HOKA Bondi 8

Never before had I had the opportunity to test a product from the French company HOKA and destiny has wanted me to meet, face to face, with two of its most emblematic sagas; Bondi and Clifton. In the following lines I will share with you my impressions about their top of the range shoe in cushioning that already reaches its eighth edition; the HOKA Bondi 8.

HOKA Bondi 8 prices

As soon as you take the running shoes out of the box, their maximalist aesthetics catches your eye. A shoe with a refined geometry, stylized, whose forceful cushioning takes absolute prominence. A priori, a shoe that may seem heavy but is surprisingly light.

A real runner with which to face the longest runs without sacrificing agile and balanced transitions.

The new HOKA Bondi 8 seeks to offer maximum protection in the race along with a very soft and reactive cushioning that will allow you to accumulate kilometers with maximum comfort.

For what type of runners are these HOKA Bondi 8 oriented?

HOKA has always been characterized by the maximalist profile of its silhouettes and its low drops and in the specific case of these Bondi 8 it is more than evident. Its 4-millimeter drop makes this training shoe aimed at a public with a certain running technique and requires some adaptation at a muscular level.

However, I would say that the ideal runner profile for these HOKA Bondi 8 is a runner of medium to heavy weight looking for maximum protection and comfort in their daily runs without worrying about the times of the chrono. A shoe that has a strong cushioning but reactive enough to enjoy fast transitions.

A training shoe with which you can go out and enjoy yourself with no time or pace limits.

What did I like most about the HOKA Bondi 8?

The feeling of comfort as soon as I put on this shoe has been permanent in each and every one of the workouts I have completed with them. A fluffy, friendly and soft touch that, to me, personally, has been very pleasant and reactive at the same time. Its maximalist profile emphasizes this feeling of comfort that has accompanied me for more than 150 kilometers of running with them.

Aesthetically I think it is one of the most refined models I have ever had in my hands. A very careful design and a color combination that I consider to be very successful. All this, of course, seasoned with a maximalist profile and a very light and breathable upper.

Responsive and responsive cushioning. Despite being HOKA's most cushioned running shoe, it's not heavy to move, dynamic and responsive enough to handle a wide range of paces. Lighter, more cushioned and comfortable than the previous version, the HOKA Bondi 7, it reminds us that protection and lightness can go hand in hand. It is a shoe that can be tightened if the training routine demands it but without sacrificing maximum protection and softness.

Another aspect that I would highlight very positively about this model is its stability. The construction of its last not only allows the metatarsals to extend more comfortably but also translates into greater stability.

Opportunities for improvement

It is important that we bring up the profile of the runner for whom this Bondi 8 is intended. Let's remember, this top of the range is intended to offer maximum protection over long distances on asphalt; hence we observe significant padding in the ankle collar and instep area. This can be a handicap for runners who, like me, are used to models with a more minimalist construction.

HOKA shoes comparison, bestsellers head to head: HOKA Bondi 8 vs HOKA Clifton 8

Also, the low profile of this model can condition us a lot when it comes to choosing this model or another. A 4mm drop will require a certain running technique and adaptation process to get the most out of this model.

Direct rivals HOKA Bondi 8

These HOKA Bondi 8 are placed in one of the most competitive segments of the market and we can face them with shoes of the caliber of:

Saucony Triumph 20

adidas Solarglide 5

Brooks Glycerin 20

New Balance 1080 v12

Mizuno Skyrise 3

ASICS Novablast 3

Final Conclusions.

It is not too much to say that these HOKA Bondi 8 are probably one of the best cushioning top running shoe of this 2022. A cushioned, technical, breathable and very softshoe with which to face a high volume of kilometers in your daily routines.

Without leaving aside that refined aesthetics, this model is consolidated as a safe valor for heavy runners who prioritize protection and cushioning.

Final evaluation by RUNNEA tester

• Lightweight: 8.
• Responsiveness: 9
• Cushioning: 10.
• Stability: 9.
• Flexibility: 7
• Grip: 7