Hoka Women’s Bondi 9
The newly-redesigned Bondi 9 feels lightweight and comfortable while running, walking, or standing all day with its plush-but-firm cushioning, a rear crash pad, and cushioned heel collar.
Along with the Cliftons, the Bondi line is one of Hoka’s best selling styles. I’ve run in both (in current models and past), and in a lot of ways, the Bondi and Clifton are very similar shoes. Both have Hoka’s signature early-stage meta-rocker and EVA foam midsoles.
If you like a snappy, responsive shoe that lets you push off the ground quickly, you’ll probably be happier with the Cliftons (or one of Hoka’s speed models like the Mach X). That said, Hoka has done a lot to add extra cushioning. I see this especially with the Bondi 9s, which were released in January 2025. In many ways, this new version is a return to what runners loved about the older Bondis.
The Bondis are markedly more cushioned than the Cliftons. That means when you run in the Bondis, your footfall will feel softer and more forgiving. This is great for people who experience knee pain, shin splints, or any running injuries that result from impact and shock. They’re also really comfortable shoes for standing all day, so I recommend them to professionals who spend hours on their feet.
Hoka has kept the Bondi 9 lightweight at just 9.3 ounces. The biggest change is that the midsoles are now made of Super Critical foam, which feels more plush and cloud-like as I walk, but the structure firms up when I pick up the pace.
The Bondi 9s have a higher stacked cushion and a slightly higher heel drop than previous models. In the rear, they have crash pads to help heel strikers transition to the forefoot quickly. They also have a highly breathable knit upper and a plush foam heel collar.
Across the board, the Bondi line is roomier across the top of the foot than the Cliftons. Wearing the Bondis, my feet feel perfectly snug and locked in, yet they still have the perfect amount of room in the toe box.
I also love that the Bondi 9 also comes in a whopping 15 colors. which run the gamut from neutral shades with a little flair to vibrant patterns that are downright fun.
