Today we’ll be comparing two incredibly popular, and highly cushioned road runners, the Brooks Glycerin vs Hoka Bondi. Both feature the highest amount of cushion that their respective brands have to offer. And while they may appear similar at first glance. There are a few notable differences that could mean loving or regretting your shoe choice. So to better help you make the right choice, below We’ll break down the key differences, specs, images, and in depth reviews for both.
Brooks Glycerin vs Hoka Bondi
- Both are Neutral road running shoes. And are the most cushioned road runners each brand offers.
- The Men’s Brooks Glycerin is slightly lighter. Weighing 10.1 oz compared to the Hoka Bondi weighing 10.80 oz.
- While the Women’s Hoka Bondi is lighter. Weighing 8.9 oz. vs the women’s Glycerin at 9.1 oz.
- There is an 8mm drop on the Brooks Glycerin. 2x larger than the Bondi, which has a modest 4mm drop.
- The Men’s Bondi stack height is 1 mm higher. At 33 mm vs 32 mm on the Glycerin.
- While the Women’s Bondi stack height is much higher. At 32 mm compared to a 26 mm drop on the Women’s Glycerin.
- For me, the Bondi has noticeably more arch support. And is even noticeable in the images below.
Brooks Glycerin
MSRP Price: $160
Men’s – Click Here
Women’s – Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men’s: 10.1oz / 286.2g
Weight Woman’s: 9.1oz / 258.1g
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset Men’s: 10mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 10mm
Men’s Stack Height: 32mm / 22mm
Women’s Stack Height: 26mm / 16mm
Cushion: Most Cushion
Volume (cushioning): Not Listed
Hoka Bondi
MSRP Price: $165
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men: 10.80 oz / 306g
Weight Women: 8.9 oz / 252g
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset Mens: 4mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 4mm
Men’s Stack Height: 33mm / 29mm
Women’s Stack Height: 31mm / 27mm
Cushion: Plush
Volume (cushioning): 842.00cm3
Performance Summary
Founded in Philadelphia over 100 years ago, Brooks is one of the oldest and most trusted brands in running. Which show with some of their models, including the Glycerin running into their 20th plus iteration. While Hoka is one of the newer brands in running. They are also one of the fastest growing. Specializing in thick soles with a ton of cushion, their unique look that some mocked have actually become a recent fashion trend. With comfort winning out over a sleek look. And below I’ll go more in depth reviewing two of their more comparable and popular models, the Brooks Glycerin vs Hoka Bondi.
Brooks Glycerin
One of the great things about a shoe that’s been around as long and is as popular as the Brooks Glycerin. The brand’s going to release a ton of color options. Allowing you to customize your style, the Glycerin 20 is currently available in 15 color options. They are also available in wide. Out of the box the shoes feel thick but not too heavy for the amount of cushion they offer. And right on par with the Bondi’s on weight.
On the feet the Glycerin feels a bit narrow, but the 20’s are nearly a half size larger than the 19s. Making having to half size up, less of a big deal then in past models. The toe box feels a bit larger. With the shoes fitting more true to size than ever. But if you are coming from past models it will be noticeable.
Hitting the road and getting running, the first thing I notice is the cushion feels a bit firm. Offering less energy return than I initially expected. Overall I feel like the turnover is pretty quick for the size of the shoe. But that also may have to do with the 8mm drop. After about 25 miles the cushion did soften up a bit but never got “soft” for me. And they did feel a bit prone to roll because of the height and lack of give. The stack height is much lower on the women’s model, so this may be as big of an issue.
Hoka Bondi
The Hoka Bondi is one of the brand’s most iconic running shoes. Featuring the signature thick cushioned soles, they have continued to grow in popularity over the years. At first glance and in the hand, the shoe appears substantial in both weight. With much of this coming from the size of the sole. It is the most cushioned shoe in Hoka’s collection.
Despite feeling heavy on the fee initially, the Bondi’s extra weight makes sense once your feet hit the ground. As they provide ample cushioning that effectively eliminates road shock during running. This feature makes the Bondi ideal for logging extensive training miles or for larger runners seeking to protect their joints.Like other Hoka models, the shoe is designed with a slight rock that propels the feet and weight forward. Which may require some adjustment for those switching from other brands.
The few criticisms of the Bondi are less negative and more personal preference-based. The shoe’s significant arch support may be noticeable, and a bit too much for those with lower arches. Although it will break a bit over time. Additionally, some runners may find that the weight to spring ratio does not feel perfect for them, which could be attributed to their height, weight, or stride ratio. However, many runners, particularly those who are taller or heavier, will find themselves loving running in the Bondi.
Image Comparison
Below is a side by side image comparison of the Brooks Glycerin and the Hoka Bondi. From the sides you can see the added arch support in the Bondi.
Brooks Glycerin 20
Hoka Bondi 8
Below you can see the two shoe models have a similar shape from above.
Brooks Glycerin 20
Hoka Bondi Top View
Both soles have a similar shape foot bed. Providing plenty of traction, even on slightly wet surfaces.
Brooks Glycerin 20 Soles
Bondi 8 Soles
Conclusion – Brooks Glycerin vs Hoka Bondi
If you’re looking for a highly cushioned road runner, in comparing the Brooks Glycerin vs Hoka Bondi you are looking at two of the better choices on the market. The Glycerin is the most cushioned shoe in their road running lineup. Providing a quick feeling 8mm drop on a firmer cushioned sole. While the Bondi provides a much more modest drop, great arch support, and cushion that will feel like a pillow once broken in. But which one is right for you?
Which road running shoe to buy?
If I’m looking for a max cushioned runner, my personal choice between the two would be the Hoka Bondi. The softer cushion and added arch support are a killer combination, especially for heavier athletes. I also felt like they were more stable with added side cushion, and that hoka rock / rebound felt a bit more natural for me. I’m also a fan of the lower 4mm drop for doing my longer run, and weeks where I’m running a lot of miles. It’s also nice to have an option of jumping to the Bondi X, featuring a carbin plate for race days.
