How to Choose Running Shoes

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Made for training in the concrete jungle, the HOKA Bondi 5 road-running shoes deliver a smooth, cushioned, balanced ride with their thick EVA midsoles and moderate heel bevel.
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View the HOKA Bondi Product LineView all HOKA Men's Road-Running ShoesBest Use | Running |
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Running Shoe Support | Neutral |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 4 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Synthetic mesh/polyurethane |
Lining | Foam/Lycra |
Midsole | EVA |
Outsole | EVA/rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 4 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14 Wide | 15 | 15 Wide | |
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U.S. Men's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.6 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14 Wide | 15 | 15 Wide |
UK | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 13.5 | 14.5 | 14.5 |
EU | 37.3 | 38 | 38.6 | 39.3 | 40 | 40.6 | 41.3 | 42 | 42.6 | 43.3 | 44 | 44.6 | 45.3 | 46 | 46.6 | 47.3 | 48 | 48.6 | 49.3 | 49.3 | 50.6 | 50.6 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.06 | 9.2 | 9.4 | 9.56 | 9.7 | 9.875 | 10.1 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.5 | 10.7 | 10.9 | 11.1 | 11.2 | 11.375 | 11.6 | 11.7 | 11.9 | 12 | 12 | 12.4 | 12.4 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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After reading tons of reviews for these online I finally decided to pull the trigger and pick them up. I can't recommend them enough. It's almost like running with marshmallows strapped to the bottom of your feet. They're extremely comfortable and after putting 25 miles of road running on them they've broken in fine. I wear a 10.5 regular and they fit true to size.
The fit is, overall, close to that of the previous version, although the toe box is roomier. Most wearers will probably find that to be an improvement. the mid foot and heel volumes feel about the same. I have only about a hundred miles on these, so it's too soon to assess the durability of the upper or outsole. Most importantly, as others have noted, the midsole of this version is noticeably firmer than it was in all previous models. For those of us who found the cushioning and shock absorption of the older models to be important, the current version will be a disappointment.
I have been wearing the Bondi 5 for about 8 months. I run 25-30 miles a week, mostly road, so I figure these shoes have about 600 miles in them. The major points about them are: -They are great for longer runs, 8-20 miles, because the cushioning is so generous. They are very comfortable. -At 20 miles my feet start to swell and they feel a little tight. -They will never be fast. I can crank 7:45/mile for 5 mi with less cushioned shoes but really can only make 8:15/mi in these. Great for long, slow, distance though. -They have held up very well. Besides the thin rubber sole wearing out they show no wear. No holes in the upper, no tears, etc.That being said, the RMAT foam is very tough and I'm not too worried.
I heard Hoka’s had a lot of cushion, wow. At least for me I have never experienced so much cushion landing and a spring like forward release. Sadly I really couldn’t deal with it, as it seems my many years without the cush have set me for life. If you need a great cushion under your stride this shoe will work well.
This shoe was recommended to me to provide relief from plantar fasciitis pain. My feet are a pretty standard 8.5 D (medium width). I usually go up a half size in athletic shoes. The size 9 D seemed to fit feet but my little toes in both shoes felt like they were being crushed. The 9.5 D was only slightly better. I tried 10, but now my feet moved in the shoes. REI was great about returns and exchanges. I ended up with Brooks Ghosts which fit and feel great.
I was looking for shoes to replace all the others that I have as I spend 8 hours a day walking backing forth on concrete. So far they are a lot better than the others I have used as my feet are less sore all day but not perfect. They were recommended by an experienced shoe fitter at the store. If I could find a shoe that totally eliminated the soreness I would buy them. So fat these have been the best that I have used.
I had the Clifton 4 that was causing my left little toe to be sore and blistered, so I read a bunch of reviews that people were complaining about how narrow Hoka's were! So instead of giving up on the brand, I called them to find out if they had any wide width shoes, and they do, now we just need to encourage them that we will buy their trail running shoe if it is offered in a wide width!!! Don't give up, get informed!!!
I have run many miles and races in my Hoka 5s now and the best shoe I have tried so far. I wonder is some of these negative reviews are because people are using the flat insole which comes with the shoe which obviously would ruin anyones foot as it has no arch or support. Get a nice pair of insoles and they are great shoes but do not use the insoles provided. I use the wide model as all hokas are narrow for me.
I have bought two of these shoes so far. Both had the same problem. The pair I recently bought from REI on the bottom of the shoe the bluish inlays tear apart from the white soles. This happened only after 2 months. Keep in mind I do not run in these. They are my shoes I wear for just walking so they endure less punishment. WHile they are great in every other way I think they should hold up better.
I was always an Asics guy but ditched them once I tried on the Gel Nimbus 19's. The Hoka Bondi's don't have the best colors BUT they are by far the most comfortable and durable. I usually have hip and foot pain while running marathons but felt great while running in the Bondi's. I have just under 500 miles on them and just recently bought another pair. Highly recommend.