HOKA Bondi 9 Review: Features, Specs and Verdict

The HOKA Bondi 9 is HOKA’s max cushioned everyday shoe, built for slow runs, long runs and walking. This version gets a new supercritical EVA foam and 2 mm more stack, according to BIKILA’s product description.

This review is based on that description and on RunRepeat’s lab tests, not on our own testing. The 8.6 out of 10 rating is an indicative score based on that data.

What the HOKA Bondi 9 offers

The Bondi has long been HOKA’s most cushioned model. According to RunRepeat, the Bondi 8 had slipped to a 36.2 mm heel, close to any daily trainer. Version 9 goes up to 41.3 mm, switches to a supercritical EVA foam, adds a knit upper with zoned ventilation and redesigns the heel collar. The outsole uses Durabrasion rubber in the highest-wear areas.

HOKA Bondi 9 technical specifications

Feature	Value
Lab-measured weight	303 g
Official / measured drop	5 / 9.1 mm
Heel / forefoot stack (lab)	41.3 / 32.2 mm
Foam	Supercritical EVA
Foam firmness	43.0 AC (average 35.4)
Surface	Road
Pronation	Neutral
Carbon plate	No
Price at BIKILA (November 2026)	€179.95

The drop gap is large. RunRepeat measures at the points set by World Athletics and believes HOKA measures closer to the midfoot. Drop and stack height are explained in drop, cushioning and carbon plate.

Midsole and cushioning

It absorbs 146 units of impact at the heel, above the lab average of 131. The foam is firm, though: 43.0 AC on the durometer, well above the 35.4 average. RunRepeat points out that the Bondi has never been a soft shoe, whatever it looks like. Energy return is 60.3%, around the average, so it is not built for bounce.

Stability and weight

It weighs 303 grams, a high figure, but RunRepeat considers it light for its size and lighter than the Bondi 8. The base is very wide at the heel, midfoot and forefoot, which keeps it stable for its height. It scored 4 out of 5 in the torsion test: the flex grooves in the outsole take away some stiffness.

Upper, fit and outsole

The toebox is narrow (72.5 mm) but tall (29.6 mm), so it leaves room for the toes vertically and little to the sides. It is a typical HOKA fit that does not suit wide feet. The tongue is not gusseted. The outsole has 3.4 mm of rubber, and RunRepeat sees it as built to last.

Who is the HOKA Bondi 9 for?

Runners who do most of their kilometres at a slow pace and want protection on every step, and anyone who will also use it for walking or long days on their feet.

Who it is not for: runners with wide feet, anyone after a soft ride, or runners who want to change pace. When you push the pace, the weight and bulk show.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Plenty of foam at heel and forefoot
• Stable for its height
• Thick, durable outsole
• Comfortable from the first step

Cons:

• Heavy and bulky
• Narrow toebox
• Real drop does not match the stated one

Alternatives

If you are unsure, compare it with the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28, also made for slow running, or the ASICS Superblast 3, much lighter and softer. Within HOKA, the Clifton 10 is lighter (275 g in RunRepeat’s lab). We compare them all in our guide to max cushioned running shoes, and you can put them side by side in the shoe comparison tool.

Final verdict

The HOKA Bondi 9 is back to the stack height people expect from it, with firm foam and a wide base that keeps it stable. It is heavy, fits narrow and suits easy paces. Choose well, run better.

FAQ

How much does the HOKA Bondi 9 weigh and what is its drop?

In RunRepeat’s lab it weighed 303 g and measured a 9.1 mm drop. HOKA states 5 mm.

Can you walk in the Bondi 9?

Yes. RunRepeat notes that it also works as a walking shoe, thanks to its comfort and stable base.

How much does the HOKA Bondi 9 cost?

In November 2026 it is €179.95 at BIKILA. Some colours are reduced to €149.90, in few sizes.

What rating does the HOKA Bondi 9 get?

At KnowPace we give it 8.6 out of 10, an indicative score based on RunRepeat’s lab review.