HOKA Bondi X

The wise men have come early! At the beginning of December 2021 I had the opportunity to test the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi X

The Bondi is one of HOKA ONE ONE ONE's first iconic models. These running shoes represent the essence of HOKA ONE ONE ONE's image with that famous midsole maximalism.

While all manufacturers add a carbon plate to their flying models for elite runners, HOKA ONE ONE ONE implements the carbon plate in the Bondi X; a shoe for runners who prefer comfort and cushioning.

When the first Bondi was launched, all manufacturers were in a frantic race for minimalist and ultralight models.

At that time, HOKA ONE ONE burst onto the market with a completely different approach, opting for maximalism, with models featuring an oversized midsole. In 2021, the U.S. company once again flaunted its DNA with the release of the new version of the Bondi.

Get the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi X for the best price

The revolution is shown from the beginning with a name change. This is the eighth version of the Bondi, but it has a new name. After the Bondi 6, the Bondi 7, we move on to the HOKA ONE ONE ONE Bondi X. Quite a statement of intent on the part of the company.

What's behind the name change of these HOKA ONE ONE ONE Bondi X?

While all manufacturers add a carbon plate to their flying models for elite runners, HOKA ONE ONE ONE implements the carbon plate in the Bondi X, which is a shoe for runners who prefer comfort and cushioning.

A sort of "democratization" of the carbon plate? Yes, certainly, although its price makes it a relatively difficult product for most runners to approach.

What type of runner is the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi X for?

In the HOKA ONE ONE ONE running shoe range, the Rocket X and Carbon X2 already feature the carbon plate but are racing shoes that only weigh up to 240g. The Bondi X, weighing in at 300, is a "heavy weight" that has been invited to the carbon shoes table.

HOKA ONE ONE ONE Bondi X, main features

It is thus a carbon plate placed in a maximalist shoe. The cushioning foam is EVA, specifically the CMEVA compound, which is considered very absorbent but very unresponsive. And HOKA ONE ONE puts a good layer of EVA: 33 mm under the heel and 28 in the forefoot. A drop therefore of 5 mm.

It is a shoe for slow runners looking for comfort and cushioning.

I am, therefore, an ideal runner for this test, an amateur marathon runner, with a profile that is far from moving at race-head paces, prioritizes comfort and cushioning when opting for one model or another.

With this foam layer without a carbon plate, the shoe would be relatively soft. The plate provides additional energy return, extra propulsion. It's exhilarating to feel the leg propel through the stride without having to exert extra effort. But, there is a but, I'll tell you all about it.

What did we like most about the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi X?

If there's one thing that makes these Bondi X stand out, it's their balanced design that accurately matches performance and aesthetics. All elements are treated with special care.

The technical mesh is breathable and holds the foot perfectly, offering a perfect anatomical fit. The heel strap allows the Bondi X to be put on quickly.

The tongue is minimalist but has a very ergonomic cut that perfectly protects the foot. The lacing holes are oblong, allowing for a perfect fit of the flat laces.

The laces are also well anchored with a central hole at the upper level and another in the middle of the tongue.

But the biggest plus of the Bondi X is the carbon plate effect that offers fantastic responsiveness. Therefore, the stride is cushioned but with a generous response.

What we liked least about the HOKA ONE ONE ONE Bondi X

The carbon plate concept for mid-level and slow runners presents a problem. To get the plate effect you have to run with a stride that enters the forefoot. It is a matter of applying maximum force to the plate to deform it. If we enter on the heel or run at a very slow pace (in running or endurance races), the shoe is extremely stiff and the response of the plate is lower.

To get plate response you need to have a good running technique and that's through mid-foot entry.

With the combination of your weight and the inertia of your run, the plate deforms and provides the desired energy return and flexibility. If the plate does not deform, the shoe remains extremely stiff.

Conclusions

The concept of a carbon plate shoe for non-elite runners has not yet caught on. They are interesting shoes for series, to run in competition in order to beat your records. But they are not suitable for slow paces as we will not get the necessary performance out of the model.

Therefore, the runner should have two pairs of shoes, one dedicated to slow paces, and the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi X for paces that allow you to bend the plate well and thus benefit from its fantastic energy return. This is something to take into consideration.

From my personal experience I will continue to use the Bondi X for my sets, and for racing. However, for slow pacing I would stick with the shoes without carbon plates.

That said, I'd like to go back to the fantastic feeling of energy return . It's magical to feel like your legs are almost going on their own with every stride out.

RUNNEA Tester's Final Rating

• Lightness: 8
• Responsiveness: 10
• Cushioning: 9
• Flexibility: 8
• Stability: 10
• Grip: 9