These days, Hoka makes all manner of footwear, including streamlined super shoes for running really, really fast. But the company still maintains a reputation for big, beefy models that prioritize comfort and cushion above all else.
If that’s what you’re after, it’s the Bondi you want. With an oversized midsole, the shoe offers more stability and shock absorption than almost every other Hoka model, including those part of the more-responsive Clifton and Mach lineups.
As such, the Bondi has long been a mainstay in the rotations of long-distance runners, walkers or anyone seeking relief from issues like plantar fasciitis. The shoe debuted in 2011 and quickly became a pillar of Hoka’s catalog. Today, it’s considered one of the brand’s most iconic flagships.
The cost of cushion
While the extra comfort is great, all that foam comes at a cost, and no, that isn’t a roundabout reference to the slower paces a maximalist shoe like this demands.
The Bondi, now in its eighth generation, normally retails for $165, making it one of the Hoka’s priciest models without a plate or other super-shoe technology.
