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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Best Running Shoe Reviews – Hoka Bondi}}
The [http://www.zappos.com/hoka-one-one-bondi Bondi] was my favorite of the [[Hoka Shoe Review| Hoka range]] until for some time. Then the [[Hoka Clifton]] was produced, with a nicely cushioned ride. I generally prefer the [[Altra Olympus]], came along, and was a 'better Bondi' because it's shaped for the human foot. Then the [[Hoka Clifton]] came along and produced Minimax cushioning at a remarkably light weight. I've found that the Original Bondi B, the Bondi 2, Bondi 3 and Bondi Speed are all remarkably similar. I have a slight preference for the Bondi Speed, but the difference is mostly visual. I've run with a Bondi B on one foot and the Bondi Speed on the other without feeling any real difference. 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. 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.
=Characteristics=
These characteristics apply to all of the Bondi range of shoes unless otherwise noted.
* '''MidsoleWhy you'd buy it'''. The Probably the only reason to get a Bondi midsole is its key featurenow would be if you can get it far cheaper than the [[Altra Olympus]] or [[Hoka Clifton]].** '''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. While not quite as thick as the [[Hoka Stinson]] or [[Hoka Mafate]] it's thicker and softer than most other shoes.** '''Drop & Shape'''. 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. Personally I find the Olympus taper preferable and swapping from the Olympus to the Bondi rather odd. It feels like the Bondi has a lump under my toes. 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 is quite flexible for shoe of this thickness.
* '''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.
* '''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 courses when I'm working blister repair at aid stations. I believe it is critical to [[Shoe Dissection| cut open the toe box of any Hokas]].
The 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. It's not clear why anyone would buy the Hoka now that the Clifton is available.
=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 thicker sole, a toe box shaped for the human foot, and it's zero drop.
=Gallery=
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