I have had Bondi’s since they came out with the “B”. Maybe looking for a new model?
IMCDA at the end of the month, so new shoes are the plan.
I am a neutral runner, 150lbs, M65-69, have been running since age 14.
There are lots of models, but I don’t know anything about them. I would be happy with the current Bondi, but maybe something lighter for the 26.2?
Rincon
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I’ve been running in Bondis, since 2013. I used to race in the Clifton 1,2, and 3 but they were narrow, and still working out the kinks. For the last 3 years, I trained and raced exclusively in the Bondi 5 and 6, and still cleaned up my age group (60-64 most recently). This Spring I decided to revisit the Clifton’s, really like Clifton 7. Great fit, nice and light, and still good cushion, for my old knees. Last month, I ran the fastest half marathon for me, in the last 3 years, in the Clifton 7. I’m planning to go to the Bondi 7 for training, and race in the Clifton’s, going foreword, for my fall marathon, and IMTulsa next year.
Saucony Endorphin Shift. Far better fit and feel.
Great idea if he’d asked about a Saucony…
If you’ve been in the Bondi B, the new Bondi is going to change the LEAST from what you’re used to but still give you a, imho, a better running feel over the marathon distance.
I have ankle arthitis, which flares if I run too much and then I get aching in my ankles that require time off.
I thought only Hoka Bondi 6s would allow me to train adequately, and yes, they did - I can do full Oly triathlon training programs now without injury.
Was surprised though to find that I can run pain-free in Endorphin Speeds (Saucony) as well as Saucony Triump (maximalist as well). Especially surprised with the Speeds as they are a ‘race’ shoe, but apparently have enough cushioning that I do intervals with them without residual pain (as opposed to most other shoes.)
I know OP asked about Hokas, but if OP is or has been racing in Bondis, he’s leaving a lot of speed on the table - Bondis are slow and heavy, and measurably so. It’s worth trying out the Endorphin Speed just to see if it works, even if you just use it for race day, we’re talking 7-10+ sec/mile of speed advantage compared to a Bondi, if not more.
I still regularly run in my Bondi6s for slow recovery run days.
I have ankle arthitis, which flares if I run too much and then I get aching in my ankles that require time off.
I thought only Hoka Bondi 6s would allow me to train adequately, and yes, they did - I can do full Oly triathlon training programs now without injury.
Was surprised though to find that I can run pain-free in Endorphin Speeds (Saucony) as well as Saucony Triump (maximalist as well). Especially surprised with the Speeds as they are a ‘race’ shoe, but apparently have enough cushioning that I do intervals with them without residual pain (as opposed to most other shoes.)
I know OP asked about Hokas, but if OP is or has been racing in Bondis, he’s leaving a lot of speed on the table - Bondis are slow and heavy, and measurably so. It’s worth trying out the Endorphin Speed just to see if it works, even if you just use it for race day, we’re talking 7-10+ sec/mile of speed advantage compared to a Bondi, if not more.
I still regularly run in my Bondi6s for slow recovery run days.
I think I should stop by the store and try those Speeds. I have done 5 IM’s, all with Bondi’s (B, 2, 3, 5, 6). I’m in the 4hr to 4.5hr range, so not really burning up the tarmack. But the Bondi cushioning is nice for that long run. I was hoping someone had experience with a lighter Hoka, similar to the Speed?
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Rincon is closet. But the Endorphin speed is definitely better, having raced and run in the Rincon previously, and honestly, to me has equivalent cushioning.
The Endorphin speed, despite being a ‘race’ shoe, has surprisingly excellent cushioning. It’s not a marshmellow, but it’s a smooth, soft ride.
Even if you just break it out for a few times before and then on race day, I think it’ll be worth it. But you can also do that with Vaporflys/Alphaflys (I have a pair in my closet that I just got, but haven’t run in yet - these definitely feel ‘weirdly unstable’ at first, as opposed to the Endorphin speed which feels like a totally normal shoe.)
The Bondi is about the worst shoe choice for racing, your running economy is going to get worse and that’s the last thing you need in an IM.
Your best bet is go to your local running store then try on the Hokas AND try on some other recommendations.
You could try the rincon, clifton, mach.
Give me 10 people with your background and all three shoes will be chosen as The Hoka for Them.
Who’s to say one of those is better than any other for you?
Great idea if he’d asked about a Saucony…
If you’ve been in the Bondi B, the new Bondi is going to change the LEAST from what you’re used to but still give you a, imho, a better running feel over the marathon distance.
True but the Saucony Speed is a better shoe
You could try the rincon, clifton, mach.
Not to derail, but do you know of any long time Mach users and their opinion of the shoe? Asking because that shoe is the most comparable thing I could find to compare to the old ‘performance neutral’ category as it’s firm, light, and quick in training… most of the time. A weird thing I’ve noticed is that once in every few pairs the foam is not nearly as stiff as it should be. Had it on a few pairs of Mach 2’s and now both pairs of 4’s I’ve had for 1-2 months. The 4s are soft to the point I’m not even bothering with it anymore as it appears they’re going the way with it that they did with the clifton - more cushion, less responsiveness.
It can’t be just me.
I’ve got a pair of Mach 4s and really enjoying the softness. 4 might as well be a totally different model to different Machs from my experience and the reviews I’ve read. I think you’re right to move on to something else if that isn’t for you.
Saucony Endorphin Shift. Far better fit and feel.
I will second this opinion as I just made the shift from Hoka Clifton’s to the Saucony Endorphin Shift. If I take some time off from running or coming off an injury I tend to lean toward Hoka’s and then gradually move toward another brand. And I say this because I agree with the comments about them being flat. I started with Bondi’s when they first came out and I can tell you they were like wearing elevator shoes with a rocking chair attached to the bottom. I understand your age, and the desire for a well cushioned shoe, but if you are that light and with that extensive running background, and have a neutral foot, I would highly recommend the Endorphin Shift. Comfy and smooth and much more responsive than the Bondi’s with the same heel-toe offset, just a lower stack. So, no harm should come from making the switch if you choose. Also, the other reason I made the switch was because anything over 10 miles and the gusseted tongue on the Hoka’s gave me blisters on my insole. Best of Luck!!
Rincon
I just got a pair of the Rincon 2 and have been enjoying them in my rotation. Currently using the Rincon’s for shorter, tempo runs and Clifton 7s for the long, endurance and recovery runs.
I picked up the Mach 4 a couple of months ago. At the same time I also got a pair of Saucony Endorphin Speed. I’m a long time Hoke runner, starting with the Clifton 1. I’ve probably gone through 20+ pairs of Clifton iterations alone. I’ve also liked the Napali, Tracer & Vanquish, but none of those models are made anymore. When the Clifton 1 were reissued a couple years ago I bought a bunch - still have one pair that I haven’t worn yet. The Mach 4 got quite a bit of hype, but compared to the Endorphin Speed it is very ‘blaah.’ These are the two shoes in my current lineup - Mach 4 for easy/recovery days and Speed for faster/longer stuff.
I know you said Hoka, but the Endorphin Speed is a pretty fantastic shoe. It feels a lot like the original Vaporfly4%, but in more of an everyday shoe. I have a bit over 200 miles in the Speeds, and there is very little wear on the outsole.
Just for the OP or anyone else who’s wondering why we’re all harping on the Endorphin Speed in particular as opposed to other racing shoes is that it shares the same foam as the Nike’s, has a nylon plate for rebound, and at least one pro says they are as fast in it as the Alphafly. So it’s not just another joe-random shoe, it’s a fast one.
I run in both Hoka and Saucony.
Love my Cliftons, I will probably switch to the Rincons for Ultras.
I have the Saucony Shifts and they are…OK. I’m faster but thinking about doing a marathon or longer race in them gives me the worries.
They are just not that comfy. Now every opinion is personal and subjective. To declare that “this” shoe is better is just BS. You have to find what works for you.
Then shift is the slowest and least race ready of the endorphin line. Most swear by the speed then pro but the shift is rarely mentioned.
Go speed then decide.
…do you know of any long time Mach users and their opinion of the shoe? Asking because that shoe is the most comparable thing I could find to compare to the old ‘performance neutral’ category as it’s firm, light, and quick in training… most of the time. …Had it on a few pairs of Mach 2’s and now both pairs of 4’s I’ve had for 1-2 months. The 4s are soft to the point I’m not even bothering with it anymore as it appears they’re going the way with it that they did with the clifton - more cushion, less responsiveness.
It can’t be just me.
It’s all I can do to keep the Mach 4s in stock in the most popular sizes. No one I can remember has complained about the 4’s if they’ve been long time Mach users. Been a few weeks since I’ve been on the floor though.