HOKA Bondi 9 vs Bondi 8
Bondi 9 or Bondi 8? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
The Bondi 9 replaced the Bondi 8.
A new supercritical foam, a taller stack, a new knit upper and a heel frame for extra steadiness.
What changed
- Foam: Supercritical EVA replaces the old EVA, making it lighter and more responsive.
- Shape: Taller stack and a broader heel, with the same moderate rocker.
- Upper: New knit upper.
- Support: New heel frame for extra steadiness.
- On the run: Bouncier and much roomier. Cushion and forefoot about the same.
- Measured: 0.3 oz lighter, 5.1mm more foam under the heel and drop up from 6.2mm to 9.1mm.
The Bondi 8 is sold out online. Ask at one of our stores in case they still have your size.
On the run
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.
Bondi 8: The original max-cushion cruiser. Lots of foam and a gliding, rolling ride for easy days and recovery runs. The foam itself is on the firm side, which keeps it stable for a max-cushion shoe. Heavy, with little bounce.
Specs side by side
| Bondi 9 | Bondi 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $175 | $115.99 (was $165) |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 43 / 38mm* | 39 / 35mm* |
| Drop | 5mm | 4mm* |
| Weight, men’s | 10.5 oz | 11 oz* |
| Weight, women’s | 9.3 oz | HOKA no longer lists it |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide, Extra wide | Standard, Wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Recovery runs, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear | Easy days, Recovery runs, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear |
| Expected life | 400–500 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
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.
Bondi 8. True to size, but tight through the midfoot with a narrow toebox, so wide feet should go straight to the wide.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Bondi 9 · Shop the Bondi 8 · Compare other running shoes