Hoka Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8: Old or the Latest One You Should Prefer?

Hoka’s Bondi franchise has been top-notch with max-cushioned shoes for a decade. The Bondi 7 and Bondi 8 are two models that created much hype. And here is where the Hoka Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8 discussion takes place. Which one to choose?

The footwear brand introduced the Bondi 7 in 2020 and the latest Bondi 8 in 2022. Although both models are from the same series, they have some substantial differences.

Hoka got a striking customer response after they released the Bondi 7. The reason behind this is the maximum cushioning the shoes offer. Credit should also go to Meta-Rocker Technology to ensure a smooth running and walking transition. 

Beyond that, the shoes are lightweight, which can be super helpful for runners who need ultimate speed. The mesh upper also allows for a more secure fit.

The Hoka Bondi 8 is one of Hoka’s most cushioned shoes. Its multilayer thick midsole and engineered mesh construction ensure ultimate comfort. The midsole configuration of the Hoka Bondi 8 is quite different from the previous edition, and it is bulkier.

Hoka also brings the full EVA midsole, Ultralight resilient foam, and Meta-Rocker technology. And you’ll have all those with Bondi 8 so that the shoes ensure smooth rides.

There’s still to cover next!

Hoka Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8: Comparison Chart 

Comparison PointsHoka Bondi 7Hoka Bondi 8
Best for Short-distance running, recovery running, walking.Long-distance running, service working, recovery running, training, walking.
Stability LessMore
Cushioning Ideal cushioningUltimate cushioning 
Durability Less durable More durable
SupportNeutralNeutral
Padding LessMore
Weight 10.70 oz10.80 oz
Size7-167-16
Fit (toe box)Narrow fitWider fit
Stack Height 32mm-36mm39mm-35mm
DesignAestheticTraditional
Shock Absorbance CapacityLessMore
Price$160$165

Best For: Hoka Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8

hoka bondi 7 vs 8

If you are looking for shoes for short-distance, aggressive, recovery running, the Bondi 7 should be the way to go. The shoes are lightweight, so you won’t feel bulky while running. However, as the Hoka Bondi 7 has a slightly narrow toe box, it should be the choice for runners with a narrow fit.

Kori J. Perry, one of the Hoka’s customers, shared her thoughts on Bondi. In her words,

Kori works at a hospital, and that’s why she has to do a lot of walking. She wanted a comfortable pair of shoes, and now she has one. Interestingly, Kori has been wearing Hoka shoes for 11 years. 

The review is collcted from Amazon on Hoka Bondi 7.

The Hoka Bondi 7 ensures a balanced ride due to the memory foam collar and a beveled heel. The shoes also offer minimal comfort, a must for almost all sorts of running and training.

On the other hand, the Bondi 8 is super impressive for long-distance running and service workers who need to wear shoes for a long time. The trail runners may find these shoes slightly heavy and dense. But it can be very decent for people who are in the recovery period.

This is due to the padded collar and tongue, engineered mesh, memory foam, grooves, and rear crash pads. The components make the Bondi 8 suitable for neutral foot types.

Here’s what Diego mentioned about the shoe,

Diego claims the shoes are pretty comfortable. He has to wear shoes for 13 hours a day, and the shoes are giving him the relaxation he demands.

The review is collcted from Amazon on Hoka Bondi 8.

To be more precise, the Bondi 8 is for those who want to reduce the load on the forefoot. If you are a mild overpronation, you’ll find the Hoka Bondi 8 comfortable. And that’s a key consideration on Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8.

Design: Hoka Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8

If you look at the soles of the two shoes, there is a clear daylight difference. This is mostly in the pattern in which the soles come in. With the Hoka Bondi 7, the pattern of the soles or design is vertical. The Hoka Bondi 8 comes with a bit of horizontal sole patterns. But both the two look very charming.

Due to the additional cushioning and weight, the Hoka Bondi 8 looks slightly bulky compared to the Bondi 7. So, if you prefer a more responsive running shoe, the Hoka Bondi 8 should not be the way to go. But then again, the 0.10 should not make a huge difference.

The outsoles of the Hoka Bondi 7 and Bondi 8 are similar, with a blown rubber and flex groove pattern. Other than that, there isn’t a noticeable difference between Hoka’s most demanding shoes.

Feel : Hoka Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8

The Hoka Bondi 7 appears with a wider toe box, which is supposed to make the shoe more responsive and good for people who need more room while walking and running. But the Hoka Bondi 8’s narrow toe box will give you a more locked-in feel. 

On the flip side, the Hoka Bondi 7 is not as cushioned as the Bondi 8. Moreover, the Hoka Bondi 7 comes with plush cushioning. So, in terms of comfort, the Bondi 8 is ahead of the race, as mentioned. You’ll have a softer feel with the latest version.

Stability: Hoka Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8

Hoka always emphasizes comfort more than stability. The Hoka Bondi 7 and Hoka Bondi 8 have additional prescriptive technologies that ensure satisfying stability. If we compare, the Bondi 8 will be ahead of the race due to the wider space in the toe end of the shoes or heel counter stiffness.

Beyond that, the heel-to-forefoot transition is supposed to be more excellent due to the rear crash pads and ultralight resilient foam of Hoka Bondi 8. In Hoka Bondi 7, the cushioning is more on the midsole, but with the Bondi 8, the heel gets the most cushioning.

Durability: Hoka Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8

The Hoka Bondi 8 is supposed to be more durable compared to the Hoka Bondi 7. But this doesn’t mean the Hoka Bondi 7 shoes don’t last for a long time. You need to change your running shoes every 500-700 miles, no matter what brand of shoe you purchase. (Source)

Both shoes have an indifferent outsole, so there is no such difference. However, due to the recycled polyester sock liner top cloth and Upper mesh with 50% recycled polyester, the Hoka Bondi 8 usually lasts longer. The exact lasting period will depend on how you use the shoes. 

Weight: Hoka Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8

Shoes with maximum cushioning are usually heavier, and we see the same picture in the case of the Hoka Bondi 8 compared to the Hoka Bondi 7. But the difference margin is very small. The Hoka Bondi 8 for men and women weighs 10.80 oz and 8.90 oz, respectively. 

On the other hand, the Hoka Bondi 7 for men and women weighs 10.70 oz and 8.90 oz, respectively. If customers need an extra bit of a faster feel in the running, they should go with the Hoka Bondi 7.

Stack Height: Hoka Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8

There is a noticeable difference in the Hoka Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8 stack height, even if the heel-to-forefoot drop remains the same. The Hoka Bondi 7 has a stack height of 36 mm (heel) to 32 mm (forefoot). On the flip side, the Hoka Bondi 8 has a stack height of 39 mm (heel) – to 35 mm(forefoot). 

The reason behind the higher stack height of the Hoka Bondi 8 is an extra thick and multi-layer midsole. Due to that, the shoes have more shock absorbance compared to the Bondi 7. Besides, the transition from heel to forefoot is relatively smoother with Hoka Bondi 8. 

Price: Hoka Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8

The Hoka Bondi 8 costs more than the Hoka Bondi 7. To purchase the Hoka Bondi 7, you need to spend $160, and the Bondi 8 costs $165. Now, the question is, why the price gap? Simply put, the Hoka Bondi 8 is the upgraded version with some new features, as we mentioned—for example, the deeper flex grooves.

FAQs

Which Hoka Bondi Is the Most Comfortable?

Hoka is playing a different ball game in comfort. The Bondi series is known to be more comfortable. If you are looking for ultimate cushioning, the Bondi 8 should be the choice anyway. Why? The extra layer of midsole and plush, padded upper make the shoe comfortable. The Bondi 8 also has an extra-wide toe box, which adds more comfortability.

What Is Hoka Bondi 8 Good For?

Isn’t it good to hear what the manufacturer says about the Bondi 8? Yes. As the shoe is max cushioned, it can be immensely suitable for road running. You’ll have a smooth transition and the comfortability and support are top-class.

Engineered mesh construction for comfort, ultralight resilient foam for even more softness, and zonal rubber placement for weight savings are things that you must look for in regular road running shoes. 

What Are Hoka Bondi 7 Good For?

We’ve seen the updated Bondi 8 which came to the market and created much hype. But the old Bondi 7 is not something you can underestimate.

The shoe is manufactured for the road runners who need a combination of long time comfort, stability and support. There is enough cushioning and plush in the midsole of Hoka Bondi 7.

Moreover, the Hoka Bondi 7 is so spongy and relaxed. Apart from road running, the Bondi 7 is also suitable for recovery run.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *