HOKA
New BalanceWhich should you buy?
Choose the Bondi 9 if you want a secure, locked-in maximalist with HOKA's smooth rocker.
Choose the Fresh Foam X More v6 if you want the softest possible landing on a wide, steady platform, or need a narrow fit.
The Bondi 9 is 1 g heavier than the Fresh Foam X More v6. Its drop is 5 mm against 4 mm. It costs £10 more at full price.
Side by side
| Spec | Bondi 9HOKA | Fresh Foam X More v6New Balance |
|---|---|---|
| Review score | 90/100 (2 reviews) | 89/100 (1 review) |
| Type | Max cushion | Max cushion |
| Weight (men's UK 8.5) | 303 g | 302 g |
| Heel stack | 43 mm | 44 mm |
| Drop | 5 mm | 4 mm |
| Cushioning | Soft | Plush |
| Bounce | Calm | Calm |
| Plate | No plate | No plate |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Widths | standard, wide, extra wide | narrow, standard, wide, extra wide |
| Waterproof version | No | No |
| UK RRP | £160 | £150 |
Weights are for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5. Prices are UK RRPs; shops often sell for less.
What the critics say
Bondi 9
- Softer supercritical foam
- Secure heel and midfoot
- Lighter than the Bondi 8
- Slow, clunky transitions at faster paces
- Snug heel counter can bother sensitive heels
Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.
Fresh Foam X More v6
- Deep, protective cushioning, especially under the forefoot
- Wide base feels steadier than the stack suggests
- Comfortable, well-padded upper
- Can run warm, and the low drop won't suit everyone
- Heavy and bulky once the pace rises
Scores from RunRepeat.
Paraphrased from published reviews.
What's new in each
HOKA Bondi 9: Swaps the Bondi 8's EVA for a supercritical foam, adds 4 mm of heel stack and 3 mm up front, and still sheds about 14 g. Wider forefoot, snugger heel.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6: Stack stays about the same, but the base is wider, the foam and geometry are retuned with a gentler rocker, it is slightly lighter, and the upper feels more refined; price unchanged.
Prices for the Bondi 9 Prices for the Fresh Foam X More v6
More comparisons
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