I have been obsessed with hoka shoes and their unique style of making shoes for the last 7 years. I have worn them everywhere I traveled and I never complained about the comfort, fit, and cushioning even for a moment.
So, as I have a lot of experience with hoka shoes in general, I thought I should write a comparison between two of the most famous hoka shoe model: Hoka Bondi 7 and Hoka Bondi 8.
The comparison is taken from my own life experience, I did the similar thing when I was buying these shoes. I was confused between these two models and decided to collect more information about them and come up with a clear verdict on which shoe I should choose and how they may perform for different kinds of users.
HOKA Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8: Full Comparison
So, let’s start the comparison with a quick overview of these two shoes:
Hoka Bondi 7
Hoka Bondi 8
| Feature | Hoka Bondi 7 | Hoka Bondi 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic Style | Running | Running |
| Weight | 10.7 oz (303 g) | 10.8 oz for Men’s size 9 and 8.9 oz for Women’s size 8 |
| Size | 4, 5, 6, 6½, 7, 7½, 8, 8½, 9, 9½, 10, 10½, 11, 11½, 12, 12½, 13, 13½, 14 | 5, 6, 6½, 7, 7½, 8, 8½, 9, 9½, 10, 10½, 11, 11½, 12, 12½, 13, 13½, 14 |
| Heel to Toe Drop | 4 mm | 4 mm |
| Upper | Multi-layered engineered mesh | Breathable open engineered mesh with seamless synthetic overlays |
| Durability | 300-500 Miles | Upto 500 Miles |
| Cushioning | EVA Midsole | EVA Foam |
| Price | As low as | $164.95 to $219.95 |
HOKA Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8: Sole
Bondi 7: The thing that really stands out about the sole of Hoka Boni 7 is the wide and flat base. This gives you great stability, which is a must when running or walking. The sole is also designed to be more flexible, allowing you to move more naturally.
I think one thing that could be improved on the Bondi 7 sole is durability. After a few weeks of use, the sole is starting to show signs of wear. I would like to see a more durable material used in the construction of the sole.
Bondi 8: Not much has changed from Bondi 7 regarding the surface area and coverage. You have a good amount of outsole that provides plenty of cushioning and support. The decoupled lines are a bit deeper in the back of the shoe, which is great for heel strikers who can experience maximum compression.
HOKA Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8: Upper
Bondi 7: The upper wasn’t very stretchy, so it didn’t provide much room for accommodating different feet shapes. The toe box height was decent, but the width was too narrow and I could feel the sides squeezing my feet while running. The upper was made from a multi-layer engineered mesh, which seemed to be of average breathability.
The midfoot and toe box had thin overlay strips for extra structure and protection. On the heel and around the eyelet holes there were smooth laminated overlays to make the upper stiffer and stronger.
Bondi 8: I found the Bondi 8 to be a great shoe, but the fit was a bit on the snug side. The base is wider than the previous version, but the upper is narrower and reduced in volume. Initially, my toes felt a bit mashed due to the snug fit in the forefoot, but after a few miles the upper loosened up a bit and the fit became more comfortable.
HOKA Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8: Performance
Bondi 7: This shoe offers superior performance and cushioning. It has a soft, lightweight midsole that absorbs the impact of each step, making it great for long-distance runs. The Bondi 7 also has great traction and stability, making it ideal for a variety of surfaces. I’ve already put between 400-500 miles on my pair and they still feel as good as new.
Bondi 8: I have worn the shoes for about two months now and I am still impressed with the amount of durability they have. So far, I have put around 400 miles on them and they still look and feel nearly brand new. The cushioning has stayed consistent and the shoes still feel comfortable. I am confident that they will continue to provide me with a comfortable and durable running experience for many more miles.
HOKA Bondi 7 vs Bondi 8: Price and Final Verdict
Bondi 7: The lowest price of this shoe is $127 according to the price mentioned on their official website.
Bondi 8: The current price for the Hoka Bondi 8 is $165.
Verdict: After comparing the Hoka Bondi 7 and Hoka Bondi 8, it is clear that the Bondi 8 is the clear winner with the latest features added.
Why?
Because the Bondi 8 features a full-length EVA midsole that provides excellent cushioning and support, while the Bondi 7 only has a midsole cushion in the heel.
The Bondi 8 also has an improved upper that provides better breathability and support than the Bondi 7. Also, the Bondi 8 features an improved outsole that is more durable and provides a better grip on wet surfaces.