Updated 3 Nov 2026
Is the HOKA Bondi 9 worth it?
Yes — for walking and recovery runs.
It's packed with foam on a wide, stable base, so it's a favourite with people on their feet all day and for slow, easy runs. It's durable too. At about 300 g it's heavy, the knit upper runs warm, the toe box is narrow for such a big shoe, and it costs more than most.
87%of 107 owners give it 4 or 5 stars
- Maximum cushioning
- Wide, stable base
- Comfortable for all day on your feet
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What owners say
Most verified owners love the soft cushioning for walking and long days on their feet; the main complaint is a tight forefoot, so some go a size up.
Good to know
- Heavy at about 300 g each.
- The knit upper runs warm.
- Tight at the forefoot: some owners go half a size up.
From 107 buyer ratings at Otto (Germany) and Rebel Sport (Australia), every complaint read by us, November 2026. How we do this
What they love
- ComfortableMentioned a lot
- Soft, well cushionedAlso mentioned
- Good for walking or all day on your feetAlso mentioned
- Good for runningAlso mentioned
- SupportiveMentioned by some
What they complain about
- Tight at the forefoot or runs smallOccasional
Get it if…
- You walk or stand all day at work.
- You want lots of cushioning for slow, easy runs.
- You want lots of protection underfoot.
Skip it if…
- You want a light shoe for faster runs — get the Clifton 10.
- You run hot.
- You have wide feet at the toes.
More on the Bondi 9
How we reached this verdict
RunRepeat's lab rated it 86/100: very high shock absorption (146), durable, but heavy at 303 g and narrow at the toes. Believe in the Run's testers found it warm and pricey, and best for recovery runs and walking. Otto and Rebel Sport's verified buyers mostly love the cushioning; the main complaint is a tight forefoot.
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RunRepeat: HOKA Bondi 9, Believe in the Run: HOKA Bondi 9, HOKA (specs), RunRepeat: ASICS Novablast 5, RunRepeat: Nike Vomero 18, RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-Kayano 32, RunRepeat: HOKA Clifton 10, RunRepeat: Brooks Ghost 17, Believe in the Run: ASICS Novablast 5, Believe in the Run: Nike Vomero 18, Believe in the Run: ASICS Gel-Kayano 32, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 3 Nov 2026How we decide