HOKA BONDI 7 RUNNING SHOE REVIEW

Noticed a lot of runners wearing Hoka shoes these days? People are discovering and loving the signature plush cushioning of the Hoka Clifton and Bondi series. The Bondi is the most cushioned shoe in the Hoka range, and we wanted to see how they stack up as an option for runners. Join us in our Hoka Bondi 7 running shoe review, let’s see if this is a buy or a miss.

We regularly test running shoes to give you an independant and objective opinion to help you with your buying decisions. This time, we wanted to test out one of the most cushioned running shoes available today. Enter the Hoka Bondi 7…hype or effective, let’s find out.

Hoka is a relative newcomer in the running shoe space, and many people may not have heard of it. Subsequently, do you trust a new running shoe, or stick with what you already know? That’s where we come in.

We have put the Hoka Bondi 7 through it’s paces, and we can now tell you how it performs as a trainer, who it’s for, what the quality is like, and ultimately, should you try it.

Welcome to our review, let’s get started.

Disclaimer – I purchased this these shoes with my own money and have not been paid by anyone to make this review. This is my honest, independent opinion.

Who Is Hoka One One?

Hoka One One was founded in France in 2009 by two former employees of another famous running brand, Salomon.

The founders wanted to design a more cushioned shoe, with a wider footprint for extra stability.

Ultra-marathoners were the first runners to adopt this new style of ultra cushioned shoe and it’s popularity quickly spread to other mainstream runners.

Hoka One One was subsequently taken over by an American company in 2013 and is now based in California.

The company currently prodruces running shoes in all genres including road running, trail running, track and field, and triathlon. They also have many professional runners endorsing their product.

DID YOU KNOW? Wondering about the name? It hails from the Maori language and loosely translated means ‘fly over the earth’.

What is the Hoka Bondi 7?

The Bondi series is Hoka’s most cushioned road running shoe. Most running shoe manufacturers have a cushioned shoe in their range, but the Bondi series takes this to another level, and has gained quite a reputation for it’s extremely plush cushioning.

Each iteration in the Bondi series has improved on the design, technology and material quality of the previous models.

The 7 features a beautifully plush, full EVA midsole. Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), is the cushioning material used by many manufacturers in mid-sole construction. Essentially it is like a memory foam that can withstand large loads whilst remaining soft and not flattening out over time. It is a popular preferred material due to its lightweight and durability.

These shoes also incorporate what Hoka calls its Meta-Rocker feature. This is a design characteristic of the shoe that affects how the shoe impacts the ground as you run. As you hit the ground with the heel, the shape of the shoe will roll you forward to the toe which has the effect of driving you forward.

Another welcome addition to the Bondi 7 design is the memory foam collar around the heel area. This is a soft but supportive cradle for the heel. The upper of the shoe is constructed from an open mesh material which aids breathability.

Features and Specs.

Here are some specs from the Hoka One One website for the Bondi 7’s-

• Open-engineered mesh construction delivers breathable comfort.
• Memory foam collar cradles ankle in plush comfort.
• TPU overlays offer additional midfoot structure and support.
• Internal heel counter provides a supportive, locked-in fit.
• Full-length compression-moulded EVA midsole.
• Refined early-stage Meta-Rocker for a smooth ride.
• Bevelled heel design offers a smooth transition and increased durability.
• Rubber outsole minimizes weight and maximizes durability.

TIP: We have found Hoka shoes to be of a more generous fitting size. This is great for people who find some shoes too narrow, or experience tightness in the toe box. It’s a good idea to try the shoes on before buying, you may even find, as I did, that a half size smaller may fit better.

Who Is The Hoka Bondi 7 For?

Ultra-marathoners have embraced the Hoka range of cushioned shoes. This is quite a tick of approval given the long distances they cover.

But really, anyone who likes the idea of a plush or highly cushioned shoe should definitely put the Bondi 7 on their shopping list. For anyone who typically buys highly cushioned shoes, such as the Saucony Triumph, you will love the even more plush feeling of the Bondi’s.

There is a little controversy within the running community around the benefits of maximalist or highly cushioned shoes. Some studies suggest that an overly cushioned shoe can actually increase the impact through the joints as you run by altering the biomechanical movement of the body. I have not seen any evidence of this with the Bondi’s.

From my experience using Saucony Triumph shoes over the last few years, and now the Hoka’s, I can report having great success with this type of highly cushioned trainer. In general training on road, track and trail, I have had no running-related injuries. They have been comfortable to wear and perform well in marathons and other long-distance events. Go here for our review of the Saucony Triumph 18.

DID YOU KNOW: The Hoka Cliftons and Bondi’s are regularly recommended by podiatrists to clients who need a shoe that not only provides protective cushioning, but will also accomodate an orthotic insert.

First Impressions Of The Hoka Bondi 7.

My first impression after stepping out of the Saucony’s Triumphs and into the Bondi’s was that it was a much larger shoe, in width and height.

This is because Hoka have engineered the Bondi with quite a thick foam midsole to provide the extra cushioning, and the stack height is subsequently taller than the Saucony’s.

Because of this, and to maintain stability, they have also widened the shoe’s overall footprint.

Out of the box, the extra thickness and width is quite apparent but the shoe feels very comfortable and sure-footed, and reasonably light.

Walking in the Hoka’s for the first time not only highlighted the beautiful plush cushioning, but also the Meta-Rocker engineering. At first the Meta-Rocker may impart a slightly’ ‘tipping forward’ feeling as you walk. However, once you are accustomed to this characteristic of the shoe, they feel great to walk in.

As usual with most brands these days, the packaging was all recyclable cardborad and paper, no unnecessary plastic here.

Running In The Hoka Bondi 7.

First Run.

My first run in the 7’s was a short 7k midweek recovery run.

They seemed to fit well, there was no blister-inducing rubbing anywhere, and they felt fairly light despite the size. Collar cushioning was great and combined with a secure lacing system, my feet were well supported and snugly secure.

TIP: Due to the slightly more generous sizing of the Bondi’s, if you feel any movement of the heel as you run, Hoka have provided an extra lacing eyelet closer to the heel which you can use to tie a lock-lace. This will give you more lockdown in the heel area.

The wide footprint felt very stable, the rubber outsole was softer than the Saucony’s and had plenty of grip.

The compliant and softer outsole rubber worked well on a variety of surfaces. I tested them on grass, bitumen, concrete paths, stairs, gravel and dirt. Together with a reasonably aggressive tread patteren, I found the Bondi’s offered confidence inspiring traction.

Hoka’s Meta-Rocker technology successfully assists in propelling you forward as you transition through each step from heel strike to toe-off.

However, due to the stack height, you are fairly insulated from the running surface, there isn’t the ground feel you would experience with a more ‘minimalist’ running shoe.

The open mesh material of the upper firmly located the foot inside the shoe and offered good breathability.

The first run in the Hoka’s did not require any adjustment during the run, the fit felt good. I did not experience and blister inducing movement of the foot within the shoe, particularly in the heel area. The generous width of the shoes may allow a little sideways movement in people with a narrow foot, that is why a half size smaller than normal may suit some runners.

First run done, off to a great start.

Second Run.

A longish 17k run for the second test. Time to test out the cushioning of the Hoka’s in a long run, this should be where they shine.

This second run was completed on concrete paths, bitumen roads and dirt trails.

For the entire run, the Bondi’s felt great. The shock of ground impact with those many thousands of steps was cushioned beautifully, there was no hint of mushiness of sloppiness.

I think Hoka have got the cushioning about right in this type of training scenario, enough firmness to keep the feet actively engaged with the surface but still a plush ride.

By the end of the run, my feet were not tired or fatigued in any way, there was also no sign of any rubbing or chafing.

As a long-distance trainer, or for competitive use in a marathon or ultra-marathon, I believe these shoes would be an effective option.

TIP: Having tested out the Bondi’s in many different types of training workouts, my tip would be that these shoes are more suited to long-distance running. Other less chunky designs will be better for shorter speed work, or more intense workouts.

Is The Hoka Bondi 7 Good Quality?

At RMWA, you will have heard us bang on quite a bit about buying quality shoes, and getting properly fitted over buying on price , colour, style or some other criteria.

Buying a quality shoe is an important investment in the health of your feet and muscular-skeleton system. Remaining injury free and your performance also depend on making the right choice.

So is the Hoka Bondi 7 the right choice in terms of quality and suitability for newbie and experienced runners alike?

As an update to this post, I have had these shoes now for a few months, and covered a lot of distance in them. Here are my observations.

• Construction quality is first rate, the shoes have not displayed any manufacturing faults. There has been no splitting, stitching coming apart, or glue failure.
• The outsole has worn very well, no excessive wear.
• The upper has not stretched or deformed, and is constructed of robust materials.
• The midsole has not flatened or compacted over time.

At this point of thorough testing, I can safely say that these trainers appear to be of high quality, and should be very reliable for most runners.

Is The Hoka Bondi 7 Good Value?

In Australia, the price directly from Hoka One One is $269.95. This is standard pricing for quality running shoes these days. Models from many companies are now starting to breach the $300 mark.

Given the quality of the materials used, the excellent construction, and the durability of these shoes, I would say they represent good value at this price-point.

Pro’s And Con’s Of The Hoka Bondi 7.

Wrapping It Up.

Buying a pair of high-end running shoes is an exercise you want to get right first time. If you get it wrong, it could wind up costing you quite a bit of cash to replace them, or possibly, a running-related injury.

If a highly cushioned shoe is your jam, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the Bondi 7’s. There are plenty of fanboys and girls out there who swear by them.

Notwithstanding the various studies that suggest a highly cushioned shoe may not, in fact, help to reduce impact through the joints, these type of running shoes are used widely in the running community and with great success.

My first-run experience with them was positive, they felt great, the cushioning was plush without any mushiness, and they were extremely comfortable straight out of the box.

After spending a lot of time in the Bondi’s, they have earnt a permanent place in my shoe rotation.

Get on down to your running store and try them on, take note of how the high stack feels and whether the plush cushioning is right for you.

Let me know in the comments if you have tried the Hoka’s and what your experience with them was like.

We rate the Bondi 7 as four stars.

Happy running

Steve.

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