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Hoka Transformed This Max-Cushioned Trainer Into a Stealthy Lifestyle Sneaker

One of Hoka’s definitive models just got a cool refresh.

brown hoka shoeHoka

By Jack Seemer

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Hoka generally equals comfort. But there are levels to this game, and the Bondi series of heavily cushioned sneakers sits somewhere near the top.

After its debut in 2011, the Bondi quickly became known as one of the definitive Hoka shoes thanks to its chunky midsole, which runs close to an inch-and-a-half thick on the current generation.

Even with its oversized form factor, however, a new variant of the shoe will have no trouble blending in.

That’s because the new Stealth/Tech Bondi 8 Caged gives the classic performance runner its most understated look yet, along with a few unexpected updates to the upper and outsole.

Stealth/Tech Bondi 8 Caged

This version of the Bondi is the latest model to join Hoka’s Stealth/Tech Collection, which launched earlier this year with unique variants of the Clifton 9 GTX and Speedgoat 5.

Wheres that first drop featured in a lighter palette of white and teal, the Stealth/Tech Bondi 8 Caged introduces a dark umber colorway with tonal accents for subtle contrasting.

brown hoka shoe
Hoka calls the new brownish colorway “Deep Umber.”
Hoka

One of the more interesting design elements comes by way of the mixed-pellet outsole, outfitted here in a dark camo colorway.

Hoka doesn’t disclose the exact foam used for the brown-colored midsole but the original Bondi features tried-and-true EVA and the two are identically shaped.

brown hoka shoe
Hoka doesn’t disclose the exact type of foam used in the midsole but the original Bondie features EVA.
Hoka

Finally, reflective detailing on the heel gives the shoe a dash of intrigue for navigating urban terrain at night — something the original Bondi would do well to integrate, no matter the color or season.

brown hoka shoe
Reflective accents on the heel give the shoe a subtle splash of visual intrigue.
Hoka

Pricing and availability

The Stealth/Tech Bondi 8 Caged is available now for $165 — the same price as the running- and walking-tailored Bondi 8.

For wearers who want a bump in technical specs for traversing trails, Hoka also gave last year’s Tecton X 2 the stealth treatment. That shoe features a carbon-fiber plate, Matryx textile upper and Vibram Megagrip outsole. It costs $225.

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