Hoka Bondi 9: The Softest Shoe I've Ever Worn

Drew

Let's talk about the HOKA Bondi 9. I am a runner and Physical Therapist with H2 Health with a focus on treating patients with orthopedic conditions. Basically, I spend a lot of time on my feet and need a shoe that is up to the job.

My go-to shoe has been the ASICS Gel Cumulus for the past 8 years but was excited to change it up for the HOKA Bondi 9. My wife, an RN, has sworn by her HOKAs for years and has been recommending them to me for longer than I would like to admit.

I'm thankful for John's Run/Walk Shop for the opportunity to test these out! Bottom line: if you're looking for cushion and relief through the day for your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back, these are the shoes for you.

What I've Loved:

• THICK Foam: They've got this new foam in the middle part of the shoe (midsole, if you wanna get fancy). It's like, extra soft and bouncy. Way better than the old Bondi, they say. Definitely more cushion than I have ever had in a shoe.

• Supportive Ankle Collar: The part that goes around your ankle is a new design, coming up higher than your average shoe and has extra cushion. It provides additional support and weight distribution.

• Breathable Top: The top part has mesh that lets your feet breathe. Not as breathable as some shoes, but also seems to be more durable than others. I tend to wear out the outside part of the toe box in my Gel Cumulus, and I don't foresee that being an issue here.

• Wide and Stable: Even though it's super soft, it's still pretty stable. Good for those of us who aren't perfectly balanced runners (aka, most of us!)

• Tough Bottom: The bottom is made of tough rubber in the spots that wear out fast. So, it should last a while.

• Great for Walking Around: Not just for running! If you're on your feet all day, these are awesome. I can tell a huge difference when I have worn these all day versus any of my other shoes.

Not-So-Good Stuff:

•  A Bit Heavy: I wouldn’t wear these as race shoes since I like to compete in lighter gear. That said, I do feel the extra support and cushion help with fatigue over the course of a day or run.

•  Pricey: HOKAs aren't cheap and the $170 price tag isn’t in everyone’s budget. However, the added durability may help them last longer than other shoes.

• Everyday Balance: If you have issues with balance or falls, the cushion may feel like too much. I have noticed myself drift off from one side or the other while standing. Of course, this won't be an issue for an average user like myself, but older individuals or those with pre-existing balance issues may have concerns.

Who Should Buy The HOKA Bondi 9?

•  Long Distance Runners: If you're logging serious miles, your feet and joints will appreciate the Bondi 9's plush cushioning.

• Recovery Day Runners: Perfect for easy runs when you want to give your body a break.

• Walkers and People on Their Feet All Day: Nurses, teachers, retail workers … anyone who spends hours standing or walking will find these incredibly comfortable.

• People with Joint Pain: Especially if you experience foot, knee, hip, or back pain, the Bondi 9's extra cushioning can make a real difference. This could be beneficial for individuals with arthritis or other joint conditions.

The HOKA Bondi 9 is all about comfort. If you want a super soft, super cushioned shoe for everyday runs, long slow miles, or just being comfy on your feet all day, these are awesome. They're not the fastest or lightest, but they're definitely comfy and built to last. If you want max cushion, you should totally check these out.