The Kiprun Kipride Max is a new max-stack model from Decathlon. The Hoka Bondi 9 is Hoka’s cushioning benchmark, a hugely popular shoe that has fallen a bit behind the competition. On paper the two are close, but the Bondi 9 is a bit pricier, about $10 more.
The Kipride Max uses Softech+, a blend of EVA, Peba and OBC, with no plate. The impact feel is well balanced, closer to plush. The Bondi 9 goes with a supercritical EVA foam, and the feel is well balanced given its dimensions, neither firm nor too soft.
The Bondi 9 sits a bit higher under the heel, with a little more foam under the forefoot and a slightly lower drop. It is also a bit heavier, by about 15 g / 0.5 oz.
The Kipride Max is fun to pick up the pace in, from easy runs to tempo paces, thanks to the Peba in the midsole. The Bondi 9 is not especially responsive and stays best suited to moderate paces: even tempo runs are not easy.
The Kipride Max upper, in engineered mesh, is very breathable and heavily padded, with a gusseted tongue. Its fit did not suit every tester, though. The Bondi 9 fit wins everyone over, with a very good zonal knit. Breathability is not its strong point: your foot can heat up in summer. And its tongue is not gusseted.
Traction is very good on both, though the Kipride Max is less convincing on wet ground. Kiprun claims 800 to 1000 km for the Kipride Max, while some runners flag the Bondi 9’s outsole durability.
Kipride Max or Bondi 9: Which Should You Choose?
For most runners, the Kipride Max offers more versatility for slightly less money.
The Bondi 9 appeals to Hoka fans, and it suits you if what you want above all is maximum cushioning for slow easy runs and recovery.