HOKA BONDI X REVIEW | The Ginger Runner

[@TheGingerRunner]

The Bondi X is an interesting new addition to Hoka's road lineup - but who is it for? Curious on your thoughts!

[@miketoporowski1161]

Love this shoe and was not expecting this. I could run for hours in this and it pushes me more than a max cushion shoe. Hoping this will be my shoe for my first marathon

[@tonybowen455]

Really agree with your review, but once you find the stride the shoe likes I'm always surprised how fast it is for little effort. I could see it being my marathon shoe and maybe even hm. I just got my endo speeds today, and I think I like the bondi x more.

[@heavyrunnerweightlifter4392]

That's crazy. You're the first person to describe the X the same way I described it when I first ran in them. I was getting ready to comment that your pair may not be fully broken in because it took me over 34 miles for the midsole to soften and the plate to get flexible in my pair. . That was until you said that you have well over 100 miles on your pair. I'm glad my pair actually broke in. I found them to be harsh and jarring in the beginning but plush, bouncy, and flexible after breakin. I wear size 11 and half and I wonder if our shoes came in the same batch. I got my pair before the release date.

[@spinobruno]

Good to know that...I'm considering them for a marathon on the 27th, but that rigidity scares me a bit.

[@MrTVervolg]

I was a big fan of Hoka shoes, I like the max cushioning. But since I've ran in the Saucony Endorphin Shift, I totally switched to this shoe, this is now my go to max cushion shoe.

[@TheGingerRunner]

I do really like the Endorphin series!

[@leighjo70]

Bought my first pair of hoka Bondi last month. While suffering from planters fasciitis I bought 2 pairs of stability shoes Saucony guide and NB fresh foam. Both made my condition worse. After running in the Bondi for a few weeks my planters fasciitis has almost gone away. This shoe has lots of everything that's required for recovery. Expecting one to think it's supposed to be anything different than a recovery would be surprising. The Bondi x on the other hand is in my mind a multi purpose shoe. This shoe is for recovery, over pronation or someone that just likes the added support but don't need a stability shoe. In my case the Bondi 4 is pure recovery without the need to run fast while the Bondi x has the plate for those wanting speed.

[@povtv2344]

I’m excited for your gear of the year for 2021.. :)

[@ra0333]

I wish more reviewers discussed the “why”. There’s tons of shoes that come out that don’t really answer any need or have a great purpose.

[@Bodhished]

I'm not sure why I'd buy this when I have the Rocket X, which is much lighter and also has great cushion, plus I got them on a sale for almost half the price😃

[@flatfootedrunner]

Surprised you didn’t mention the short tongue in the fit section. I’m enjoying the shoe a lot, but the tongue makes a lace lock very hard without some bite on top of my foot, and I suffer some minor heel slip as a result. To me this is one of the biggest flaws of the Bondi X, and I don’t think I’m alone.

[@Viktoriia]

Totaly agree, this is the only thing which is a bit annoying, i have marks on my legs from lacing because of the short tongue, otherwise really nice shoes. I just put some sport tape or kinesio tape for that spots on the legs

[@kaicollingwood4582]

I love the audacity of this shoe but you make a great point. If I had a pair I could see myself being a bit confused as to where it fit into training.

[@raysollarsthehappyjogger5907]

I love Hoka's! I love my Mach 4, Bondi 6, Challenger ATR 6, and my Torrent V1. Tried on a pair of these. Why?? Exactly. I love my Atreyu Artist's. That tells you where I am at 🙂

[@TheGingerRunner]

Just got a pair of The Artist and am excited to get them into rotation!

[@seans7513]

Wow I love my Hoka's, Clifton, Speedgoat, Carbon X, Rincon. I tried the Bondi and didn't like it that much, I didnt like the ATR... I still need to try the Torrent. One brand known for chuncky shoes providing different flavors. I want them to try a carbon fiber trail shoe, I just pick up the north face carbon fiber trail shoes and I will see how they go.

[@DubaiRunner-hi1xb]

Once you break it in its a great shoe , fast , slow , hard and easy . It suits me and i like it ..... i like it a lot !

[@craiggornall7168]

For me this is Hoka's attempt to challenge the Saucony Endorphin Speed, but isn't able to compete. I do like the Bondi X though.

[@Jus10-born2Run]

Rocket X- soft with carbon plate (race day) Bondi X- softer with carbon plate (training or tempo day) Clifton 8- softest- slower shoe without plate My personal experience having ran in all three

[@ohaiitsarielle]

I remember when I saw Hoka announce it, I was also puzzled. Like Bondi is synonymous with maximum cushion and comfort, which doesn’t align with the carbon fiber plate. Why combine two things on opposing ends of the spectrum? I think this is the first review I’ve seen of yours that’s gotten the “WHY” 👀

[@michcl904]

Enjoying these shoes getting back into running after ankle reconstruction surgery earlier this year. Springy and propels me forwards, with good support. Not too spongy, I feel like there is good energy efficiency. Agree with others the tongue is too short, especially when heel locking the laces to minimise heel slippage. I bought a men’s size instead of women’s so I could get the d-width and a bit more space in the toe box.

[@flguti]

I have osteoarthritis on both knees, I'm able to run in the bondi, now I'm trying the bondi X hoping to get a bit more speed, I'm enjoying so far but did not get any long run on it yet. Maybe that's for me, oa and stubborn enough to keep running Cheers

[@TheGingerRunner]

Report back on your thoughts!

[@tyalderdice4980]

The Bondi was my first introduction to Hoka and I loved them. I had 2 pair of the Bondi 4’s. Then went to the Clifton and didn’t like. I’m now in my second pair of Carbon X2’s the first pair was awesome and these are great as well. I miss the softness of the Bondi but like how fast my Carbons are and how fast I feel. So this Bondi x appeals to me, I’m going on vacation and will find a Hoka store to try them on. Thanks for the review, I just might subscribe

[@anthony7828]

Would you recommend the Bondi 8 or the Bondi X for a 5 to 10k run while keeping a great good time? Also, would they be comforting for ankle pain? Thanks and - really great video!

[@georgesoto5436]

Great review and spot on on the “why”? I started with Bondis several years back and left them when I became a more efficient and experienced runner. By changing the shoe it begs the question as to why or who was Hoka thinking of ?

[@jeffsnyder8967]

LWad.q

[@tyalderdice4980]

That’s why I’m now in my carbon x2’s. I really enjoy them but I want to try these

[@flickmybic5940]

Obviously Hoka doesn't have the R&D capabilities of Nike for example, but they need to figure out which direction they're going. For the price point like you said you can go $50 less and get the Bondi, or you can spend the extra $50 and get the best carbon plated shoe on the market. Pick a lane and go all in.

[@jamesgookin5318]

The Bondi Cabin X would be for me if it came in a Wide... I've ran in the Bondi with orthodics for years. Would like a racing show to improve my times.

[@cwalker1569]

If you haven't I would try a pair on. I go for wides but buy going up a 1/2 size, I was happy. Recovering from an injury but looking to try them in about two weeks.

[@jamesgookin5318]

@@cwalker1569 Already go a half up with the wide on the Bondi.

[@thepfleidi]

Shout out to the Seattle fall weather shown in the video 🍂

[@spinobruno]

Bought them at 104 €, a good deal or a mistake...don't know but I didn't think twice and paid. Still trying to understand how much I like it and if I will use them in my next marathon, in 4 weeks. I'm probably too light to efficiently bend the carbon plate and bounce, 67 Kg hoping to arrive in 3h 40'.

[@tuliomartino9976]

The best review of a Hoka shoe!!!

[@jaymanrick]

Woah! I'm sold. I want these pair... but when its price goes down a bit.

[@Whoever429]

Better you try them first. I have, and i felt like running on a brick.

[@jaymanrick]

@@Whoever429 I see. Ethan said that too. By the way, which Bondi model do you prefer?

[@Whoever429]

Feels likr running on brick in EVA sleeve for me 😉

[@jribe]

I was debating about this shoe. I’m a heavy runner (225 pound approximately 100 kg) and wanted something that will be comfortable but responsive for 10+ mile training distances. Possibly a race day shoe for me too. I’m running 9 minute mile pace so not exactly a tempo pace. What do you think I should train in?

[@neilvanjaarsveld3]

I bought a pair, 13 US and im a heavy guy over 100kg....what i love about it is that its very stable underfoot unlike my Rincon 2 and the Arahi 3 that i finished off in 2021 because the soles was just too soft....i also alternate with a pair of Rincon 4 thats also very soft but light so i hope that my new Bondi x

[@neilvanjaarsveld3]

Would last me a 1000km

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Why buy this, when you can get the Endorphin Speed 2 cheaper???

[@MattSwain1]

I’ve just got a pair but haven’t done enough miles yet to know if it’s going to be my spring marathon shoe or not. My thinking is that I’m a 4+ hour runner for the marathon and that I’m going to want some cushioning but also something that helps me along a bit. I’ve also got the Rocket X which I really like, I’m just not convinced that I’ll like it so much once I’ve been going 3 hours in them. Or maybe I’ll just revert to Cliftons (Yes I like Hoka shoes). I’ve got about 4 months to work out what my marathon shoe is going to be.

[@jamesb.walker9177]

If you have the chance, try the RC Elite 2. It is extremely comfortable , light weigh, very responsive and not aggressive stiff as other carbon plate shoes. Done two HM on it already, highly recommended. At the end of the day is take what feels best at the same pace and distance…. Have fun :)

[@jamesb.walker9177]

These carbon beasts can really spoil the party for runners like us, I am also 4h plus. As example vaporfly to me only work for intervals were I am put enough power to be able to load the carbon plate properly, otherwise at lower marathon paces, I fell it works agains me. After I put about 100K on the RC including some long runs, I realized that not only the plate is easy to load and really helps but also it is really gentle on the legs. To me worked out well, but we are all different. I think the Rocket X is too hard for a full marathon if you are not a fast powerful runner and the Clifons will not give you the extra help that we all need at the last miles.

[@brucemihalick4117]

I have tried it, ran it in twice. I use the clifton and bondi. But this shoe was not right for me. The tongue was too thin and too low and the carbon plate hurt my feet and I have tried many many shoes in the 40 years of doing this. I returned the shoe at my local running shoe store.

[@QronoZ713]

You need to try the VJ Spark!!

[@mikederas8530]

Been waiting for this one...

[@ShawnStradamus520]

I like HOKA shoes and I like the BONDI X, but they are BIG! And as you say, “the flaired heel adds” to its bigness. My question is what is the purpose of the flaired heel in the first place? It just seems to make the one thing that I don’t like about it worse without giving a benefit…

[@zoomarty9158]

Great review.

[@JStock1032]

The price should be a plus. I don't know of any other major brand, carbon plate for less.

[@tyalderdice4980]

I’ve placed my order two days ago.

[@alikr82]

Excellent review! I'm now using carbon x2 for Marathon runs and I'm below 4hours. DO you think I should replace with Bondi X or that might make my pace slower?

[@szabolcsgavaller9972]

Who is for or rather, what is it for, my answer is: gravel. In the past 3 years I have run gravel in Bondis upgraded with carbon insole. For me, Bondi have been begging for carbon from the beginning.

[@thebullfish1997]

I know this is a running channel but I really wish they would release a steel toe boot after wearing my hokas on my days off my work boots “and I buy very good work boots” just feel uncomfortable in comparison

[@shshlens]

Just wondering, since you weren’t real clear: Who’s this for?

[@CarlosMaillard]

great review as usual! would you use it for a road ultra? 80k -120k

[@TheGingerRunner]

They could work for that with a LOT of training in them and breaking them in, but I'd probably grab the normal Bondi or even Clifton/Mach/Rincon as options

[@QronoZ713]

This shoe cost 280 dollars in my country.... More expensive than the vf

[@alexm1841]

Im torn lol Ive been training for my first marathon in the Bondi 7's. I love them but they are clunky. Im thinking I should use Bondi 7 for long/recovery runs, Bondi X or Carbon X for tempo runs, and Carbon X or Rocket X for tempo runs/race day.

[@keetoruns7506]

Hey, another honest and great review. If I was to say this was my long run shoe but not recovery shoe, and adding some random bursts, how does that fit with your review? I currently where the Mach 4 in my long runs and love them. Should I give them a go on that being said???

[@TheGingerRunner]

It'd certainly work in that scenario - but I tend to favor other rides like the RC Elite 2 or Endorphin Speed for that proper mix of soft and snappy when you pick up the pace

[@DrProfX]

OK overall, but can cause blisters after 12 miles... a bit too much room...

[@briankrantz7659]

Going out on a limb…. Comparing high stack and firm ride… forget that there’s a plate… can anyone compare to something high stack and firm like the Endorphin Shift?

[@ziadirida]

I was finding myself going for my Bondi 6 often, was thinking if it could just be my marathon shoe. I am nearing 60 but running a 3:30. So not fast but not very slow either. I was wondering if Bondi X is my Bondi 6 with a snap so I could run a PR with it. My last PR was with an Adidas Boston 7, ouch :)

[@tyalderdice4980]

Don’t sell yourself short. That’s a great finish time.

[@goexplore4439]

You should review Atreyu shoes.

[@izaacenciso]

How do you wash them?? I tried a brush and it screws the outer fabric.

[@gosekinz]

Nearly back to the original Mafate Low size and weight - way too expensive

[@iRunfastXC]

It’s all about the Rincon, man. Best shoe they make.

[@gosekinz]

@@iRunfastXC sorry mate the Rincon is way too narrow - very disappointed with recent Hokas

[@bazgreen6054]

Plump-boi! 😎

[@ForzaDif15]

Is Hoka bondi X not just the ultimate ultra shoes for 24 h races on a track?

[@runtowinmotivation3346]

Brother did u have any old shoe my shoe got damaged I am unable to buy another

[@blaskbla]

Big No from my side for carbon Bondi. This is a clear case how company is trying to earn money on carbon plate buzzword. In past few years Hoka management is just trying to make money and not any more good shoes for runners.

[@nickmcdunhill1074]

So is this shoe the go to shoe for a cushioning 50km and 100km run?

[@SanketKambli]

why does this shoes sound like boston 10

[@bcockton]

looks like the Bondi went to school and got the freshman 15.

[@filoIII]

Regular Bondi has always been a bit firm

[@ssgmiami2003]

Stiff package?

[@heathenstrengthtraining3059]

I'm a fairly heavy runner 101kg, I've found that i get shin pain when running in these, has anyone else found similar?

[@estout324]

Are you new to running, if so it’s probably shin splints and in that case it doesn’t really matter what type of shoe you use, it happens to a lot of new runners.

[@rexgorman9561]

First "Why" in a while!

[@raysollarsthehappyjogger5907]

And a well deserved one in my book!

[@YouSurfin]

Is there any running shoe that is water resistant or waterproof? To avoid getting the feet wet while running? One that is not Trail focused but more for the road/city? I have searched and didn't find a single one.

[@felipeandrescontreras9179]

Saucony RUNSHIELD series, check those out

[@YouSurfin]

@@felipeandrescontreras9179 Muchas gracias!! :)

[@AGC828]

As much as we want the right heedl to toe movement, responsive in the faom, traction,....etc. We'd be lying if looks didn't matter. Whether you're a champion runner or casual runner. Or someone looking for a lifestyle shoe that can "do more". Who wants to be seen walking or running in Mickey Mouse's weekend shoes? It's not a race show so we shouldnt see it in the Boston. :)

[@Jonbombs]

Reminds me of the spice girls

[@Garcia-elf]

why do you promote alcohol consumption so much? You live in the north west and dont hear you saying "it's not all kush blunts and fat sacks". A lot of people run to get away from destructive habits.

[@wildforthecats661]

Short tongue….BOO

[@mtnrnnr50]

Nah

[@DOSDreamz]

It's designed for nurses and medical staff 🤣

[@montesquieu5180]

Just received this shoe and haven’t actually ran in them. They do however remind me of the new balance fuel cell Lerato which is a high stack plush carbon plated shoe, which I do like that shoe albeit on the heavy side. Maybe Hoka is taking a page from new balance?