The design and the build of this shoes are really really DISAPPOINTING. It is the most expensive item of Hoka line. It is light though. My son who likes running tried a pair in the store, but the color was white, then we found the black one, and bought it online (bikester.no) - the same size 42. When he used it for running he noticed that the actual dimension of the shoes is not standard. It is bigger than the actual number of 42. He cannot use the shoes for running. Not only that it is uncomfortable, it is also dangerous, risk of accident / injury. We saw other people also disappointed with the shoes, and re-sell theirs online.If you want to buy one, really try it physically for a while (at store), or if you buy it online order in several sizes so you can ... MoreThe design and the build of this shoes are really really DISAPPOINTING. It is the most expensive item of Hoka line. It is light though. My son who likes running tried a pair in the store, but the color was white, then we found the black one, and bought it online (bikester.no) - the same size 42. When he used it for running he noticed that the actual dimension of the shoes is not standard. It is bigger than the actual number of 42. He cannot use the shoes for running. Not only that it is uncomfortable, it is also dangerous, risk of accident / injury. We saw other people also disappointed with the shoes, and re-sell theirs online.If you want to buy one, really try it physically for a while (at store), or if you buy it online order in several sizes so you can choose the right one for you.... Show more
Vincentius Rumawas
originally posted on Google Customer Reviews
Almost perfect
I've been using the Bondi 7's and thought I'd give these a try - loved the idea of the carbon in the sole - looking for stiffness due to turf toe. The carbon definitely keep the sole super rigid which is fantastic. The biggest complaint is the extra bulk at the back of the shoe and the removed padding on the tongue. Definitely feeling the laces on the top of my foot compared to the Bondi 7. Shoe seems a little clunky due to the extra material at the back sole - probably added for the extra balance needed for the carbon stiffness. Love these for shorter and faster, but as far as comfort, I'd definitely stick with the Bondi 7, or now Bondi 8.... Show more
Tamara S
originally posted on backcountry.com
Good Shoe, but.....
I only run in Hoka. I'm I huge fan and have a few thousand miles in running different models. What I like: the carbon fiber provides a bit of a different feel. It's not a bounce but a bit of a rebound when striking the ground, and it makes a little difference when you want to pick up the pace on a speed workout. Other than this, they ride like the Hokas you've come to love. Here's what I don't like: I'm a multi-surface runner. 60% asphalt, and 40%... everything else. The sole of the shoe has 4 small openings that pick up ever sort of material, which is ok by me, until it's gravel. Little Rock's get stuck in the sole and when I get back on pavement I sound like a tap dancer, and I have to stop and remove all the rocks. No bueno. Also I really, really dislike the ... MoreI only run in Hoka. I'm I huge fan and have a few thousand miles in running different models. What I like: the carbon fiber provides a bit of a different feel. It's not a bounce but a bit of a rebound when striking the ground, and it makes a little difference when you want to pick up the pace on a speed workout. Other than this, they ride like the Hokas you've come to love. Here's what I don't like: I'm a multi-surface runner. 60% asphalt, and 40%... everything else. The sole of the shoe has 4 small openings that pick up ever sort of material, which is ok by me, until it's gravel. Little Rock's get stuck in the sole and when I get back on pavement I sound like a tap dancer, and I have to stop and remove all the rocks. No bueno. Also I really, really dislike the tongue. It's completely un-padded and very short. This matters because regardless of your method of tying the shoe if you like them snug, you WILL feel the knot on your skin. This might sound trivial but if all you notice is the knot on your ankle and resort to extra thick socks, that's no bueno. Lastly, I love shoes and my goal is not to see how many miles I can get out of them before they disintegrate. Before falling in love with the Hoka ride, I wore ASICS, Nike, and Brooks. I typically got 300 miles on a pair and maybe could have squeezed out a few more miles. I'm on my 12th pair of Hokas and average 200 miles. I've taken them to 240 miles and it was not pretty. I reorder at 180-200 miles. This is costly. I think they're worth the money. At least you don't need to worry about breaking them in; I can go right from the box to a 1/2 marathon. Hoka: if you're listening.... please change the tongue 👅... Show more
Alex aka, Alex
originally posted on roadrunnersports.com
Great for the Worst Feet
Everyone says they have the worst feet in the world—but I am the one whose feet even podiatrists shake their heads at—“Sorry, there’s little we can do for you”. I NEED the best shoes, especially as I’m on my feet 8+ hours a day at Costco. When I have to stocking I even wear my Zamberlan Vioz. I saw a few of my cohorts at work wearing Hokas, and asked. So, off to REI to see these. Immediately I knew these could deal with my extreme needs. I went with the Bondi X because of the carbon fiber shank, which while lighter, could hold up better. These have become my everyday shoe. And every day I get compliments on how great these look…... Show more
Garth
originally posted on REI
Light and cushy!
As always, Hoka gives some of the best cushioning I've ever experienced in a running shoe, but these ones raise the bar even further with how light they are, especially given how thick the sole cushioning is! It's like running on clouds. I'm looking forward to putting on some kilometers on these babies!... Show more
Kit O.
originally posted on altitude-sports.com
love them!!
I’m a 215lb runner. Athletic and muscular and 6’ tall. That being said, for a runner, I’m definitely on the beefy side. I am a forefoot runner that mostly sticks to altras for the toe box and zero drop, but wanted some more cushion for the long road training days. I started ultra trail running and like to mix up training with road. My body weight appreciates the stack height of the bondi x, and the plate helps with making the shoe not soooo soft like the original bondi, but still comfy.... Show more
LoveMeSomeUSA
originally posted on REI
Money well spent on my feet.
Best shoe I have ever owned.I know they are a running shoe but being an overweight asthmatic I don't run. But I do like to walk but have found my heel flares up after 5km. Yesterday I went for a 15km hike and could have kept going. No pain. Will definitely purchase them again.... Show more
Tez
originally posted on ewavedemo.com
Not a bad shoe but expensive
The carbon plate makes this shoe very stiff and heavy. Unless you need a stiff shoe, there are better inexpensive options. The lifespan is average. I bought this shoe because I needed a very stiff shoe due to a cuboid fracture.... Show more
John H
originally posted on REI
Phenomenal running shoes
Had my old shoes fall apart on me before a big race, and ordered these based on the reviews. Very quick arrival, and my initial thought was that I'd gotten the sizing wrong, since they're huge. Feels like wearing a pair of boats, and the heel sticks out almost an inch behind your true heel, but I tell you what, it's like running on a cloud. Massive cushioning meant that I ran 21 km with these shoes in a race on my very first wear (other than a test walk around my house), and didn't feel a single complaint from the shoes. Very comfortable, great for reducing some of that joint impact. Held up great, shoes feel very sturdy, very comfortable, and very light despite their large size.... Show more
David S.
originally posted on altitude-sports.com
Responsive update to the Bondi
I've been running pretty consistently in the Bondi for about four years, first with the Bondi 6 and then more recently with the Bondi 7. I wasn't sure if the Bondi X was a good solution for me, but I decided to try it and have been happy with the results thus far. I've logged a little over 50 miles in them since the purchase and have found them to be more responsive than my recently retired Bondi 7s while maintaining the overall feel and fit that I have liked from the Bondi line. The fit is very similar, although it feels like it might be ever so slightly roomier in the toe box. I haven't done a super long run in them yet (my max in them so far is a 10 miler) but anticipate that they should do well for me. Overall, I've been happy with them.... Show more
Kevin
originally posted on roadrunnersports.com