It’s no secret that running has been the major winner of the pandemic era. Lockdown forced us all to look hard at what makes us tick, and for many of us, getting out into the fresh air and chasing PBs was just that. It’s also a convenient hobby if you love buying nice gear, but that’s just a bonus.
Geeking out on the best running shoes is a major part of the attraction to hitting laps around our local parks and beyond. In our quest to find the ultimate runner, there have been highlights and some lowlights we’ll avoid mentioning, but one brand — and one model in particular — stands out as a consistent favorite for us: the HOKA Bondi 8.
If you’re reading this as an existing running disciple, you likely already know HOKA well. If you’re here as a 2023 resolutioner, then you’re going to get to know the label well. Its huge sole units have become a defining quality, but beyond the striking visuals is a range of best-in-class technical features that are epitomized in the HOKA Bondi 8.
Taking after a long line of fan-favorite running shoes, the HOKA Bondi 8 was always going to impress, but it outdid itself, cementing itself as a standout during the latter part of 2022. Now rework with softer, lighter foams, the signature sole unit also features an extended heel in the Bondi 8, making for a noticeably more stable and energy-returning step. Part of this is also down to the new waved, concertina-like effect which crashes and springs, smoothly moving momentum from heel strike to forefoot.
Another thing to note about the HOKA Bondi 8 is that the tongue now comes padded. HOKA’s huge sole units often steal the limelight — not without reason — but it’s worth paying attention to the uppers, too. The Bondi 8 features a breathable, lightweight mesh upper which you’ll barely notice is there. That said, the new padded tongue comes in handy with longer runs, one of the few issues we had with the less-padded Bondi 7.
Weighing in at 307g, the HOKA Bondi 8 is by no means a lightweight runner when compared to other market leaders like the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2 or New Balance Fresh Foam 1080. But, what it lacks in lightness, it makes up for in comfort and support. The Bondi 8 eats up a 5km jog, and it’s equally as comfortable hitting half and full marathons.
This true all-rounder is the key to smashing your 2023 running ambitions.
Shop the HOKA Bondi 8 below
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