You know it’s going to be a good day when HOKA drops a new pair of running shoes.
Hot off the production line and fresh in stores up and down the UK, HOKA’s Bondi 8s have just dropped today (August 1) with promises of a ‘distinctly different ride’ thanks to their ‘superior cushioning’ qualities.
The French athletic shoe brand is known and loved for its high-performance and super cushioned sneakers. But how do the Bondi 8s weigh in? And where will they sit in HOKA’s already vast running trainer lineup?
The all-new and reworked model takes over from the much-loved Bondi 7s, which stepped onto the running scene back in September 2020. But just under a year and a few new reworks on the design side later, how do the eighth editions differ from the previous Bondi’s been and gone? Ahead of their launch, we put the new running shoes through their paces to figure out whether or not these runners are worth adding to basket.
Specs
- Heel: 31mm for women, 33mm for men
- Forefoot: 27mm for women, 29mm for men
- Drop: 4mm
- Weight for women’s shoe: 252g
- Weight for men’s shoe: 307g
- Women’s sizes: 5-12
- Men’s sizes: 7-15
The feel
Perhaps the first thing you’ll notice about HOKA’s Bondi 8s is how airy they are. Weighing in at 252g, which is slightly more than a cup of sugar, these sneakers might come with a generously-oversized chunky sole, but they won’t add unwanted weight to your run.
The trainers come with a comfortable 4mm drop, which is ideal for runners who have a natural running gait where the forefront or midfoot hits the pavements first.
And once you’ve slipped your foot inside these lightweight sneakers, you’re met by a super snug, bouncy and cushioned fit which has been cleverly lined with an OrthoLite Hybrid sockline. The result? We’d liken it to the feeling of running on a pair of comfy, cloud-like cocoons.
The look
From first glance, HOKA’s Bondi 8s have had a welcomed 21st century upgrade compared to their predecessors. The women’s offering is light blue in colour with orange and white highlights. The all-new and improved editions differ in more ways than one to the Bondi 7s thanks to their lightweight fabric coating and extended heel which comes with a modern billowed design. While the men’s versions are available in a smart grey/teal and orange colourway.
Another thing to note is that the HOKA Bondi 8s are chunkier than ever before. But we’re not saying that’s a bad thing. Infact, we’re here for a chunky trainer –â¯even on the running scene. And although these trainers might be chunky, they’re certainly not clunky.
The features
The designers over at HOKA have put their heads together and put a few different spins on these new-season runners, which use more sustainable materials than previous models. For one, the Bondi 8s heel has been extended which – along with looking nicer – makes for smoother transitions as your foot strikes the ground.
While the inside foam on the internal collar has been enhanced so it’s softer yet more resilient, keeping your foot safe and secure and making them a super soft and springy ride.
Plus, they’ve been crafted with more rubber coverage than in times gone by, (see ya later toe stubs and/or ankle rolls).
Verdict
Love an ultra-cushioned running shoe? Then HOKA’s Bondi 8s are a worthy contender to clock up some comfortable and super cushioned kilometers in.
Thanks to their maximally cushioned design, these trainers would be perfect to slip on when your knees, feet and joints need some extra TLC thanks to a previous speedy running sesh or intense leg day.
If your run is looking for padding in all the right places – lace HOKA’s Bondi 8s up.
