Fitness Gear Footwear Hoka One One Bondi 6 Review Run smoother with Hoka One One’s most comfortable shoes By Deanna McCormack Deanna McCormack Deanna McCormack is a beauty, parenting, and lifestyle writer who has written for Bustle, Byrdie, TheEverymom.com, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 01, 2021 We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 4.2 HOKA ONE ONE Men's Bondi 6 Running Shoe Verywell Fit / Deanna McCormack What We Like Super-soft cushioning Snug, supportive fit Rocker sole Durable, even for heavier runners What We Don't Like Chunky aesthetic Not ideal for trails Pricier Bottom Line The Hoka One One Bondi 6 exceeded our expectations in terms of cushioned running shoes and are perfect for those with stress-related injuries like plantar fasciitis. With their snug fit, added stability, and rocker shape, they’re worth the noticeably chunky sole and higher price tag. View On Amazon View On Hokaoneone.com View On REI 4.2 HOKA ONE ONE Men's Bondi 6 Running Shoe Verywell Fit / Deanna McCormack View On Amazon View On Hokaoneone.com View On REI In This Article Expand Performance Fit Materials Design/Style Price Competition Final Verdict Specs We purchased the Hoka One One Bondi 6 so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full product review. Even when it felt like the entire fitness community had moved on to sleek, minimalist shoes, Hoka One One remained committed to cushion and comfort and managed to build a cult-like following. And the word spread. Today, the company’s shoes are worn by some of the biggest names in running and continue to gain popularity among casual runners. Converts value the brand’s signature (and sizable) soles for their ability to make running feel smooth and reduce pressure on joints and muscles. We recently took their most plush running shoes, the Hoka One One Bondi 6, to the streets (and the treadmill, and the trails) to evaluate their fit, breathability, performance, and comfort. Read on to see if we think they’re worth their lack of “modesty” and live up to the hype. Verywell Fit / Deanna McCormack Performance: Takes the pressure off In general, comfort is Hoka One One’s priority, especially in their “most cushioned shoe,” the Bondi 6. But that’s not to say these shoes don’t perform at speed as well as, if not better than, their more minimal counterparts. “Running in these shoes felt smooth and steady, like driving an off-road vehicle on a flat road,” our tester, my husband, who weighs over 200 pounds, said. For beginners and running veterans alike, a key selling point for the Bondi 6 is that the plush sole and “Meta-Rocker” design can alleviate the discomfort associated with overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis by softening the blow to joints and muscles as your foot strikes the ground. Specifically, the rocker midsole propels the foot forward and allows for a more efficient and faster motion from heel to toe. Verywell Fit / Deanna McCormack Fit: Secure and supportive For someone new to the brand and new to a rocker sole shoe (which basically just means a chunkier sole and rounded heel), my husband was pleasantly surprised by this shoe’s snug fit. “My heels are secure and my arches feel supported, but my toes have room to breathe,” he noted. “These shoes feel like they were made for my feet.” That support, according to the Hoka One One website, comes from the shoe’s “Active Foot Frame,” which allows your foot to sink into the shoe as opposed to sitting on top of it. Running in these shoes felt smooth and steady, like driving an off-road vehicle on a flat road. The Bondi 6 in particular features a lycra comfort frame heel section and an internal heel counter to provide a locked-in fit and support. They also come in two widths; regular and extra wide (EE)—great for those who need a little more room to accommodate inserts, like insoles for flat feet. Verywell Fit / Deanna McCormack Materials: Light and breathable While they may look heavy, the Hoka One One Bondi 6 shoes are fairly light, weighing in at just under 11 ounces. This is thanks in part to the redesigned rubber outsole, which also adds to the shoe’s durability. Additionally, the foam throughout is very low density, a feature that the Hoka One One brand continues to innovate on. These shoes make you feel like you’re floating, and the propulsion from the rocker sole will make all your other shoes seem less-than. It’s important to know, however, that while the supporting elements of the shoe are plush and stabilizing, the upper part of the shoe is made with light mesh. Not only does this keep the overall weight down, but it also makes the shoe breathable and comfortable. Our tester felt that the flexibility of the upper part of the shoe—including the stretchy laces—made wearing shoes with such large soles feel less constricting and clunky. Verywell Fit / Deanna McCormack Design/Style: Made for a maximalist There’s no way around it: The Hoka One One Bondi 6s aren’t exactly aesthetically pleasing. With the height of the shoes’ soles, they probably aren’t the style you would wear with casual clothes like jeans, or really, anytime you aren’t running or training. But then again, if you run on a treadmill desk in your office aesthetics wouldn't be an issue. That said, compared to older models and other shoes in the Hoka One One lineup, the Bondi 6 model is designed to look sleeker and comes in a variety of muted color combinations. There’s no way around it: The Hoka One One Bondi 6s aren’t exactly aesthetically pleasing. If you don’t mind the maximalist look of this shoe, or even if you do, the comfort is non-negotiable. These shoes make you feel like you’re floating, and the propulsion from the rocker sole will make all your other running shoes seem less-than. Hoka One One claims to “do things differently,” and well, they deliver on that promise. And in this case, different is good. Price: You get what you pay for While you can certainly find cheaper running shoes, the Hoka One One Bondi 6s have unique features that make the price tag ($150) fair compared to other shoes on the market. Typically, the most cushioned shoe in a brand’s lineup is more expensive than a minimal shoe, and that’s the case here. Either way, these shoes are worth the price and aren’t out of range. Competition: Less cushioning, more versatility If you don’t want to commit to the Hoka price tag, a pair of Skechers GOrun Forza shoes will give you similar features at a slightly lower price. That said, the Sketchers don’t have the Hoka’s rocker-sole, which is one of the keys to reducing pain from injuries like plantar fasciitis. The Brooks Ghost 10s are another super popular, comfort-first shoe you might be considering if you’re in the market for the Hoka Bondi 6s. They are annual award-winners and have the breathability, cushion, and fit to match the Hoka’s, but with more versatility and traction for trail running. You might opt for the Brooks Ghost 10s if you don’t like the chunky look of the Hoka Bondis or want to save a little bit of money. Brooks Ghost 10 Road Running Shoes Review Final Verdict Good for performance. If you don’t care about looks and just want high-performing, durable shoes that can reduce foot pain, invest in a pair of Hoka One One Bondi 6 (view at Hoka). This running shoe has more cushion than anything else on the market, even if it’s a bit pricey and packs a chunky silhouette. Specs Product Name Men's Bondi 6 Running Shoe Product Brand HOKA ONE ONE UPC 191142693516 Price $150.00 Weight 10.9 oz. Color Black/gray, blue/gray, sea/storm blue, alloy/gray, black/black, etc. Heel-Toe Drop 4 mm. Widths Black/gray, blue/gray, sea/storm blue, alloy/gray, black/black, etc. Widths: Regular, extra wide (EE) See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit