The Hoka Bondi 9 Is Here - Is It Worth the Hype?

Everyone loves a cute wedge sandal or a loafer, but sometimes, you just want to rock your comfy sneakers. They add a little bit of edge, a little bit of flair, and a whole lot of cozy to whatever you’re wearing. Whether you’re looking for the right sneakers for your hot girl walks or a pair that helps pull your whole ‘fit together, Hoka’s Bondi sneakers are a customer favorite for good reason.

We are always eagerly awaiting each and every new iteration of these sneakers, and we are thrilled to introduce you to the Bondi 9 (you can check out that full blog here). With an increased stack height and a new premium foam midsole to deliver that soft, resilient ride that’s become synonymous with the Bondi, these will be your new everyday sneakers. Elevated with a 3D molded collar and structured knit upper with zonal breathability, they’ve also been finished with Durabrasion rubber to combat high wear zones to last you for years to come.

We've had the new Hoka Bondi 9 for 2 months now - here are our thoughts!

One of our employees recently tested out the Hoka Bondi 9 to see how it measures up to the Bondi 8. “The Hoka Bondi 9 is a great upgrade from the Bondi 8. They are incredibly comfortable with lots of cushioning, making them great for long walks and everyday wear,” they said.

They also said they are super fashionable and they got multiple compliments when testing them out. The Bondi 9 “has some added height and a more curved bottom compared to the Bondi 8, which gives them a little extra boost and more of a smoother stride while walking.” The platform/chunky look is perfect for what’s trending right now, and can be worn with leggings, baggy jeans, and other fun pieces that we’re seeing everywhere these days.

It’s worth noting that it might take a bit for you to get used to the extra cushioning, but our employee says they “actually love the look of them more compared to Bondi 8.” They noted that there’s good ankle support for walking and running on a flat surface, and that they are some of the most lightweight and breathable sneakers on the market. They’re also easy to slip-on without re-tying the laces, and there’s no dent on the heel counter after sliding them on and off repeatedly.

There were a few downsides to the new version of the Bondi. For one thing, the white colorway gets dirty very easily. Also, the added height and cushioning (though trendy and comfortable) also means it’s not ideal for inclines – our employee says to stick to flat surfaces and not to wear them for weight lifting, only cardio.

Overall, the takeaway is that the Bondi 9 is “super light on your feet and very flexible.” They’re softer than the Bondi 8, and a bit more sporty looking as well. They’re a comfortable, lightweight walking shoe that’s perfect for work, light exercise, farmer’s markets, music festivals…really, anything you have planned. If you’re looking for a great daily shoe for everything, the Bondi 9 is the way to go.