I’ve worn a lot of running shoes over the years, from featherlight racers to beefy trail beasts, but few have intrigued me as much as the Hoka Bondi 9. With its massive stack height, new supercritical EVA foam, and plush comfort, it’s a shoe built for comfort, not speed. But when I got the chance to test it on Sonsogor, Goa’s highest peak at 1,166 meters above sea level, I knew this would either be the Bondi’s redemption arc, or its breaking point.

Sonsogor isn’t your average trail. Nestled in the Western Ghats, it combines rugged terrain, heat, humidity, and sharp elevation gains. Not exactly the home ground for a road-focused maximalist trainer. But then again, the Bondi 9 isn’t your average shoe.

Before we get into the dirt and dust of Sonsogor, let’s look at the specs.

First Impressions: Built Like a Tank, But Soft Like a Sofa

Unboxing the Hoka Bondi 9, the first thing I noticed was the sheer size of the midsole. It’s comically thick. The heel stack height of 41.3 mm towers over most daily trainers. But weight-wise, it felt surprisingly manageable. At 303g, it’s no featherweight, but considering what it packs inside, supercritical EVA foam, thick rubber outsole, and a plush upper, it’s impressive.

The step-in comfort? Unreal. The padded heel collar and the 9 mm thick tongue felt like luxury slippers. The fit hugged my narrow feet just right. For wide-footed runners, though, this might feel restrictive.

With the sun rising over the lush greens of Goa, I laced up and started ascending Sonsogor.

Hoka Bondi 9 Technical Specifications (Lab-Tested)

We get all technical info directly from Hoka’s official websites to keep it accurate and reliable.

Feature	Measurement	Average (comparison)
Weight	303g / 10.7 oz	265g / 9.3 oz
Heel Stack Height	41.3 mm	34.3 mm
Forefoot Stack Height	32.2 mm	25.7 mm
Drop	9.1 mm (lab)	8.6 mm
Midsole Softness	25.1 HA	20.8 HA
Flexibility (Bend Test)	16.5 N	14.9 N
Toebox Width	72.5 mm	73.5 mm
Outsole Durability (Dremel)	0.9 mm wear	1.0 mm wear
Breathability	3/5	3.8/5
Torsional Rigidity	4/5	3.4/5
Heel Counter Stiffness	3/5	2.9/5
Insole Thickness	4.4 mm	4.4 mm

Climbing Sonsogor: Comfort, Cushion, and Surprises

The first couple of kilometers into the trail are relatively tame, soft dirt paths, shaded by thick forest. Here, the Bondi 9 simply shined. The new supercritical foam felt noticeably bouncier than the Bondi 8. It wasn’t soft in a marshmallow way, but firm and springy. It gave just enough feedback, and I felt like I could go on for hours.

The rocker geometry helped me roll through each step with ease. Unlike aggressive carbon-plated rockers, the Bondi 9’s mild rocker felt natural. It encouraged a steady rhythm rather than pushing me forward. Perfect for the long incline ahead.

As we hit the steeper, rockier sections, the Bondi 9 revealed both its strengths and its quirks.

Stability on Uneven Terrain: Surprisingly Capable

Despite its road shoe DNA, the Bondi 9 held its ground. The ultra-wide base (123.2 mm forefoot / 104.2 mm heel) gave me confidence, even on loose gravel. The elevated sidewalls in the midsole helped cradle my foot, keeping me centered during awkward landings.

Its torsional rigidity (4/5) was just enough to prevent ankle rolls without making the shoe feel like a brick. And although the heel counter isn’t the stiffest (3/5), the overall structure contributed to a secure ride.

I wouldn’t take it on technical trails, but for well-worn mountains like Sonsogor? It did better than expected.

Descent and Downhill: Heavy But Controlled

Descending Sonsogor was where the Bondi 9’s weight became more noticeable. At over 300g, it’s not nimble. Quick feet and sharp turns felt laborious. But the cushioning, oh, the cushioning, saved the day.

Even after 90 minutes of pounding downhill steps, my feet felt fresh. No heel bruising, no forefoot fatigue. The 32.2 mm forefoot stack did its job.

The outsole grip (0.45 SATRA score) wasn’t trail-shoe level, but on dry rock and packed dirt, it held its own. In wet conditions, I’d be cautious.

Fit and Comfort: Narrow, Tall, and Hugging

Let’s talk about the interior. The Bondi 9 is clearly made for narrow to average feet. The 94.1 mm width and 72.5 mm toebox don’t leave much room for toe splay. But the vertical space (29.6 mm) is generous, my toes never felt cramped from above.

The tongue isn’t gusseted, which sometimes caused it to slide slightly on steeper climbs. Still, the plush padding (9 mm thick) made up for it.

Breathability was average. Goa’s humidity tested the upper’s ventilation, and while it didn’t overheat, it wasn’t breezy either. Choose your socks wisely.

Durability and Build Quality: Built to Last

Back home, I ran a few more errands in the Bondi 9, grocery runs, dog walks, casual strolls. The plushness remained. No pressure points, no hot spots.

The upper survived the trail abuse with minimal scuffing. The toebox earned a 4/5 in lab durability tests, and the heel padding scored a perfect 5/5. This shoe is ready for long-term use.

And the outsole? After all those sharp rocks and descents, it only lost 0.9 mm of rubber. That’s better than many trail shoes I’ve worn.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Cushy Cruiser

The Hoka Bondi 9 surprised me. It’s still an oversized, slow-paced cruiser, but with meaningful upgrades. The supercritical foam adds bounce and trims weight. The upper is luxurious and durable. The ride is stable without being rigid.

Is it perfect? No. The narrow fit, hefty build, and average breathability will turn some runners away. But for those craving cloud-level cushioning with real-world stability, even on a mountain like Sonsogor, it delivers.

Would I run a marathon in it? Maybe. Would I wear it for recovery days, long walks, or slow treks up and down jungle-covered peaks? Absolutely. The Bondi 9 isn’t flashy. But it’s dependable. And sometimes, that’s all your feet really need.