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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Hoka Bondi 4 Review}} The Bondi was my favorite of the Hoka range for some time. Then the Altra Olympus, came along, and was a 'better..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Hoka Bondi 4 Review}}
The Bondi was my favorite of the [[Hoka Shoe Review| Hoka range]] for some time. Then the [[Altra Olympus]], came along, and was a 'better Bondi' because it's shaped for the human foot. After that the [[Hoka Clifton]] came along and produced [[Maximalist]] cushioning at a remarkably light weight. I've found that the Original Bondi B, the Bondi 2, 3, 4, and Bondi Speed are all remarkably similar. The Bondi has a horribly small toe box, but once its cut open the shoe works quite well. The Bondi has a reasonable balance of soft cushioning and weight, but has been surpassed by the Clifton. In fact, running with a Clifton on one foot and a Bondi on the other proved to me how close the two shoes feel, except for the weight. The Bondi is not available as a trail specific version, but I've found it works pretty well on most trails, though it lacks the lugs for slick, muddy tails. I've rated it as "Highly Recommended." (For the latest version, see [[Hoka Bondi| Hoka Bondi Review]].) ({{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 top]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-B-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi B top]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-B-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi B bottom (you can see the wear that occurred rapidly at Badwater.)]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-B-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi B inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-B-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi B outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
These characteristics apply to all of the Bondi range of shoes unless otherwise noted.
* '''Why you'd buy it'''. Probably the only reason to get a Bondi now would be if you can get it far cheaper than the [[Altra Olympus]] or [[Hoka Clifton]], unless the slight increase in cushioning over the Clifton is critical to you.
* '''Cushioning'''. The Bondi is one of the best cushioned shoes available, and is slightly softer than the [[Altra Olympus]]. While it's not as thick as it looks on the outside, it is much thicker than a traditional running shoe. The latest incarnations of the Bondi, the [[Hoka Stinson]] and the [[Hoka Mafate]] all have surprisingly similar levels of cushioning.
* '''Drop'''. Sadly the Bondi does not have a zero drop midsole, and the rear is about 5 mm thicker than the front. This is only about half the drop of a traditional running shoe and I typically don't have any issues moving between the Bondi and a zero drop shoe like the Altra. The Bondi has a rather abrupt taper at the very front of the shoe, unlike the Altra Olympus that has a gradual taper. Hoka describe this as a 'Early-Stage Meta-Rocker', a fancy name for putting the taper under the toes. I find this can feels like the Bondi has a lump under my toes, but typically I only notice when I swap shoes late in a long ultra. However, I know of the runners that prefer the Bondi taper. The very rear of the shoe is cut away slightly, creating a little bit of a rocker shape. The midsole does wrap around the lower part of the foot to create some additional stability. This helps overcome some of the problems you get with a thick sole creating a stilt like instability.
* '''Structure'''. This shoe is made of a single type of foam, so there is no variation in foam density within the midsole to interfere with the movement of the foot on the ground.
* '''Flexibility'''. The Bondi does not have much flexibility, though the level of cushioning offsets this a little.
* '''Outsole'''. The Bondi has a variety of materials on the outsole. There is some exposed midsole, some slightly more durable foam, and some durable rubber. While this helps balance durability with the weight it does create some uneven wear over the life of the shoe. In hot conditions I've had problems with the difference in wear levels, with the harder outsole at the extreme front and back of the shoe remaining intact while the softer outsole and exposed midsole wear badly.
* '''Shape'''. The Bondi has the typical Hoka shape, which includes a horribly constricted toe box. The toe box is so bad that I've noticed a distinctive pattern of blisters it causes when I'm working blister repair at aid stations. I believe it is critical to [[Shoe Modifications| cut open the toe box of any Hokas]]. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* '''Upper'''. The upper varies a little with the different models and versions of the Bondi. The earlier versions had a multilayered and complex upper, but the later versions are much simpler. The padding around the ankle opening has become rather thin in the later versions, which reduces the comfort.
* '''Tongue'''. The Bondi has a classic tongue rather than a tongue-less sock style of upper. The tongue has good padding.
* '''Lacing'''. The Bondi Speed and Bondi 3 have a "speed lacing" system that uses fine laces and a locking system, but they include traditional round laces as well. I generally prefer the traditional laces as it can be tricky to get the tension right with the "speed lacing" system. Like many shoes in the Hoka range, the earlier versions had elastic straps that pull the sides together even if the laces are loose, but they were dropped from the Bondi 4. (I always cut these elastic straps off.)
* '''Heel counter'''. The Bondi has a mild heel counter with no strongly defined edges, so it should not cause a problem. The heel counter comes as far up the back of the heel as is normal for a running shoe.
{{BuyShoes|RW=T|RRS=T|AZ=T|ZP=T}}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=Compared with the Hoka Clifton=
The [[Hoka Clifton]] seems like it's an evolution of the Bondi, with the two shoes feeling remarkably similar, even when wearing one shoe on each foot. You can think of the Clifton as a Bondi that's lighter, with similar cushioning. The Bondi does have more cushioning in the heel, but I don't think you'll notice unless you're a serious heel striker. I prefer the Clifton and would choose it every time.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 top]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
=Compared with Altra Olympus=
The [[Altra Olympus]] is a competitor for the Hoka range, and I believe it represents a much better shoe. The Olympus has a slightly thinner sole, but its toe box is shaped for the human foot, and it's zero drop. Overall, I prefer the Olympus to the Bondi.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 top]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-Olympus-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Olympus top]]
|[[File:Altra-Olympus-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Olympus bottom]]
|[[File:Altra-Olympus-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Olympus inside]]
|[[File:Altra-Olympus-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Olympus outside]]
|}
=Compared with Hoka Stinson Lite=
The [[Hoka Stinson]] has become closer to the Bondi as it's evolved. The latest version of the Stinson Lite has remarkably similar levels of weight, cushioning and comfort. There is a slight difference to the midsole shape between the shoes. The Stinson has a little more drop, but a less abrupt taper under the toes. Hoka refer to this as the early or late meta-rocker, but even when I run with one shoe on each foot, the difference is slight. It's not clear to me why Hoka would produce two shoes that are this close, but the outsole on the Stinson Lite is better than the Bondi, making it a slightly better shoe.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 top]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-Stinson-Lite-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Stinson Lite top]]
|[[File:Hoka-Stinson-Lite-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Stinson Lite bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-Stinson-Lite-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Stinson Lite inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-Stinson-Lite-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Stinson Lite outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
The Bondi was my favorite of the [[Hoka Shoe Review| Hoka range]] for some time. Then the [[Altra Olympus]], came along, and was a 'better Bondi' because it's shaped for the human foot. After that the [[Hoka Clifton]] came along and produced [[Maximalist]] cushioning at a remarkably light weight. I've found that the Original Bondi B, the Bondi 2, 3, 4, and Bondi Speed are all remarkably similar. The Bondi has a horribly small toe box, but once its cut open the shoe works quite well. The Bondi has a reasonable balance of soft cushioning and weight, but has been surpassed by the Clifton. In fact, running with a Clifton on one foot and a Bondi on the other proved to me how close the two shoes feel, except for the weight. The Bondi is not available as a trail specific version, but I've found it works pretty well on most trails, though it lacks the lugs for slick, muddy tails. I've rated it as "Highly Recommended." (For the latest version, see [[Hoka Bondi| Hoka Bondi Review]].) ({{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 top]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-B-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi B top]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-B-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi B bottom (you can see the wear that occurred rapidly at Badwater.)]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-B-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi B inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-B-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi B outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
These characteristics apply to all of the Bondi range of shoes unless otherwise noted.
* '''Why you'd buy it'''. Probably the only reason to get a Bondi now would be if you can get it far cheaper than the [[Altra Olympus]] or [[Hoka Clifton]], unless the slight increase in cushioning over the Clifton is critical to you.
* '''Cushioning'''. The Bondi is one of the best cushioned shoes available, and is slightly softer than the [[Altra Olympus]]. While it's not as thick as it looks on the outside, it is much thicker than a traditional running shoe. The latest incarnations of the Bondi, the [[Hoka Stinson]] and the [[Hoka Mafate]] all have surprisingly similar levels of cushioning.
* '''Drop'''. Sadly the Bondi does not have a zero drop midsole, and the rear is about 5 mm thicker than the front. This is only about half the drop of a traditional running shoe and I typically don't have any issues moving between the Bondi and a zero drop shoe like the Altra. The Bondi has a rather abrupt taper at the very front of the shoe, unlike the Altra Olympus that has a gradual taper. Hoka describe this as a 'Early-Stage Meta-Rocker', a fancy name for putting the taper under the toes. I find this can feels like the Bondi has a lump under my toes, but typically I only notice when I swap shoes late in a long ultra. However, I know of the runners that prefer the Bondi taper. The very rear of the shoe is cut away slightly, creating a little bit of a rocker shape. The midsole does wrap around the lower part of the foot to create some additional stability. This helps overcome some of the problems you get with a thick sole creating a stilt like instability.
* '''Structure'''. This shoe is made of a single type of foam, so there is no variation in foam density within the midsole to interfere with the movement of the foot on the ground.
* '''Flexibility'''. The Bondi does not have much flexibility, though the level of cushioning offsets this a little.
* '''Outsole'''. The Bondi has a variety of materials on the outsole. There is some exposed midsole, some slightly more durable foam, and some durable rubber. While this helps balance durability with the weight it does create some uneven wear over the life of the shoe. In hot conditions I've had problems with the difference in wear levels, with the harder outsole at the extreme front and back of the shoe remaining intact while the softer outsole and exposed midsole wear badly.
* '''Shape'''. The Bondi has the typical Hoka shape, which includes a horribly constricted toe box. The toe box is so bad that I've noticed a distinctive pattern of blisters it causes when I'm working blister repair at aid stations. I believe it is critical to [[Shoe Modifications| cut open the toe box of any Hokas]]. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* '''Upper'''. The upper varies a little with the different models and versions of the Bondi. The earlier versions had a multilayered and complex upper, but the later versions are much simpler. The padding around the ankle opening has become rather thin in the later versions, which reduces the comfort.
* '''Tongue'''. The Bondi has a classic tongue rather than a tongue-less sock style of upper. The tongue has good padding.
* '''Lacing'''. The Bondi Speed and Bondi 3 have a "speed lacing" system that uses fine laces and a locking system, but they include traditional round laces as well. I generally prefer the traditional laces as it can be tricky to get the tension right with the "speed lacing" system. Like many shoes in the Hoka range, the earlier versions had elastic straps that pull the sides together even if the laces are loose, but they were dropped from the Bondi 4. (I always cut these elastic straps off.)
* '''Heel counter'''. The Bondi has a mild heel counter with no strongly defined edges, so it should not cause a problem. The heel counter comes as far up the back of the heel as is normal for a running shoe.
{{BuyShoes|RW=T|RRS=T|AZ=T|ZP=T}}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=Compared with the Hoka Clifton=
The [[Hoka Clifton]] seems like it's an evolution of the Bondi, with the two shoes feeling remarkably similar, even when wearing one shoe on each foot. You can think of the Clifton as a Bondi that's lighter, with similar cushioning. The Bondi does have more cushioning in the heel, but I don't think you'll notice unless you're a serious heel striker. I prefer the Clifton and would choose it every time.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 top]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
=Compared with Altra Olympus=
The [[Altra Olympus]] is a competitor for the Hoka range, and I believe it represents a much better shoe. The Olympus has a slightly thinner sole, but its toe box is shaped for the human foot, and it's zero drop. Overall, I prefer the Olympus to the Bondi.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 top]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-Olympus-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Olympus top]]
|[[File:Altra-Olympus-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Olympus bottom]]
|[[File:Altra-Olympus-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Olympus inside]]
|[[File:Altra-Olympus-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Olympus outside]]
|}
=Compared with Hoka Stinson Lite=
The [[Hoka Stinson]] has become closer to the Bondi as it's evolved. The latest version of the Stinson Lite has remarkably similar levels of weight, cushioning and comfort. There is a slight difference to the midsole shape between the shoes. The Stinson has a little more drop, but a less abrupt taper under the toes. Hoka refer to this as the early or late meta-rocker, but even when I run with one shoe on each foot, the difference is slight. It's not clear to me why Hoka would produce two shoes that are this close, but the outsole on the Stinson Lite is better than the Bondi, making it a slightly better shoe.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 top]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-Bondi-4-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Bondi 4 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-Stinson-Lite-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Stinson Lite top]]
|[[File:Hoka-Stinson-Lite-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Stinson Lite bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-Stinson-Lite-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Stinson Lite inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-Stinson-Lite-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka Stinson Lite outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}