Comfortable after break-in period
These shoes have a break-in period. I suggest wearing them for a few hours at a time at first. Mid-sole takes some time to really adjust to the foot shape but has settled nicely and comfortably.The ankle does seem to cut a little higher than my Mach 5s, but it's getting more comfortable with daily wear. The leather is durable and water resistant. Non-slip is great on greasy and wet kitchen floors.After a week of wearing them I can comfortably wear them through a whole 8-12hr shift on my feet.I also was developing PF and these have significantly reduced my pain levels to almost nothing.4 stars because of the high ankle cut...seems to take an excessive amount of breaking in.... Show more
Chef LP
originally posted on hoka.com
Could be better
This is the only non-mesh shoe Hoka makes. I was so excited to get them, but quickly annoyed. The Hoka support is definitely there, however the tongue of the shoe is unusually, painfully short! I've had other Hokas, so I know they know HOW to make shoes. I'm not sure how they messed that up, but I spent 6 months with large bruises on my ankles from the way the shoes hit me. I'd read other reviews before I bought that said the same thing, but I assumed it must've been the buyer's error. As I said, I have others, so I know my size in Hokas, but the tongue is just all wrong. I work in a medical facility where I'm on my feet 12-18 hours a day, but I had to switch to a new brand because I couldn't take the pain or ugly bruises anymore. I just need Hoka to fix this issue ... MoreThis is the only non-mesh shoe Hoka makes. I was so excited to get them, but quickly annoyed. The Hoka support is definitely there, however the tongue of the shoe is unusually, painfully short! I've had other Hokas, so I know they know HOW to make shoes. I'm not sure how they messed that up, but I spent 6 months with large bruises on my ankles from the way the shoes hit me. I'd read other reviews before I bought that said the same thing, but I assumed it must've been the buyer's error. As I said, I have others, so I know my size in Hokas, but the tongue is just all wrong. I work in a medical facility where I'm on my feet 12-18 hours a day, but I had to switch to a new brand because I couldn't take the pain or ugly bruises anymore. I just need Hoka to fix this issue so I can come back!!... Show more
Ashley
originally posted on hoka.com
Dedicated Hoka buyer
A fellow Veteran recommended Hoka if you were on your feet a lot. My son is a mover and since his Nike shoes were destroyed after 3 months, I decided to get him a pair. I will say I was not crazy about the price since we just forked out the money for the Nikes for his birthday. Well they came and he tried them on, did his little bouncing around testing them out. He Loved them, until he took the, off and put his My sleepers on. After inquiring what was wrong, he stated that his new shoes felt so good nothing else did. Well almost a year later and he still LOVES his Hoka shoes. I recently purchased a pair for myself and my husband. He Loves his! I didn't get a wide and had to send them back. Customers service was AWESOME! I sent my shoes back that Monday and the ... MoreA fellow Veteran recommended Hoka if you were on your feet a lot. My son is a mover and since his Nike shoes were destroyed after 3 months, I decided to get him a pair. I will say I was not crazy about the price since we just forked out the money for the Nikes for his birthday. Well they came and he tried them on, did his little bouncing around testing them out. He Loved them, until he took the, off and put his My sleepers on. After inquiring what was wrong, he stated that his new shoes felt so good nothing else did. Well almost a year later and he still LOVES his Hoka shoes. I recently purchased a pair for myself and my husband. He Loves his! I didn't get a wide and had to send them back. Customers service was AWESOME! I sent my shoes back that Monday and the following Monday I received my wide size shoes. No body does that! It usually takes forever to get replacements! All I have to say is WE ARE HOKA FOR LIFE! They are definitely worth every penny you pay for them! BTW I order directly off the HOKA website.... Show more
Michaelle
originally posted on hoka.com
Embarrassing to wear
They are incredibly bulky for shoes of their class. And by that I mean shoes that are supposed to help health professionals, such as myself, not be in pain after a long days work.This chick I work with told me I looked taller in them. Yes, I understand that there are layers underneath which help protect my feet. And I understand that these added layers will increase my height.What I do not understand is why a shoe was built in such a manner that it lends to the idea that it is a platform shoe or a shoe meant to increase height. If I wasn't so vain I would have kept them.To the designer who designed them, I am very sorry, I don't think you did anything wrong. A choice made by more important people (to the company) was made to skimp out on the protective ... MoreThey are incredibly bulky for shoes of their class. And by that I mean shoes that are supposed to help health professionals, such as myself, not be in pain after a long days work.This chick I work with told me I looked taller in them. Yes, I understand that there are layers underneath which help protect my feet. And I understand that these added layers will increase my height.What I do not understand is why a shoe was built in such a manner that it lends to the idea that it is a platform shoe or a shoe meant to increase height. If I wasn't so vain I would have kept them.To the designer who designed them, I am very sorry, I don't think you did anything wrong. A choice made by more important people (to the company) was made to skimp out on the protective material, to increase profit margin. Which led you to working with so many issues, no doubt... Show more
The Truth
originally posted on hoka.com
Great Shoe if You Can Afford to Replace Every 3-4 Months
The Bondi SR is a great shoe, especially for people with a dropped metatarsal or other forefoot issues. It's very comfortable, and great for walking or running. They are slip resistant, but don't count on them to save you in the ice and snow. You can also wear them to work. They stand out a bit like all Hoka shoes due to their bulk, but they come in a nice solid black. You can polish the leather regularly.However, if you're active and wear them for running and hiking, they *will* wear out in as little as 6-8 weeks. After 12 weeks, you'll need to buy another pair. The leather and cushioning around the ankles will wear out as well. I've written to Hoka numerous times to suggest an upgrade to a Vibram sole. Thus, if you can afford to spend 1000-1200 a year on running ... MoreThe Bondi SR is a great shoe, especially for people with a dropped metatarsal or other forefoot issues. It's very comfortable, and great for walking or running. They are slip resistant, but don't count on them to save you in the ice and snow. You can also wear them to work. They stand out a bit like all Hoka shoes due to their bulk, but they come in a nice solid black. You can polish the leather regularly.However, if you're active and wear them for running and hiking, they *will* wear out in as little as 6-8 weeks. After 12 weeks, you'll need to buy another pair. The leather and cushioning around the ankles will wear out as well. I've written to Hoka numerous times to suggest an upgrade to a Vibram sole. Thus, if you can afford to spend 1000-1200 a year on running shoes, go for it. If not, I'd suggest going for one of Hoka's trail runners, which are more likely to have a Vibram sole. Unfortunately, even those shoes will only last 4-6 months.They run a bit large. I used to order a 13 when I wore the regular Bondi. I order 12.5 for the SR.... Show more
Greg
originally posted on hoka.com
Great show that is almost perfect.
Great comfort for all day long restaurant needs. Great cushioning and support. 3 things would make it perfect for restaurant use.1. Remove the dimples on the top. As a restaurant worker, food gets stuck in those little dimples that needs to be cleaned.2. Make the tongue slightly longer as it keeps getting pushed in when sliding your foot in.3. Make the back ankle tail longer like some of your other shoes so the shoe can be slipped on easier.As a restaurant worker, we typically tie the shoe once we get it and we try not to retire ever again, we typically slide our feet in for daily use as the shoe gets pretty abused and covered in food.Thanks for your time.... Show more
Scrmas26
originally posted on hoka.com
Hoka Bondi-sr
I use these shoes for work. Mostly standing for 8 hours. The cushion is like walking on marshmallows. When my feet start to ache, just a little walking or stretching makes the ache go away. That said, they require a lot of shoelace adjustments and breaking in. The arch support is on the high side, so if you aren't used to that, your feet will hurt for a couple weeks if you wear the shoes for entire work days. The heel also sinks down when put weight on the heel. Good for comfort, but bad if you easily twist your ankles. If your regular shoe size normally feels snug or tight, you might want to go wide or a half size up. After two weeks, mine are mostly broken in and they feel great.... Show more
Tag
originally posted on hoka.com
HOKA SR
This is a well-deserved review for the HOKA team. So far, I haven't had to speak with anyone in customer service. I've purchased three similar pairs of HOKA SR. These shoes are the best I've ever bought if you're someone who spends a lot of time on their feet. In my case, I bought them for traveling and plan to walk many miles in NYC. However, they do run smaller than usual. I'm usually a size 12, and I ordered a size 12.5, but when I step on the front part, there isn't enough space, so I believe it will cause problems over time. I'm currently waiting for my new pairs in size 13. For running, I use the BONDI 8 in size 12.0, and the experience is exceptional. Your socks are perfect, among other accessories that I'll provide my opinion on later. The delivery time is ... MoreThis is a well-deserved review for the HOKA team. So far, I haven't had to speak with anyone in customer service. I've purchased three similar pairs of HOKA SR. These shoes are the best I've ever bought if you're someone who spends a lot of time on their feet. In my case, I bought them for traveling and plan to walk many miles in NYC. However, they do run smaller than usual. I'm usually a size 12, and I ordered a size 12.5, but when I step on the front part, there isn't enough space, so I believe it will cause problems over time. I'm currently waiting for my new pairs in size 13. For running, I use the BONDI 8 in size 12.0, and the experience is exceptional. Your socks are perfect, among other accessories that I'll provide my opinion on later. The delivery time is exceptional. Don't waste your time buying through a dealer since many of them don't honor HOKA's warranty or service. I'm excited to visit your store in NYC and see what you have for me.... Show more
Carlos
originally posted on hoka.com
I REALLY wish I could love these shoes
There is discomfort of the tongue rubbing against my foot. Softer material needed maybe?The thickness of the shoe makes walking feel sort of like walking in sand, which made my feet and legs more fatigued instead of less at the end of the day. The cushioning also makes you feel quite a bit slow on your feet. This made this shoe impossible for me to wear on a long shift, unfortunately. And this hurt quite a bit considering the Ultra-Premium price point.I do however think there is a lot of potential with this shoe! If the tongue was made of a softer material and if HOKA compromised with a sole that is a little less thick and not as bouncy I think this could be one of the better/best service industry shoes.... Show more
Chef E-Money
originally posted on hoka.com
Still breaking them in
Comparing to my two old pairs of Bondi 6 shoes, which were quite comfortable out of the box but not well suited for keeping my feet dry on rainy days -- and I did think the various reflective bits were a plus for those models. Good choice for my plantar fasciitis but the rebound in the soles of the 6s has faded, so I chose the Bondi SR for the water resistance of the leather uppers. A little snug across the instep: I put this down to maybe not having the laces "tuned in" just yet but mostly to the shoe having leather uppers. I expect the leather will stretch and soften the little bit needed to conform and fit as I wear them a bit more, much like OG-style office wear used to do. Heel cup is stiffer than the 6, so I use a shoe horn to put them on, not an issue once on ... MoreComparing to my two old pairs of Bondi 6 shoes, which were quite comfortable out of the box but not well suited for keeping my feet dry on rainy days -- and I did think the various reflective bits were a plus for those models. Good choice for my plantar fasciitis but the rebound in the soles of the 6s has faded, so I chose the Bondi SR for the water resistance of the leather uppers. A little snug across the instep: I put this down to maybe not having the laces "tuned in" just yet but mostly to the shoe having leather uppers. I expect the leather will stretch and soften the little bit needed to conform and fit as I wear them a bit more, much like OG-style office wear used to do. Heel cup is stiffer than the 6, so I use a shoe horn to put them on, not an issue once on the foot; I also expect this will ease with more wear. Haven't applied leather polish yet, so don't yet know how well this leather will take the polish. And, wouldn't you know it, a dry year, so no test of the water resistance just yet. No reflective bits on this model, maybe something to consider for overcast conditions, but that can be addressed with other choices in clothing, too. They squeaked on the hardwood floor when I first tried them on (but no marks), and my wife was in ear-shot; she's not a fan, so I don't wear these in the house.... Show more
STARS
originally posted on hoka.com