Arahi and Bondi are the most similar flagships of the Hoka brand with the same meta-rocker shape, breathable mesh, and EVA foam. The minor differences they have is in height, weight, or cushioning.
The Arahi has a medium arch support and is more comparable to the Hoka Clifton, while the Bondi has high arch support and is the most cushioned running shoe in the Hoka lineup
As I’m using them both, I can tell you a lot about them and clarify your head with their different and similar features. So without further ado, let’s start to compare them.
Hoka Arahi Vs Bondi: Arahi 6 Vs Bondi 8
If you’re confused about which one to buy between these two shoes, here we’ll get all the details about them at once.
Sole Unit
What I like the most about the Hoka brand is that it provides EVA foam for all its products. Hoka Arahi 6 is no exception.
The shoe has high abrasion, lightweight rubber in the outsole, EVA in the midsole, and a bright orange J-frame. The outside layer of this shoe can deal with wet and dry conditions equally.
Also, I’ve noticed a bulk portion of blown rubber placed strategically in the forefoot and heel to increase the height of the shoe and make it more bouncy.
This is a balanced shoe with EVA foam that provides firm rides. I find it pretty comfy while sprinting.
On top of that, Arahi 6 also has the Meta-rocker geometry that promotes smooth transitions and propulsion during running.
On the other hand, Hoka Bondi 8 has an oversized look because of its extended heels. That’s pretty awesome, by the way, because when I run with it, I feel like I’m running faster.
However, Bondi 8 has the same stack of molded EVA as the Arahi 6 and its previous model. There’s not much difference in the ride quality, but I feel this shoe is slightly heavier than Arahi 6.
Well, the weight doesn’t create any issue, though. In fact, the sole provides a significant layer of softness during fast running. Because of the softness in the sole, I would say it’s a perfect shoe for long-distance runs.
A large amount of sole flare makes this shoe slightly heavier though it has a unique meta-rocker geometry feature. This makes the transition incredibly smooth and keeps my foot centered with coziness.
Upper Unit
Arahi 6 has an updated upper. I’ve been using this series for so long, and I catch if anything new at first glance.
This shoe has an arrow-shaped panel with breathable mesh. And its tongue has evolved to be slightly thicker than its previous version. The heel collar is more cushioned, which gives me a pretty plush feeling.
Well! Let me tell you a secret about the Bondi 8’s upper unit that no reviewer would tell you. The mesh upper seemed slightly stiffer when I first wore it.
The toe box is not as wide as it looks outside. But the shoe started to loosen when I ran for a few minutes wearing it.
So, the message I want to give you is to run as long as you can wearing this shoe first. And then, you can get its upper unit to your sizing.
Other than this, it has the same engineered mesh upper with excellent breathability. The gusseted tongue stays nicely in its position with lots of padded layers.
And guess what? The shoe has width options for those who have wider feet. So, the stiffness in the toe box won’t be a major problem.
Stability
The J-frame makes a J round around your foot, which makes Arahi 6 quite a stable shoe. And I can tell you that this is a non-traditional way to stabilize a Hoka shoe.
That’s why it’s dynamic, and I find it so stable when I need it to be. It levels my feet and ankle in the striking moment so nicely. Yet, the only downside is I feel slight firmness in the midsole, which is not a big deal for many runners.
With the fitting size of everything, the Hoka Bondi 8 is much more stable.
It also provides a good grip on the road. The J-frame and gusseted tongue helps it to be more durable for those continuously running long.
Heel-to-toe Drop
With a 5 mm heel drop, I find Arahi 6 the best at propelling me forward on my striding. The heel is 35 mm with 30 mm of the forefoot. This height always helps me run at my best level at the expected peak.
The Bondi 8 has a 4 mm of drop size. Its forefoot is 35 mm long, and the heels are extended to 39 mm. This is quite a height for a running shoe for longer use.
Cushioning
With a midsole made of thick EVA foam, Arahi 6 has superb cushioning. During my long weekend runs, the shoe provides excellent shock absorption. I feel no sign of soreness in my lower limbs wearing this shoe. The cushioning is firm yet responsive and provides a sufficient degree of bounce no matter how long I wear it.
The Hoka Bondi 8’s cushioning is much softer with an excellent shock absorption capability. According to the manufacturer, the foam is new in this shoe for lasting comfort. I found it comfy, too, so far. This is responsive and returns energy with its smooth ride.
Overall Opinion
Arahi 6 is an appropriate choice for big miles for its chunky cushioning. Also, it is best at covering shorter distances thanks to its responsive nature. Bondi 8 is quite similar with its updated foam and fitting toe box. As there are not many differences, choosing between these two actually depends on one’s preference. However, Arahi 6 will be the best fit if you want a lighter running shoe.