I run in Hokas both on the trail and on the road. I remember seeing people wearing them at our local trail races and thought they were the most ridiculous things I'd ever seen and no way in hell would I ever be caught wearing them. I was in Brooks Cascadias when I started trail running but then a particular model came out one year that I absolutely hated. By now I was seeing the Hokas on tons of people on the trail so decided to give them a shot. So, sheepishly, I must admit I love them despite how silly they look.

But for the road I was staying in the Brooks Adrenalines and when it was time to replace them I went with the Tarmacs. They have been working out really well for me and also love them.

I hate making shoe recommendations because what works for me may not work for you. I've had friends try them and they've either loved them or hated them. Your mileage may vary.

As far as cost goes, I could only get 400 (450 max) miles out of my Brooks, I'm at 550 on my older pair already.

Mine are still pretty new so I haven't experienced this first hand - but I have heard this from several sources - these shoes tend to last longer which helps normalize the cost when you look at how much you spend on shoes annually.

I have the Bondi B's and really like them. Try the different types on and see which one if any work for you. The only thing I found was that I couldn't alternate my shoes when I wore them. My foot never seemed to like either shoe then. I have to just stick to one pair until I'm done with them.

Hm. thanks fuzzbunny, I guess you answered my question before I asked it.

I gave in, I am running tomorrow in the Hoka Bondi Bs. I think my french heritage (long time ago), got to me, and I just had to try these. Tomorrow will be the test run :happy: super excited.

I got them locally so if there is a disaster tomorrow I can return them, even after the test run!

So what did you think?

I also ran in mine today (Bondi 2). They definitely felt different. I felt more bouncy, but it may be that I'll need to adjust my form a bit. I felt slower -- yet my pace was faster. Flat surfaces and downhills were good. Some problem navigating up steeper hills. I was surprised how good I felt at the end of the run (as the review said). There was definitely protection from hard surfaces.
But I only went for 8 miles, didn't want to go longer in-case I wanted to return the shoes.

Since I did not check my pace while running, I was surprised to discover that my pace was faster (since I felt slower). The ride felt better on my bones for sure. My back, femur, and hips benefited from the extra cushioning, but I did have some soreness of the bone / or tendon right below my right knee's outer side. I did have some missteps, because I was not used to the shoe, and how it reacted on surfaces. Still need to get used to these shoes. I enjoyed them, and I enjoyed my run. And I feel good right now.

While, I will not give up my Asics, I will keep these for hard surface (cement) and longer runs. I don't think I will race shorter races in these - but maybe as I get more used to them I reconsider.

I do not have a perfect fit - and I am not sure how to handle it. I think if I go bigger 1/2 size they will be to sloshie, but the top part of the toe box is slightly narrow (?narrow? -- it is the top of the box so narrow is quit not the right word)

I do not have a perfect fit - and I am not sure how to handle it. I think if I go bigger 1/2 size they will be to sloshie, but the top part of the toe box is slightly narrow (?narrow? -- it is the top of the box so narrow is quit not the right word)

Maybe the bigger size with some poofier socks?

I bought the Hoka OneOne Tarmac shoes several months ago and at first, wasn't thrilled. However, as I trained in them and got a few long runs under my belt, I love them! I just ran the New York City Marathon in them. I finished in 3:54. I'm sold on them now and running the Wine and Dine Half Marathon at Disney World in them tomorrow night.

My sister just finished a 100 mile race in them