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Reddit Reviews
I had the Hoka Bondi 8 and loved them at first. They got me started with walking then running. I tried on the Bondi 9 and didn't like them at all. I switched to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and I love them.
he’s right I trained in a pair of hoka bondi 8s for a half and full marathon. after those that’s when I got the evos and other shoes.
I walk 15km a day including some running, and therefore go through a pair every few months. I juggle multiple pairs of Asics Gel Kayano 30 (don't like the 31 or 32). If you want insane cushion, go for Hoka Bondi 8 but you will compromise on stability. If you want cushion and stability, either go for Asics Gel Kayano 32 or Asics Gel Nimbus 28. I am not a big fan of Nike Vomero plus (which I also own) because the cushion has a steep fall from heel to toe, which I find uncomfortable. PS I bacially \*live\* in sneakers because I also wear them at work.
Bondi 8 my beloved ILL NEVER FORGET YOUUUUU
I ran in Bondi 8s for years, found New Balance 880s more comfortable, I am somewhere between a 2E and 4E width, 11 normal shoes, 11.5 running shoes.
I’m a dedicated Hoka wearer, and I just do speed work in my Bondis, which are the most cushion you can get. I can’t justify buying a “speed shoe” when I only do speed work 1x per week. Until last week I was rotating 3 pairs of Bondis, two of them Bondi 9s, the other was a Bondi 8. I had gotten one pair of the 9s and the 8s as a used resale, and the 8s worked great as a speed shoe. I also tried the carbon plated racing speed shoe in the panic that was 2020, and it just wasn’t worth the $$. I have ran in the Rincon, Mach, Clifton, and my forever favorite but sadly discontinued Cavu. I would say those are all decent contenders for a mid-weight shoe.
Have you noticed or made check if you have flat feet ? Maybe not or slightly, because of your sore ankle with the clouds and how your feet tends inward at each step. It can also cause knee problems by creating a stress on your legs by pushing inward. If it’s not the cause strengthening will help you get things more solid. Soft shoes can be a bit tricky with stability, my new brooks glycerin max gives me hard time with legs soreness after running. Never had this with my old bondi8 when a began running or my other pair of SB2 which are well planted on the ground. My brooks were supposed to be my slow pace shoe for long km but I’m beginning to think to sell them out. For sure something is wrong and make some investigation to see what is going on. That’s suck when it’s not going well and taking time to sort things out will be a big plus for you.
My soon have flat feet and I’ve just saw your image and you clearly need some orthopaedics soles to help correct this. Being flat it’s causing a lot of stress and misalignment to the legs. The lines they have put on your picture, shows how much it affects the upper legs. Check the pictures to see what you it’s all about. It could explain why you have issues with your ankle and knee. Me personally I’m the opposite with high arch and having custom soles make my running go straight and well aligned. https://preview.redd.it/42i3lx8hfvng1.jpeg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5469e0da4c0f8937df702e580d1d59810130b051
https://preview.redd.it/j8fyotiifvng1.jpeg?width=1206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bba812656d68e99dc9ec5821e78c11270b3183c7 Go see a podiatrist or similar technician specialize in foot care they will help you. My soon was running weird since young and after knowing that and been corrected it’s all good now. No more soreness and weird walking/running patterns.
Note that the Bondi 8 had a wider fit than the newer Bondi 9. I need the wide in the Bondi 9.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Achilles tendonitis

Top pick
Brooks - Glycerin GTS 22
Best for Budget-conscious running

Top pick
ADIDAS - Adizero Evo SL
Best for Heavier runners

Top pick
ASICS - SUPERBLAST 2
Best for Long-distance training

Top pick
ASICS - SUPERBLAST 2
Best for Marathon race day

Top pick
ASICS - SUPERBLAST 2
Best for Maximum cushioning and joint protection

Top pick
Nike - Vomero Plus





