The endless cushion and comfort of the HOKA Bondi 8 carries you through long runs, recovery days and long hours standing on your feet. Considered by many to be one of the best cushioned shoes around, a run in the ultra-cushioned Bondi 8 is like going on a joyride. HOKA amplified the Bondirsquos core features with a generous bed of ultralight and resilient foam that keeps each step soft and bouncy, while a smooth rolling sensation transitions you effortlessly from heel strike to toe-off. The Bondi 8rsquos billowed silhouette highlights its brand-new extended heel geometry that forgives hard landings and encourages a stable and balanced ride. The plush memory foam collar and cushioned tongue is like a travel pillow for your ankle and the breathable engineered mesh upper keeps your feet cool and comfortable. Despite the massive stack height of the Bondi 8, it feels nimble and light thanks to zonal rubber placements on the outsole that give you confident grip and reduces the weight even further. With a ride and fit that is so plush and comfortable you have to try it on to believe it, the men's HOKA Bondi 8 is a max cushioned game-changer. Learn more in our HOKA Bondi 8 review.
The endless cushion and comfort of the HOKA Bondi 8 carries you through long runs, recovery days and long hours standing on your feet. Considered by many to be one of the best cushioned shoes around, a run in the ultra-cushioned Bondi 8 is like going on a joyride. HOKA amplified the Bondirsquos core features with a generous bed of ultralight and resilient foam that keeps each step soft and bouncy, while a smooth rolling sensation transitions you effortlessly from heel strike to toe-off. The Bondi 8rsquos billowed silhouette highlights its brand-new extended heel geometry that forgives hard landings and encourages a stable and balanced ride. The plush memory foam collar and cushioned tongue is like a travel pillow for your ankle and the breathable engineered mesh upper keeps your feet cool and comfortable. Despite the massive stack height of the Bondi 8, it feels nimble and light thanks to zonal rubber placements on the outsole that give you confident grip and reduces the weight even further. With a ride and fit that is so plush and comfortable you have to try it on to believe it, the men's HOKA Bondi 8 is a max cushioned game-changer. Learn more in our HOKA Bondi 8 review.
The endless cushion and comfort of the HOKA Bondi 8 carries you through long runs, recovery days and long hours standing on your feet. Considered by many to be one of the best cushioned shoes around, a run in the ultra-cushioned Bondi 8 is like going on a joyride. HOKA amplified the Bondirsquos core features with a generous bed of ultralight and resilient foam that keeps each step soft and bouncy, while a smooth rolling sensation transitions you effortlessly from heel strike to toe-off. The Bondi 8rsquos billowed silhouette highlights its brand-new extended heel geometry that forgives hard landings and encourages a stable and balanced ride. The plush memory foam collar and cushioned tongue is like a travel pillow for your ankle and the breathable engineered mesh upper keeps your feet cool and comfortable. Despite the massive stack height of the Bondi 8, it feels nimble and light thanks to zonal rubber placements on the outsole that give you confident grip and reduces the weight even further. With a ride and fit that is so plush and comfortable you have to try it on to believe it, the men's HOKA Bondi 8 is a max cushioned game-changer. Learn more in our HOKA Bondi 8 review.
The endless cushion and comfort of the HOKA Bondi 8 carries you through long runs, recovery days and long hours standing on your feet. Considered by many to be one of the best cushioned shoes around, a run in the ultra-cushioned Bondi 8 is like going on a joyride. HOKA amplified the Bondirsquos core features with a generous bed of ultralight and resilient foam that keeps each step soft and bouncy, while a smooth rolling sensation transitions you effortlessly from heel strike to toe-off. The Bondi 8rsquos billowed silhouette highlights its brand-new extended heel geometry that forgives hard landings and encourages a stable and balanced ride. The plush memory foam collar and cushioned tongue is like a travel pillow for your ankle and the breathable engineered mesh upper keeps your feet cool and comfortable. Despite the massive stack height of the Bondi 8, it feels nimble and light thanks to zonal rubber placements on the outsole that give you confident grip and reduces the weight even further. With a ride and fit that is so plush and comfortable you have to try it on to believe it, the men's HOKA Bondi 8 is a max cushioned game-changer. Learn more in our HOKA Bondi 8 review.
Last updated at 06/06/2025 10:20:05
originally posted on hoka.com
I actually really love this shoe - but only after I replaced the insoles. The stock insoles have a sharp edge on the inside of the foot around the center. I really felt it after my first 5 miles and it gave me awful blisters. BUT, I replaced them with an older pair of insoles that were still in good condition and the shoes are awesome now! I've logged well over 200 miles in them and I plan to buy another pair after 500 or so miles because I like them so much. The bottom stack height is pretty high so there is a ton of cushion and I never feel any kind of pain on my feet during long runs over 10 miles. The bottoms are also wider than the Mach 6 which I use for race day, which have done a great job helping me sort out some pronation issues developed from previous ... MoreI actually really love this shoe - but only after I replaced the insoles. The stock insoles have a sharp edge on the inside of the foot around the center. I really felt it after my first 5 miles and it gave me awful blisters. BUT, I replaced them with an older pair of insoles that were still in good condition and the shoes are awesome now! I've logged well over 200 miles in them and I plan to buy another pair after 500 or so miles because I like them so much. The bottom stack height is pretty high so there is a ton of cushion and I never feel any kind of pain on my feet during long runs over 10 miles. The bottoms are also wider than the Mach 6 which I use for race day, which have done a great job helping me sort out some pronation issues developed from previous newbalance shoes that I had that kept rolling inward because of uneven cushion. Anyway, these shoes really are fantastic, but I'd really like HOKA to do something about the insole. I know a lot of folks just swap em anyway, but at this price point, I think it should just be good to go and that's ultimately why I docked a star.
originally posted on ewavedemo.com
I’ve never rated any shoe as 5 out of 5 because shoes can always improve. That said, this is the second pair of Hoka Bondi 8s that I have bought, so that should tell you that I hold them in high regard.The Bondi 8 is Hoka’s most cushioned road shoe. The midsole is deep and plush EVA. It absorbs the shock as well as any shoe I’ve ever worn and the rocker profile contributes to forward motion. The midsole is not the latest foam and does not have a carbon plate. Those two innovations are hopefully sometime in the future. But for long slow recovery runs, you won’t find a better shoe for the bigger runner.My Bondi 8s are on a rotation with ASICS Nimbus 26 and ASICS Kayano 31s. I don’t own any speed shoes because I’m aalso an older runner who likes all my miles to be ... MoreI’ve never rated any shoe as 5 out of 5 because shoes can always improve. That said, this is the second pair of Hoka Bondi 8s that I have bought, so that should tell you that I hold them in high regard.The Bondi 8 is Hoka’s most cushioned road shoe. The midsole is deep and plush EVA. It absorbs the shock as well as any shoe I’ve ever worn and the rocker profile contributes to forward motion. The midsole is not the latest foam and does not have a carbon plate. Those two innovations are hopefully sometime in the future. But for long slow recovery runs, you won’t find a better shoe for the bigger runner.My Bondi 8s are on a rotation with ASICS Nimbus 26 and ASICS Kayano 31s. I don’t own any speed shoes because I’m aalso an older runner who likes all my miles to be cushioned. I’m hard on my shoes but the Bondi 8s are built to take it.The Bondi 8 runs true to size. Hokas are made on a slightly narrow last, so if you have a wider foot like I have, look for your size in a 2E width. The Bondi 8 is not a motion control shoe, but it is very stable for a highly cushioned shoe because of its wide heel base. It also comes in a huge range of colour combinations so you will be spoiled for choice. I bought a clay coloured pair because I’ve never had a running shoe that colour before. My last Bondi 8s were cobalt blue with apricot trim.What could be improved? I look forward to my next pair of Bondi 8s having a midsole made out or one of the wonder foams and maybe having a carbon plate to contribute even more to energy transfer into forward motion. I hope you’re listening Hoka!
originally posted on REI
I've worn these for nearly a year and a half, and they're still very good. I have to try on a lot of shoes before I find one that's very comfortable, and these are better than the Nike Pegasus shoes I was wearing before. The Hoka Bondi 8 come in regular, wide (x2), and extra-wide (x4), and all sizes have a generous toe box. The wide fit the best for my feet + custom orthotics. The extra-wide are available at the Hoka Store (in-person or online), but the wide and regular are available at REI in-person and online - and REI has a way better warranty. These shoes sailed past the 1-year warranty mark still in great shape.The Bondi 8 combination of structure and a comfortable cloud of foam underneath the foot make for a great combination. I can jog in these on any ... MoreI've worn these for nearly a year and a half, and they're still very good. I have to try on a lot of shoes before I find one that's very comfortable, and these are better than the Nike Pegasus shoes I was wearing before. The Hoka Bondi 8 come in regular, wide (x2), and extra-wide (x4), and all sizes have a generous toe box. The wide fit the best for my feet + custom orthotics. The extra-wide are available at the Hoka Store (in-person or online), but the wide and regular are available at REI in-person and online - and REI has a way better warranty. These shoes sailed past the 1-year warranty mark still in great shape.The Bondi 8 combination of structure and a comfortable cloud of foam underneath the foot make for a great combination. I can jog in these on any surface or go to work. When they got dusty while hiking on a trail, they cleaned up great with a vacuum cleaner to get them looking black again.I switch between zero-drop Lems shoes to feel the ground better and the Bondi 8 to get the comfort for standing all day at work. Both come in black-on-black that go fine these days with a nice sport coat, professional dress shirt, and black Thorlo crew socks or 12-hour work socks.
I actually really love this shoe - but only after I replaced the insoles. The stock insoles have a sharp edge on the inside of the foot around the center. I really felt it after my first 5 miles and it gave me awful blisters. BUT, I replaced them with an older pair of insoles that were still in good condition and the shoes are awesome now! I've logged well over 200 miles in them and I plan to buy another pair after 500 or so miles because I like them so much. The bottom stack height is pretty high so there is a ton of cushion and I never feel any kind of pain on my feet during long runs over 10 miles. The bottoms are also wider than the Mach 6 which I use for race day, which have done a great job helping me sort out some pronation issues developed from previous ... MoreI actually really love this shoe - but only after I replaced the insoles. The stock insoles have a sharp edge on the inside of the foot around the center. I really felt it after my first 5 miles and it gave me awful blisters. BUT, I replaced them with an older pair of insoles that were still in good condition and the shoes are awesome now! I've logged well over 200 miles in them and I plan to buy another pair after 500 or so miles because I like them so much. The bottom stack height is pretty high so there is a ton of cushion and I never feel any kind of pain on my feet during long runs over 10 miles. The bottoms are also wider than the Mach 6 which I use for race day, which have done a great job helping me sort out some pronation issues developed from previous newbalance shoes that I had that kept rolling inward because of uneven cushion. Anyway, these shoes really are fantastic, but I'd really like HOKA to do something about the insole. I know a lot of folks just swap em anyway, but at this price point, I think it should just be good to go and that's ultimately why I docked a star.
I’ve never rated any shoe as 5 out of 5 because shoes can always improve. That said, this is the second pair of Hoka Bondi 8s that I have bought, so that should tell you that I hold them in high regard.The Bondi 8 is Hoka’s most cushioned road shoe. The midsole is deep and plush EVA. It absorbs the shock as well as any shoe I’ve ever worn and the rocker profile contributes to forward motion. The midsole is not the latest foam and does not have a carbon plate. Those two innovations are hopefully sometime in the future. But for long slow recovery runs, you won’t find a better shoe for the bigger runner.My Bondi 8s are on a rotation with ASICS Nimbus 26 and ASICS Kayano 31s. I don’t own any speed shoes because I’m aalso an older runner who likes all my miles to be ... MoreI’ve never rated any shoe as 5 out of 5 because shoes can always improve. That said, this is the second pair of Hoka Bondi 8s that I have bought, so that should tell you that I hold them in high regard.The Bondi 8 is Hoka’s most cushioned road shoe. The midsole is deep and plush EVA. It absorbs the shock as well as any shoe I’ve ever worn and the rocker profile contributes to forward motion. The midsole is not the latest foam and does not have a carbon plate. Those two innovations are hopefully sometime in the future. But for long slow recovery runs, you won’t find a better shoe for the bigger runner.My Bondi 8s are on a rotation with ASICS Nimbus 26 and ASICS Kayano 31s. I don’t own any speed shoes because I’m aalso an older runner who likes all my miles to be cushioned. I’m hard on my shoes but the Bondi 8s are built to take it.The Bondi 8 runs true to size. Hokas are made on a slightly narrow last, so if you have a wider foot like I have, look for your size in a 2E width. The Bondi 8 is not a motion control shoe, but it is very stable for a highly cushioned shoe because of its wide heel base. It also comes in a huge range of colour combinations so you will be spoiled for choice. I bought a clay coloured pair because I’ve never had a running shoe that colour before. My last Bondi 8s were cobalt blue with apricot trim.What could be improved? I look forward to my next pair of Bondi 8s having a midsole made out or one of the wonder foams and maybe having a carbon plate to contribute even more to energy transfer into forward motion. I hope you’re listening Hoka!
I've worn these for nearly a year and a half, and they're still very good. I have to try on a lot of shoes before I find one that's very comfortable, and these are better than the Nike Pegasus shoes I was wearing before. The Hoka Bondi 8 come in regular, wide (x2), and extra-wide (x4), and all sizes have a generous toe box. The wide fit the best for my feet + custom orthotics. The extra-wide are available at the Hoka Store (in-person or online), but the wide and regular are available at REI in-person and online - and REI has a way better warranty. These shoes sailed past the 1-year warranty mark still in great shape.The Bondi 8 combination of structure and a comfortable cloud of foam underneath the foot make for a great combination. I can jog in these on any ... MoreI've worn these for nearly a year and a half, and they're still very good. I have to try on a lot of shoes before I find one that's very comfortable, and these are better than the Nike Pegasus shoes I was wearing before. The Hoka Bondi 8 come in regular, wide (x2), and extra-wide (x4), and all sizes have a generous toe box. The wide fit the best for my feet + custom orthotics. The extra-wide are available at the Hoka Store (in-person or online), but the wide and regular are available at REI in-person and online - and REI has a way better warranty. These shoes sailed past the 1-year warranty mark still in great shape.The Bondi 8 combination of structure and a comfortable cloud of foam underneath the foot make for a great combination. I can jog in these on any surface or go to work. When they got dusty while hiking on a trail, they cleaned up great with a vacuum cleaner to get them looking black again.I switch between zero-drop Lems shoes to feel the ground better and the Bondi 8 to get the comfort for standing all day at work. Both come in black-on-black that go fine these days with a nice sport coat, professional dress shirt, and black Thorlo crew socks or 12-hour work socks.
Being a nurse can be really tough on lower backs. I have been a nurse 24 years now. I had been suffering for the last1.5 years with extreme lower back pain and both knees. I have tried nsaids,tylenol arthritis, muscle relaxant, heat, physical therapy, jacuzzi jets, compression socks, and back braces. I even had a couple of x-rays which showed small changes with age but not for the amount of pain that I was suffering. Standing up too long, lying in bed, taking a shower, walking short distances, my back would just tighten up and hurt so bad. February 9th of 2024 my life was changed for the better!! I put these Bondi 8 stylish colored shoes on, and I felt like I was walking on clouds!!! My back and both knees instantly felt better!! I felt like I has surgery. I just ... MoreBeing a nurse can be really tough on lower backs. I have been a nurse 24 years now. I had been suffering for the last1.5 years with extreme lower back pain and both knees. I have tried nsaids,tylenol arthritis, muscle relaxant, heat, physical therapy, jacuzzi jets, compression socks, and back braces. I even had a couple of x-rays which showed small changes with age but not for the amount of pain that I was suffering. Standing up too long, lying in bed, taking a shower, walking short distances, my back would just tighten up and hurt so bad. February 9th of 2024 my life was changed for the better!! I put these Bondi 8 stylish colored shoes on, and I felt like I was walking on clouds!!! My back and both knees instantly felt better!! I felt like I has surgery. I just cannot believe how I had taken for granted living without back pain. I definitely recommend these shoes for anyone who has my issues. I also have a lot of compliments everywhere I go about how cute, colorful, and comfortable they look. I have always refused to pay over $100 for tennis shoes. I gave in and bought these, and I do not regret one penny of it with all I have been through over time! I even bought another pair of Bondi 8. My only complaint is I wish there are more styles and colors like On Clouds. Comfort in my book will always beat style in my middle age!!
As a UPS driver, I wear the Bondi 8 as my everyday work shoe (weather permitting). Climbing in and out of the truck 150+ times a day puts wear and tear on my joints and body. The thick sole of this shoe helps alleviate this problem. The Bondi 7 (its predecessor) which was an excellent shoe, had a thicker collar as other reviews have mentioned, but the overall shoe material wasn't as durable as the current model's. (However, the redesign of the collar on this model is still very comfortable). I have extremely wide feet, so the sides of a shoe are always the first to go for me. The extra-wide version in this model fits my foot like a glove. The Bondi 8, albeit sole wear, is still going strong, with no holes and wearable after 1.5 years. I would be lucky to get a half ... MoreAs a UPS driver, I wear the Bondi 8 as my everyday work shoe (weather permitting). Climbing in and out of the truck 150+ times a day puts wear and tear on my joints and body. The thick sole of this shoe helps alleviate this problem. The Bondi 7 (its predecessor) which was an excellent shoe, had a thicker collar as other reviews have mentioned, but the overall shoe material wasn't as durable as the current model's. (However, the redesign of the collar on this model is still very comfortable). I have extremely wide feet, so the sides of a shoe are always the first to go for me. The extra-wide version in this model fits my foot like a glove. The Bondi 8, albeit sole wear, is still going strong, with no holes and wearable after 1.5 years. I would be lucky to get a half of a season out of competitor brands. That speaks volumes for durability as a UPS driver. I'm not as tired at the end of the work day, when wearing this shoe vs the days of wearing my water proof shoes. The comfort and durability of this shoe is outstanding. I have finally found a shoe that fits my wide feet! Please HOKA, don't stop making this model! (extra wide black/black)We UPS drivers thank you :)
My first pair of Hoka's were the Bondi 8 which I bought before the end of the outdoor running season for me in 2022. I put well over 600 miles on them with probably 400 from a treadmill. My feet and legs just love the Bondi 8 for their plush cushioning and stable wide forefoot and heel.I came upon the brand at the recommendation of a friend. I had recently started walking on a daily basis and my old hiking shoes were just broken down. I had an old pair of Reebok Realflex that just didn't have any cushioning at all. I went to my local running shoe store and started trying on various Hoka models. After trying on a couple trail running shoes and a couple road shoes I asked the sales person if they had the Puffin's Bill/Amber Yellow Bondi 8 on display in my size. He ... MoreMy first pair of Hoka's were the Bondi 8 which I bought before the end of the outdoor running season for me in 2022. I put well over 600 miles on them with probably 400 from a treadmill. My feet and legs just love the Bondi 8 for their plush cushioning and stable wide forefoot and heel.I came upon the brand at the recommendation of a friend. I had recently started walking on a daily basis and my old hiking shoes were just broken down. I had an old pair of Reebok Realflex that just didn't have any cushioning at all. I went to my local running shoe store and started trying on various Hoka models. After trying on a couple trail running shoes and a couple road shoes I asked the sales person if they had the Puffin's Bill/Amber Yellow Bondi 8 on display in my size. He came back and told me they don't have that color in a wide. He returned with the black on black in a 10.5 2E. He sat down and readied the shoes and as I slid my foot into the shoe I knew I had found the one. I stood up and could feel the balloons of cushioning under my feet. As I walked around I could feel the bounce with every step I took. I really wanted to wear them out of the store but knew better...I needed to save them for their intended purpose.Since then I have added jogging to my routine as well. I am on a second pair of Bondi 8's and I added a pair of Clifton 9's to my rotation. The Clifton 9 hasn't felt as plush and its durability is questionable to me. I purchased a pair of Mach 5's and a pair of Clifton 8's also to see how they feel, but they aren't close to my beloved Bondi 8's. I have even ventured away from the brand to Asics with the Dynablast 3, Novablast 3, and the Noosa Tri 14. I have even tried two zero drop shoes in the Ultra line-up. Nothing has had the comfort and response for my feet and legs as the Bondi 8. Now I have stocked up with 3 pairs of Bondi 8's that I have caught on sale or had a 20% off coupon somewhere. All I ask for is more colors for us wide feet people!
This shoe is recommended by many orthopedic doctors. I have suffered off and on for years with plantar fasciitis. One thing I have learned is that the right shoe and the correct insole certainly makes a world of difference. The other thing I have learned is that if you have a foot condition like I do the need to change out the insoles every 3-6 months is critical and depending on how much you use the shoe they should be changed out every 6-12 months. My first paid of Hoka's were Clifton 8's. Love the shoe, I use a Power Step Plantar Faciitis insole and they do very well. The game changer though was my purchase of the Bondi 8, far better support around the ankle, better cushioning all around, more stable. Though the insoles that come with any shoe is fine, if you ... MoreThis shoe is recommended by many orthopedic doctors. I have suffered off and on for years with plantar fasciitis. One thing I have learned is that the right shoe and the correct insole certainly makes a world of difference. The other thing I have learned is that if you have a foot condition like I do the need to change out the insoles every 3-6 months is critical and depending on how much you use the shoe they should be changed out every 6-12 months. My first paid of Hoka's were Clifton 8's. Love the shoe, I use a Power Step Plantar Faciitis insole and they do very well. The game changer though was my purchase of the Bondi 8, far better support around the ankle, better cushioning all around, more stable. Though the insoles that come with any shoe is fine, if you have any foot issues at all, invest in an insole. With the Bondi 8, I am trying SOLE medium inserts. So far they have changed my life, no pain at all. I highly recommend the Bondi 8, and I would also highly recommend a good insole. The other game-changer was a pair of OS1st socks.
Total sham. The 8 bombed big time. They have the shock absorption of a flip flop. They feel like they have big lumps in the soles pushing against your foot in all the wrong places. I cannot believe doctors endorsed this shoe. I’ve never owned a HOKA before but see tons of people wearing these at races so didn’t second guess snatching up a pair to diversify my trainers.Ran my regular 5 mile 45 minute run and felt like I got plantar fasciitis limping around like a cripple. Luckily it was just this joke of a shoe because when I switched back to my Diadora and the pain evaporated instantly.I went back to a different fleet feet store and asked the guy if it’s just me or is this shoe actually horrible. He said the 7 and earlier models were great but they blew it with ... MoreTotal sham. The 8 bombed big time. They have the shock absorption of a flip flop. They feel like they have big lumps in the soles pushing against your foot in all the wrong places. I cannot believe doctors endorsed this shoe. I’ve never owned a HOKA before but see tons of people wearing these at races so didn’t second guess snatching up a pair to diversify my trainers.Ran my regular 5 mile 45 minute run and felt like I got plantar fasciitis limping around like a cripple. Luckily it was just this joke of a shoe because when I switched back to my Diadora and the pain evaporated instantly.I went back to a different fleet feet store and asked the guy if it’s just me or is this shoe actually horrible. He said the 7 and earlier models were great but they blew it with the 8. Said they get more returns and complaints about this one than anything else they sell. Even pointed to the exact spot where he knows the pain comes from.Buyer beware. Just because it looks popular don’t just slam down $150+ for a shoe, read other one star reviews because they’re all seasoned runners with more experience with this brand than me.
I would normally not waste my time writing reviews, but if I can help someone get through what I had, it would be worth it. I developed a condition called plantar fasciitis, which affects the foot and heel. It is a common ailment of runners or people on their feet all day. After some googling I came across an article in which the members of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons universally recommended the BONDI 8 as the best shoe to help plantar fasciitis. I thought to myself if they're recommending it, it must be good...and I'm still in shock at how at how right they were and how effective it has been. Everywhere I read, recovery from Plantar fasciitis was anywhere between 3-6 months. I've been wearing these shoes pretty much all day, even at home after work, ... MoreI would normally not waste my time writing reviews, but if I can help someone get through what I had, it would be worth it. I developed a condition called plantar fasciitis, which affects the foot and heel. It is a common ailment of runners or people on their feet all day. After some googling I came across an article in which the members of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons universally recommended the BONDI 8 as the best shoe to help plantar fasciitis. I thought to myself if they're recommending it, it must be good...and I'm still in shock at how at how right they were and how effective it has been. Everywhere I read, recovery from Plantar fasciitis was anywhere between 3-6 months. I've been wearing these shoes pretty much all day, even at home after work, and even though it's only been three weeks I have recovered to almost 100% function. It has been a stunning, almost unbelievable recovery, and the only thing I've done is wear these shoes. I am very tight when it comes to spending money. but after experiencing the pain from plantar fasciitis, I no longer care how much money I spend on shoes. I paid $280 for these shoes, and knowing now how effective these shoes have been, I would have spent double or even triple that. If you have plantar fasciitis, then you should buy these shoes.
Brief bios - I'm in my 30's, 175 lbs. I have always been in rather good shape physically and played sports when I was younger. I am a certified personal trainer and have recently gotten back into running, looking to run my first marathon in May.Reason why I bought these shoes - these shoes sports several claims from its maximum cushioning to its durability, and that it is an ideal shoe for both recovery runs and longer distances. Furthermore, dozens of reviews support these claims to the effect that this is the shoe for going the distance without sacrificing risk of burn out or injury. As a Hoka enthusiast and purist (the Clifton literally made me start running again!), I CANNOT DISAGREE MORE.These shoes are absolutely TERRIBLE in nearly every aspect ... MoreBrief bios - I'm in my 30's, 175 lbs. I have always been in rather good shape physically and played sports when I was younger. I am a certified personal trainer and have recently gotten back into running, looking to run my first marathon in May.Reason why I bought these shoes - these shoes sports several claims from its maximum cushioning to its durability, and that it is an ideal shoe for both recovery runs and longer distances. Furthermore, dozens of reviews support these claims to the effect that this is the shoe for going the distance without sacrificing risk of burn out or injury. As a Hoka enthusiast and purist (the Clifton literally made me start running again!), I CANNOT DISAGREE MORE.These shoes are absolutely TERRIBLE in nearly every aspect withstanding aesthetics and durability. Inspecting the shoe I could definitely tell that it was more durable, and trying them on I could tell the cushion was top grade but definitely would need a good amount to break in. My first run in these shoes was a simple 5K. For the entire duration of the run I felt like my feet were strapped to bricks! VERY heavy, VERY unforgiving, VERY narrow and VERY unexpecting from Hoka!First impression - I decided to decrease my break in runs to literally 2 miles at a time and also wear them for 1-2 weeks as normal shoes. HORRIBLE IDEA! First there was the back pain - this shoes claims to have "plush" cushioning/the maximum amount of cushioning Hoka supplies. Be weary of this - with too much sink and a rather lack of support in that regard, the lower back is compromised. This is certainly the case with this shoe. Next there is the narrow mid sole - way more narrow that the clifton. Like "is this even the same company?" narrow. As a result, and even through 2 mile runs, I developed blisters on the arches of my feet.After 4 months...Please read subsequent review.
