HOKA Stinson 8 vs Bondi 9

Stinson 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 maximum protection and stability on easy trails? Get the Stinson 8.

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

Get the Stinson 8 if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You’re heading off-road
• You need a roomier fit
• You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward

Get the Bondi 9 if

• You like a firmer, more stable feel
• You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
• Long runs are your thing
• You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit

On the run

Stinson 8: The tank-like max-cushion cruiser. Huge, protective and very stable, with a progressive rocker. Great on gravel and easy trails, but the EVA foam feels muted and it’s very heavy.

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

Stinson 8. True to size and surprisingly roomy for a HOKA. 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 Stinson 8 · Shop the Bondi 9 · Compare other running shoes