Pioneer of thick-soled running shoesHOKA ONE ONEThe Bondi 7, the latest version of Hoka Oneone's famous Bondi, is now available. How has the road shoe with the greatest cushioning in the Hoka Oneone line been updated? We take a closer look at the Bondi 7 through test reviews by real runners.
Here is the "Bondi 7". While maintaining the traditional cushioning properties, the weight has been reduced by approximately 7 grams (for a 27cm shoe), and the breathability of the upper has been improved. A shape-memory ankle pad has been added around the footwear opening and is designed to wrap around various types of ankles, including those with narrow heels.
Art director/designer Hajime Iguchi assisted us in this test review.
Born and raised in Kamakura, Iguchi-san still lives near the ocean. In addition to his love of surfing, he is also a runner who makes it a habit to run on a regular basis. He runs about three to four times a week, covering about 200 kilometers per month. He is also an avid mountain trail runner, having completed two 100-mile races in the past.
Just as you use different boards for different wave conditions, you also wear different shoes.
Mr. Iguchi's first impression of the Bondi 7 when he actually tried them on was that he felt a strong sense of cushioning and tremendous forward propulsion.
When I run at a higher speed, I move forward with a gwing-in. Even if I let the shoes do the work to some extent, my feet would spin around and around. I was surprised at this sensation. The high level of cushioning is also a thing of beauty. I felt the cushioning more strongly when I climbed a pedestrian bridge or descended a gentle slope, not to mention on level ground.
Also, although thick soles are said to be booming in the running scene these days, Mr. Iguchi often chooses shoes with thinner soles when he runs on a regular basis.
Thin-soled shoes allow you to feel changes in the road surface directly and train your legs more efficiently. However, pain in the soles and fatigue buildup can be a concern. On the other hand, with thick-soled shoes, you can run in them and not feel fatigue. It is not a question of which is better or worse, but rather of whether it is better to wear different shoes depending on one's mood and purpose for the day. It is fun to think about which shoes to wear in the morning before running. It is also fun to think about it before running in the morning. When surfing, you can use a long board because there are not many waves today, or a short board because the waves are high today. It's the same thing.
Urban design that is comfortable even when matched with everyday wear.
In recent years, "HOKA ONEONE" has been taking the fashion scene by storm as well as the running scene. Mr. Iguchi also speaks highly of the design of the new "Bondi 7.
I think it is an urban and sophisticated design. I feel comfortable wearing them not only when running, but also with my everyday clothes. There is a wide variety of colors, and I am happy to be able to choose a wide width for my wide feet.
The Bondi 7 is available in five colors. The gray and all-black models worn by Ms. Iguchi are available in a regular model and a wide model with a wider foot width. Depending on your foot type and preferences, you can find the perfect pair for you.
Hoka Oneone "Bondi 7" ¥21,000+tax
Photo_Masataka Nakada
Text_Issey Enomoto
