Ep147 Hoka Bondi SR Black vs New Balance More v4 MAX cushion (The battle)

[@EasyLifeES]

IF you have any questions just let me know. I will try to reply every time I can. Otherwise enjoy it! BTW IF YOU FIND MY REPLIES USEFUL, please consider leaving a LIKE to THE VIDEO. Will be THE BEST way to say a warm "Thanks"!😊

[@No_Name_419]

Bro your review are awesome, i can really rely on your reviews , you literally cover every possible detail about the shoes . Well done

[@EasyLifeES]

Thank you, I'm trying to be helpful with these episodes that I make... A regular video is not that hard to do, the challenge is to take "the essence" of the products and bring real info to this small community.

[@lindavent9490]

Great review as always. You cover every possible aspect of the shoes you review, and we always get an honest and unbiased review. Thank you for all the effort you put in to making such great videos.

[@EasyLifeES]

Thank you so much! You know that I care when you watch it. I appreciate all the feedback from you guys.

[@EmadHabib]

you are one of the best youtuber for shoes rewires

[@EasyLifeES]

Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it!

[@florinb4668]

"The weight limit on this midsole is way over 85kg/187.39lbs because of the midsole compound (EVA)"-is this info from manufacturer?or is from google.Really interesting information,maybe it should be on all shoes(but then producers will lose money because sneakers will last longer).I really like how u show the measurements of insole.👍

[@EasyLifeES]

"This" info... doesn't come from anywhere from the web. That is MY approximated estimation after checking quite a number of sneakers/midsoles in the last 5 years in order to avoid a premature wear by the user. And because these things can be avoided I try to add that too in these videos. Normally in the running world we have about 3 categories: 01. 65 - 75 kg (143.3 - 165.3lbs). You are relative lightweight (depending of your height, of course), so the cushioning is NOT as much need it like for someone with a superior weight (except maybe if you need them for "recovery days" or you just enjoy it that way and you don't care being more sluggish because of the oversized shape of the shoe) 02. 75 - 85 kg (165.3 - 187.4lbs). You should start consider thicker midsoles to avoid future injuries. 03. Over 85 kg/ 187.4lbs (over that weight). You should search a sneaker that can help your feet to "swallow your weight", otherwise your knees, hip, back etc. will start to give some pain after a while of use. At least this is how I see this problem. A podiatrist will do something similar before recommending something to his patient. Although they are many other things to keep in mind before recommending a new pair to someone. Weight - is a easy one, that can be avoided from right from the start. If I recommend a sneaker with soft/very soft midsole to someone that is in the 3rd category with overweight or simply just tall (skinny or not, still has a bigger weight than normal because of the bones), maybe even with some athletic constitution the wrong kind of foam will reduce quickly the lifetime of that running sneaker and won't get the correct response from that midsole. If that can be avoided, I'm trying to do it even from the beginning. A full guide for those that need it! How to choose your footwear: 1. Measure your feet (in the evening, or when they might be swollen). - length & width - take an A4 sheet of paper, your both feet by turn... the heel touching a flat vertical surface like a wall for example draw a ruff contur to get your footprint size and measure with a metric tape. Search in YT videos. - arch height over the metatarsal bones and over the instep bones - with a metric tape (optional). Be sure to keep the bigger numbers from both feet: i.e left has 25.7 and right has 26.3 cm... we keep 26.3 value and so on. Or try a Brannock device in any specialized running sneakers store to give you a clue of your size. 2. Choose the way that you are going to use them: asphalt, mountain, field, forest, combined etc. They can be more rugged or "less aggressive". Running in park it won't be the same as in a forest (rocks, pieces of wood, dirt etc). You will need running sneakers or trail sneakers... 3. Take a scale and find out your weight (they are 3 categories here): - 65 - 75 kg (143.3 - 165.3lbs). You are lightweight, so the cushioning is NOT as much need it like for someone with a bigger weight (except maybe if you do recovery for any reason or you just enjoy it that way) - 75 - 85 kg (165.3 - 187.4lbs). You should start consider thicker midsoles to avoid future injuries. - over 85 kg/ 187.4lbs (over that weight). You should search a sneaker that can help your feet to "swallow your weight", otherwise your knees, hip, back etc. will start to give some pain after a while of use. 4. Count the number of km or miles/week: doing 100km (62 miles)/week or 30 minutes of daily walking is not the same. Here consider the type of rubber in the sole and its thickness 5. Know your footprint (study the sole of your used shoes) and also look at your plant if you have calluses and where... If you have them, something is wrong with your shoes (better see a podiatrist). 6. Try to know your ideal size and "the last" (this is more suitable for dress shoes and boots): Insert your foot and push until you can touch the inside of the front part and insert your index/little finger without effort or take out the insole and make sure that you have about 5-8 mm left over of the longest toe you have.Also look at the contour of the foot that is not much above the insole... The maximum width of your footprint should be around 10mm in my opinion, otherwise we will have injuries over time with pressure points 7. When to go and buy your sneakers: At the end of the day (i.e 8PM or after finishing doing a shift), the foot will be swollen and then you can add 5-8mm to have adequate comfort "over the swollen feet"! Some of these "rules" are from a podiatrist and others is just common sense for ME. Take my advices with a grain of salt! Any questions? Just let me know as always! :) P.S: Is very unlikely to see these ratings on the official webpage of any brand (for obvious reasons), although of course they SHOULD be there. Same goes with NOT HAVING the option to choose other width than "regular" in all the models considering the diversity of people that is in this world... yet we don't have that in over 75% of models that come every year. I have Regular width feet, but NOT all of has have... and that force many to go for a +0.5 size up, although the final size won't be correct one for them.

[@florinb4668]

@@EasyLifeES "that force many to go for a +0. 5 size up, although the final size won't be correct one for them."🔥🔥🔥

[@woundead3232]

I work as a nurse so im constantly on my feet for 12 hours during a shift. I was attracted to these shoes due to their slip resistance and waterproofness. I did go and try these on and I think you’re right, I was expecting more comfort at that price. If you have any recommendations do let me know, I am willing to sacrifice waterproofness for better comfort. Love what you do! Very informative video!

[@EasyLifeES]

As lifestyle sneakers goes... they aren't really THAT many choices when it comes to "REAL SOFT CUSHION" for our feet . At least I didn't find as much as I WISH they were, considering that is 2024 and soft foams are in many running sneakers since 7-8 years ago or maybe even more if I'm considering one of the oldest from Adidas... BOOST foam from Ultraboost models). Now back to your question... this Hoka could had been one of the best shoes for your job BUT they completely mess it up "the story" and the midsole is one of the cheapest & firmest EVA's found on the market (being FIRM, non-responsive and obviously less stack than we might believe from checking the online pictures). They are many kinds of EVA foam and some are more than decent to be fair. But NOT this one... this one is annoyingly firm considering that it has "MAX Cushion" written even on the insoles... So good cushioning sneakers option (lifestyle + running sneakers): 01. Nike Motiva (lifestyle sneakers) - Zero water protection, BUT soft & pleasant upper (the kind one that I completely forget that something covers my feet) and the MOST important has VERY GOOD SOFT-ish cushion, also pretty good outsole too (the shape is little bit weird, but at least these sneakers have good cushioning "front + back" so I will ignore that aspect for now). Also important they can be found in black colour upper ... so that is a good thing (you will be surprised how many models they aren't available in BLACK color upper for some reason that I can't understand). I even consider buying a pair for myself at some point in the future. 02. New Balance More v4 running sneakers (v4's have better outsoles than v5's!) - Zero water protection, BUT even MORE SOFT cushion than (Nike Motiva). I use NB More v4's as "Personal Benchmark" to compare other running sneakers level of cushion ! You can find them in carbon grey color (black I'm not sure if is available, here in Spain I didn't see them). Exposed foam in the outsoles... 03. Adidas Ultraboost 5 "version 2024" running sneakers (the NEW models are pretty good, and you can find them in FULL black also). Slightly firmer foam than Nike & NB but enough stack to make a comfy ride. No waterproof, the outsoles are thinner that they should be. 04. Asics Superblast running sneakers (not in black, only light grey I've seen them)... older... so might be tricky to find them somewhere. 05. Maybe the most expensive models from ONcloud sneakers are OK, the ones that I checked in a store they weren't too good so... not convinced so far. I hope this answer helps you somehow, I worked almost 14 years on feet in 12 h shifts (in a different sector) so I REALLY know HOW important can be a decent footwear in our feet.

[@woundead3232]

@@EasyLifeES I got the new balance shoes you recommended on sale, these shoes are seriously so comfortable and 2 of my colleagues ordered some. Thank you very much!

[@Kendra_93]

I have flat feet. With a collapsing arch. I’m a new mail carrier. Any recommendations on a type of shoe that might work best for me?

[@EasyLifeES]

If you are looking for a casual fit and not something too sporty looking, I'm not sure that I have the right answer. They are brands that now are making "leather shoes with foam midsoles" (that I haven't tried yet). Something like Allen Edmonds Henderson Derby. Dressy looking shoes won't give problems for your kind of feet and maybe combined with orthopedic insoles can give you the best cushion and comfort all day long. If sportswear is still OK and you need best cushion that I know for lifestyle sneakers, try Nike Motiva have really good cushion. For your flat feet again add some flat insoles or orthopedic ones that adapt better to your feet. I not sure how much this helps but I tried.

[@EasyLifeES]

BTW I just realized that you are a women (I just notice now your name, usually mostly guys are written me) so maybe I'm not the best to answer to your questions. Still a quick Google search rule with: "leather shoes with foam midsoles" applies here too I suppose. They have to be some brands made for women's too, with soft midsoles.

[@Kendra_93]

@@EasyLifeES thanks for the reply! Appreciate the help!

[@EasyLifeES]

Sure, you're welcome!

[@MelanyBonitaa]

Which do you think has more height? I can't wear them so low, it hurts me and I always look for ones that have a little more height.

[@EasyLifeES]

The height is superior in NB and the cushion is completely different. The NB is squishy but not as rugged made as the Hoka. In Hoka the height is REALLY deceiving, they have the oversized midsoles on the exterior but in interior is about just half of what you see on the exterior (as shown in the video)! Is the first time when I found a sneaker that is completely in the opposed way made vs my expectations. The midsole is really hard, extremely poor cushion and I can't recommend them if you care about your feet. They have the cushion of a winter boot and nothing to do with other sneakers! Also the fit was annoying for my feet... They lack comfort in toe box, not enough room inside. So adding better insoles also won't be an option...

[@xlista1543]

Hi Man. Q: Do you have triggers that can tell you the wrong size when you try on sneakers in the store? Sometimes there is not enough time to understand whether the sneakers really fit or they are too small. Thank yo!

[@EasyLifeES]

Hi there, The most efficient (and quick for ME) remains "the rule of thumb". 1. I mean adding a finger in the back of the shoe (without excessive effort) in between your heel and the back end of the shoe or 2. The shoe should have enough space in between your "bigger toe" (not necessary the big toe, because some people they have it shorter than other toes) and the frontend of the sneaker (the space seen at 17:48 in between my 2 fingers should be somewhere around 1.5 - 2.5cm or 0.5 - 1") 3. Also be sure they don't run narrow for your feet. Idle will be to try them in the store for 5-10 minutes straight and with the socks that you are planning to wear them and see if you find pressure points. If you DO find a number of them, or they are too small (and you might want to go +0.5 size up) or they are not fitting well to your feet and in that case just skip that particular model and find something else, because are plenty to choose on the market. Never go with just one model in your mind. Of course all of us we have a favorite but try adding 1-2 more to that one when you go to shopping your new pair of shoes. Also an extended answer that I made it a while ago. Maybe you find something useful here too... How to choose your footwear: 1. Measure your feet (in the evening, or when they might be swollen). - length & width - take an A4 sheet of paper, your both feet by turn... the heel touching a flat vertical surface like a wall for example draw a ruff contur to get your footprint size and measure with a metric tape. Search in YT videos. - arch height over the metatarsal bones and over the instep bones - with a metric tape (optional). Be sure to keep the bigger numbers from both feet: i.e left has 25.7 and right has 25.9... we keep 25.9 value and so on, same goes for width. Or try a Brannock device in any specialized running sneakers store to give you a clue of your size. 2. Choose the way that you are going to use them: asphalt, mountain, field, forest, combined. They can be more rugged or "less aggressive". Running in park it won't be the same as in a forest (rocks, pieces of wood, dirt etc). You will need running sneakers or trail sneakers... 3. Take a scale and find out your weight (they are 3 categories here): - 65 - 75 kg (143.3 - 165.3lbs). You are lightweight, so the cushioning is NOT as much need it like for someone with a bigger weight (except maybe if you do recovery for any reason or you just enjoy it that way) - 75 - 85 kg (165.3 - 187.4lbs). You should start consider thicker midsoles to avoid future injuries. - over 85 kg/ 187.4lbs (over that weight). You should search a sneaker that can help your feet to "swallow your weight", otherwise your knees, hip, back etc. will start to give some pain after a while of use. !!! Here is NOT about if you are or not obese, is about the type of foam you should look for in order to protect your joints. You can be 1.9m tall and look skinny, but your weight is over 85 kg! Same goes for a short person but overweight will need a different kind of foam. 4. Count the number of km or miles/week: doing 100km (62 miles)/week or 30 minutes of daily walking is not the same. Here consider the type of rubber in the sole and its thickness 5. Know your footprint (study the sole of your used shoes) and also look at your plant if you have calluses and where... If you have them, something is wrong with your shoes (better see a podiatrist). 6. Try to know your ideal size and "the last" (this is more suitable for dress shoes and boots): Insert your foot and push until you can touch the inside of the front part and insert your index/little finger without effort or take out the insole and make sure that you have about 5-8 mm left over of the longest toe you have.Also look at the contour of the foot that is not much above the insole... The maximum width of your footprint should be around 10mm in my opinion, otherwise we will have injuries over time with pressure points 7. When to go and buy your sneakers: At the end of the day (i.e 8PM or after finishing doing a shift), the foot will be swollen and then you can add 5-8mm to have adequate comfort "over the swollen feet"!

[@xlista1543]

@@EasyLifeES Hey Man. Thank you very mach! It's realy important cases!

[@EasyLifeES]

@@xlista1543 Sure, you're welcome!

[@allanwatts8361]

do these shoes make u 1.5-2 inches taller?

[@EasyLifeES]

Obviously, NOT... Nor I think it should be a model that tall for guys, no matter if they are for sportswear or made for lifestyle because would be basically like having a platform (normally seen in women's footwear, that are really not practical). I tried "adidas Prime X" in Ep134 (with 50mm heel stack) and they were DANGEROUS TO USE honestly. I had to be very aware how I was doing my steps, because I was losing my balance extremely quick with them on my feet. That "kind" of footwear is not needed in our lives (IMHO!). As shown in the video at the minute 01:04 about half of that midsole is only outside (shown with red the approximated internal midsole height). My problem is NOT necessarily with the stack not being TRUE, is more with THE QUALITY OF THE FOAM used here that is not "there", being one of the cheapest options from performance perspective and that it should NOT BE EVER used anymore in sneakers or even footwear in general, because of the really BAD performance that it has (minimal elasticity, almost NO energy return no matter the stack, serious lack of cushioning)! My limit of the MIDSOLE HEIGHT probably will be (in lifestyle footwear and running shoes as a MALE) about 1 - 1.35"/3 - 3.5 cm, above "that" they really start to lack stability, they become sluggish and they have more downsides than benefits. The sweet spot for ME in the midsoles stack will be in between ~2.5 - 3 cm/~0.75 - 1" (front + back, never just 1 of them), remember that we still have to add the thickness of the insoles and the thickness of the rubber outsole, which I believe is enough to have a very decent pair of sneakers, that have great amount of cushioning, great bounce back and in general equilibrated level of balance and performance. OUT OF TOPIC: I personally think that is a mistake to use "special" footwear to make us look tallers than we are (valid for mens & womens too). Just my opinion of course (NO offence intended), those are insecurities and are psychological (a decent "kind" of human being won't care about our height anyway, and if he/she does well... that is NOT "the one"). Normally everyone can find someone that can be like him/her and even if it doesn't find someone similar, I still don't see why it should look taller than already is... And I'm saying all this considering that by today's standards probably I am a "short guy" with MY 176 cm/5 feet, 9 inches (that is average height for men in 2024). : )

[@rogerchavez8493]

These or bondi X for comfort

[@EasyLifeES]

Somehow I missed your comment and just see it now by chance. About your question, 99% of any sneakers from these days will have more cushioning than those Bondi SR (yeah they are that bad in "that" regard). So most likely Bondi X will be better too without hesitation.