HOKA Bondi 8 Shoe Review
Max cushioning on a comfortable casual everyday wear shoe
The HOKA Bondi 8's breathable mesh upper and cushiony padding around the ankle add to the shoe’s overall comfort. Photo by Becca Downs.
November 22nd, 2024
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Our Verdict
The HOKA Bondi 8 is a highly-cushioned road running shoe ideal for easy-to-moderate running, recovery runs, and walking. With a plush EVA midsole, wide base with extended heel, and comfort-forward construction, this shoe is primed for new runners, seasoned runners looking for a recovery shoe, and avid walkers. Since it weighs more than similar recovery shoes and offers less responsiveness, it’s less versatile than our top recovery running shoe picks, like the HOKA Clifton and the On Cloudsurfer. However, if maximum cushion and total comfort are your top priorities, this shoe is worth checking out.
Men's
Women's
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Specs
Price: $165
Weight: 8.9 oz (women's) and 10.8 oz (men's)
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4 mm
Cushion: Maximum Cushion
Upper: Engineered mesh
Midsole: Foam
Outsole: Durabrasion rubber
Available sizes: 6-12, regular and wide sizes (women's); 7-13, standard and wide sizes (men's)
Best for
Because of their high cushion and wide base, the HOKA Bondi 8 is a comfortable shoe for long days on your feet. Here, the author is traveling in Mexico and found them to be a great option as the "one pair" of shoes that work for walking and occasional runs for exercise.
Runners who prioritize comfort and support over speed, especially for recovery runs
New runners prone to joint aches and pains
A cushioned walking shoe for walks around the neighborhood or long travel days
A great work shoe for those who work on their feet all day, such as nurses, teachers, and service industry workers
Folks looking for a shoe for both walking and easy-to-moderate training runs
Comparison table
Men’s
| RUNNING SHOE | MSRP* | CUSHION | STABILITY | WEIGHT (ONE SHOE) | DROP | IDEAL USE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOKA Bondi 8 | $165 | Plush | Neutral | 10.8 oz | 4 mm | Daily trainer, everyday, travel, recovery |
| HOKA Bondi 7 | $165 | Plush | Neutral | 10.7 oz | 4 mm | Everyday walking, daily trainer |
| HOKA Bondi SR (Slip Resistant) | $175 | Plush | Neutral | 14.0 oz | 4 mm | Professional use |
| Hoka Clifton 9 | $145 | Max | Neutral | 8.7 oz | 5 mm | Daily trainer, active recovery |
| On Cloudsurfer | $160 | Plush | Neutral | 8.6 oz | 10 mm | Daily trainer, active recovery |
WOmen’s
| RUNNING SHOE | MSRP* | CUSHION | STABILITY | WEIGHT | DROP | IDEAL USE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOKA Bondi 8 | $165 | Plush | Neutral | 8.9 oz | 4 mm | Daily trainer |
| HOKA Bondi 7 | $165 | Plush | Neutral | 8.7 oz | 4 mm | Everyday walking, daily trainer |
| HOKA Bondi SR (Slip Resistant) | $175 | Plush | Neutral | 11.5 oz | 4 mm | Professional use |
| Hoka Clifton 9 | $145 | Max | Neutral | 7.3 oz | 5 mm | Daily trainer, active recovery |
| On Cloudsurfer | $160 | Plush | Neutral | 7.2 oz | 10 mm | Daily trainer, active recovery |
How we tested
A neighborhood recovery run in Denver wearing the Hoka Bondi 8.
We ran and walked in these shoes on roads, sidewalks, and gravel and grass paths. We put in over 20 hours of use, from daily runs, airport travel, and casual walks around the city. The author even took them on a trip to Mexico, during which she utilized the HOKA Bondi 8s for travel days, road running, and walking around town in order to test their versatility (and save packing space). In addition, we compared notes with other testers and media reviews.
What we liked
The HOKA Bondi 8 is designed with recovery in mind, making them great for walks, travel, easy runs, and everyday wear.
Excellent cushion
Available in wide sizing
Comes in 35 colorways (which is fun, though can be overwhelming)
What could be better
Not responsive for quick turnover
Heavy
High stack height makes this feel like a lot of shoe
Less popular than the Bondi 7
Key features
The HOKA Bondi 8’s exposed EVA foam midsole has some durability concerns, as it can break down quickly even while not in use, but we haven’t noticed any major durability issues yet.
Upper
The engineered mesh upper is breathable and made of 50% recycled polyester. The memory foam collar is super soft around the ankle, which is helpful in preventing blisters.
Midsole/cushioning
The plush midsole is constructed of compression-molded EVA and designed for maximum impact absorption. It’s much softer than the already super cushioned HOKA Clifton 9, but weighs more and is less responsive (which is why we prefer the Cliftons for recovery runs).
If you’re looking for highly cushioned shoes for daily training runs and even some long distance workouts, we’ve tested and written in-depth reviews of the On Cloudeclipse, On Cloudmonster, and On Cloudstratus 3, all of which might be worth checking out. All three offer lots of cushion in the midsole, like the HOKA Bondi 8, but are more responsive and better-suited for quicker turnover.
Outsole/traction
Close-up on the outsole on the Hoka Bondi 8 running shoes.
The outsole is made of Durabrasion rubber. The traction is similar to most road running shoes—they handle roads, gravel, and short grass just fine. We wouldn’t recommend them for trail use beyond light crossover to non-technical trails on occasion.
Style and Design
The HOKA Bondi 8 comes in a whopping 35 colors, compared to five in the more-popular Bondi 7. As fun as that many options sounds, it’s a little overwhelming. Nevertheless, the colors are fun and you’re bound to find one you like.
Durability
The exposed foam of the HOKA Bondi raises concerns about longevity – both in terms of shelf-life and durability in use. As running shoe brands utilize foam materials, this is a growing concern. However, in relation to other HOKA shoes or similar shoes in other brands, the Bondi isn’t any more or less durable. For example, the HOKA Clifton 8s I’ve had for nearly two years still hold up as my go-to bartending shoe (for 1-2 shifts a week), and the foam of the Bondi 8 is on par with the Cliftons construction-wise.The upper has held up just fine in both shoes so far as well.
Weight
The women’s HOKA Bondi 8 weighs 8.9 oz per shoe (same as the Bondi 7) and the men’s weighs 10.8 oz (0.1 oz more than 7). This is on the heavier end of road running shoes, though these shoes are not intended for quick turnover and speedy workouts and don’t need to be light. Since the purpose of these shoes is for plush cushioning on daily training runs, recovery days, or walks, the weight is appropriate. (Plus, the author fears pushing for all road running shoes to be lighter means losing sight of each shoe’s purpose, and potentially sacrificing durability and shelf-life of shoes. So, she believes the weight of this shoe is no issue.)
Drop
With 4mm drop, this is a mid-drop shoe — ideal for most runners. Unless you specifically want zero-drop shoes (like the Altra Torin) to run in your natural gait, or a high-drop shoe (like the Brooks Ghost) to help cushion excessive heel striking, a mid-drop shoe is great for most people.
For what it’s worth, this shoe also has a rear crash pad that helps cushion the blow of heel striking. So if you are a heel striker, this shoe caters to you.
Fit
The words that first come to mind when I think of the fit of the HOKA Bondi 8 are bulky and plush. It’s a very soft shoe with a wide, supportive base. Media and customer reviews indicate a general consensus of this being a narrow fit. The author has narrow feet and found them perfect, so if your feet are on the wider side, it’s worth trying these on alongside a wide size to see which is more comfortable.
Comfort
The HOKA Bondi 8 is nothing if not incredibly comfortable with its plush midsole and memory foam collar. This shoe is designed to be comfortable on daily training runs, recovery jogs, and walks. The only source of discomfort we can imagine is if they fit too narrow, in which case a wide size may be preferred.
New heel geometry
The updated extended heel on the Bondi 8 adds to the base stability (and bulky appearance) of this shoe, and helps ease the blow of heel striking. The intent is to ease the body into a smoother, softer gait in an effort to alleviate aches and prevent excessive pavement pounding.
This update from the Bondi 7 seems to mean HOKA is shifting this shoe more firmly into the “recovery shoe” category, more so than a daily trainer, which was the intended use of the previous models. This is why we recommend this shoe as a recovery shoe option alongside the HOKA Clifton (our favorite for activity recovery) and the On Cloudsurfer (our favorite for recovery runs).
Tongue
The tongue is plush and partially gusseted, which helps keep dirt and debris out.
Laces
This shoe uses a traditional lacing system. Nothing of note here — we had no issues keeping shoes tied and secure.
Performance in the Field
Close-up on the Hoka Bondi 8 running shoes.
The HOKA Bondi 8 required no break-in time. They were comfortable out of the box. In fact, comfort was the first thing we noticed — our feet felt secure, cushioned, and supported on roads and sidewalks in the city.
While this shoe performed well in terms of comfort, we were quick to notice they had too much give for any pace above a recovery jog or maybe daily training miles. That is, if you want to run faster, these shoes aren’t responsive and won’t aid you in that way. Even the HOKA Cliftons and On Cloudsurfers, which we appreciate mostly for their recovery uses, encourage better turnover due to a springiness in the midsole and weighing less.
These shoes perform well in terms of comfort, recovery, and versatility between moderate running, walking, and travel. The high level of cushioning is great for folks with achy joints, the rear crash pad is helpful for heel-strikers, and the general design caters to those new to running, looking for a recovery-specific trainer, or who might be more injury-prone.
Sustainability
The HOKA Bondi 8 features partially-recycled materials, such as an upper with 50% recycled polyester, an 87% recycled polyester strobel board (essentially the base layer of the midsole), a 100% recycled polyester sockliner top cloth, and a 40% recycled polyester eyestay lining.
This shoe is also vegan, for folks who want to ensure their clothing and footwear is not made from any animal materials.
HOKA Bondi 8 vs. HOKA Bondi 7
Price: $165
Weight: 8.7 oz (women's) and 10.7 oz (men's)
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4 mm
Cushion: Maximum Cushion
Upper: Engineered mesh
Midsole: Foam
Outsole: Durabrasion rubber
Available sizes: 5-12 (women's); 7-15, standard and wide sizes (men's)
One curious thing about the Bondi 8 is that at the time of this publishing it is on sale while the 7 is still full price. A look into media reviews of the 8 vs the 7, as well as customer reviews of both, shows the 8 to be less popular than the 7.
The updates to the 8 have secured the Bondi as a recovery or slower-running-specific shoe, whereas the 7s were firmer, less bulky at the base, and better suited as an all-around daily trainer. This means folks who have been training in the Bondi 7s and previous iterations were accustomed to a more responsive shoe, and have understandably been disappointed in this new model. If you’re someone who prefers older models of the Bondi, you may be better off in the HOKA Clifton 9.
HOKA Bondi 7
Men's
Women's
Another major difference is the vast array of colorways offered in the Bondi 8 compared to the 7. Rather than 5 colorways (which the author thinks is plenty of choices already), the 8s come in 35 options. This can be really fun and allow you to feel your shoe is more personalized. This can also be overwhelming to some runners. (The author is also aging, and remembers the days of going to a running shoe store, asking for the model she needed, and just hoping the ONE COLORWAY it came in was one she liked and having to live with it if it wasn’t.)
HOKA Bondi 8 vs. HOKA Bondi SR
Price: $175
Weight: 11.5 oz (women's) and 14.0 oz (men's)
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm
Cushion: Maximum Cushion
Upper: Engineered mesh
Midsole: Foam
Outsole: Durabrasion rubber
Available sizes: 5-12 (women's); 7-15, standard and wide sizes (men's)
The HOKA Bondi SR takes the Bondi 8 model and caters it more to folks who spend all day working on their feet, like doctors and nurses, teachers, and service industry workers. In addition to the highly cushioned EVA midsole offered in both shoes, this model offers water-resistant leather and a slip-resistant outsole made of a grippy, full ground contact rubber. As a result, the Bondi SR is much heavier than the Bondi 8 (11.5 oz in women’s, 14 oz in men’s) and costs $10 more.
HOKA Bondi SR
Men's
Women's
Should I buy the HOKA Bondi 8?
Because of the plush cushioning and high stack height, the HOKA Bondi 8 is ideal for folks who will primarily use them for walking, short and easy recovery runs, or who are new to running and looking to ease their body into it. We lean toward the HOKA Clifton 9 or the On Cloudsurfer for active recovery shoes because they weigh less and offer a better balance of cushion and responsiveness, making them more versatile.
The Bondi 8, however, is super cushioned and comfortable. They are available in wide sizes, making them an accessible option for folks prioritizing a plush midsole. These shoes are also useful if you know you’ll be using them for a mix of running and walking. For example, the author took them on a trip to Mexico to double as both a road running shoe and a shoe for walking around town. This saved room in her bag, especially since she knew she wouldn’t need a workout-specific shoe (such as the HOKA Mach X 2, our pick for Best Road Running Shoe for Speed Workouts in our Best Road Running Shoes guide).
If you’re looking for a shoe that’s lighter or offers better turnover, we provide recommendations in our Best Road Running Shoes guide for lightweight trainers, speed workout shoes, long distance shoes, and more. But if all you need is a cushioned, supportive, beginner-friendly trainer for walking and daily training, the HOKA Bondi 8 is a comfortable option.
Similar Products
Hoka Clifton 9
Price: $140
Upper: Breathable mesh upper
Midsole: Compression-molded EVA
Outsole: Hi-Abrasion rubber
Weight: 7.9 oz (women’s), 8.7 (men’s)
Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm
Cushion: Balanced
Stability: Neutral
The HOKA Clifton 9s — which we’ve reviewed in-depth and featured in our Best Road Running Shoes and Best Recovery Shoes for Runners guides — is our favorite active recovery shoe for its balance of cushion and responsiveness. The shoe’s neutral support, low weight, and MetaRocker technology together provide a smooth ride we find ideal for everyday training, recovery runs, walks, or other active recovery activities.
Like the Bondi 8, this shoe shines in cushion and comfort. The Bondi 8s feel more plush than the Clifton 9s and offer more stability at the base, making them great for slow recovery runs, walks, and long travel or work days. Both models work well for easy-to-moderate running, but we find the Cliftons to be more versatile when it comes to running paces and other active pursuits. Also, folks who prefer the older models of the Bondi may now find the Cliftons to be preferable.
For what it’s worth, we actually prefer the fit of the Clifton 8s over the 9s, as long as they’re available. Check out our in-depth review of the HOKA Clifton 8 to learn more.
Hoka Clifton 9
Men's
Women's
On Cloudsurfer
Price: $160
Upper: Breathable mesh upper
Midsole: CloudTec
Outsole: Helion foam
Weight: 7.2 oz (women’s), 8.6 (men’s)
Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm
Cushion: Plush
Stability: Neutral
Due to the shoe’s plush cushioning and general comfort, we’ve featured the On Cloudsurfer in our Best Road Running Shoes and Best Recovery Shoes for Runners guides. In fact, the author appreciated these shoes so much we also have a full, in-depth review of the On Cloudsurfer.
In terms of comfort, fit, and cushion, the On Cloudsurfer is the closest comparison for the HOKA Bondi 8 of shoes we’ve tested. Both offer highly cushioned midsoles and plush cushioning around the ankles in the upper. However, the Cloudsurfer also offers a little more responsiveness and weighs nearly 2 oz less per shoe, making it a more versatile running shoe.
On Cloudsurfer
Men's
Women's
HOKA Bondi SR
Price: $175
Upper: Breathable mesh upper
Midsole: EVA
Outsole: Slip-resistant rubber and water-resistant leather
Weight: 11.5 oz (women’s), 14 oz (men’s)
Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm
Cushion: Plush
Stability: Neutral
As mentioned above, the HOKA Bondi SR takes the Bondi 8 design and gears it toward folks who work all day on their feet, such as medical professionals, teachers, and service industry workers. It adds on a water-resistant leather and slip-resistant rubber outsole. It’s much heavier and costs $10 more per shoe. We haven’t tested this one, but imagine it’s less of a running shoe and more of a work or everyday shoe. Nurses and food/bar service workers in particular might appreciate this option.
Hoka Bondi SR
Men's
Women's
About the author / Why you should trust us
Becca ran D1 cross country and track for Indiana University—Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) and continued racing everything from elite miles to an ultramarathon in her post-collegiate years. She earned a USATF Level 1 certification for coaching running and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.
She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!). After notching a few small FKTs under her belt in 2020, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into coaching, writing, crewing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, and running when her hip allows it.
You can read more of Becca's work at her website or on her author page. You can follow her on Instagram at @beccad___.
