Hoka One One Bondi 9 Introduction
The discharge cycle for trainers usually follows an annual replace schedule. Nevertheless, the Hoka Bondi line deviates from this norm. The launch of the Bondi 9 took two and a half years, and its predecessor, the Bondi 8, additionally skilled a two-year hole between releases.
This sample means that the Bondi sequence undergoes a big replace roughly each two years, breaking away from the minor yearly refresh cycles generally noticed within the working shoe trade.
The Bondi is without doubt one of the bestselling Hokas and the brand new model is all the time a extremely anticipated launch. The explanations it sells so effectively are that it has a particularly thick midsole that absorbs affect, it isn’t tender or squishy so it has an unimaginable quantity of assist & stability, and it’s accessible in a plethora of colors together with all black and all white variations so you’ll be able to put on it for work.
Historically, the Bondi has been a really narrow-fitting coach with raised midsole edges (the notorious Hoka bucket seat). These edges made it uncomfortable for runners with broad ft and runners with flat arches. I attempted strolling round within the Bondi 8 within the retailer when it launched and it felt like a torture gadget due to how a lot it poked into my arches.
I did nevertheless evaluate the Bondi 7 and I discovered it approach too slim for me and approach too agency for a max-cushioned coach. I’ve all the time most well-liked the Clifton which is lighter, softer and extra energetic.
The brand new Bondi 9 weighs 297 g (10.5 oz) for a males’s US 9. It is a slight lower from the Bondi 8 which weighed 307 g (10.8 oz). It’s 43 mm within the heel, 38 mm within the forefoot, 2 mm extra within the heel and forefoot than its predecessor. Sadly, it has elevated in value and now prices $170, $5 greater than the Bondi 8.
Hoka One One Bondi 9 First Impressions
I attempted on each the common and broad variations of the Bondi 9 within the retailer. The broad model supplied a extra snug match. Moreover, I used to be relieved to find that the arch assist on this model felt considerably much less outstanding in comparison with earlier fashions.
My first run was a 13 kilometre restoration run which I loved. The revamped midsole foam noticeably enhanced the power return, offering a extra dynamic really feel. The shoe supplied substantial assist, virtually paying homage to a stability coach. Whereas categorised as a max-cushioned coach, the cushioning had a comparatively agency however balanced really feel.
The shoe that it jogged my memory of most was the Brooks Glycerin Max. Each of those maximalist trainers journey quite a bit firmer than they appear. The Glycerin Max felt a little bit bit softer and extra energetic however the Bondi 9 felt extra steady.
Hoka One One Bondi 9 Higher
The Bondi 9 higher has the infamous Hoka slim match. The toe-box may be very slim and it tapers in considerably so I counsel getting the broad model or going up a half dimension if a large shouldn’t be accessible. Hoka sells broad and additional broad variations of the Bondi.
It’s comprised of a tender, knit jacquard higher that appears like extra of a standard mesh than knit. It conforms to your ft and it has a mean degree of breathability. It’s extra suited to chill climates than heat ones on account of all of the padding.
The non gusseted tongue is generously padded and it doesn’t slide round throughout runs due to its broad wings and the loop within the center for the laces to undergo. The brand new 3-D molded collar does a superb job in locking your heel in.
The Bondi 9 has a superb quantity of reflectivity. There’s a skinny reflective strip on the lateral aspect of the toe-box and a big reflective piece on the again of the heel counter.
Hoka One One Bondi 9 Sole Unit
Quite a lot of runners assume that the Bondi is the softest Hoka within the vary as a result of it’s the max-cushioned coach. The Bondi is probably the most cushioned as a result of it has probably the most cushioning depth however it’s not the softest. The Clifton is softer and plusher however the Bondi has extra affect safety with zero floor really feel due to its uber thick midsole.
The Bondi 9’s headline function is that it now has a supercritical EVA midsole. Beforehand, it had a compression molded EVA midsole. Hoka claims that the Bondi 9 midsole foam is the identical that’s within the Mach 6 however the Bondi 9 feels considerably denser and compresses far lower than the Mach 6.
The Bondi 9 continues to be a comparatively agency working shoe in comparison with all the opposite present TPU, PEBA and POE primarily based trainers. Hoka purposely makes it agency in order that it has a excessive degree of stability though, when strolling round, it feels noticeably softer as a result of your ft have time to sink down into the froth.
Simple and restoration runs are what the Bondi 9 does finest. It doesn’t present a very excessive degree of power return or velocity help however it’s snug and really well-cushioned. At 297 g (10.5 oz), it’s not the heaviest max-cushioned coach in the marketplace however its weight is important so working over 20 kilometres within the Bondi 9 appears like a chore.
The Bondi 9, on account of its thicker midsole, reveals a extra pronounced forefoot rocker when in comparison with the Clifton 9. This elevated thickness contributes to a discount in forefoot flexibility, which in flip amplifies the rocker impact. Consequently, the Bondi 9 supplies a extra noticeable rolling sensation throughout the gait cycle, notably throughout the toe-off part.
This yr’s Bondi has a 2 mm thicker midsole than its predecessor. That is an replace that I approve of, particularly contemplating that it has nonetheless misplaced weight. The elevated stack top and elevated cushioning depth makes it really feel much more “Bondi” like.
The Bondi 9’s biggest asset is its exceptional stability, achieved by a design that feels akin to a lightweight stability coach. This stability is primarily because of the shoe’s exceptionally broad base, which creates an expansive touchdown space for the foot.
Moreover, the midsole’s composition resists extreme compression, minimising any tendency for the foot to lean excessively to both aspect. These options mix to ship a working expertise characterised by a planted and steady really feel.
The rubber on the outsole of the Bondi 9 is tender and there’s loads of uncovered midsole foam, nevertheless outsole sturdiness is appropriate. Grip is superb, even in moist circumstances.
Hoka One One Bondi 9 Conclusions
So was the two yr wait value it? Sure: the Hoka Bondi 9 is a stable replace and is a coach that I’ve loved doing my day by day coaching in. The excessive degree of stability (with out the poking arch sensation) is the factor that retains me coming again to it. The introduction of the brand new midsole foam can be a noteworthy enchancment over the earlier CMEVA foam.
This new foam supplies a softer and extra full of life journey, enhancing the general consolation of the shoe. Nevertheless, whereas it’s a step in the precise path, it nonetheless falls brief when it comes to power return and the “enjoyable issue” that I crave.
In comparison with different premium max-cushioned trainers in the marketplace, the Bondi 9’s midsole doesn’t provide the identical bounce or springiness, which might really feel considerably lackluster throughout longs or any run sooner than simple tempo.
Regardless of this minor downside, the Hoka Bondi 9 stays a dependable and comfy day by day coach, notably for individuals who prioritise stability and cushioning depth over velocity. Its improved midsole foam and steadfast stability make it a worthy contender within the maximalist working shoe class, catering to runners looking for a cushioned and supportive journey for on a regular basis mileage.
At $170, I really feel that its value is barely too excessive.
The Nimbus 27, Glycerin 22, Triumph 22, and Extra v5 are all cheaper than the Bondi 9 and so they have extra full of life rides. Additionally they really feel extra partaking though they aren’t almost as steady or rockered because the Bondi.
