I remember a few years ago when Running Free brought these shoes into the Markham store and I immediately thought – “These shoes are ridiculous, there is no I’m running in those!” Fast-forward to today and not only am I running in them, they’ve become the one thing that has extended my running life.
After suffering a severe injury to my right foot in successfully avoiding a car accident, I went through every diagnostic test available, and could not run for 6 months – not out of desire, I physically could not run. The pain was unbearable in certain positions, and the bones and tendons in the foot just didn’t feel right. No one had any answers. An MRI finally confirmed that the trauma triggered severe arthritis in the area. Not good and no easy solutions.
But I’ve never said never – yuck, did I just quote The Biebs – and with my love of racing and with at least 3 more Ironman races in my future, I remembered those Big Daddy Hoka’s at Running Free and figured it can’t hurt to give them a try. Best running decision ever!
After not being able to run for over 6 months (I did try a few runs in other shoes but never made it past the end of my street), I was able to run relatively pain free for 30 minutes. I could have kept on going but didn’t want to push my luck.
What is it about these shoes that have made converts to a growing group of runners?
Cushioning
Quite obviously, one look at the Hoka’s (no matter what model) and you know you’ll get a ton of cushioning. This was the main reason why I gave them a try and I can safely say they provide the most cushioning in any shoe I’ve ever tried. And I’ve tried practically everything – especially when trying to find a shoe that would enable me to run with my newly diagnosed arthritis. The Hoka’s simply allowed me to start running again, so I now have them to thank or blame for extending my running/triathlon life. In January, I really thought I’d have to call an end to running and while I probably won’t run as fast as I want to again, at least I am now back in the game thanks to these shoes.
Lightweight
The Hoka’s are also surprisingly light. Try a pair on, they are way lighter than they look. The Bondi B weighs just 11 oz (the Bondi Speed weighs 9.5 oz). At such a weight, they would make for a great Ironman shoe and that is my plan. If you are concerned about stability, don’t be. You’ll get quite enough support with the wide outsole, and the bucket seat that is lowers the feet up to 20 mm within the midsole. I should be running in control or stability shoes, and I am not lacking in any support from the Hoka’s whatsoever.
Rockered profile
Basically, the beefy cushioning works due to the rockered midsole profile and 4.5 mm heel to toe drop. This creates an extremely smooth transition from ground contact to push off. The feeling blew me away. I just did not expect that from something that looked this big.
So don’t let the size of these shoes fool you. You can fly in these and take advantage of a ton of cushioning too. Not only did it protect my foot to allow me to run again, it absorbed more road shock to decrease the wear and tear on my body. My legs are less sore or not at all after long runs. Thanks to the Hoka’s, I now have them to thank/blame for keeping me running. If you are on the fence about getting a pair, take the chance, I doubt you will be disappointed – I’ve never heard of a negative experience. At worst, you’ll own a great conversation piece and make yourself a few inches taller.
* after 2.5 months I can now do short runs without the Hoka’s (hard to give up my Mizuno’s), but they are a must for me on my long runs.
Pick up a pair at Running Free. Use code 11296 to save a few bucks.
