Sneaker Review: Hoka One One Bondi 5
I love the Clifton 4 Hoka One One shoe. I find them extremely comfortable and a nice smooth ride. After going to Road Runner Sports in Berkeley, the store manager, Tyler, told me that if I like the Clifton 4, “you will love the Bondi 5. They are the Cadillac of all sneakers!”
After approaching the Hoka One One folks to review a pair of the Bondi 5 to see if they really were the Cadillac of all sneakers, I had an epiphany.
I realized that I no longer like the barefoot, feel the road type of sneaker, I would much prefer a sneaker with lots of cushion.
The Bondi 5 is the sneaker to get if you want a smooth, cushioned ride. These would be extremely beneficial for those training for a half or full marathon or an ultra.
Here’s what I love about the shoe:
- Wide toe box for a roomy fit in front
- Heel cups you in the back so you don’t slide out
- Cushioning throughout the shoe – the toe, the heal and even the tongue has super thick cushioning
- The heel to toe drop is 7.3 mm
- It only weighs 8.5 oz. It looks like it would be a heavy shoe but it’s extremely light
- It’s a good stability shoe and doesn’t give yet, it’s extremely soft and comfortable
- It has great traction on the bottom of the shoe for when the road is slippery or icy
I also love that the Bondi 5 comes in so many beautiful colors. The ones I have are pink and red.
What don’t I like about the Bondi 5:
- I find it very similar to the Clifton 4 shoe, however the Bondi is slighty more cushioned
- I don’t see that much of a difference in the ride. I love the ride with either shoe
- They look like they are elevated and have a completely different look than any other shoe on the market
I ran about 30 miles in the Hoka One One Bondi 5 and I find them still breaking in. They are extremely comfortable, durable and a great shoe for anyone who has achilles issues or heel issues. They are a great stability shoe with lots of padding to help you go all day long without discomfort.
The retail price is $150 and you can buy them in your local running store, on Amazon or on the Hoka One One website direct.
