The Hoka Bondi is one of the most cushioned running shoes on the market. The Hoka Bondi 8 is a softer ride than the Hoka Bondi 7 with a revamped midsole using resilient EVA-based foam that enhances cushion and durability. I road test both of these shoes! Read on to learn more about the differences between the two Hoka Bondi models.
It’s no secret that I am a big Hoka One One running shoe fan. When I deviated from my Hokas, I got injured. Now, I’m a dedicated Hoka wearer, no more wavering. So, I just had to try the best cushioned running shoes on the market, the Hoka Bondi 7, and then the later model, the Hoka Bondi 8.
The short answer on the difference between Hoka Bondi 7 and 8 is that the Bondi 8 is softer and plusher, while the Bondi 7 is firmer and more breathable. After testing with a road run and recovery walks, I did not find the Hoka Bondi 8 shoe to be worth the price differential for its added features. If price is no object, you will be happy with the upgraded version.
While most everyone agrees that Hoka’s Bondi is one of the most cushioned running shoes out there — not everyone loves them (me included). I will explain why!
Related: Do PRP Injections Work? My Experience with a Plantar Fascia Tear
Jump ahead:
Related: 7 Best Hokas for Long Distances
Hoka Bondi 7 vs. Bondi 8: What’s the Difference?
If you are an injury-prone runner in need of a cushiony, roomy shoe, then the Hoka Bondi 8 is your shoe! Released in August of 2022, the Bondi 8 took the already infamously lush Bondi 7 up another notch to be one of the best cushioned running shoes on the market.
Read the results of my road test of both shoes.
In fact, the Hoka Bondi 8 is Hoka’s softest running shoe. The Hoka Bondi 8 packs more foam underfoot in the hard-hitting areas plus extra rubber for durability than its predecessor, the Bondi 7, for unmatched cushion and improved durability.
The Bondi 8 even has a wider base than the Bondi 7 for extra stability.
Both the Bondi 7 and the Bondi 8’s softness is great for a marathoner’s recovery runs and base-building runs, as well as a person’s long work shifts or walks. Due to its weight and bulkiness, it’s not a good shoe for speedwork, racing, track work, or long runs.
Related: 9 Running Hacks that Will Make You Run Faster
What changed in the new model of the Hoka Bondi 8?
Some of the major changes in the Hoka Bondi 8 compared to the Bondi 7 are to the midsole, width, and durability:
- More cushioned midsole that is softer and LESS responsive than the Hoka Bondi 7.
- Increased durability due to more rubber outsole coverage.
- Improved sustainability with more eco-friendly materials in the upper section.
- Wider model for increased stability
- Heel strike zones for heel strikers
- Enhanced breathable upper with extra padding
Bondis are best for:
- base mileage runs
- recovery runs
- walking
- long periods of standing
- injury-prone runners
- those with plantar fasciitis
- moderate pronators, and
- heel strikers.
Read more about who should wear Bondis.
Hoka Bondi Pros
- Maximum cushy comfort with its ultra-soft memory foam
- Great support for a neutral shoe
- Signature meta-rocker technology for optimal propulsion
- Wide toe box
- Ventilated and fitted upper with open-engineered mesh construction
- Durable
- Additional width options
- Wide base for stability
- Internal heel counter cradles foot
- Supremely plush collar with memory foam
Hoka Bondi Cons
- Heavy and clunky
- Not versatile
- Narrow midfoot
- Tongue of Hoka Bondi 7 slips
- Low energy return
Hoka Bondi 8 vs. Bondi 7 Specs
- Brand: Hoka
- Model: Bondi 8 vs. Bondi 7
- Type: everyday trainer, good for easy runs, recovery runs, walking and standing
- Terrain: road
- Stability: neutral
- Weight:
- Bondi 8: 8.9 oz for women size 9, 10.8 oz for men;
- Bondi 7: 8.9 oz for women size 9, 10.7 oz for men
- Heel Drop/Stack offset: Hoka standard 4 mm
- Stack height:
- Bondi 8: 33/29 mm (heel to toe)
- Bondi 7: 36/32 mm (heel to toe)
- Width: Regular, Wide (2E), Extra Wide (4E).
- Price:
- Hoka Bondi 8 $165
- Hoka Bondi 7 $127.95
Related: How I Stopped Being an Injury Prone Runner
My road test of both shoes
Okay, so now we know a bit about the Hoka Bondi. But how does the Hoka Bondi 8 compare to previous versions? I tested them out for you.
I tried the Hoka Bondi 7 in July of 2022, just before the Bondi 8 was released.
As a long-established running coach, I take the task of understanding shoe specs, such as drop, weight, and cushioning type — as well as features like stability and flexibility — very seriously. Here’s what I found when comparing the Hoka Bondi 7 vs. Bondi 8.
My Hoka Bondi 7 experience
My first impression of the Hoka Bondi 7 was that it was the most cushioned running shoe I have ever worn. Indeed, it felt like I was slipping my feet into pillows. I loved the memory foam collar and the plushness underfoot.
The Bondi 7 provided cushion throughout the duration of my run, even delaying chronic metatarsal pain that begins to haunt me around mile 10.
The heels felt especially supported and I felt very high off the ground as if my foot was never really striking the ground. (Some people may not like this feeling).
While I felt like my feet were bulletproof to impact, I also felt like I was wearing boats on my feet. Even though the shoes aren’t incredibly heavy, they felt clunky and hard to lift up. Indeed, my easy pace was as much as 20 seconds slower per mile wearing the Bondi 7s! Therefore I deemed these a recovery run shoe after hard workouts or long runs.
My Hoka Bondi 8 experience
A month after running with the Bondi 7s, I tried the newly released Bondi 8. And if I thought the Bondi 7s were like wearing pillows for my feet, the Bondi 8s were like wearing big (really BIG) fluffy clouds.
The Bondi 8s are a marathoner’s dream as far as cushion goes. After a long hard run, you may make an audible “ahhh” when you slip them on. There’s more foam in the sole, particularly high-strike zones and a lux padded collar. Chances are, you’ll like the sleek design which makes it look less like you’re wearing boats for shoes.
Still, running in the Bondi 8s are extremely clunky (even more so than the Bondi 7s, in my opinion—but not by much) so these shoes are best for recovery runs or base mileage. Also, the extra cushion means they are less responsive of a shoe.
I wear mine as recovery shoes for walking after hard runs.
Which Hoka Bondi is best?
Here’s a summary of what these two cushioned running shoes offer:
- The Hoka Bondi 8 is the most cushioned Hoka on the market and is more durable than the Bondi 7.
- The Hoka Bondi 7 is not as cushioned but is still a super plush ride with a little less weight and size.
After extensive road testing, I found that the Bondi 8 is a better shoe than the Bondi 7 — but not $40 better (which is the current price differential).
Hoka Bondi 8 vs. Hoka 7 Pros
- More eco-friendly
- Smoother heel-to-toe roll
- Roomier toe box
- Softer yet more durable foam, adding only a bit of extra weight
- Crash pad foam and rubber is intelligently placed in high-heel strike zones
- More rubber for added durability
- Beveled lines are attractive and add shock absorption and durability
- Increase sole grip for better traction
- Tongue is half-sewn so it doesn’t slip
- Ventilated mesh in upper adds breathability and support for foot placement and arches
- Heel is more tapered to reduce slipping and plantar fascia stress
Hoka Bondi 8 vs. Hoka 7 Cons
- A bit heavier
- Bulkier feeling
- Less responsive, so you feel slower
- More expensive
Who should wear Hoka Bondi 8?
The Hoka Bondi 8 is best for runners who are:
- heel strikers
- injury prone
- foot pain such as metatarsalgia, tendonitis or inflammation, neuropathy, or plantar fasciitis
This is because the Hoka Bondi 8 has an updated heel geometry for heel strikers, plus a meta rocker for heel-to-toe propulsion, and maximum cushion. The Hoka Bondi 7 is also good for these types of runners–but not as much because it lacks a bit of cushion and doesn’t include the heel strike zones.
Who should not wear the Hoka Bondi 8 (or 7 for that matter)? Runners with:
- narrow feet
- high arches or
- who want a light, responsive shoe
Related: Do PRP Injections Work? My Experience with a Plantar Fascia Tear
Common FAQs about the Hoka Bondi
Related: How Many Miles Should I Run a Day?
How long will Hoka Bondi last?
Some of my Instagram followers said the Hoka Bondi 7 wore out before 400 miles while the Bondi 8 lasted up to 500 miles.
Related: How to Get Faster as a Master’s Runner
Are Hoka Bondi 8 good for Plantar Fasciitis?
Yes, the Hoka Bondi 8 is a perfect shoe for those with plantar fasciitis thanks to its maximum cushion along the entire sole and impact-reducing metarocker. Indeed, I suffered from a plantar fascia tear and plantar fasciitis and chose this shoe to wear on daily walks.
Both Bondi models, the Bondi 7 and Bondi 8, offer:
- maximum cushion with a thick sole that absorbs impact
- stability, impact absorption, and cushion for injury prevention
- neutral yet firm and wide sole that offers supports
- 4mm heel drop that limits stress on your plantar fascia
- heel counter that cradles your foot, further limiting stress to the plantar fascia
- Hoka’s signature metarocker that helps with heel-to-toe propulsion, and
- a roomy wide base for natural foot placement
Related: Lessons Learned from My Running Injury
What shoes are comparable to the Hoka One One Bondi 8?
- Hoka Clifton 8 A good shoe to swap out with for the Bondi is the Clifton 8 which is cushioned by not as heavy.
- Hoka Mach 4 is slightly lighter than the Clifton and more responsive. It uses the same foam as the foam as Hoka’s Carbon X racing shoe.
- Hoka Bondi X is the same model as the Bondi but features a carbon plate that gives you a pop on race day. The Bondi is a great racing shoe for injury-prone athletes needing extra cushion. Like most carbon fiber shoes, it’s not as durable as the trainers, Bondi 7 or 8.
Related: Lessons Learned from My Running Injury
Is the Hoka Bondi a stability shoe?
Even though the Hoka Bondi is technically a neutral shoe, it offers enough support to be a stability shoe helping those with moderate pronation.
What colors does the Hoka One One Bondi 8 come in?
The Hoka Bondi 8 comes in nine color palette selections including from black, white, “bellweather blue,” and “shell coral.”
What size should I buy in the Hoka Bondi 8?
Hoka’s Bondi 8 runs true to size. The sizes range from 5 to 12 and come in wide and extra wide. This makes up for the fact that the midsole runs narrow. The toebox is roomy though.
How much does the Hoka Bondi 8 cost?
The standard price of the Hoka Bondi 8 is $165.
Where can I buy the Hoka Bondi 8?
- Get free shipping and returns even after wearing them for 30 days at Hoka. You get more options but shipping can take longer than a week.
- Get free shipping and returns and after 90 days at Running Warehouse, plus fast delivery!
- Dick’s Sporting Goods selection and Roadrunner Sports as reputable sellers with great customer service.
Hoka Bondi 7 & Bondi 8 Reviews from other runners
Everyone agrees that the Hoka Bondi has a lot of cushion—and is bulky. Below are some of the dozens of Bondi reviews I received from my Instagram followers.
- “I love mine but they are clunky until you get used to them.”
- “The rocker helps my big toe joint not hurt.”
- “So much cushion. Like clouds but they are bulky.”
- “I love them standing as a nurse. Heavy and thick, so I wouldn’t run in them.”
- “The cushion wears out super fast!”
- “Too much cushion. I felt like my feet were sinking into the shoe.”
- “Good cushion but not a lot of arch support. I wear them for walking.”
- “I have had several pairs. Very cushy and great for plantar fasciitis. That said they can feel clunky and heavy. I am currently looking for a replacement for my everyday run shoe.”
Related: OOFOs Recovery Shoes Review
The bottom line: Are Hoka Bondis worth it?
The Bondi 8 is a better shoe than the Bondi 7 if you are in the market for a cushioned running shoe BUT not in equal ratio to the price. If you are wanting to a good deal on a max cushioned running shoe, get the Bondi 7. If you want ultimate comfort, no matter the cost, get the Bondi 8.
I do not recommend using the Bondi as your everyday trainer. Relegate the Bondi 7 or Bondi 8 for easy runs, recovery runs, or walks. They are too cumbersome to wear every day.
If you want guidance with your running goals or marathon training, check out my run coaching services. Also, be sure to check out my free training plans:
- Postpartum Training Plan
- After a Break Training Plan
- 5k Training Plans
- 10k Training Planscus
- Half Marathon Training Plans
- Marathon Training Plans
- Strength Training Plan
is the Hoka Bondi X good for long runs please
Last year I found the Hoka Bondi 7 to be “heavenly”. I went back this year & tried the Hoka Bondi 8, & it was not at all comfortable. It felt like something was at the edges???… & they just didn’t feel right.
My shoes wear down on the outer edges which implies that I am a supinator. So why would these shoes be so comfortable for me, as in reading, it says they are good for mild pronators?
Every shoe that I have bought in ages, (cheap shoes) have been 8 wides, but they put me in 7 regulars & they were plenty big.
I was fitted at Fleet Feet in Hendersonville, TN. They were great & not at all pushy. But, they no longer had the Hoka Bondi 7’s. I have the foot scan from them that came from: My Volumental <[email protected] with this in the email:
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VIEW DORIS'S FOOT SCAN
Hi Doris!
Thank you for your recent experience with fit id™, powered by Volumental scanning technology, at Fleet Feet.
Click the button above to reaccess your 3D scan and measurements.
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I don't know how to get that info to you. without cc-ing a copy to you. (I have not been able to print off anything but the picture. Not any of the measurements.) Was wondering IF you could validate that I truly would wear a size 7 medium & that the site that has them for sale is legitimate. (I am older & get very little exercise, so these would just be for walking, comfort, & everyday wear when I get out of the house.)
I was leery of ordering online as I know that there are a lot of fakes out there, but I found this site: https://hokoflashsale.com/product/hoka-womens-bondi-7/ & they were selling the Hoka Bondi for $48 & one could use PayPal, which backs up my purchases. They have a countdown of an hour for the deal…but I am hoping that that is just a gimmick to get us to purchase immediately. I want to KNOW that they are legitimate & that I am truly a size 7 & that the HOKA BONDI 7 is the right shoe for me. I am low income & have "issues" that keep me pretty much in bed, but to have a shoe that feels "heavenly", I am willing to pay & if indeed, I can get them for $48, then I am all in… Maybe even 2 pair?
I was hoping for some feedback from you. I didn't think that there would be any HB-7's left at all, much less in my size 7. Still wondering why all my previous shoes are size 8's & feel too small?
Thank you for any & all information & help.
Doris
Hi Doris! I don’t think I can help. It really just depends on the shoe. Most shoes have to size up at least a half a size. and the Bondis are support so they help with any rolling in or out. Sorry fort he delay in my response, this comment system was down unbeknownst to me!
The Bondi 7’s were perfect for working as a nurse. I am disappointed with the Bondi 8’s. Returned them and very sad. My back and legs hurt with the 8, not with the 7. Boohoo… can’t find any 7’s.
oh man! that is a bummer!!