Hoka Rincon 3 vs. Bondi 8: Which One? (2022)
The Hoka Rincon and Bondi shoes are fundamentally different in their approach. In fact, they are so different that it should be straightforward to make up your mind. Imagine picking between a hamburger and a salad. Well, we’re not far from that.
Weight
Indeed, the main point of difference is the weight. While the Hoka Rincon 3 is at only 7.4 oz/210 g for the men’s version, the Hoka Bondi 8 is at 10.9 oz/308 g. Let’s just say that’s quite a difference!
Cushioning and ride
Of course, a heavier shoe like the Bondi can have some advantages. First, it’s notably more cushioned. The Bondi 7 has a 33 mm stack height under the heel, while the 8 jumped to 39 mm! In comparison, the Rincon’s 3 midsole is more modest, with 29 mm in the heel. Both shoes have a low drop as the rest of Hoka’s collection.
Underfoot, this translates into a plush ride for the Bondi. It’s ideal for long runs and recovery sessions when your legs need a rest, but you still want to put the miles in. The Rincon is also soft and comfortable, but not as much as the Bondi.
However, the Rincon has the advantage of offering a more versatile and responsive ride. Do you want to do a speed workout (e.g., interval training)? It’s perfect for it. Do you want to do a long run for an upcoming marathon? That’s fine too. In comparison, the Bondi is much less impressive when you pick up the pace. It offers quick transitions but no bounce and the outsole is not very flexible.
Fit and lockdown
Both shoes run true to size. The new Hoka Bondi 8 is more spacious than the Bondi 7 and the Rincon 3, especially in the toe box. The lockdown is precise with these shoes. However, being broader, the Bondi feels a bit more stable.
Also, like most Hoka shoes, these models are vegan and use recycled materials to some unknown extent.
Durability
The advantage of heavier shoes is that they tend to be sturdy. It’s also the case here. The Hoka Rincon 3 is an ultra-lightweight daily trainer, and its durability is inferior as its outsole uses less rubber.
Rincon or Bondi: Which One to Pick?
Overall, it’s mainly a matter of cushion. Are you looking for the ultimate cushioning to run longer comfortably? Then the Bondi is the better choice. However, if you’re after responsive running shoes suitable for fast workouts, then we recommend the Rincon.
If you’re beginning and you narrowed down your choices to these two shoes, then the Hoka Rincon is likely to be a better pick as it’s more versatile and can do virtually anything.
Also, note that the Bondi also exists in a carbon-plated version: the Hoka Bondi X. It’s pretty much the identical shoe but with a snappier ride. However, it’s not that bouncy overall and quite expensive, so the value is poor from our perspective.
Side-By-Side Comparison Table
|
9.2  |
8.7  |
|
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Description | The Hoka Rincon 3 is a lightweight, versatile, comfortable running shoe for daily training or long runs. | The Hoka Bondi is a good maximalist road running shoe, especially comfortable for daily runs. |
|
9.5
9.5
9.5
9
8.5
9
9
|
0
9
9
9
9
8.5
8
| |
| Facts | ||
| Terrain | Road | Road |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Heel stack height | 29 mm | 33 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 24 mm | 29 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5 mm | 4 mm |
| Weight (men) | 210 g | 323 g |
| Weight (women) | 176 g | 252 g |
| Features | ||
| Athletes | ||
| Release year | 2021 | 2020 |
| Technologies | ||
| Outsole | Hi-Abrasion Rubber, Full Ground Contact | |
| Midsole | CMEVA, Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry | |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh | |
| Cushioning | ||
| Cushioning | Soft | Soft |
| Responsiveness | High | Low |
| Use | ||
| Distance | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon | |
| Speed | Slow, Moderate, Fast | |
| Workouts | Daily running | |
