When running trails in my Bondis, on the longer runs I have gotten some blisters on the big toe as well as pain in the pinky toe nail (it is being compressed into the 4th toe). Granted this is mostly on the right foot where the shoe was also falling apart after the upper caught one too many rocks or something:
Not sure if my problem is entirely toe box size related, or a consequence of the defect, but in any event - does anyone know exactly how the Stinson Trail or Mafate 3 compare in this regard?
I have wide forefeet. I typically wear 2E or 4E shoes from other brands. I have worn all the Hoka models and Bondis have the widest toe box. Stinsons and Mafates are definitely narrower. I go 1/2 size bigger on Hokas to give me more room in the toe box, and I do run mostly trails in my Bondis.
This is a warranty issue and you should get those replaced free of charge. Steve at thetrishop.com confirmed it is a known issue and should be fixed with the 2014 model. I’m on my third pair.
As far as toe box…I also get toe nail pain on the fourth toe. I might go up a half size next go around.
I also find the Bondis to have a slightly wider toe box than the other shoes I usually run in (Brooks Pure Connect, Asics Tarther). Never tried the Stinsons though.
I wanted to ask about the damage to the outside of your shoe though: I have exactly the same issue with my Bondis and I haven’t even done many miles in them, and definitely no hard trail running.
Anyone else with this problem? Maybe something that Hoka should take a look at because I don’t think it is only a matter of you having caught a few rocks.
I had the same problem with my Bondi 2s. Tearing of the mesh part of the toe box, on both sides of the shoes. I guess I should look into a warranty replacement, but I have no idea where to start. I bought them from a Hoka rep at a race expo. No trail running for me, either.
In the process of a warranty replacement for my second pair of Bondi Bs… love running in them, but at what they cost, they really need to be capable of more miles than the handful I am running in them - on the road only - no trails.
FWIW - Hoka and the retailer have been excellent at getting them replaced, with little or no fuss, which has meant I have persisted with them. Might go with the Stinsons next though…
I am 3/3 for the mesh ripping out on my Bondis. Each pair has had both shoes blow out, and it’s happened at ~300 road miles. I still love the shoes, just wish the durability was better.
This is a defect in the new upper material used in the bondi b 2013 shoes. It is covered under warranty and would encourage you to return them to the place you bought them for a replacement.
This is a defect in the new upper material used in the bondi b 2013 shoes. It is covered under warranty and would encourage you to return them to the place you bought them for a replacement.