Hoka Bondi 9 Review (2025): The Best Cushioning?
Hoka is one of the most popular brands right now, and the Bondi is emblematic of that success.
Like many models these days, the Bondi is also available in a version with a carbon plate (Bondi X).
The traditional Bondi remains very popular, and this new version was eagerly anticipated.
Are the changes significant? Does it align with your goals?
That's what we'll be looking at in this review of the Hoka Bondi 9.
Why should you trust me?
With a 2:38 marathon PR and a substantial weekly training volume, I test a lot of running shoes, and it feeds straight back into my own training.
I tested the Hoka Bondi 9 on different types of surfaces during various workouts to evaluate their comfort and how they felt while running. I also consulted with other runners of different skill levels to validate my impressions and ensure that my recommendations would be useful to as many runners as possible.
Our verdict
A good shoe with monster cushioning for daily training.
- Weight: 284 g / 10.0 oz in size 42
- Supercritical EVA foam
- Height: 43 mm (heel), 38 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 5 mm
- Training for All Distances
The long-awaited new Hoka Bondi 9 features changes that enhance this already very popular series.
The midsole is even thicker for even more cushioning. Despite this, the shoe is lighter than the previous version.
This feat is made possible by the switch to a lighter supercritical EVA foam. While the shoe offers plenty of protection, responsiveness is still not its strong suit.
The new mesh upper with zone-specific knitting provides the comfort that the series is known for, although it could be more breathable.
Finally, the Durabrasion Rubber provides good traction.
In short, the Hoka Bondi 9 stands out as the best version yet and is sure to delight fans. It’s a reliable training partner that offers excellent protection for all your daily workouts.
Pros
- Excellent shock absorption with maximum cushioning
- A shoe that offers just as much comfort as ever
- Good traction on all surfaces
- Good stability thanks to the bucket seat design
- Lighter supercritical foam
Cons
- The upper could be more breathable
- Keep an eye on the durability of the outsole
- Lack of responsiveness
Cushioning
The midsole measures 43 mm under the heel and 38 mm under the forefoot. Suffice it to say that this shoe, already known for its bold design, will delight runners seeking a maximalist experience.
Shock absorption is excellent, and there are no limitations in terms of distance or runner profile, the shoe is very well suited for heavier runners.
As with most of its latest models, Hoka has replaced the traditional foam with a larger amount of supercritical EVA foam (unnamed technology).
Some testers found the shoe to be very plush, but I don't think that's the case. While it's not firm either, the shoe offers a balanced feel given its size.
Finally, the heel-to-toe drop is 5 mm. This comes as no surprise to fans of the brand, but it may take some getting used to for others. It has the advantage of providing plenty of protection under the forefoot, a nice plus for forefoot strikers.
Energy Return
Despite the extra foam and the thicker sole, the shoe manages to be lighter than the V8 (284 g in size 42 versus 295 g) thanks to the supercritical foam.
That said, you can't really call the shoe lightweight: it's pretty much on par with other models in its category.
Even though there have been some improvements, the shoe isn't particularly responsive and won't be ideal for picking up the pace.
However, this won't be a problem for beginners, and more experienced runners can incorporate the Bondi 9 into their rotation for moderate-paced runs.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the Meta-Rocker geometry ensures smooth and fast heel-to-toe transitions.
Support and Stability
ACTIVE FOOT FRAME technology (a bucket seat design inspired by Formula 1 cars) provides the shoe with adequate stability.
Some testers did find, however, that this v9 wasn't as stable as v8 because of its larger dimensions.
Please note that this model is officially designed for universal use, so it is suitable for runners with a neutral or supinated gait.
Foot lockdown
The new upper is one of the shoe's standout features, with its high-quality "zonal knit" mesh.
The fit received unanimous praise from testers, which is rare enough to be worth noting (especially with Hoka shoes in general).
I've always had trouble finding the right size for this brand's shoes, but I had no issues with the Bondi 9 (I went up ½ size compared to other brands' models).
In general, testers note that the shoe fits the same as other Hoka models.
In addition, the upper is stretchier and adapts quite well to any foot shape.
So the size is standard.
Hoka hasn't skimped on comfort. The fit is comfortable, and you feel great in the shoe thanks to the generous padding. The experience actually gets even better as the shoe molds to the shape of your foot.
As is often the case with these double-layered knitted uppers, breathability isn't great, and your feet get hot in the summer despite the perforations.
Finally, the tongue isn't gusseted, and some runners have reported that it slips a bit (though that wasn't the case for me). The flat laces help provide foot lockdown.
Traction
Hoka relies on its Durabrasion Rubber, which covers a large portion of the outsole in high-impact areas.
It's a smart choice, and the Bondi 9 offers excellent traction, even on wet surfaces, where it grips the ground well.
In addition, the numerous grooves ensure good flexibility.
Finally, even though it's designed for the road, it can also take you on easy trails and paths.
Usage
The Hoka Bondi 9 is ideal for moderate-pace training, like easy runs.
Shock absorption is excellent, allowing runners of all types to push themselves during their usual long runs.
Speed workouts will be more challenging: even tempo runs won’t be easy. Despite this, many runners will still have enough responsiveness at moderate paces.
The Hoka Bondi 9 isn't designed for racing, but it can be a good choice for a marathon for those who prioritize comfort above all else.
Finally, the shoe is a good pick for beginners. You’ll just need to be mindful of the low heel-to-toe drop and the height, as the latter can cause a bit of instability.
Quality and Lifespan
The upper is sturdy, and the foam doesn't lose its cushioning quickly.
On the other hand, some testers have pointed out issues with the outsole. So this is something to keep in mind if that’s an area that tends to wear out quickly for you.
The value for money is in line with market standards.
The upper of the Hoka Bondi 9 is made from 55% recycled polyester and contains no animal-derived materials (vegan model).
Hoka Bondi 9 vs. 8
This new version includes the following changes:
- New supercritical EVA foam
- Larger dimensions for better shock absorption
- 5 mm drop (compared to 4 mm)
- New 3D-molded collar construction
- Slight decrease in weight (10 g)
- New, more comfortable engineered mesh upper
The consensus, and my own view, is that the Bondi 9 is the best in the series to date, so we recommend going with this one.
Our Other Comparisons
- Hoka Bondi 9 vs. Clifton 12
- Hoka Bondi 9 vs. Skyward X 2
Conclusion
There's no doubt that this Hoka Bondi 9 will satisfy fans of the brand, it's clearly the best Bondi in the series!
Beyond this target audience, this shoe will be an excellent training partner for building up mileage on moderate-paced runs. It can also be a great choice for a marathon if comfort and cushioning are your top priorities.
Technical Description
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Heel height | 43 mm |
| Forefoot height | 38 mm |
| Weight (men) | 284 g/10 oz |
| Weight (women) | 263 g/9.3 oz |
| Features | Vegan, Heavy runner |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2025 |
| Price | Check Prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Medium |
Technologies
| Outsole | Durabrasion Rubber |
| Midsole | Supercritical EVA foam, Active Foot Frame, Meta-Rocker |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh |
Use
| Speed | Slow, Moderate |
| Distance | Short, 5K, Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Workout | Daily running, Recovery |
Reference: Hoka official website
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