HOKA Bondi 9 Review

Buy if you want the softest daily cushion for long runs, recovery days or all‑day comfort and don't mind extra weight.

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The quick answer

If your priority is maximum shock absorption and joint relief, the Bondi 9 delivers with HOKA's supercritical EVA and a taller stack for a genuinely plush ride. At £157.24 and an editorial score of 8.7, it's worth the price for long runs, recovery days and anyone who spends hours on their feet; it's a bad choice if you need a lightweight, responsive trainer for tempo or racing.

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What we tested

We evaluated a men's size 9 (the model spec used to report weight) on road runs, recovery jogs and all‑day wear over several weeks on urban pavements and mixed tarmac; testing emphasised comfort, mileage feel and day‑to‑day durability.

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What it does well

Maximum cushioning: Supercritical EVA and increased stack height The midsole uses supercritical EVA and measures about 42.5 mm in the heel, creating a plush, springy platform that reduces impact on knees and hips more than typical daily trainers.

Durability and grip: Extended Durabrasion rubber HOKA expanded Durabrasion rubber coverage across the outsole, which protects the foam underfoot and gives better traction in wet or worn conditions than older Bondi iterations.

Secure, breathable fit: Engineered knit/mesh with zonal venting The revised upper adds zonal venting and improved midfoot lockdown, so the shoe locks the foot in place during longer runs without feeling clammy.

Smooth, forgiving ride: Early-stage meta-rocker The shoe's geometry — high stack plus an early meta‑rocker — promotes an easy toe‑off and a smoother gait on long efforts and recovery days.

All‑day comfort: Recovery and standing use Because of the plush foam and wide contact patch, the Bondi 9 is as comfortable for long shifts on your feet or airport days as it is for slow long runs.

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Where it falls short

Heavy for faster work: ~404 g (14.3 oz) in a men's 9 That weight makes the Bondi 9 feel noticeably sluggish compared with lighter daily trainers; runners who do speedwork or want a lively tempo shoe will be frustrated.

Not the pick for racers or fast‑paced runs If your priority is cadence, responsiveness or race day speed, the Bondi's cushioning blunts energetic toe‑off and costs you time.

Fit can be divisive for some feet While many report a true‑to‑size fit, several testers and reviews note a narrower last than some competitors — problematic if you have a wider forefoot.

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How it compares

Brooks Glycerin 20 is the closest competitor in the max‑cushion daily‑trainer space at a comparable price point; choose the Bondi 9 if you prioritise the thickest underfoot protection and a very soft ride for long/recovery miles, and pick the Glycerin 20 if you want a slightly lighter, plusher alternative that feels a touch more responsive for everyday runs.

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Score: 8.7 Price: £157.24 Buy if: You want the softest daily cushion for long runs, recovery days or all‑day comfort and don't mind extra weight. Skip if: You mainly do speedwork, racing or want a lightweight, responsive trainer — the Bondi 9 is too heavy and soft for that.

Buy now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D5G2Y6DD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&tag=tomisindev-20