Our Verdict
The Hoka Bondi 8 continues to deliver on its main purpose, which is to be a comfortable, easy run shoe, but it lacks versatility and is heavier and less enjoyable to use than other max-cushioned shoes.
For
- Comfortable, protective ride
- Long-lasting
Against
- Heavy
- Not the smoothest or softest
- Better options available
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The Hoka Bondi 8 is a classic in the max-cushioned category of running shoes. The early versions offered high stacks of foam way before other brands picked up on the idea in order to deliver the best cushioned running shoes. The Bondi has long been one of the best running shoes for those seeking protection from the impact of the sport.
However, competition in the max-cushioned category is fiercer than ever and, even after several updates on the Bondi 7, the Hoka Bondi 8 falls short of the best cushioned shoes.
Hoka Bondi 8: Price And Availability
The Hoka Bondi 8 is available now and costs $160 in the US and £145 in the UK, which is pricier than Hoka’s other classic cushioned shoe, the Clifton 8, which is $140/£130.
Design And Fit
The upper on the Bondi 8 will be familiar to long-term fans of this shoe line. It is a breathable engineered mesh with flat laces and plump padding on the tongue and collar to create a luxurious feel. The fit is a little narrow: this worked well for me in my normal size, since I have a narrow foot, but those who have struggled with narrow Hoka shoes in the past will probably have similar complaints here.
Based on appearances, the midsole seems similar to previous versions of the shoe. It’s still a big stack of foam with side walls, so your foot sits within the foam at the heel to create a bucket seat effect. The stack height is 33mm at the heel in the men’s shoe and 31mm in the women’s, with a 4mm drop, and my UK size 9 weighs 11.4oz/323g. However, the midsole has been changed from the Bondi 7, Hoka having modified the foam to make it lighter and softer. The heel crash pad has also been extended to make for a smoother ride when heel-striking.
The outsole has exposed foam in the midfoot but good rubber coverage in the key impact areas around the heel and forefoot. The Bondi has always been a durable shoe and from my use of the 8 I expect it to last hundreds of miles of running.
How I Tested This Shoe
I have run 50km in the Hoka Bondi 8, using it mostly for easy runs during my marathon training. I haven’t run in the Bondi 6 or 7, but have used the last few versions of the Clifton.
Running Performance
If the Bondi 8 is softer and lighter than the Bondi 7, I feel relieved that I never used the previous version because soft and light are not two adjectives that come to mind when running in the 8.
It’s a heavy shoe, even within the max-cushioned category, and many of those cushioned shoes that are heavier than the Bondi 8 feel lighter on the foot because of a well-designed rocker or a responsive midsole foam. I didn’t feel either with the Bondi 8. The foam isn’t unduly firm, but it’s not soft, squishy, bouncy or especially exciting. It’s a dull ride, and while it undoubtedly protects the legs well during high-mileage weeks, it doesn’t bring much joy to the run.
The Bondi 8 is not a versatile shoe either. Any time I tried to move beyond easy paces it felt uncomfortably large and awkward. You could argue that it’s a shoe designed only for easy running, but there are many well-cushioned shoes that are just as comfortable that offer more versatility than the Bondi 8. That is the Bondi 8’s main problem.
Sure, it’s an easy run shoe that you can rack up a lot of miles in without worrying about durability. However, that’s now the minimum expectation for a max-cushioned shoe, and others like the Brooks Glycerin 20, Nike Invincible 2, On Cloudmonster and Saucony Triumph 20 offer a lot more to runners. I also prefer the lighter Clifton 8 if sticking within Hoka’s range.
Is The Hoka Bondi 8 Worth It?
The Bondi 8 does what the Bondi line has always done, which is offer a lot of protection and cushioning for easy runs. If that’s all you used it for and you are happy with a stable but dull ride, then it’s a reasonable option.
However, in my opinion there are a multitude of better options on the market. The Nike Invincible 2 is less stable, but bouncier and more enjoyable to use. The Brooks Glycerin 20 has a more responsive midsole and is more versatile while still comfortable. The same goes for the Saucony Triumph 20, while the On Cloudmonster is much lighter and works well as a daily trainer.
The Hoka Clifton 8 is a more versatile cushioned shoe as well, and even if you do want the stable, protective ride offered by the Bondi 8, I’d say the Nike Infinity Run 3 offers that with a smoother feel than the Bondi thanks to its well-executed rocker.
