Hoka One One Bondi 6 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.

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. 

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. 

The Bondi 6s in particular feature 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). 

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.

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.

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. 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. 

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.

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.

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.