Brooks Glycerin vs Hoka Bondi: 7 Most Important Differences

Brooks Glycerin has soft DNA LOFT cushioning with ease of movement and support. While Hoka Bondi has a wide footprint with great support for short and long adventures. But what is better? It all depends on YOU.

 Sometimes it can be difficult to find the perfect shoe. we already have a complete comparison between Hoka and Brooks shoes, but when you have narrowed down the pool to a pair it can seem like the hard part is over. But this comparison of Brooks Glycerin and Hoka Bondi will show you this isn’t the case—-it’s even harder!

However, don’t worry if you’re here to make this selection process easier as we will put you at ease. We will shine our expert knowledge on shoes and help you select between the pairs. Then you can pick the right one for your feet. So, let’s get started.

Hoka Bondi Overview

The overview looked at the Hoka Bondi 8.

Let’s put our magnifying glasses over Hoka Bondi. What kinds of things will we see when we look closer?

There’s no getting passed the fact that these shoes are on the heavier side. However, many swear these ‘heavy’ shoes feel light despite their pounds. So, you will feel light-footed while still feeling supported. So, although they may drag more than lighter ones this extra weight is for a good reason. It’s to provide a wider footprint and adequate padding for comfort.

 So, this may not be the first pick for those wanting the lightest shoe to go at those fast speeds. It’s a top pick for running and doing everyday activities.

Hoka Bondi excels at creating a soft and smooth ride while reducing fatigue. This is best seen in their thick midsole, an abundance of cushioning, and rigid true-to-size fit. You can expect it’s fitting to be a normal heel fit, with a tight-fitting midfoot and toe box. However, Hoka offers wide variants so this can be altered without impacting shoe size!

 These shoes aren’t very minimal as their soles are thick and a little chunky. However, if you put aside their outer appearance you may be won over when you put them on. Their stack of compression-molded EVA is soft and supportive, great for everyday running and long-distance running. However, if you are after a set for ultra running you may want to look elsewhere.

Brooks Glycerin Overview

This overview looked at the Brooks Glycerin 20.

 Those looking for a great training shoe should consider Brooks Glycerin. They shine most with their ease of motion, support, and breathability. This is achieved by thin materials, heel cushioning, and a sole that absorbs impact.

These shoes may not have as much support compared to Hoka. However, they have forgone a thicker sole to focus on softness and flexibility. This is thanks to their GuideRails support. These act like soft bumpers to hold your feet securely during a light run.

But who knew that this could be aided further by something else? Their nitrogen-infused DNA midsole! This sole acts as the supportive barrier between the foot and the ground. The outsole also adds grip to help conquer varied terrain outdoors, you will also find brooks are easy to clean.

For those who love the true to size model, Brooks Glycerin also fits this sizing like the Hoka. This means that when looking for the right fit it will be based on the length of your foot. However, unlike the Hoka, it is not a tight fit. Brooks has a wide midfoot fit, a normal toe box fit, and a tight heel fit. But don’t fear! It won’t feel so tight as the soft padding and thin materials allow your foot to breathe.

Brooks Glycerin vs Hoka Bondi: 7 Differences

So far, we’ve discussed what makes these two shoe brands unique. But now we will look at what these differences are by focusing on seven elements to help you pick the right shoe. You will see how this affects running or walking. Let’s get going!

1. Comparing Cushioning and Ride

Both the Bondi and Glycerin provide cushioning for an easy ride, but they each do it in different ways. 

The Bondi provides a soft sole of compression-molded EVA technology and a heel unit. These have been carefully designed to reduce traction and shock. This heel unit is thick across the board with a max height of 33mm down to 29mm at the forefoot. It isn’t just the sole and heel that makes Bondi a breeze to ride. It’s their meta-rocker shape that makes them feel extra buttery with the ability to go fast and far.

 While on the other hand, Brooks has nitrogen-infused DNA foam that promises a soft and light fit. This is aided by the heel unit that reduces strain at a height of 38mm at the heel down to 10mm at the forefoot. These factors make Brooks the perfect choice for those who want to feel a more forgiving run. This, with its flexible elements, allows their feet to breathe and feel freer on the road.

Overall, the Bondi has more cushioning, but the Glycerin still has enough to not be out of the running! They are also both great impact absorbers, however, Bondi goes the extra mile. Bondi’s design reduces fatigue over longer distances through thicker soles and heel units.

2. Sizing and Fit

Beginning with the Bondi, you will find that they run small and narrow. So, to find the right fit I’d recommend going up a size or opting for the wider variant. These shoes are best for feet that are wide or have high volume. 

On the other hand, Glycerin is more comfortable for wider feet. So, you don’t need to size up or consider a wider variant. This is seen in their wide toe box which may be too roomy for those with thin feet.

Something that you may not have considered is the insoles that take up space in the shoe. Although Bondi’s insole is fixed, if you feel your arches just aren’t digging the one in the Glycerin, it can be removed!

3. Ideal Uses Compared 

Both the Bondi and Glycerin are great running and walking shoes. But each has different scenarios where they outshine the other.

The Bondi is on the heavier side of running shoes thanks to their extra cushioning and wider fit. This means that it provides great support for heavier runners. Take for example those hard on their feet, and those with bigger packages. It is also great for recovery, long runs, and marathons of fatigue reduction over speed.

On the other side of the ring, we have Glycerin. This offers light support for runners who prefer a cloud-like bounce when out on the track. So, you get the support you need, without going overboard to the point where your speed is impacted. In addition, the fact they are made from light materials, makes them feel like speedy units. This helps with short-distance sprints or getting the extra edge in varied-tempo runs. So, you can run like Forrest Gump! 

4. Tackling Terrain and Performance

• Brooks Glycerin: Versatility Meets Performance

We’ve shown that the Glycerin is a speedy pair of shoes that help you get through a run at the height of comfort. 

The Glycerin tackles the strain while maintaining a high level of performance… but how? In their outsole. Made from carbon rubber, the outsole reduces traction and durability on various surfaces. This is achieved through the mixture of midsole and outsole technologies. The outsole is made of rubber, while the midsole is made of foam to reduce strain and increase comfort. This is aided further by the front-facing curved grooves of the outsole. 

You get flexible shoes while also a firm grip to command the ground! Glycerin is best for road and treadmill runs. But you shouldn’t have much trouble in rougher terrains as well, just don’t expect them to be as smooth. However, if you have a semi-smooth surface and knead speed to get to the other side the Glycerin is king. 

• Hoka Bondi: Smooth Ride for the Long Haul

The Bondi offers an easy ride that provides incredible impact and grip support. So, your feet won’t get sore easily, plus you are unlikely to slip in the mud and make a fool of yourself on a damp race. Of course, to achieve these ends Bondi must thank by in large a selection of great shoe technologies.

This includes their midsole and outsole which cushion impact and create great traction. The outsole is made from crisscrossed carbon rubber lugs and exposed EVA foam of varied heights. This creates a great grip for road running which ensures you can keep a good pace or won’t slip.

The smooth ride that Bondi provides is also achieved through several things. The cushioning of the innersole and fixed fit is perfect for long distances and slow runs. You, however, won’t find these shoes great for speed and short bursts of runs due to their weight.

5. Weight Comparison

We’ve touched upon both shoes’ weights throughout this analysis. Weight is of great importance for those looking for the perfect running shoes. So, let’s discuss.

Despite being lighter than their older ones, the Bondi is heavier than the Glycerin. We can see this if we compare the men’s size nine of both shoes, with the Bondi sitting at 10.2 oz and the Glycerin at 8.8 oz.

Now the heavier shoe of course means more drag. So, if you are concerned about speed the lighter shoe is the obvious choice. This of course is already something we have also pointed out about–Glycerins are light and flexible. Perfect for short distance running!

However, weight isn’t a bad thing in a shoe if we take the case of Bondi. You may not be concerned about a slower unit if the added weight means better support and comfort for your feet. Bondi’s added cushioning technology makes them perfect for long-distance and slow runs.

6. Traction and Durability

Both shoes offer great durability and traction on their outsoles. Their rubber outsoles offer durability to last around 500 miles. So, if you are going to run 500 miles soon it could be good to order a new pair!

The Glycerin’s outsole covers less surface area than the Bondi’s. They opt to create greater drip and maintain shoe flexibility. However, this risk leads to exposure of the midsole foam. So, this will wear on the outsole sooner than the Bondi. Even though Bondi also has an exposed midsole, this is further from the ground. Despite this, the rubber and foam on either shoe will not have a big margin between durability miles.

7. Price

The price of both shoes could be a selling point if you love both pairs. Starting with the most expensive we have the Bondi 8 at $165 (US) followed by the Glycerin at $160 (US). So, there is not much price difference! But if you want to wait both models often go on sale below this retail price. Some suppliers may have better deals than buying direction from the maker. However, for you serious runners, the price should not matter. The shoe should be selected on performance and mileage outlined in this analysis above.

FAQ

Hoka vs Brooks for Standing All Day

For those in a job where you are standing all day, we recommend Bondi. These shoes are perfect for supporting your feet when you will not be doing much movement. The insole and fixed fit support will allow you to take the day in your stride without the worry of sore feet at the end of it.

Brooks vs Hoka for Walking

Either Brooks or Hoka is the perfect option for everyday walking. Do you need that extra support for long walks? The Hoka has you covered with great cushioning and thicker heels. However, if you want to talk briskly with a light step the Brooks would be the better option. Both are great shoes for walking!

Hoka vs Brooks for Plantar Fasciitis

One of the most common types of foot pain is Plantar Fasciitis. So which shoe is better for this condition? For the best support and ease of pain, the Hoka is the ideal choice to minimize these ailments. The soft insole, the wider size for orthotics, and the thick heel will reduce the impact of running on the foot. 

Do These Shoes Work Well for Walking and Other Activities Besides Running?

Without a doubt yes! Hoka and Brooks are great all-arounder shoes for all activities outside of running. You will also look trendy too. The Hoka is great for days when you are standing on your feet at work for long periods. While Brooks is great for a speedy grocery shop between two appointments. 

How Frequently Should Bondi and Glycerin Be Replaced?

Both the Bondi and Glycerin guarantee a mileage of five hundred miles. However, this time is just an estimate and will depend on the person and their shoes. Some will last twice as long, while others that are dealt a dirty gambit may last less. For example, off-the-road runners may find their shoes don’t last as long as a set that sticks to clean roads. A general rule is if the shoes start to come apart or feel unsupportive it may be time to look for a new pair. 

Conclusion

In this showdown between Brooks Glycerin and the Hoka Bondi… Who is best? The Brooks Glycerin are great shoes for those who adore light flexible running shoes. Those that also offer speed and support! On the other hand, the benefits of the Hoka Bondi, while on the heavier side make it brilliant. It is a great shoe for foot support and the slow-but-steady long-distance runner. 

What pair you pick in the end comes down to you and your personal needs. But whatever shoe you pick you can guarantee a great product of high quality in Brooks and Hoka shoe brands. So now we invite you to go out and make the purchase and don’t be afraid to reach out to us if you have any more questions.