SHOE REVIEW: Hoka Bondi 9
The everyday high-cushioned trainer returns for its ninth iteration, featuring a brand-new responsive midsole

Cue one of the hardest-working shoes in the Hoka lineup—the ninth edition of the plush everyday trainer, the Bondi. More than a decade ago, this shoe helped pioneer high-cushion technology, and its latest iteration stays true to that legacy, delivering peak plushness for everyday miles. While it maintains the signature feel of its predecessors, the Bondi 9 has been completely rebuilt, with increased stack height and a new premium foam midsole, enhancing the soft, resilient ride that defines high-cushioned trainers.
In this latest model, Hoka has also reworked the midsole and upper to further distinguish the Bondi 9 from other high-cushioned shoes on the market.

Specs
Category: Neutral cushioning
Weight: 9.3 oz./263g (women’s), 10.5 oz./297g (men’s)
Drop: 5mm (43mm heel, 38mm forefoot)
Price: $200
Release: January 15, 2025
Upper

The biggest change to the Bondi 9’s upper is the elevated 3D-molded heel collar, designed to enhance stability and make this workhorse trainer even more supportive than previous iterations. The collar extends higher on the heel, providing a secure grip and cushioned support, particularly for runners who heel strike. While this creates a locked-in feel, it may not be ideal to those who are sensitive to firm heel structures.
I found the toe box slightly snug, causing mild rubbing on my toes. The Bondi 9 has a more compact fit overall, which adds to the snugness of the forefoot. While the soft mesh upper is likely to break in and mould to your foot over time, runners with a wider forefoot may want to consider going up half a size. The shoe transitions into a standard midfoot fit with a lower instep and a non-gusseted, slightly thicker tongue. Aside from the fit, the upper is both supportive and breathable, making it a reliable choice for daily mileage in various conditions.
Midsole

The key challenge in designing the Bondi 9 was figuring out how to make one of the softest cushioned shoes on the market even softer. Another big biggest update to the shoe is in the midsole, where Hoka transitioned from CMEVA foam in the Bondi 8 to supercritical EVA in the Bondi 9.
So, what’s the difference? The new midsole feels noticeably more responsive and bouncier, making the Bondi 9 the softest iteration yet while eliminating the firmer feel of its predecessor. The brand also added two millimetres of foam underfoot, bringing the stack height up to 43mm. This enhances the plush ride without adding unnecessary bulk.
Hoka’s MetaRocker geometry further contributes to a smooth, effortless ride, making the shoe feel lighter despite its substantial stack. However, when picking up the pace, I noticed the rocker—it’s not excessively soft but still provides enough cushioning for daily recovery runs and post-workout mileage.
Outsole

Hoka stuck with its reliable Durabrasion rubber outsole for the Bondi 9, a feature carried over from previous iterations. This unique rubber compound is designed to enhance durability and traction, reinforcing high-wear areas without adding weight. No matter your footstrike, the outsole provides a stable grip, making the Bondi 9 a solid choice for various conditions. I found the shoe performed well in snowy and wet environments, offering above-average traction compared to other high-cushioned models on the market
Verdict
The Hoka Bondi 9 refines its signature plush ride while trimming some weight, though it remains on the heavier side for those looking for a shoe to do speedwork in. The new supercritical EVA midsole injects more bounce and responsiveness, making the shoe feel smoother at easy paces. Despite the updates, the Bondi stays true to its core identity—high stack height, a rocker design and a plush yet structured cushioned ride.
This shoe excels in recovery runs, steady paces and all-day wear, making it a top choice for walking and standing. The structured heel provides extra support for those who need it, though it may not suit runners who prefer a more flexible feel. However, if you’re looking for a shoe to pick up the pace, the Bondi 9 isn’t the best fit—the transition from heel to forefoot can feel slow and clunky at higher speeds. If you’re in need of a cushioned, stable and comfortable daily trainer, the Bondi 9 delivers.