Brooks Glycerin 23 vs HOKA Bondi 9

Glycerin 23 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 plush, pillowy comfort? Get the Glycerin 23.

Want max cushion with a firmer, more supportive feel? Get the Bondi 9.

Get the Glycerin 23 if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You need a roomier fit
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 5mm)

Get the Bondi 9 if

• You like a firmer, more stable feel
• You want more foam underfoot (5mm more at the heel)
• You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit
• You prefer a lower drop (5mm vs 8mm)

On the run

Glycerin 23: The plush luxury cruiser. Deep, plush cushioning with a soft heel. It’s built for comfort, not speed, and the forefoot needs a couple dozen miles to loosen up.

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

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

Glycerin 23. Runs slightly short, so if you’re between sizes, go up a half. Roomy forefoot with more toe height than the 22; the stretchy upper can feel loose on narrow feet. 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 Glycerin 23 · Shop the Bondi 9 · Compare other running shoes