Hoka Bondi 9 and Bondi 8 are both running shoes that give a lot of cushion and comfort. The Bondi 9 uses new foam that feels softer and lighter.
The Bondi 8 is a little heavier and the cushion feels a bit firmer. Both shoes are good for daily running and long walks.
In this comparison, we will explain the differences and benefits of both shoes, so you can choose the right one for you.
| Specs | Hoka Bondi 9 | Hoka Bondi 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Pace | Daily running | Daily running |
| Midsole Drop | 5.0 mm | 4.0 mm |
| Heel Height | 43.0 mm | 39.0 mm |
| Forefoot Height | 38.0 mm | 35.0 mm |
| Support System | Neutral | Neutral |
| Cushion | Maximum | Maximum |
| Size | True to size | True to size |
| Weight (Men’s) | 10.8 oz / 305 g | 10.8 oz / 305 g |
| Weight (Women’s) | 9.3 oz / 265 g | 9.2 oz / 262 g |
| Waterproofing | No | No |
| Widths Available | Normal, Wide, X-Wide | Normal, Wide, X-Wide |
| Removable Insole | YES | YES |
| Price | $165 | $160 |
| Audience verdict | 93 Superb! | 84 Good! |
Pros & Cons: Hoka Bondi 9 VS Bond
Pros: Hoka Bondi 9
- Enhanced Cushioning with Supercritical EVA Midsole: The Bondi 9 features a new supercritical EVA foam that feels softer, more responsive, and slightly lighter than the traditional midsole used in the Bondi 8.
- Improved Step-In Comfort: Right from the first wear, Bondi 9 delivers a plush, comfortable feel underfoot, making it ideal for long hours of standing or walking.
- More Stability Despite Height: Even though it has a tall stack height, the Bondi 9 offers a surprisingly stable ride—great for runners who want comfort without sacrificing support.
- Versatile for Walking and Running: Whether you’re logging slow training miles or just heading out for a walk, the Bondi 9 handles both with ease.
- Durable Build: This shoe is made to last, with a strong outsole and sturdy upper that can withstand plenty of wear.
- Refined Heel Design: The heel collar in the Bondi 9 is better designed, providing a secure fit and preventing slippage or discomfort.
- Increased Stack Height & Reflective Elements: The Bondi 9 adds 2 mm more cushioning and includes reflective materials on the upper, making it more visible in low-light conditions.
Cons: Hoka Bondi 9
- Narrow Fit – Not Ideal for Wide Feet: The standard version runs narrow, making it uncomfortable for runners with wider feet unless they opt for a wide size.
- Still Feels Bulky: Despite shedding a bit of weight from the Bondi 8, it retains a heavy, chunky feel underfoot.
- Drop Measurement May Be Off: The actual heel-to-toe drop doesn’t quite match the stated specs, which may affect certain runners’ biomechanics.
- Limited Energy Return: While it’s soft and cushioned, it lacks the springy, responsive feel some runners expect from high-performance trainers.
- Tongue Isn’t Gusseted: The loose tongue can shift around during runs, which may lead to discomfort over longer distances.
- Expensive for EVA-Based Cushioning: Given the price, some runners may feel they’re not getting enough advanced tech or performance for the money.
Pros: Hoka Bondi 8
- Extremely Comfortable Ride: The Bondi 8 offers a smooth, cushioned ride that feels plush underfoot—ideal for long walks, daily wear, and slow runs.
- Naturally Stable: Despite its soft midsole, the shoe provides a stable platform thanks to its wide base and structured design.
- Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials, it stands up well to daily use and long mileage.
- Soft and Breathable Upper: The engineered mesh upper is not only breathable but also has a very soft, cozy feel that enhances overall comfort.
- Great for Standing Long Hours: If you’re on your feet all day (nurses, retail workers, etc.), the Bondi 8 delivers the support and cushioning you need.
Cons: Hoka Bondi 8
- Very Heavy: One of the heaviest running shoes in its category, the Bondi 8 can feel clunky, especially during faster-paced activities.
- Snug Fit – Not for Wide Feet: The shoe runs narrow, particularly in the midfoot and toebox, which can feel restrictive for runners with wide or high-volume feet.
- Lacks Responsiveness: The foam feels soft but lacks energy return or “bounce,” making it less suitable for dynamic workouts or tempo runs.
- Inert, Uninspiring Midsole: While cushioned, the EVA foam feels flat and less engaging over time, especially compared to modern superfoams.
- Uncomfortable for Some Foot Shapes: The snug, narrow upper and tight midfoot may cause discomfort for those who prefer a roomier or more flexible fit.
Upper: Hoka Bondi 9 VS Bondi 8
Let’s compare the upper part of the Hoka Bondi 9 and Bondi 8 — that’s the part of the shoe that wraps around your foot and gives you that first feel of comfort.
The Bondi 9 comes with a new structured knit upper, and it’s a pretty nice upgrade. The material has a little bit of stretch, which helps it hug your foot comfortably without squeezing it too tight.
One of the best things here is the zonal breathability — that means some parts of the upper are built to let air in more, so your feet stay cooler during walks or runs.
Hoka also added a 3D molded heel collar in the back. That means your heel gets soft padding around it, and it helps your foot stay in place without slipping.
Overall, the upper feels smoother and more flexible than before, especially for everyday use.
The Bondi 8 uses an engineered mesh upper, which is soft but a bit thicker and less breathable than the Bondi 9. That means your foot might get a little warmer during longer walks or runs.
The tongue and heel collar are plush, so they feel nice and cozy. But the fit is where some people had issues.
The upper of the Bondi 8 feels tight in the midfoot and toebox, especially if you have wide feet. The front part of the shoe tapers quickly, so your toes might feel squeezed in.
The good news is — after wearing it for a while, the upper does stretch out a bit, but it still stays snug. Hoka does offer wide sizes, which is a helpful option for people who need more room.
If you want a more breathable, flexible, and updated upper, the Bondi 9 clearly steps ahead. But if you like a softer, cozy feel and don’t mind a snug fit, the Bondi 8 still gets the job done.
Just be sure to consider your foot shape — wide-footed folks may feel more comfortable going for the wide version in either shoe.
Midsole: Hoka Bondi 9 VS Bondi 8
Hoka Bondi 8
The Bondi 8 comes with a thick foam midsole that looks super soft at first. And yes, when you’re walking slowly, it does feel comfy. But once you start running or pick up the pace, many runners say it starts to feel firm and a bit flat. It doesn’t give back much energy, so if you’re looking for a “bouncy” or fun ride, this might not be the best choice.
The foam they used is the same old EVA foam from Bondi 7. It gives you lots of protection, especially if you’re walking or doing slow jogs. But still, it feels kind of like a rubber block under the foot instead of soft pillows. That makes it better for long, slow runs or standing for hours, but not for fast runs or high-energy workouts.
Good thing is, the base is wider, and the shape of the midsole makes transitions smoother. It also helps you stay stable, so you don’t feel wobbly when walking or running.
In simple words: Bondi 8 is nice for comfort and protection if you’re going slow, but it can feel stiff and heavy when you want to go faster.
Hoka Bondi 9 – What’s New and Better?
The Bondi 9 brings in a new midsole foam called supercritical EVA. That sounds fancy, and honestly—it is! It gives a softer and lighter feel compared to the Bondi 8, while still being firm enough to keep things stable.
If you like plush cushioning but don’t want to feel like you’re sinking into the shoe, the Bondi 9 finds a pretty nice balance. It doesn’t feel too soft or too squishy, which is great if you’re using it for long walks or slow runs.
One thing to know: while it feels more modern and smoother than the Bondi 8, it’s still not the bounciest shoe out there.
If you’re looking for a super springy ride, this might not be your top pick. But if your goal is comfort, stability, and a better overall ride, Bondi 9 definitely wins.
Also, it holds up really well over time. Even after miles of walking or running, the foam stays strong and cushy.
In simple words: Bondi 9 is more modern, slightly lighter, and more comfortable for long wear. It’s soft but not mushy, and it keeps your feet feeling stable.
Outsole: Hoka Bondi 9 VS Bondi 8
The outsole is the bottom part of the shoe that touches the ground when you walk or run. It helps with grip and makes your shoes last longer.
Now, from everything we’ve seen, Hoka didn’t make a huge change to the outsole from the Bondi 8 to the Bondi 9. But here’s what did get better:
In the Bondi 9, the midsole is now made of a new supercritical EVA foam, and that also affects how the outsole feels. Even though the rubber pattern underneath looks a lot like the Bondi 8, the overall feel is a little different.
The Bondi 9 outsole works better with the new foam, which means:
- It gives you a smoother ride (yup, it helps your foot roll forward more easily).
- It holds its shape better — the old Bondis used to squish down and spread out sideways more, but this one stays stronger.
- And because the shoe is now a bit lighter and bouncier, the outsole doesn’t feel as clunky.
So if you’ve worn the Bondi 8 before, the bottom of the Bondi 9 will feel familiar, but with better bounce and a little more durability thanks to the improved midsole and outsole combo.
Still super soft. Still super comfy. Just better made for today’s runners.
Support: Hoka Bondi 9 VS Bondi 8
So first off, both Bondi 8 and 9 are known for being super cushioned and stable shoes. If you’re someone who walks or runs a lot and wants something soft under your feet, both shoes do a great job.
But here’s where the Bondi 9 steps up its game in support:
Active Foot Frame
Both shoes have what Hoka calls an Active Foot Frame. That means instead of just standing on top of the cushion, your foot kind of sits inside the shoe — like sitting in a comfy chair instead of on a bench.
This design gives your foot more stability without needing extra arch stuff or stiff materials.
Better Fit = Better Support
A big complaint with the Bondi 8 was that it felt too tight or narrow for some people. That tight fit could lead to discomfort or rubbing, especially if you have a wider foot.
The Bondi 9 fixed that. They made it a bit wider and more flexible in the upper part, so your foot feels more supported and relaxed. Also, they now offer wide and extra-wide sizes, so it fits more people better.
Lighter Foam, Same Support
The new supercritical EVA foam in the Bondi 9 is lighter and bouncier, but it doesn’t lose support. Even though the shoe is softer, it still holds your foot steady thanks to the smart design and structure.
Fit & Sizing: Hoka Bondi 9 VS Bondi 8
Bondi 8: A Bit Tight for Some People
When people wore the Bondi 8, some felt it was too narrow or tight, especially around the midfoot. If your feet are a little wide, the Bondi 8 might’ve felt uncomfortable — like your foot was being squished. Some even felt rubbing on the inside where the top of the shoe meets the footbed. Not fun, right?
Bondi 9: A Better Fit
Now here’s the good news — Hoka listened to what runners said and made the Bondi 9 better.
- They made it wider around the midfoot, so your foot has more room to breathe.
- The toe box (front of the shoe) now feels more balanced — not too tight, not too loose.
- Plus, Hoka added wide and extra-wide options in the Bondi 9, so it fits more foot shapes.
Even if you still feel a tiny bit of tightness (like on your smallest toe), trying the wide version could solve that.
So, Which One’s Better?
If the Bondi 8 felt tight, then you’ll probably love the Bondi 9. It’s made to be more comfortable, roomy, and better for people with average to wider feet. And with more size options, it’s easier to find the perfect fit.