Hoka One One Bondi 7 - Women's Review

When it comes to maximalist cushioned running shoes, we think that the Hoka Bondi 7 is among the best. From its stabilizing overlays to its ultra-cushioned midsole and comfortable upper, the Bondi is one of our top choices for long road runs. Each size 7 shoe weighs just under 9 ounces, which is on the heavier side, but we think the weight is well worth the joint protection and smooth ride provided by this pair of ultra-plush runners.

Performance Comparison

Responsiveness

As is often the case in the world of running shoes, responsiveness is the first sacrificed feature when comfort is king. Because of this, the Hoka Bondi 7 is one of the least responsive shoes in our lineup this time around. We advise you to figure out your most important features by considering the type of running you will be doing to get the shoe that suits you the best. If you will be doing most LSD (long slow distance) running, the comfort and cushion of the Bondi are likely going to serve you well. If you are actively trying to push your paces and spending less time on your feet, you'll have better luck in seeking out a more responsive shoe.

Even though the Bondi lacks the responsiveness of a shoe built for faster speeds, its structure does not impede the rhythm of your stride; it simply does not promote the most efficient energy return. The Bondi incorporates Hoka's Meta-Rocker technology in its sole. This feature helps provide some responsiveness, though not as much when compared to other shoes in our lineup. Since the Bondi only has a 4-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, you need to rely on your own muscles for propulsion, which can sometimes make the shoes feel unresponsive.

Landing Comfort/Cushioning

Landing comfort and cushioning is the metric where the Bondi 7 really shines. Hoka is known for making super-stacked, EVA foam midsoles and the Bondi contains one of the plushest we have found. Even after running double-digit mileage daily in these kicks, the EVA foam doesn't pack out quite as much as shoes made by other manufacturers. Since much of the cushion exists as a stacked base, the cushioning provides protection for far longer than other shoes that are made to feel plush.

Time after time, we reach for the Bondi 7 as our main marathon-distance training shoe. We may not be hitting top speed in such cushioned runners, but we love slowing the pace and enjoying the joint-preserving ride that the Bondi offers. The arch structure is supportive without being intrusive. The arch support is strong enough to be supportive, but the interior of the Bondi is soft enough to conform to your feet after just a few runs.

With this version of the Bondi, Hoka changed the configuration of the heel cup to make it slightly more narrow. We found that this slimmer profile and updated, memory foam collar created a better fit overall. In the prior version of the Bondi, we felt like we often had to stop our runs to tighten the laces to prevent heel slippage. With this new design, we have found a better-fitting shoe overall. Wide-footed runners fear not, as Hoka makes a wide version of the Bondi. So if a narrower heel cup doesn't sound comfortable for your anatomy, Hoka makes an option so you can enjoy the ample underfoot cushion of the Bondi 7 as well.

Stability

We have often found that shoes that boast a high stack height and lots of cushioning can be less laterally stable than their more minimalist counterparts. We are pleased to report that this is not the case when it comes to the Bondi 7. The mesh overlays are configured in such a way to promote a very structurally-sound ride. The engineered mesh is strong without being stiff and the way the pieces are overlaid leads to lateral support, even as the shoes conform to the shape of your feet.

The Bondi is, technically speaking, a neutrally supportive shoe. It doesn't have any of the burly structural features we see on some running shoes that are designed to be laterally supportive. Even so, the neutral support is strong enough to provide support even as you fatigue over long, grueling runs. The Bondi might not be the best choice if you are looking for a shoe to help correct over-pronation issues. But if you want stability for the moments when your legs start to get tired, the Bondi shows up.

The upper material and the midsole foam of the Bondi don't seem to pack out as readily as other shoes we have tested. This is yet another reason why we chose this version of the Bondi as a top pick for joint preservation and cushioning. The mesh upper holds up and maintains its strength through marathon-training days and beyond.

Upper Comfort

Hoka really has the market cornered when it comes to overall comfort. However, this statement does come with one caveat as it relates to the Bondi 7. The toe box of the Bondi is not especially wide, which is the main reason a plush shoe like this one didn't earn a perfect score in the upper comfort metric. Hoka does offer a wide version, rendering this concern moot.

Hoka released the Bondi 7 with a memory foam collar, which compliments the plush tongue nicely. We never had any issues with the collar biting into our ankles or causing any rubbing. Additionally, the lace bed lays effortlessly flat and the cushioning of the tongue prevents the laces from digging in as your feet swell while you run. The Bondi does a great job at providing well-rounded comfort, especially throughout its upper.

Weight

Unsurprisingly, the Bondi 7 is one of the heaviest shoes that we tested. When it comes to a maximalist-style shoe, this is to be expected based on the sheer amount of material used in the creation of the shoe. Each women's size 7 Bondi weighs in at 8.78 ounces per shoe. While not the heaviest running shoe on the market, it is certainly up there.

In the case of the Bondi, we think the extra weight is worth the overall comfort. Despite the Bondi's heavier-than-average weight, we never felt weighed down on our slower-paced runs. If you are looking for a feather-weight shoe to propel you into PR territory, we suggest looking at less beefy options. However, the Bondi delivers if you are motivated by high mileage and a cushioned and comfortable ride.

Value

The Hoka Bondi 7 provides a great value based on its standard price tag and solid build. The price, while not necessarily inexpensive, is worth it when we take the life of these shoes into consideration. Since they are well-cushioned, we view them as long-distance shoes and shoes that are great for people who work on their feet all day. No matter how you wear them, your shoes take a beating and you'll be pleased by how much life the Bondi has.

Conclusion