Quickly becoming one of the hottest brands in running. Hoka has more than a few models in their lineup worth checking out. And in the review I’ll be breaking down two of the brand’s more cushioned runners in the Hoka Kawana vs Bondi. With the Kawana being one of the brand’s newest running shoes. Designed to be functional inside and outside of the gym. The Bondi on the other hand is one of Hoka’s oldest, most cushioned, and classic road running models. Below I’ll go over the key differences, specs, and more. So let’s get to it!
Hoka Kawana vs Bondi
- The Hoka Bondi is a neutral road running shoe. Perfect for runners that do not need support for overpronation.
- While the Hoka Kawana is a “moderate” stability shoe. Which Hoka says for a moderate amount of stability that is still designed to work for neutral gaits.
- Hoka also lists the Kawana as an “active” shoe. With a wider more stable base, meant for workouts beyond just running.
- The Hoka Kawana is the lighter of the two shoes. Weighing 10 oz compared to the Bondi at 10.8 oz.
- Both shoes are listed as “plush” in cushioning by Hoka. And are two of the more plush shoes in the brand’s lineup.
- There is more overall cushion in Hoka Bondi. With a cushion volume of 842 cm3 compared to 712 cm3 in the Kawana.
- The drop in the Hoka Kawana is 5mm. And the drop in the Hoka Bondi is 4mm.
- The Kawana also features the brand’s unique SWALLOWTAIL™. WHich is an extended rear crash pad to ensure proper landing.
Hoka Kawana
MSRP Price: $140
Men’s – Click Here
Women’s – Click Here
Surface: Road Running, Active
Weight Men’s: 10 oz
Weight Woman’s: 8.4 oz
Stability: Moderate
Drop/Offset Men’s: 5mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 5mm
Cushion: Plush
Volume – The total volume of foam in the mid sole of the shoe.
Men’s: 712 cm3
Women’s: 558 cm3
Spring – Measurement of the curvature of the shoe, how high the heal and toe are off the ground.
Men’s: 33 x 32 mm
Women’s: 31 x 28 mm
Hoka Bondi
MSRP Price: $165
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Road Running
Weight Men: 10.8 oz
Weight Women: 8.9 oz
Stability: Neutral
Drop/Offset Mens: 4mm
Drop/Offset Women’s: 4mm
Cushion: Plush
Volume – The total volume of foam in the mid sole of the shoe.
Men’s: 842 cm3
Women’s: 663 cm3
Spring – Measurement of the curvature of the shoe, how high the heal and toe are off the ground.
Men’s: 37 x 25 mm
Women’s: 34 x 23 mm
Performance Summary
One is a hybrid road runner and active shoe cross. Looking to offer people the best of both worlds. While the other is a highly cushioned running shoe that’s been tested for years. And is one of the brand’s best sellers. So when comparing the Hoka Kawana vs Bondi it’s hard to compare them head to head without consideration or their designed purpose. So below I’ll break down each model in more detail.
Hoka Kawana
When unboxing the Hoka Kawana my first impression was that they are good looking shoes. With their bright color options and thick soles, they are easily identifiable as a Hoka. So if you like or are used to that style, the Kawana will fit right into your lineup. The few things that do stand out about the shoe are the weight. They are slightly heavy compared to other “active” shoes. And then there is the shoe’s new “swallowtail” crash pad on the back. Giving the shoes a very unique and identifiable look.
On the feet, the Kawana does feel a bit heavier than most other shoes. But when compared to the Bondi, they are lighter. The extra weight in the Kawana comes from the shoe’s added cushioning and active foot frame. They do a great job of taking away the road shock from running. And the active foot frame does a great job of proving just enough stability. I don’t typically run in a stability shoe, but found the Kawana to be a nice bit of support.
Taking the shoe in the gym and testing its “active” capability I found the Kawana to be very stable. And great for basic functional fitness and classes like Orange Theory and Pure Barre. But I wouldn’t recommend using them for things like heavy lifting or Crossfit. And overall I was impressed at the balance between running and active fitness. And the Kawana could end up being a good fit overall in the Hoka lineup.
Hoka Bondi
The Hoka Bondi is one of the brand’s longest running models and for good reason. When first looking at the Bondi, it’s a substantial shoe. Both in weight and overall size. The amount of sole thickness on the Bondi stands out. As it is the most cushioned shoes the Hoka offers in its lineup. And the brand even offers the Bondi X, the same shoe featuring a carbon plate for “super shoe” performance.
When putting on the Hoka Bondi, they feel heavy. But once your feet hit the ground the extra eight all makes sense. These things have so much cushion. And take out any and all the road shock out if running. Perfect for logging a ton of training miles. Or, if you are a bigger runner, the Bondi will probably add years onto your joints. The shoe dies feature a bit of rock to propel you and the shoes weight forward. And if you are coming from another brand, this can take a few runs to get used to.
The few negatives I can find when it comes to Bondi, are less negatives and more personal preference. First, the shoes have a lot of arch support. And if you have a lower arch this can be noticeable. Especially at first, until the padding breaks in a bit. Second, the amount of weight to spring ratio just doesn’t feel perfect to me. I think a lot of this has to do with my height / weight / stride ratio. And I know a lot of runners, mostly taller or heavier that will only run in the Bondi.
Image Comparison
Below is an image comparison of the Hoka Kawana vs Bondi. With side by side shots to give you better idea of the design differences. One of the first things you will notice from this side view is that the Kawana has amore narrow nose compared to the Bondi.
Hoka Kawana Profile
Hoka Bondi Profile
From the top the two running shoes the two things that stand out are the extended tail and wider outer sole on the Kawana. This will be much more obvious in the sole pictures below.
Next is the wider toe box on the Bondi. Which is slightly larger when comparing the two.
Kawana Top View
Bondi Top View
Below you can really notice the Kawana’s rear “swallowtail” extended crash pad. And the wider stance around the midsole. As the Bondi has much more curve to the design.
Hoka Kawana Soles
Hoka Bondi Soles
Conclusion – HOKA Kawana vs Bondi
The Kawana is the brand’s first real crossover, with a focus on being a confident road runner while being able to perform in the gym. While the Bondi is a true roadrunner through and through. And not one I would recommend doing a workout in. But the Bondi is the more pure and better performing road runner.
Which road running shoe to buy?
This is the biggest difference between the two shoes. So if you are looking for a true road running shoe, the Bondi is going to be the better choice. Going straight and providing a max cushion is what they are designed to do. And they do it very well.
But, if you want something you can wear into a fitness class setting. Then the Kawana’s wider and more stable base is going to be better for any lifting or lateral movements. And would be the better choice.
