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Hoka Black Friday deals: These sneakers are the 'best cushioned running shoes' and cause 'zero knee pain' — they're on sale for $160

Shoppers say they're "worth every penny" if you're on your feet all day. Here's my honest review.

These Hoka running shoes are on sale for Black Friday, but they're selling fast. Are they worth the price? (Photos via Hoka/Aleah Balas)
These Hoka running shoes are on sale for Black Friday, but they're selling fast. Are they worth the price? (Photos via Hoka/Aleah Balas)

Wearing proper walking shoes comes with a myriad of benefits: They help prevent injury, support your body and help ward off circulation issues. One brand that's been popping up everywhere over the past few years is Hoka. Their sneakers have racked up thousands of reviews —and they've been spotted on everyone from Pippa Middleton to Reese Witherspoon.

Over a year ago, I got a pair of Hoka running shoes after seeing them everywhere. Read on for my honest review of the Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoes, as well as what other shoppers are saying. The best part? They're currently marked down to $160 as part of Hoka's early Black Friday deals — but sizes are selling fast, so if you're looking to shop, I'd suggest moving fast.

🛍️ Product reviewed: Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoes

⏰ Tested for: 2 years

💵 Price: $160 $200

⭐ My rating: 5/5

⭐ HOKA shopper rating: 4.3/5

Shop the Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoes in 10+ colourways.

Pros
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Can be worn with a variety of outfits
  • Very lightweight
  • Well suited for light runs/exercise
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Get dirty quickly
  • Chunkier than a traditional running shoe
  • Not for intense running
$160 (originally $200) at Hoka

Hoka is known for its ultra-comfortable footwear, and the Bondi 8 style has been dubbed the “ultra-cushioned game-changer.” The Bondi line has been through a variety of iterations, and the Bondi 8 sneakers feature an extended heel, new foam and a pillowed tongue.

These are best suited as lifestyle shoes for walking or a light/casual run. Some of the key features are the engineered mesh construction, Ortholite hybrid sock liner, lightweight foam, and rubber outsole.

These shoes also received the Seal of Approval from the Podiatric Medical Association​, which recognizes products that are beneficial to foot health and are reviewed by certified podiatrists.


I was apprehensive about such a chunky runner, but I fell in love with these almost instantly. I purchased my first pair a year ago, and then I proceeded to buy another pair this December to wear with less athletic looks.

HOKA shoes on grass with a YETI mug and weight.
Wearing my Hoka Bondi 8 Shoes at the gym (Photo via author)

When I say I have worn these for everything, I am not exaggerating. I wore them for tennis lessons, days at the office and nights out. I even wore them to London Fashion Week as I was schlepping across the city from show to show. While they may not be the most stylish shoes, they're functional and go with just about everything.

Since having these shoes, I have also travelled quite a bit, and these have been the perfect shoes to bring with me. While they do take up space in your luggage, they are super light, so they won't add a ton of weight compared to other shoes. I can virtually walk in these all day, touring around, and have zero pain or blisters, which is a must-have for days spent exploring new places.

Hoka running shoes with a plaid outfit
Wearing my Hoka Bondi 8 Running Shoes at London Fashion Week (Photo via author)

While these shoes do run true to size, it's worth noting that they look a bit bulkier than some other shoes on the market. I recommend sticking with your typical size, but you may want to try them on in-store if you're able to.


These Hoka shoes have a 4.3-star rating from more than 9,400 reviews — and 82 per cent of reviewers say they would recommend them to a friend. More than 6,400 reviewers gave them a perfect five-star rating, mentioning that they're the "best cushioned running shoes" and cause "zero knee pain."

"These help me walk three miles a day, and I am 82," raved one shopper.


If you're looking for a pair of shoes for walking or lighter exercise, these definitely fit the bill. I love the Hoka Bondi 8s because they're functional, comfortable and lightweight.

While the sneakers are definitely pricier than some competitors, even at their Black Friday 2024 price, I've worn them a ton and have found that they're well worth the price — and many shoppers seem to agree with me.

However, some shoppers have said the Bondi 8s fit narrow, so if you have wide feet, you may want to size up or make sure you can try them in-store.

This year, Black Friday lands on Friday, Nov 29. However, the sale extends far beyond 24 hours for many retailers. Canadians can already shop 100s of early deals — click here to check out the best ones. Cyber Monday is on Monday, Dec. 2.

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