction.
MEET JOE
Joe has been running consistently for two decades. In that time he's run everything from a coach's 4X100 relay to completing 3.75 marathons to stroller runs with his kids. During the spring of 2020 he ran every street in his town in a week. Today he enjoys runs with his wife, watching others smash their PRs, and finding creative ways to give back to the community through running.
All time favorite shoe: Altra FWD Via