If you thought the Hoka Bondi couldn’t be any softer, more stable, or more comfortable, think again. With even more foam, better-designed geometry, and a subtly widened midsole, the Bondi 9 is a throne of comfort for every runner. This shoe not only forgives mistakes but also envelops your foot in a cloud of cushioning. Whether you weigh 60 or 120 kilograms, you will feel the difference in your legs.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The Hoka Bondi 9 is a maximum-cushioning running shoe designed for hard surfaces, such as asphalt streets, sidewalks, and gravel paths. If long-distance comfort is important to you, this is the model for you. Its cushioning makes it comfortable for runners weighing over 100 kilograms, and it is also comfortable for those who weigh less. It’s ideal for short daily runs of a few kilometers, as well as routes where you have to cover distances much longer than a marathon. Don’t expect it to be dynamic — the Bondi 9 was created to protect, not to race.
Pros
- very good cushioning
- suitable for the heaviest users
- pleasant shape
- high isolation from the ground
- stability
- soft and comfortable hood
Cons
- quite heavy (in 24% of the heaviest max-cushioned shoes)
Hoka running shoes – lineup
For over a decade, the Hoka Bondi has been one of the most cushioned running shoes in the brand’s lineup. The Gaviota, its more stable counterpart, is designed for runners who need control over overpronation. The two models can be considered twins with different levels of stability. The Hoka Skyward, which features a carbon fiber plate, was recently added to the lineup and offers an even softer feel than the Bondi and Gaviota. The Skyward is suitable for easy and slightly faster paces. The Bondi and Gaviota, on the other hand, are masters of comfort. They are designed for long, stable runs and for covering lots of miles at a steady pace.
You can learn more about these models in the Hoka running shoe guide.
| NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Skyward X  Bondi 9 |  Gaviota 5 |
| very high cushioning |  Clifton 9  Skyflow |  Arahi 7 |
| high cushioning |  Rincon 4 |
Hoka Bondi 9 alternatives
Bondi has plenty of competitors on the market. Among runners, shoes with maximum cushioning are often referred to as “max-cushioned shoes.” These models are designed for those who prefer unparalleled comfort and softness, as well as excellent protection against hard surfaces. They are also ideal for the heaviest runners.
Want to discover more shoes that will make your feet feel like they’re running on clouds? Check out our shoe guide for maximum cushioning. There, you’ll find detailed comparisons and tips.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Ultraboost 5X | 38/28 | 10 | 275 | 237 | 180 |
| Asics Gel-Nimbus 27 | 43.5/35.5 | 8 | 305 | 265 | 200 |
| Brooks Glycerin Max | 45/39 | 6 | 298 | 270 | 200 |
| Brooks Glycerin 21 | 36/26 | 10 | 278 | 249 | 180 |
| Diadora Atomo V7000 2 | 41/37 | 5 | 275 | 220 | 190 |
| Hoka Bondi 9 | 43/38 | 5 | 323 | 263 | 180 |
| New Balance 1080 v14 | 36/32 | 6 | 298 | 236 | 190 |
| Nike Invincible 3 | 40/31 | 8 | 310 | 258 | 190 |
| On Cloudmonster 2 | 35/26 | 6 | 295 | 245 | 190 |
| Saucony Triumph 22 | 37/27 | 10 | 286 | 250 | 190 |
Cushioning – more foam, more comfort, more stability
The new version of the Hoka Bondi features subtle yet significant changes to the sole’s construction. First and foremost, the classic CMEVA foam has been replaced with modern supercritical SCF EVA foam. The result? Even greater softness. However, with such powerful cushioning, the difference is more nuanced than revolutionary. Another change is the additional two millimeters of height — now, the midsole (including the outsole and insole) measures an impressive 43 millimeters under the heel and 38 millimeters under the toes. This theoretically adds more “cloud-like” comfort. In practice? With this level of cushioning, the differences are subtle and almost imperceptible.
The Bondi 9 provides cushioning and stability, two qualities that don’t always go hand in hand. Hoka’s signature raised midsole edges form a “FootFrame,” which keeps the foot in place and prevents it from rolling from side to side. This design allows the foot to sit deeper. Although the shoe looks monstrous, it actually offers stability beyond what one might expect. In a world of maximum cushioning, the Bondi 9 is one of the most reliable options on the market.
The Bondi 9’s midsole has also been designed with a distinct Meta-Rocker: a “boat-shaped” profile that guides the foot from heel strike to toe-off. The result? A smooth, almost automatic roll that makes every step more natural and less tiring.
While this profile often adds dynamics to running shoes, the Bondi 9 is above all the king of comfort. A generous amount of foam and a stable base make this shoe ideal for long distances. The dynamics resulting from the contouring are just an added bonus.
Road outsole
The Bondi 9’s outsole is a classic Hoka design — not too aggressive, minimalist, and ideal for urban surfaces. Rubber is only used in areas prone to abrasion, and large sections of the midsole remain exposed. This further emphasizes the shoe’s intended use: easy, long runs on hard surfaces and sidewalks. This is where the Bondi feels most at home.
But will it work outside the city? It performs decently on gravel paths or forest trails, but the bulkier it gets, the more it weighs you down on more demanding terrain. If you plan to run on more varied terrain, the Clifton may be a better choice.
Upper with higher heel counter
While the Hoka Bondi 9’s upper hasn’t undergone any revolutionary changes, minor improvements ensure that it continues to perform perfectly. Made of lightweight technical mesh, it is just as breathable as other running shoes of this type.
In terms of interior space, the Bondi 9 provides ample room for your feet. The front of the upper is 104.9 millimeters wide at its widest point, which is standard and provides your toes with comfort and freedom. However, it is not excessive. The Bondi’s volume can often be misleading, suggesting an incredible amount of space inside. This is not the case. While not overly wide, it will still be suitable for most standard feet.
Compared to its predecessor, the heel counter has been redesigned slightly. It is still firmly stiffened to keep the heel in place, but its shape has changed noticeably — it has become slightly higher, though not too high. The amount of foam padding around the heel remains unchanged. There is plenty of it, and it softly wraps around the foot.
Heavy weight, but that’s not a problem
The men’s Bondi 9 weighs 323 grams, according to the producer, while the women’s version weighs 263 grams. These values are slightly above average for running shoes. My measurements for a size 12 US shoe showed 354 grams, which is also above average. This places the shoe among the top 24% of the heaviest everyday training shoes with maximum cushioning. Is that a lot? Certainly. Is it a problem? Not necessarily.
In the world of maximum cushioning, extra weight is the price we pay for incredible protection, comfort, and safety. Comfort and protection matter most, and the Bondi 9 offers both in abundance. It’s not a shoe designed to break records for lightness; its mission is to absorb miles in the softest and most stable way possible.
Summary
The Hoka Bondi 9 is establishing itself as a leader in the world of cushioned shoes. This shoe is ideal for those who prioritize maximum comfort and protection over long distances. Though its substantial build and weight command respect, its smooth roll and stability make every step feel light and natural. It’s a shoe that doesn’t chase dynamics; it simply lets you run farther and longer than ever before with unmatched comfort.
