Hoka Bondi 7 vs. Bondi 8 Review: The Best Shoe May Surprise You
The Hoka Bondi is one of the most cushioned running shoes on the market. The Hoka Bondi 8 is a softer ride than the Hoka Bondi 7 with a revamped midsole using resilient EVA-based foam that enhances cushion and durability. I road test both of these shoes! Read on to learn more about the differences between the two Hoka Bondi models.
It’s no secret that I am a big Hoka One One running shoe fan. When I deviated from my Hokas, I got injured. Now, I’m a dedicated Hoka wearer, no more wavering. So, I just had to try the best cushioned running shoes on the market, the Hoka Bondi 7, and then the later model, the Hoka Bondi 8.
Jump ahead:
The short answer on the difference between Hoka Bondi 7 and 8 is that the Bondi 8 is softer and plusher, while the Bondi 7 is firmer and more breathable. After testing with a road run and recovery walks, I did not find the Hoka Bondi 8 shoe to be worth the price differential for its added features. If price is no object, you will be happy with the upgraded version.
While most everyone agrees that Hoka’s Bondi is one of the most cushioned running shoes out there — not everyone loves them (me included). I will explain why!
Hoka Bondi 7 vs. Bondi 8: What’s the Difference?
If you are an injury-prone runner in need of a cushiony, roomy shoe, then the Hoka Bondi 8 is your shoe! Released in August of 2022, the Bondi 8 took the already infamously lush Bondi 7 up another notch to be one of the best cushioned running shoes on the market.
Read the results of my road test of both shoes.
In fact, the Hoka Bondi 8 is Hoka’s softest running shoe. The Hoka Bondi 8 packs more foam underfoot in the hard-hitting areas plus extra rubber for durability than its predecessor, the Bondi 7, for unmatched cushion and improved durability.
The Bondi 8 even has a wider base than the Bondi 7 for extra stability.
Both the Bondi 7 and the Bondi 8’s softness is great for a marathoner’s recovery runs and base-building runs, as well as a person’s long work shifts or walks. Due to its weight and bulkiness, it’s not a good shoe for speedwork, racing, track work, or long runs.
What changed in the new model of the Hoka Bondi 8?
Some of the major changes in the Hoka Bondi 8 compared to the Bondi 7 are to the midsole, width, and durability:
- More cushioned midsole that is softer and LESS responsive than the Hoka Bondi 7.
- Increased durability due to more rubber outsole coverage.
- Improved sustainability with more eco-friendly materials in the upper section.
- Wider model for increased stability
- Heel strike zones for heel strikers
- Enhanced breathable upper with extra padding
Bondis are best for:
- base mileage runs
- recovery runs
- walking
- long periods of standing
- injury-prone runners
- those with plantar fasciitis
- moderate pronators, and
- heel strikers.
Read more about who should wear Bondis.
Hoka Bondi Pros
- Maximum cushy comfort with its ultra-soft memory foam
- Great support for a neutral shoe
- Signature meta-rocker technology for optimal propulsion
- Wide toe box
- Ventilated and fitted upper with open-engineered mesh construction
- Durable
- Additional width options
- Wide base for stability
- Internal heel counter cradles foot
- Supremely plush collar with memory foam
Hoka Bondi Cons
- Heavy and clunky
- Not versatile
- Narrow midfoot
- Tongue of Hoka Bondi 7 slips
- Low energy return
Hoka Bondi 8 vs. Bondi 7 Specs
- Brand: Hoka
- Model: Bondi 8 vs. Bondi 7
- Type: everyday trainer, good for easy runs, recovery runs, walking and standing
- Terrain: road
- Stability: neutral
- Weight:
- Bondi 8: 8.9 oz for women size 9, 10.8 oz for men;
- Bondi 7: 8.9 oz for women size 9, 10.7 oz for men
- Heel Drop/Stack offset: Hoka standard 4 mm
- Stack height:
- Bondi 8: 33/29 mm (heel to toe)
- Bondi 7: 36/32 mm (heel to toe)
- Width: Regular, Wide (2E), Extra Wide (4E).
- Price:
- Hoka Bondi 8 $165
- Hoka Bondi 7 $127.95
Related: How I Stopped Being an Injury Prone Runner
My road test of both shoes
Okay, so now we know a bit about the Hoka Bondi. But how does the Hoka Bondi 8 compare to previous versions? I tested them out for you.
I tried the Hoka Bondi 7 in July of 2022, just before the Bondi 8 was released.
As a long-established running coach, I take the task of understanding shoe specs, such as drop, weight, and cushioning type — as well as features like stability and flexibility — very seriously. Here’s what I found when comparing the Hoka Bondi 7 vs. Bondi 8.
My Hoka Bondi 7 experience
My first impression of the Hoka Bondi 7 was that it was the most cushioned running shoe I have ever worn. Indeed, it felt like I was slipping my feet into pillows. I loved the memory foam collar and the plushness underfoot.
The Bondi 7 provided cushion throughout the duration of my run, even delaying chronic metatarsal pain that begins to haunt me around mile 10.
The heels felt especially supported and I felt very high off the ground as if my foot was never really striking the ground. (Some people may not like this feeling).
While I felt like my feet were bulletproof to impact, I also felt like I was wearing boats on my feet. Even though the shoes aren’t incredibly heavy, they felt clunky and hard to lift up. Indeed, my easy pace was as much as 20 seconds slower per mile wearing the Bondi 7s! Therefore I deemed these a recovery run shoe after hard workouts or long runs.
My Hoka Bondi 8 experience
A month after running with the Bondi 7s, I tried the newly released Bondi 8. And if I thought the Bondi 7s were like wearing pillows for my feet, the Bondi 8s were like wearing big (really BIG) fluffy clouds.
The Bondi 8s are a marathoner’s dream as far as cushion goes. After a long hard run, you may make an audible “ahhh” when you slip them on. There’s more foam in the sole, particularly high-strike zones and a lux padded collar. Chances are, you’ll like the sleek design which makes it look less like you’re wearing boats for shoes.
Still, running in the Bondi 8s are extremely clunky (even more so than the Bondi 7s, in my opinion—but not by much) so these shoes are best for recovery runs or base mileage. Also, the extra cushion means they are less responsive of a shoe. I wear mine as recovery shoes for walking after hard runs.
Which Hoka Bondi is best?
Here’s a summary of what these two cushioned running shoes offer:
- The Hoka Bondi 8 is the most cushioned Hoka on the market and is more durable than the Bondi 7.
- The Hoka Bondi 7 is not as cushioned but is still a super plush ride with a little less weight and size.
After extensive road testing, I found that the Bondi 8 is a better shoe than the Bondi 7 — but not $40 better (which is the current price differential).
Hoka Bondi 8 vs. Hoka 7 Pros
- More eco-friendly
- Smoother heel-to-toe roll
- Roomier toe box
- Softer yet more durable foam, adding only a bit of extra weight
- Crash pad foam and rubber is intelligently placed in high-heel strike zones
- More rubber for added durability
- Beveled lines are attractive and add shock absorption and durability
- Increase sole grip for better traction
- Tongue is half-sewn so it doesn’t slip
- Ventilated mesh in upper adds breathability and support for foot placement and arches
- Heel is more tapered to reduce slipping and plantar fascia stress
Hoka Bondi 8 vs. Hoka 7 Cons
- A bit heavier
- Bulkier feeling
- Less responsive, so you feel slower
- More expensive
Who should wear Hoka Bondi 8?
The Hoka Bondi 8 is best for runners who are:
- heel strikers
- injury prone
- foot pain such as metatarsalgia, tendonitis or inflammation, neuropathy, or plantar fasciitis
This is because the Hoka Bondi 8 has an updated heel geometry for heel strikers, plus a meta rocker for heel-to-toe propulsion, and maximum cushion. The Hoka Bondi 7 is also good for these types of runners–but not as much because it lacks a bit of cushion and doesn’t include the heel strike zones.
Who should not wear the Hoka Bondi 8 (or 7 for that matter)? Runners with:
- narrow feet
- high arches or
- who want a light, responsive shoe
Hoka Bondi 7 & Bondi 8 Reviews from other runners
Everyone agrees that the Hoka Bondi has a lot of cushion—and is bulky. Below are some of the dozens of Bondi reviews I received from my Instagram followers.
- “I love mine but they are clunky until you get used to them.”
- “The rocker helps my big toe joint not hurt.”
- “So much cushion. Like clouds but they are bulky.”
- “I love them standing as a nurse. Heavy and thick, so I wouldn’t run in them.”
- “The cushion wears out super fast!”
- “Too much cushion. I felt like my feet were sinking into the shoe.”
- “Good cushion but not a lot of arch support. I wear them for walking.”
- “I have had several pairs. Very cushy and great for plantar fasciitis. That said they can feel clunky and heavy. I am currently looking for a replacement for my everyday run shoe.”
The bottom line: Are Hoka Bondis worth it?
The Bondi 8 is a better shoe than the Bondi 7 if you are in the market for a cushioned running shoe BUT not in equal ratio to the price. If you are wanting to a good deal on a max cushioned running shoe, get the Bondi 7. If you want ultimate comfort, no matter the cost, get the Bondi 8.
I do not recommend using the Bondi as your everyday trainer. Relegate the Bondi 7 or Bondi 8 for easy runs, recovery runs, or walks. They are too cumbersome to wear every day.
