There’s no mistaking what and who the Hoka Bondi 8 running shoe is for. Straight out the box its huge sole and plump upper shouts comfort. It might also shout ‘Spice Girls’ or ‘mid-90s revival’ if you’re of the same generation as me and remember the last time soles like this were popular (I’m reliably informed by my nieces that they are again). Thankfully, despite my ginger hair, nobody mistook me for Geri on my run.
The Hoka Bondi line is the brand’s most cushioned shoe and has amassed a lot of fans over its seven previous versions. While it comes up a little lighter than the Hoka Bondi 7, the Bondi 8 is not a shoe that is paying a huge amount of attention to its weight – it’s designed for comfort over speed.
Hoka Bondi 8 technical details
- Price: £145
- Weight: 252g
- Sizes: 3.5 to 9.5 with a wide fit option
- Sole: 31mm heel, 27mm forefoot
Who are the Hoka Bondi 8 for?
It’s a shoe for runners who aren’t too fussed about speed and want an enjoyable, comfortable running shoe. They’d suit beginners and heel strikers, as well as runners who have room in their cupboard (and wallet) for a dedicated recovery run shoe. They’re a neutral shoe but it does feel as though the wider sole adds a little stability to your stride.
What new features does the Hoka Bondi 8 have?
Hoka has updated the foam from the Bondi 7 to give the Bondi 8 softer and more resilient soles. They’ve also updated the heel geometry with heelstrikers in mind. The Bondi 8 also features more recycled content than its predecessor.
How does the Hoka Bondi 8 fit?
The Bondi 8 fits a little narrow in the forefoot, however there is a wide fit option so I’d definitely suggest trying that if you want or need a little extra room. Length wise it’s true to size though. The upper around the toe box is lightweight and breathable fabric, while around the ankle there’s a lot more structure and support.
Is the Hoka Bondi 8 comfy?
It’s a very comfortable shoe to take out of the box and pop onto your feet. The upper is very plush with no scrimping on the padding. Everything is designed to maximise comfort. The Hoka Bondi line has a lot of fans who use it as a walking shoe – whether that’s recreationally or because they’re runners who walk a lot for their job – and it certainly feels comfortable as I walk around the house in it.
Hoka Bondi 8 running review
My first impression of running in the Hoka Bondi 8 was not what I’d expected. The sole looks so plump that you can only anticipate it will be a pillowy soft feeling as you run. But as I set off running, this was not the case – it felt a lot firmer than I’d hoped for. During that first mile I considered turning back and swapping shoes (I was actually going to swap to the Hoka Mach 5), but I’m glad I didn’t because I’d have been judging it too soon.
Like the runner who was testing them (that would be me) the shoes needed a little time to warm up. Two miles into my run the sole started to feel a lot softer.
I was hurrying that morning because I had a train to catch, and I still hadn’t packed but the shoes were in no rush. And I think this is where their strength lies. They’re not a versatile shoe – they’re not going to help you out on speed sessions or tempo runs, they’re an easy run and recovery run shoe. That’s it. As a coach, I know how hard it is to get runners to relax and go at their true easy pace – this shoe definitely helped me do that.
On my next run I went in knowing what I was getting into with the shoe – I wore them for an easy run after doing a long, marathon training run at the weekend. While I’d still like them to be a little softer, the Bondi 8 helped me stay at an easy pace and at the end of my 4 miles my legs felt better than they had when I set off.
Hoka Bondi 8 pros and cons
Pros
- Plush, padded upper
- Will make you take your easy runs easy
Cons
- Not as bouncy as it looks
- An easy/recovery shoe – not versatile for speedier running
- Narrow in the forefoot (though there is a wide fit option)
Where can you buy them?
You can buy them now directly from Hokaor at SportsShoes.com
FAQs
Hoka's Bondi 8 is a chunky, comfortable running sneaker that works just as well for pickleball, walking, and casual everyday wear. Since I've started living in mine, I no longer feel the foot and calf pain that slowed me down in my old sneakers.
How long do Hoka Bondi 8 shoes last? ›
Its design accommodates both neutral runners and those who require a bit of extra support. Q7: How long will my Hoka Bondi 8 shoes last? A7: The lifespan of your Bondi 8s can vary based on your running style, mileage, and surface. On average, you can expect them to last between 400 to 500 miles.
Are Hoka Bondi 8 good for over pronation? ›
The Bondi 8 usually works really well for mild over-pronators (which is my case), or people with neutral gait. However, strong over-pronators, may need to look for a shoe with a proper anti-pronation control that is built in the midsole.
What is the difference between Hoka Bondi 7 and 8? ›
The Bondi 8 has an updated CMEVA midsole which feels softer under foot than the Bondi 7. This results in a plusher ride. The Bondi 8 is better for slow runs such as easy/recovery runs. The Bondi 7 with its firmer ride feels slightly faster so it's easier to pick up the pace in the Bondi 7.
Which HOKA is best for seniors? ›
“Shoes like the HOKA Transport offer comfort during long walks and are designed to help with balance issues, which is crucial for seniors.” The Transport marks Hoka's entry into commuter footwear, marrying comfort, style, and durability. We chose Transport as the best Hoka shoe for seniors because of its many features.
Why do doctors recommend Hoka shoes? ›
Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, a podiatrist and APMA spokesperson, told Prevention she recommends them for numerous reasons, including their cushioning, enhanced stability through their rocker-like bottoms and lightweight construction.
What are the cons of Hoka shoes? ›
The maximalist design of Hoka shoes, with their thick soles, often translates into a heavier shoe. While this isn't necessarily a problem for all users, it can be a drawback for those looking for a lightweight running experience. The extra weight may slow you down and contribute to fatigue during longer runs.
Is Hoka owned by Nike? ›
It was founded in 2009 in Annecy, France, and had been based in Richmond, California before it was acquired by Deckers Brands in 2013.
What is so special about Hoka shoes? ›
Nothing feels quite like HOKA. We create our unique on-foot experience with three core technologies that are in every pair: the Cushioned Midsole, our Active Foot Frame™, and the MetaRocker™. Together they create a specific performance for each HOKA style. Racers get more speed.
Why am I getting blisters from my hokas? ›
This is a particular problem with Hoka Shoes due to their tight toe box, but it happens with other shoe types as well. If the blister is at the base of the toe where it meets the forefoot then it's likely that the blister started under the forefoot.
The Hoka Bondi line is the brand's most cushioned shoe and has amassed a lot of fans over its seven previous versions. While it comes up a little lighter than the Hoka Bondi 7, the Bondi 8 is not a shoe that is paying a huge amount of attention to its weight – it's designed for comfort over speed.
Is Hoka Bondi 8 good for plantar fasciitis? ›
There's a reason this Hoka style keeps appearing on our footwear lists: The Bondi 8 is highly cushioned and offers excellent heel protection, where impact—and plantar fasciitis pain—can be most felt.
Are Hoka Bondi 8 good for knees? ›
Other noteworthy features include neutral stability, breathable mesh construction, and a heel pull tab for a nice, snug fit. They're so much more bouncy, springy, and breathable than my beloved Bondi 7s. They're like moon shoes for runners (90s kids, stand up) and have dramatically improved my knee health.
How many miles is Hoka Bondi 8 good for? ›
All things said, a lifespan of 400 miles sounds about right. Even though the Bondi 8's upper lacks the TPU overlays and denser mesh of the Bondi 7, its long-term durability doesn't appear questionable.
How heavy are Hoka Bondi 8? ›
What is Hoka Bondi used for? ›
The Hoka Bondi line has a lot of fans who use it as a walking shoe – whether that's recreationally or because they're runners who walk a lot for their job – and it certainly feels comfortable as I walk around the house in it.
Is the Bondi 8 good for plantar fasciitis? ›
There's a reason this Hoka style keeps appearing on our footwear lists: The Bondi 8 is highly cushioned and offers excellent heel protection, where impact—and plantar fasciitis pain—can be most felt.
What are the benefits of wearing Hoka shoes? ›
One of the key benefits is the superior cushioning provided by Hoka's midsole technology. This extra cushioning helps to absorb impact and reduce the risk of injuries, allowing you to run longer and faster without discomfort.
