Max Cushion Comparison Review: Hoka Bondi 8, Saucony Endorphin Shift 3, NB Fresh Foam More v4

[@CarmonaTita6]

I did not like the Bondi 8. I got them wide and went up half a size. I have a fallen arch and the Bondi 8 arc was VERY firm and caused A LOT of discomfort. I was told Hokas needed a break in time. I tried breaking them in for 2 weeks and I still felt lots of discomfort. I just bought the Fresh more V4 and I LOVE them. I love the softer cushion and the bounce it gives. I recommend the New balance over the Hokas.

[@RoadTrailRun]

Thanks for this valuable insight. I would agree those with low and fallen arches could struggle in Bondi while those with higher arches might like. I personally found More v4 very soft and mushy while yes Bondi firm and high arch (what I have) supportive

[@jsagers2008]

@@RoadTrailRun I just got a pair of insoles to lay over that arch and no longer have the issue. I loved the overall fit and feel too much to get rid of them. Superfeet for tight fitting footwear was the model.

[@AuRowe]

I got a Hoka Bondi 8 as my first high quality running shoe in years. It does not disappoint. Stable but comfortable

[@runningman26.22]

I have 100 miles on my Bondi 8’s at this point. I am a Men’s 10.5, narrow feet with very high arches. The Bondi 8 is a super comfortable shoe. I have one pair for running and one pair for walking. Excellent on both counts. All day comfort with a full day of walking if you are considering them for that purpose. Have run in both the More v3 and Bondi 7 extensively (marathon distance and shorter). The Bondi 8 overall is improved from version 7, but they took a bit of the firmness and forefoot protection out of the update. While disappointing, I’ve had no issues so far in the first 100 miles. Will be watching as the shoe breaks down with wear to see when I start really feeling the road in my forefoot - which is critical for me to protect. This was not an issue at all in the Bondi 7. The More v3 is a great fit and very comfortable, but breaks down early - I’ve only been getting 200-250 miles in them, which makes them a poor economic choice. I have a pair of More v4 on the way. We shall see. Great review; thanks as always for the insight!

[@raysollarsthehappyjogger5907]

I too have a narrow feet with high arches. I too have the Bondi 7 and More V3'S. I prefer the Bondi series and will not be getting the More V4. Thanks for your assessment.

[@runningman26.22]

Follow up. 200 miles on the Bondi 8 and about 75 miles on the New Balance Fresh Foam More v4. Short answer, Bondi 8 all day. Longer answer, More v4 is a narrow shoe. I have a narrow (B) width foot, and they are a perfect fit and very comfortable. If you have a regular D width foot, you may need the wide for the extra toe box room, and if you have a wide foot, you’ll need the double wide New Balance FF More v4 (it comes in both). The shoe is great and once you find your fit, an excellent trainer. The new foam is softer than version 3, and too soft in the forefoot for me personally for anything over 10 miles. Not enough protection for these old feet. Most people won’t have an issue with it. The other feature of the Bondi 8 that I think gives it an edge is the wider forefoot that provides additional stability. Noticeably wider than the base of the More v4, even with its new wider forefoot. Overall the New Balance FF More v4 and the Hoka Bondi 8 are comparable trainers and there is not a bad choice. If you need forefoot protection, choose the Bondi 8. If you have narrow feet, the New Balance FF More v4 may be a great fit for you.

[@robnet77]

@@runningman26.22 Thanks so much for following up on your initial comment. If you ever read this message, how was durability for the shoes you mentioned? Thanks again.

[@runningman26.22]

@@robnet77 at 250 miles I was starting to feel the road - at 300 I retired them. Newer materials don’t always translate to better durability as you know. In general, these softer materials wear out sooner in my experience. I am typically turning over shoes at 300 miles, so this is normal for me. Cheaper to buy shoes than see the doc or worse, do damage to my knees. I am on my 5th pair of these and pretty happy with them. Good luck!

[@rwilcox_71]

Thank you so much for this in-depth review! I bought the Bondi 8s and haven't run in them yet. Saw the V4s and was torn. The softer foam seemed more attractive but overall want a little more stability and V4s seem a tad too soft. Happy running and thank you again!

[@notall1196]

Just ordered my more v4 ! Can't freaking wait.

[@manuel_877]

Good morning RoadtrailRun and all the runners. Interesting and helpful comparison. Here is my like. My vote goes to Saucony endorphin shift 3. A nice week for everyone. ☀️🏃‍♂️☀️

[@raysollarsthehappyjogger5907]

I like the Bondi Series most. I'm running in V7 and have not gotten V8 until I wear out my 7's.

[@a1naruth]

Bondi are marketed as most cushioning shoes. However this doesn't mean soft and squishy, Just as this test confirms. Hokas have excellent stability and comfort, but they are quite stiff. Meanwhile More v4 are soft, plushy, quite elastic for this stack height. For me they are better, since I intend to also walk in them. Hokas AMD SC trainers seem to be made more for running

[@chu88y1]

Sam I am your biggest fan (200 Ibs.).......Prime X is narrow and that really gets me into top speed gear. Now i have to think of these as possible companions for Prime X. very helpful thanks.

[@stevestarr9769]

That's the first Hoka I've seen that has a forefoot that can be described as wide.

[@ScheKitoff]

Cliftons have relatively wide and tall forefoot upper, in my case

[@q20a08]

The thing about the Hokas is that even when the outsole is crazy wide, the upper can still be a bit narrow. People stuck with a seriously wide forefoot can often obtain easier mercy from New Balance.

[@sheylajossabethgaitanvigil5769]

Exaaaactly what I needed to know !!! THANK YOU !!!

[@TolunayOrkun]

I think Shift is a decent shoe, but I don't think it really fits with rest of Endorphin Lineup. I personally think Tempus (despite being sold as a light stability shoe) fits better as a non-plated sporting some PWRRUN PB in the lineup.

[@RoadTrailRun]

Given new character of Shift 3 tend to agree but as an easy long day shoe it has a place.

[@ptlewis2000]

@@RoadTrailRun But the Tempus doesn't have the rocker of the Endorphin line. So the Shift still has it's place in my opinion as a daily, easy long, recovery shoe with rocker.

[@RoadTrailRun]

@@ptlewis2000 Shift 3 has not much more rocker than Tempus

[@RoadTrailRun]

@@ptlewis2000 although Shift 3 would be a nice recovery shoe. Shift 2 not so much

[@ptlewis2000]

@@RoadTrailRun Good to know.

[@canddgooch]

Thanks for this, really topical for me right now. Interested to know how you think these would go against the Asics Glideride 3 which also seems to have a fairly similar use case and specifications?

[@dukey_1337]

I had the glideride 3 at the house and it was the first shoe to make me wonder if i overpronate. It felt too soft on the inside, adding to my natural pronation. Now i am watching videos about stiffer rocker shoes.

[@fireman3857]

Hokas are not cushioned, they absorb no impact. Its like taping Styrofoam to the bottom of a shoe. I think Dutch klompe has more cushioning. I fell for the gimmick but every other company makes more cushioned shoes, except Altra they are just as guilty of false advertising

[@filoIII]

Bondi has always been a bit firm. Compare firmness of the Shift.

[@philcupper]

I can’t imagine running in two separate stack height shoes being good for the body. No issues testing it like that?

[@RoadTrailRun]

No issues. After testing individually a few miles with one on each foot at moderate paces really highlights differences including drop

[@BenjaminHo78]

I have moderately wide feet and slight stability needs and am wearing Hoka Arahi 5 with a semi-rigid orthotic in it at the moment. Will much stability would the More V4 provide and would it be suitable to have an orthotic in it?

[@RoadTrailRun]

It might take an orthotic but if coming from Arahi I might steer you towards the Bondi 8 in a suitable width

[@setshootstrike6147]

Thanks! Great overview. If you were strictly walking...with that huge stack height, does the SC Trainer feel cushier on foot than the More V4?

[@samwinebaum]

Thanks! Not really because of the plate in the mix.

[@setshootstrike6147]

@@samwinebaum Great ! Thanks for the advice!!

[@jonathanmatthew5631]

Im using the NB 1080v12. If i will be using it mainly for walking, is the More v4 much better? I want a really comfortable/soft shoe that would protect my knees. Also, if im size 12 wide (2E) on the 1080v12, should i get the same size for the more v4? Thanks.

[@RoadTrailRun]

I would prefer More for walking. As far as width More is wider in “regular” than 1080.

[@rxonmymind8362]

Get the NB super comp training shoes. My knees are shot as in no cartilage in either knees. Super big stack height shoes and squishy heals and fire foot. Walking in the street for the first time in years because of these shoes.

[@dextersuarez9948]

I don’t know man I keep trying to convince myself I need a “recovery shoe” I run all my training in a Speed 2 and race in a Vaporfly, Is it really worth getting one of these big clunky shoes for longer miles? Or is that just a marketing thing for a shoe that’s probably just nice to walk in.

[@RoadTrailRun]

If you are all set no need but given the 2 you mention you might consider Shift 2 or 3

[@dextersuarez9948]

@@RoadTrailRun thanks, I’ll consider trying it out

[@yankaitan8648]

You will appreciate a thicker daily trainer for sure, especially on days where u feel crappy. Its more bang for ur buck too, last way longer than any lightweight trainer or racer

[@dukebb2274]

Does the Shift 3 run narrow like it’s predecessors?

[@simonedimarzio2557]

As a More V3 user I'm concerned about the grip of the outsole of the V4, especially looking at the next rainy season.

[@uglyfate1326]

Which one is better for just walking all day long?

[@RoadTrailRun]

Bondi 8 would be my pick of the 3

[@uglyfate1326]

Thanks! I was little worried cuz of Bondi 8 eva midsole whish is whould be a clear step down compared to the others two.

[@Ben-qb4lj]

I got the shifts last year because of all the buzz, I'm a bodybuilder (free videos if you want on my channel.. no steroids).so I wanted max cushion. The shift 1s are LITERALLY like a brick (pwrun). I have to use insoles for softness. The fit is great, but I don't understand why it's so hard! Why all the hard cushion?

[@RoadTrailRun]

Not intended to be a soft shoe v2, it’s an uptempo long run trainer so responsive . V3 is softer. Suggest something like Bondi 8 or new Mizuno Neo Ultra or NB More v4

[@rxonmymind8362]

If you want squishy shoes New Balance super comp training shoes is my #1 pic. Then Nike Invincible. My two cents on owning these shoes.

[@alijaber9855]

Which one has the softest foam please ? I want to buy one of these and I dont want to feel like I'm stepping on a hard brick 🙏

[@RoadTrailRun]

I would say the Fresh Foam More v4

[@rxonmymind8362]

Better than the frag foam is the NB super comp training shoes. AMAZING squish and responsiveness. Better than the Nike Invincible IMHO.

[@DDDDD760]

I wanted/needed to watch and listen to this, but their are so many “ah(s)” that I couldn’t make it through.

[@RoadTrailRun]

Sorry about that..

[@DDDDD760]

@@RoadTrailRun It's incredibly and ultimately excruciatingly distracting.

[@sammatsusaka823]

BUT, all Hoka's loose the bounce after a while. (Like a car tire, it slowly looses air)

[@davidrosenthal5795]

I don’t feel like my Hokas lose their cushion any faster than other brands.

[@bengardner9862]

Would you prefer the Shift 3 or the Glideride 3?

[@samwinebaum]

Glide Ride 3 for me

[@ptlewis2000]

@@samwinebaum Glide Ride 3 or Hoka Bondi considering moderate stability needs?

[@theflyerpr40d]

Is the foam on the Bondi 8 the same as Bondi 7? I did not liked the feel of the Bondi 7 compared to the More V3. And do you know if the Foam in the More V4 is softer than V3? Thanks!

[@RoadTrailRun]

I did not run Bondi 7 but foam is supposed to be lighter and softer. See our written review where fellow reviewer Jeff has run both and compares: www.roadtrailrun.com/2022/08/hoka-bondi-8-review-og-max-cushion-road.html

[@mrsatter5575]

does the shift 3 foam feel like the ride 15 foam especially after break-in?

[@samwinebaum]

It does

[@hum-dinger2453]

does anyone have the bondi 8 and the more v4 in 4EE? are they similiar?? which one is wider? which hugs the foot snugger??

[@RoadTrailRun]

I have only run the regular widths of both but based on upper construction I am pretty sure Bondi 8 will be more supportive