The HOKA Bondi 9 was released in 2025 as the latest model in the brand's premium cushioned lineup. Its most notable update is in the midsole: the stiff compression-molded EVA foam from its predecessor, the HOKA Bondi 8, was swapped out for the supercritical EVA foam used in the HOKA Mach 6, which delivers a livelier ride. This shoe is a cruiser that comfortably takes you through easy mileage, recovery, and endurance runs. Its excellent cushioning, wider base platform, and stiffer heel counter offer good lateral stability despite the height. Furthermore, the midsole changes have resulted in a 7mm heel-to-toe drop and reduced its weight compared to previous iterations, helping ensure comfort for longer rides.
Our Verdict
The HOKA Bondi 9 isn't a good option for race day, as it doesn't let the runner push the pace. This shoe also has a narrow fit that may cause discomfort when dealing with swelling at longer mileage. The cushioning protects your legs over marathon distances, though its weight and bulk limit any competitive edge.
High cushioning for a comfortable and protective ride.
True-to-size-length.
Not enough energy return.
Heavy weight reduces its overall performance.
The manufacturer didn't design the HOKA Bondi 9 as a short-distance racing shoe. Although you can use it in such a race, the overall density of the foam, weight, and lack of energy return don't provide it with the snappiness you need to push your pace.
True-to-size-length.
Not enough energy return.
Heavy weight reduces its overall performance.
The HOKA Bondi 9 is adequately responsive. The supercritical EVA foam gives a reasonable amount of energy return, and there's a decent rocker in the forefoot, although it's not stiff enough to deliver much propulsion under higher pressure.
Energy return is balanced across heel and forefoot.
True-to-size-length.
Heavy weight reduces its overall performance.
The HOKA Bondi 9 delivers most in its cushioning. The supercritical EVA foam in the midsole, with a stack height of 41.5mm at the heel and 34.5mm at the forefoot, offers excellent protection, providing a fun and comfortable ride for easy pace and recovery runs.
Excellent protection level
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Tall stack height.
True-to-size-length.
The HOKA Bondi 9 provides satisfactory lateral stability. The shoe has a wide base flair that provides stability to help offset its stack height. The combination of the softer foam density at the heel, which absorbs the initial impact, and the forefoot firmness helps stabilize as the foot transitions through the mid to forefoot of the shoe.
Wide base platform.
Firm midsole at the forefoot.
True-to-size-length.
On the higher side for stack height.
The HOKA Bondi 9 delivers an excellent, true-to-size fit that feels comfortable for most runners, which suits all-day wear. The length is spot-on, but the main limitation is the forefoot width, which is more tapered and can feel a bit narrow around the toes, especially if you have a wider forefoot or like extra toe splay. If that sounds like you, the wide version is the better match and helps the shoe feel more naturally roomy up front.
Enough room for most at the arch and ball of foot.
True-to-size-length.
Very narrow in the toe area.
Performance Usages
Changelog
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Updated Apr 30, 2026:
We've updated this review to add text for the new Responsiveness usage box and made minor phrasing adjustments throughout the review for consistency.
- Updated Apr 28, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.11, adding two new rocker measurements to the Design section, and three new responsiveness tests to the Performance section. The Energy Return usage score has been replaced with Responsiveness. Check out the details in our changelog.
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Updated Apr 08, 2026:
We refreshed the lineup section of the Popular Running Shoe Comparisons box.
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Updated Feb 16, 2026:
We updated the review to include text for the full set of new fit tests and the corresponding usage box, which were recently added to our test bench.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We purchased and tested this shoe in a men's US size 9, as shown here on the label of our pair. The pair we bought is in the Drizzle/Downpour colorway. The model is available in more than 18 colorways, purchasable through various retailers depending on your region. This shoe is available in a variety of widths, ranging from B (Women's Medium; Men's Narrow) to D (Women's Wide; Men's Medium), 2E (Men's Wide; Women's Extra Wide), and 4E (Men's Extra Wide). The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other sizes and gender variants to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The HOKA Bondi 9 is the latest version of the premium cushioned cruiser. Compared to the HOKA Bondi 8, this model features an updated midsole, replacing compression-molded EVA foam with supercritical EVA foam. Although the rocker geometry remains the same, the improvements in the new midsole foam give the latest iteration a livelier ride, thanks to its softer, lighter composition that increases energy return. This shoe also fits more true to size than its predecessor. We recommend that individuals with wider feet purchase wider models or opt for a half-size up to provide more room in both the forefoot and heel.
Overall, this shoe is designed for slow, consistent mileage and maximum comfort. Compared to the HOKA Clifton 10, it delivers a softer and more cushioned ride with greater underfoot protection but less versatility for faster efforts. Runners seeking a similarly plush feel with a livelier response might prefer the HOKA Skyward X. There's also the HOKA Gaviota 6, a premium support trainer designed to guide your foot through the stride. For those who want a bouncier and more responsive trainer outside the brand, the ASICS MEGABLAST, with its light weight and FF Turbo² foam, is a fantastic option that's versatile enough for a variety of paces and workouts.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, as well as the best long-distance running shoes and the best shoes for running a marathon.
The HOKA Clifton 10 will get you through your daily mileage with no fuss, while the HOKA Bondi 9 focuses heavily on comfort with its premium cushioning. The differences start with the midsole. The Clifton 10 utilizes compression-molded EVA foam, with a taller stack height and higher cushioning, offering a softer underfoot feel, enhanced protection, and still maintaining its versatility. However, the Bondi 9, with its new supercritical EVA foam, improves bounce, responsiveness, and energy return to the runner. The shoe's excellent cushioning and consistent forefoot firmness prioritize comfort and protection, reducing the risk of bottoming out over the Clifton 10. If you want to maintain versatility for daily mileage, the Clifton 10 is your pick; if you prefer a comfortable, fun ride, the Bondi 9 is the way to go.
The HOKA Bondi 8 and HOKA Bondi 9 share the same DNA, but the ninth version shifts the feel noticeably. The Bondi 9 is lighter and swaps the firmer compression-molded EVA of the Bondi 8 for a supercritical EVA that feels softer, livelier, and more modern underfoot, making it the better pick for runners who want a more cushioned, energetic ride. The Bondi 8, however, remains the more stable and structured option, with a more pronounced rocker and firmer platform that many still appreciate for light running, walking, or long hours on your feet.
The Brooks Ghost Max 3 and HOKA Bondi 9 are two shoes that deliver very different experiences on foot. The HOKA is all about plush cushioning, and its supercritical EVA midsole soaks up even the heaviest of impacts. The HOKA does an okay job of returning the energy you put into it, so you'll get a bit of bounce in your step. The Brooks, on the other hand, is a firmer, less cushy shoe. The stiffer midsole, combined with a slightly lower stack height, makes the Brooks shoe a bit more stable than the HOKA. It also gives the shoe very little bounce. If you're planning to do more running than walking, the HOKA is the better shoe. If you want a walking shoe that you can occasionally run with, the Brooks is a solid choice.
The HOKA Clifton 9 and HOKA Bondi 9 are both cushioned daily trainers, but they deliver comfort in different ways. The Clifton 9 is the more straightforward option, with a stable, predictable ride that works well for easy mileage when you want a no-drama cruiser. The Bondi 9 feels more premium and modern underfoot, delivering a livelier ride thanks to its softer, lighter foam, which increases energy return while also feeling more cushioned. Even with a slightly higher stack, it still feels a bit lighter, which helps it feel less bulky for a max-cushion style shoe. Overall, this makes the Bondi a more versatile option for various run lengths and types.
We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
While this is a bulky shoe, it's lost some weight from the update in foam compositions. However, it remains on the heavier side despite the changes made to the midsole, with its stiff heel counter, thick padded tongue, and high-density foam.
This shoe offers a moderate level of heel energy return, giving each landing a smoother, more forgiving feel similar to other premium daily trainers in the category, like the PUMA MagMax NITRO or ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 27. The updated midsole helps absorb the impact more efficiently, allowing for a smooth heel-to-toe transition and reduced fatigue over longer runs.
The forefoot on this shoe offers more substantial energy return than most max-cushioned models, helping each stride feel livelier. The supercritical EVA foam adds extra bounce to the ride, helping it feel less sluggish and more responsive during longer runs.
The HOKA Bondi 9's heel consistently absorbs impact efficiently and keeps heel-to-toe transitions smooth. It provides exceptionally reliable comfort and support for runners seeking a protective ride.
The forefoot cushioning on this shoe is amazing. The shoe's iconic wide platform base in the forefoot, combined with supercritical EVA foam from the HOKA Mach 6, offers a softer landing and a more exciting ride than its previous generation to those who forefoot strike during their runs.
The heel on this shoe is very soft. For those who heel strike, this may feel overly squishy and cause instability at initial impact before transitioning through the midsole to toe off.
This shoe's forefoot firmness remains quite soft under light to medium loads, complementing the new liveliness the updated midsole brings. However, it remains a stable platform for pushing off, offering a more controlled and protected feel. The shoe's broad base further enhances this, providing a comfortable ride.
