Hoka One One Bondi 8 Review

When you look down at the Hoka Bondi on your foot, most people think: wow, that's a big shoe. It's really not as "big" as you think. This year it has also shed some excess width and even appears slightly "smaller." This isn't to be mistaken as a small or lightweight shoe! 

For the first time ever in the Hoka Bondi, I found the upper to fit slightly snug. Not snug enough to change sizes but snug enough that it was noticeably more narrow than previous versions. I hope this isn't a trend because I've always liked and counted on Hoka models fitting slightly wider.

Hoka eliminated the overlays, but the mesh is thicker than in previous versions. This means the shoe is not as breathable as in the past, which is not great as we go into a Mojave Desert summer! I've noticed my feet getting hot and sweating a few times. There are no blisters yet, but I wonder if that will become an issue! 

When looking at running shoes, you want to find an upper that feels comfortable with no points of irritation. You don't need to break a shoe in. For the most part, the Hoka Bondi 8 is comfortable at the step-in, although it is noticeably more narrow than previous versions.

In running shoes, I usually wear between a women's size 10-11 wide. I've found the women's size 11 best fit for the Hoka Bondi 8.

The Bondi now uses 40% Recycled polyester eyestay lining, the upper mesh with 50% recycled polyester, and the sock liner top cloth is 100% recycled polyester. While I appreciate the use of sustainable products, I do think it affects the upper, and it does not breathe as well. I am hoping as we move forward, Hoka will be able to fine-tune the upper and make it more breathable while continuing to use sustainable pieces.

The good news is the Bondi 8 uses the same compression-molded EVA as the Bondi 7. Wahoo! Despite using the same compression-molded EVA, it will feel slightly different. Compared to other maximal cushioned shoes, the Bondi 8 leans towards firmer.

This year the shoe is slightly lighter than previous versions, but it's still one of the beefiest shoes. I'm sure there are heavier shoes, but none even come to mind. Sometimes a shoe can be heavy and responsive, making it a shoe you *can* run fast in. The Hoka Bondi 8 is not that. It is designed to run easy, recovery runs, or even walking. It's one of the least flexible and most stiff shoes out there. If you need a stiff shoe that doesn't bend, it's one of the best options. 

The most significant change in the ride of the Hoka Bondi is in the geometry. A large sole flare goes through the entire shoe length, and Hoka extended the heel and beveled it. What does this mean? The shoe is even smoother transitioning from heel to toe, no matter who you are. You would expect with a shoe like this, it would feel clunky rolling from heel to toe. It doesn't, no matter your form. This makes it an ideal shoe for runners and walkers. 

I figured the Hoka Bondi 8 would be a strictly easy run or recovery run shoe, and that's exactly what it is. I've tried to run "fast" a couple of times, and it feels unnatural and like I'm trying to pick up my feet super high. It doesn't feel comfortable to run fast in them, and there are much better options. It's a great shoe for what it's intended to do: easy runs. With the maximum cushion, I run in the Bondi 8 some days, and my body doesn't even feel like it's run.

The Bondi 8 uses a Durabrasion rubber outsole in key areas. I'm usually all about rubber on the entire outsole of the shoe, but I am glad Hoka has only placed it in key areas. Why? The rubber makes shoes heavier, and I don't think the Bondi needs more weight.

But even just placement in key areas is fine, and the Bondi 8 handles inclement weather well. You don't have to worry about sliding around. You do have to worry about the upper holding water getting even heavier. I've run in the pouring rain and on the desert trails and haven't had any issues with sliding. 

Regarding durability, you can expect the Hoka Bondi 8 to live a full life of 400+ miles. The durability and cushion is one of the greatest gifts of this shoe. It's an easy run shoe that handles those recovery days for what feels like a hundred running seasons.

The Bondi 8 is a great shoe for recovery and easy runs. In fact, I believe it's one of the best as it rolls and transitions well from heel to toe no matter who you are. These days there are several more options for easy runs, but the Bondi 8 sets the standard for max cushioned trainers. I do hope the next version is wider. 

Who should buy the Hoka One One Hoka Bondi 8 ?If you're looking for a maximum cushioned shoe designed for running easy or walking. If you are looking for a rigid shoe that doesn't bend, it's one of the best options out there. 

Who should not buy the Hoka One One Hoka Bondi 8 ?If you want a running shoe, you can pick up the pace. The Hoka Bondi 8 is not designed to run fast.