HOKA Arahi 8 vs Bondi 9
Arahi 8 or Bondi 9? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want soft cushioning with quiet support? Get the Arahi 8.
Want max cushion with a firmer, more supportive feel? Get the Bondi 9.
Get the Arahi 8 if
- Your feet roll inward or you like extra support
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You need a roomier fit
- You want the lighter shoe, by about 0.7 oz
Get the Bondi 9 if
- You don’t need stability and prefer a neutral ride
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You want more foam underfoot (4mm more at the heel)
- You’re on your feet all day or walk a lot
On the run
Arahi 8: Soft stability, the HOKA way. The softest Arahi yet, with a smooth rocker. The support comes from a frame on both sides of the heel, so it guides you without feeling like a traditional stability shoe.
Bondi 9: The supportive max-cushion tank. A huge, protective slab of foam that’s firmer than it looks, more supportive than squishy. The rocker keeps it moving, but it’s built for easy miles and long days on your feet, not speed.
Specs side by side
| Arahi 8 | Bondi 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.95 (was $150) | $175 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 39 / 31mm* | 43 / 38mm* |
| Drop | 8mm | 5mm |
| Weight, men’s | 9.8 oz | 10.5 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 7.7 oz | 9.3 oz |
| Support | Stability | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide, Extra wide | Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Long runs, Recovery runs | Easy days, Recovery runs, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 450–550 miles | 400–500 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Arahi 8. True to size with a roomy toebox and a snug midfoot. Some runners find the volume generous, so lace it firmly. Wide and extra-wide available.
Bondi 9. Lower volume, with a toebox that tapers, so wide feet should go straight to the wide. The heel counter is stiff, so it isn’t a sockless shoe.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Arahi 8 · Shop the Bondi 9 · Compare other running shoes