Hoka One One Mens Bondi 5 Running Shoe Review
The Hoka One One Mens Bondi 5 Running Shoe in Grey is designed specifically for running on hard artificial surfaces. It promises exceptional comfort, durability, and just enough grip for those easy trail runs when you feel adventurous. As the latest iteration of the revolutionary Bondi series, the '5' stands out as HOKA's most cushioned shoe for road running.
This shoe incorporates an improved design which emphasizes breathability, support, and compression properties, ensuring a smooth and balanced experience during each run. The ComfortFrame upper, combined with a padded tongue, works harmoniously with the EVA midsole and a uniquely curved sole profile, providing a level of comfort unmatched by competitors.
Features
- Breathable Mesh Upper: Keeps the foot cool, dry, and comfortable.
- 3D Puff Print Frame: Offers a lightweight structure with a secure fit.
- Ortholite Insole: Provides additional arch support and cushioning.
- Meta-Rocker Technology: Facilitates efficient roll through the gait cycle.
- EVA Midsole: Delivers essential low-profile cushioning for long-distance runs.
Pros
- Exceptional cushioning for long-lasting comfort.
- Breathable upper keeps feet cool and dry.
- Durable outsole enhances longevity.
- Lightweight design allows for a natural run.
- Great support for different foot types.
Cons
- May feel bulky to some users.
- Limited color options may not appeal to everyone.
- Higher price point compared to other running shoes.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Hoka One One Bondi 5 | Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 | Brooks Ghost 13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | High | Moderate | High |
| Breathability | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Weight | Lightweight | Lightweight | Moderate |
| Drop | Low | Medium | Medium |
Detailed Review
The Hoka One One Bondi 5 excels in cushioning, making it perfect for those who prioritize comfort during their runs. The EVA midsole absorbs shock effectively, providing a plush feel underfoot. With its Early Stage Meta-Rocker technology, this shoe promotes a smooth transition from heel to toe, enhancing your running efficiency.
The breathable mesh upper is commendable, allowing airflow while preventing overheating, even on longer runs. Additionally, the 3D-printed frame provides a secure fit, which is crucial for stability, especially if you lean towards faster paces or varied terrains.
On the downside, the shoe might feel bulkier than minimalistic alternatives, which could be off-putting for runners seeking a lighter option. While the price point is higher, the durability and comfort make it a worthy investment for serious runners.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | 9/10 | Outstanding cushioning ideal for long-distance runners. |
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional comfort throughout prolonged use. |
| Breathability | 8/10 | Designed to keep your feet cool and dry. |
| Support | 8/10 | Offers excellent support for various foot types. |
| Durability | 9/10 | Highly durable materials ensure longevity. |
User Reviews
So I bought these shoes from an air shoe. Onemix actually, it's an of brand of Nike air, those shoes were great, but I need something else.These shoes are walking running. If you stand in one place for long periods these may not be the shoes for you.Mostly because they require you to break them FULLY in, other wise they hurt. I put 27 miles in these shoes and my feet felt really honestly fine. I work in warehouse work and standing in these shoes was ok, but when I had to do the picking... And walk and walk and walk.. They really were comfy. 30 hrs of walking 10 hrs a day they were a gos send. Thanks Hoka one one.The drop makes each step easy and smooth all day for me.These shoes are not rockers. I'm over weight and hate excess effort to something that needs to be easy.These shoes made every step easy.I never get my measurement right for nylon shoes cause after 4 months they stretch and they don't fit leading to plantar fasciitis.Do your self a favor if your walking a lot, for these shoes..1: wear decent thin socks or medium socks. This shoes I do not recommend for thick winter socks. The shoes are not leather and if you step in wet grass your socks WILL get wet. Please keep that in mind. These are shoes help evaporate sweat threw thin upper application. Wind goes threw these shoes so wet conditions are not applicable.2: break them in. These shoes require you to break them fully in.if you are switching from an air shoe to a drop shoe you should notice a complete step not an over side cuff or any other type of step. These shoes are for people who have toe numbing or things. They offer a heal cup. A heal cup is a cup for your heal. Have a shoe that has nice srch support but hurt your heal? Welcome to a heal cup with moldability. For normal feet like mine or monkey toed people. Please watch hoka one one video to fully view what these shoes after so you don't spend money on shoes that suck or don't help. Research can help you save money.I like them after a month i broke them in and they are fine if you are hard on shoes and really just mangle shoes after 3 months don't bother. They aren't stiched shoes. They are the best damn walking shoes I have felt though if you are an average walker or runner.Cons: expensive, not stiched might wear out quick, shoe inserts could be higher quality for price.I hope my review helps you make a nice shoe transition. Remember please these nylon top shoes strech!!! I won't tell you how to size your shoe. I did however go to an 8 in men's they were tight at first. My foot sweat and my walking streched the top nylon and now they are perfect.Hope my review helps you buy these or pass, for me so good so far. Happy shopping friend.
I am a 6', neutral-gait, 60+ years old male runner who weighs around 200 pounds. I've been a runner for many years, but for the past year and a half have been coping with low back pain related to degenerative discs. Back pain has come and gone over the years, but the recent difficulties are more "chronic" than has been the case in the past. I've been working out at the gym regularly to strengthen my core and back, and incorporated more stretches into my workouts. More recently, I've been running only a mile or two at a time several times a week as a compromise that allows me to maintain some level of aerobic fitness while minimizing back ache. Still, I really miss being able to run greater distances, and wanted to find a shoe that offered superior cushioning in hopes that it would allow me to increase my running distance without also aggravating back pain. After reading a number of shoe reviews on this site and others, I decided to take a chance on the Hoka One One Bondi 5. I ordered the same size shoe that I typically wear for running shoes made by other manufacturers, and the Hokas fit just fine. The toe box is a little larger than with other shoes and, for me anyway, that's a good thing. I usually run on pavement, although I've run on a treadmill more often recently and, either way, the cushioning is superior to any other shoe I've used. They're also extremely lightweight. Results-wise, the difference is certainly noticeable in terms of reduced distress in the lower back after a run. One thing I noticed about these shoes is that the "footprint" is somewhat larger than what I was used to, and I needed to be careful descending stairs at first because the heel seemed to protrude a bit and I'd strike the steps unexpectedly.So, have these shoes "cured" my back pain? No, and I suspect nothing will make it go away entirely. Still, I can say that the Hokas are definitely a move in the right direction. These shoes are too new for me to comment on durability but, one month in, I'm very pleased with the purchase. I realize that one's choice of shoes is always a very personal decision, and what works for one person will not necessarily work for another, but I'd say that if your situation is similar to mine, these shoes deserve serious consideration.
I have a bad back and cushion is the most important thing for me so when I tried these on for the first time last year I knew they were the ones for me. Excellent cushion and still provided enough support for me. I don't run, but do walk a lot and these are so comfortable to walk in. It took some getting used to at first as it felt like walking in sand (when doing a serious walk for exercise, not just around the mall or whatever), my calves would be burning. I guess that's a good thing as my calves have actually gotten much more defined over the last year. If the calf burning is too much for you, put in a different insert than the stock one. I used the Dr Scholls Active series insert and it helped alleviate the calf burning. Another thing I've used in these is a small insert for just the heel that I got from my Dr (it's just a small blue foam/rubber wedge) that really adds to the heel cushion and is something I'd use in any sneaker from now on. The only negative of these sneaker is they don't last long. There's some soft foam on the bottom that wears out relatively quickly. Probably won't be a big deal if you just wear these casually, as mine are still comfortable but I did start to notice it during my more intense walks that they just didn't feel the same. I bought a new pair and use the old ones for yard work now. I will buy these for as long as they make them, even if they only last a year it is well worth it for me.