BATTLE OF THICK BOYS | NEW BALANCE MORE v4 VS HOKA BONDI 8

Summary

In this comparison video, Alex reviews two top maximalist running shoes: the New Balance Fresh Foam More V4 and the Hoka Bondi 8. Both boast thick midsoles for deep cushioning, ideal for runners seeking leg-saving comfort. With a close weight of 360-350 grams and a 4mm drop, they cater to various foot types. The Bondi offers plush uppers and a more pronounced heel, while the More V4 provides a softer, more cushioned ride. Both are expected to last over 700 miles, with the More V4 being slightly more affordable. Viewers are encouraged to consider their running style and preferences when choosing between these two cushioned options.

Takeaways

• 👟 The video compares two maximally cushioned running shoes: the New Balance Fresh Foam More V4 and the Hoka Bondi 8.
• 🔍 Both shoes feature thick midsoles and are aimed at runners seeking extra cushioning and leg protection.
• 📦 The shoes were not sent by the same retailer, with the New Balance available at Running Warehouse in the US and the Hoka at Pro Direct Running in the UK.
• 📐 The weight and stack height of the shoes are very similar, with the Bondi having a slightly higher heel stack height but both having a 4mm drop.
• 📏 The More V4 is slightly wider than the Bondi, and both have wide platforms, which are good for those with wide feet.
• 💰 The price point for the More V4 is 160 Euros/150 dollars, and for the Bondi 8 it's 170 Euros/165 dollars, with the More V4 being slightly more competitive.
• 👕 The Bondi's upper is described as plush, especially the tongue, which feels like a pillow, while the More V4's tongue is preferred by the reviewer for being less plush.
• 👣 Both shoes have removable insoles, which is beneficial for those who use orthotics.
• 👣 The Bondi's upper in the forefoot is preferred for its thinner and more pliable mesh, which is breathable and pleasant against the feet.
• 🏃 The More V4 feels softer and more cushioned, especially for heel-to-midfoot strikers, while the Bondi has more roll and is better for heel strikers.
• 👎 The Bondi's outsole was a disappointment on greasy and wet pavements, feeling less secure, while the More V4's outsole performance was not detailed.
• 💡 The Bondi X, a plated version of the Bondi, is mentioned as a potentially better value option compared to the Bondi 8.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on comparing two maximally cushioned running shoes: the New Balance Fresh Foam More V4 and the Hoka Bondi 8.

Who is the presenter of the video?

The presenter of the video is Alex.

What are the key features of the shoes being compared in the video?

The key features being compared are the cushioning, upper design, midsole geometry, weight, stack height, and price point of the two shoes.

What is the stack height in the heel of the Hoka Bondi 8?

The stack height in the heel of the Hoka Bondi 8 is 35 millimeters.

How does the weight of the New Balance Fresh Foam More V4 compare to the Hoka Bondi 8?

The New Balance Fresh Foam More V4 weighs 360 grams, which is very close to the 350 grams of the Hoka Bondi 8.

What is the price point for the New Balance Fresh Foam More V4?

The price point for the New Balance Fresh Foam More V4 is 160 Euros or 150 dollars.

What is special about the tongue of the Hoka Bondi 8 according to the video?

The tongue of the Hoka Bondi 8 is described as very plush, like a pillow on top of your feet, offering inherent comfort.

What is the difference in the cushioning feel between the two shoes?

The New Balance Fresh Foam More V4 feels a bit softer due to more compression with the foam, especially for heel to midfoot strikers.

How do the shoes perform for different types of runners?

The shoes adapt well to different running styles, especially at lower paces and for daily training. The Bondi may work better for cadence runners, while the More V4 might be better for stride runners.

What is the durability expectation for these shoes?

Both shoes are expected to last around 700 miles or 300 to 400 miles, with the Hoka Bondi 8 potentially having a slight edge in durability.

What is the presenter's opinion on the outsole of the Hoka Bondi 8?

The presenter was a bit disappointed with the outsole of the Hoka Bondi 8, noting it felt a little insecure on greasy roads and wet pavements.

Outlines

00:00

👟 Maximal Cushioning Shoe Comparison

In this video, Alex compares two maximally cushioned running shoes: the New Balance Fresh Foam More V4 and the Hoka Bondi 8. Both shoes are known for their thick midsoles and are ideal for runners seeking extra cushioning and leg protection. The video provides a detailed comparison of their weight, stack height, width, and price, highlighting the slight differences in comfort and performance. The New Balance More V4 is positioned as a more competitively priced option, with both shoes offering plush uppers and removable insoles for customization. The summary also touches on the suitability of each shoe for different types of runners, including those with wide feet, and their expected durability.

05:00

🏃‍♂️ Runner's Experience with Maximal Cushioning

This paragraph delves into the personal experience of running in the two maximal cushioning shoes. It discusses the suitability of each shoe for different running styles, such as midfoot and forward strikers, and the impact of cadence on the runner's experience with the shoes. The Hoka Bondi is noted for its plushness and midsole roll, which may be advantageous for heel strikers, while the New Balance More V4 is praised for its softer cushioning, especially for heel-to-midfoot strikers. The paragraph also addresses the shoes' adaptability to various running styles and paces, as well as their performance on different surfaces. The outsole of the Bondi is criticized for its performance on wet and greasy surfaces, and a comparison is made regarding the expected durability of both shoes, suggesting that the More V4 may have a slightly shorter lifespan due to thinner outsole coverage.

Keywords

💡Maximized shoes

Maximized shoes refer to running shoes that are characterized by their super cushioned and thick midsoles. In the context of the video, these shoes are designed to provide extra comfort and protection for runners, particularly those who are looking for deep cushioning to save their legs during running. The term is used to describe the New Balance Fresh Foam more V4 and the Hoka Bondi 8, which are the two shoes being compared in the video.

💡New Balance Fresh Foam more V4

The New Balance Fresh Foam more V4 is a specific model of maximized running shoe by New Balance. It is highlighted in the video for its cushioning and is compared against the Hoka Bondi 8. The term is used to denote one of the shoes under review, with its features and performance being a central part of the video's content.

💡Hoka Bondi 8

The Hoka Bondi 8 is another model of maximized running shoe, this time by the brand Hoka One One. It is compared alongside the New Balance Fresh Foam more V4 in terms of cushioning, comfort, and performance. The term is repeatedly used in the script to discuss the features and benefits of this particular shoe in comparison to the other.

💡Cushioning

Cushioning in the context of running shoes refers to the level of padding and softness provided by the shoe's midsole, which is crucial for shock absorption and comfort during running. The video emphasizes the importance of cushioning in the maximized shoes being compared, with both the New Balance Fresh Foam more V4 and the Hoka Bondi 8 offering 'super cushioned' experiences.

💡Stack height

Stack height is the measurement of the thickness of the shoe's sole, particularly from the ground to the top of the midsole at the heel. In the video, the stack height is mentioned to compare the two shoes, with the Hoka Bondi 8 having a 35mm stack height and the New Balance Fresh Foam more V4 having a 33mm stack height, indicating the level of cushioning each shoe provides.

💡Drop

Drop in running shoes refers to the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot. A lower drop, like the 4mm mentioned in the video for both shoes, is often associated with a more natural running experience and can affect how a runner's foot strikes the ground. The script discusses the similar drop of both shoes, suggesting they cater to a similar running style.

💡Geometry score

The geometry score is a measure used in the video to quantify the softness of the shoe's midsole material. The Hoka Bondi 8 has a score of 36.1, while the New Balance Fresh Foam more V4 has a score of 34.3 on the geometer scale, indicating that the more V4 is slightly softer. This score is used to compare the cushioning properties of the two shoes.

💡Price point

Price point refers to the cost or selling price of a product. The video compares the two shoes' price points, with the New Balance Fresh Foam more V4 priced at 160 Euros or 150 dollars, and the Hoka Bondi 8 at 170 Euros or 165 dollars, indicating a similar but competitive pricing strategy for both shoes.

💡Upper

The upper of a shoe is the part that covers the top of the foot and provides support and comfort. The video script discusses the uppers of both shoes, noting the plushness and comfort of the Hoka Bondi 8's tongue and the preference for the New Balance Fresh Foam more V4's tongue due to personal preference for less plushness.

💡Outsole

The outsole is the bottom part of a shoe that comes into direct contact with the ground, providing traction and durability. The video mentions the outsole of the Hoka Bondi 8, noting some concerns about its performance on greasy or wet pavements, suggesting it may not be as secure as desired.

💡Durability

Durability refers to the longevity and resistance to wear of a product, in this case, running shoes. The video suggests that both shoes should be able to last for a significant distance, with an estimated 700 miles or so, indicating that they are expected to be long-lasting and reliable for runners.

Highlights

Comparison between New Balance Fresh Foam More V4 and Hoka Bondi 8, two maximally cushioned running shoes.

Both shoes have thick midsoles designed for runners seeking extra cushioning and leg protection.

The shoes were not sent by the same retailer, with links to Running Warehouse in the US and Pro Direct Running in the UK provided in the description.

Weight comparison: 360 grams for Hoka Bondi 8 and 350 grams for New Balance More V4.

Stack height in the heel is 33 millimeters for Bondi 8 and 35 millimeters for More V4, with a 4-millimeter drop on both.

The More V4 is slightly wider than the Bondi 8, with both offering wide platforms for a comfortable fit.

EVA base on Bondi 8 is ranked softer at 36.1 on the geometer scale compared to More V4 at 34.3.

Price comparison: 160 Euros/150 dollars for More V4 and 170 Euros/165 dollars for Bondi 8, with More V4 being more competitive.

Bondi 8 has a plush upper with a comfortable tongue that feels like a pillow.

The More V4's tongue is preferred for those who do not like very plush tongues.

Both shoes have removable insoles, suitable for those who need to use their own orthotics.

The Bondi 8's forefoot upper is thinner and more pliable, offering breathability and comfort.

More V4 offers a softer and more cushioned ride, especially for heel-to-midfoot strikers.

For midfoot and forefoot strikers, the cushioning of both shoes feels similar.

Cadence runners may find the Bondi 8 more suitable due to its responsiveness in the forefoot.

The Bondi 8's outsole may be more durable than the More V4's, which has thinner outsole coverage.

Both shoes are expected to have good durability, lasting around 700 miles or more.

The Bondi 8's price point is considered slightly high compared to its value, especially when compared to the Bondi X.

The More V4 is positioned better in terms of price in the maximal category.

Transcripts

we have two maximized shoes here on the

channel today in this comparison video

which one is better for you if you are

looking at those monster shoes for your

running let's find out

hey everyone and welcome back on the

channel my name is Alex in today's video

we're comparing two maximize shoes the

New Balance Fresh Foam more V4 and the

Hoka Bondi 8. the two shoes are really

those you know super maximally super

cushioned shoes as you can see the two

of them have those like super you know

thick midsoles you know the shoes that

you're looking at if you want to save

your legs if you want to have that extra

bit of cushion that deep cushion that's

the type of shoes you're looking at so

this battle is really for you if you are

looking at these two shoes they were not

sent by the same retailer to us running

Warehouse in the US Link in the

description and pro direct running in

the UK but shipping globally so also

Link in the description go check them

out thanks a lot because it helps us if

you purchase with those links wait 360

grams 350 grams very close stack height

in the heel 33 millimeters 35

millimeters I know the Bondi looks a bit

more but

it has some quite high side walls and

that is a bit the the reason why it

looks higher than it is only only 33

four millimeters drop on the two so very

similar and that's also why the

comparison is is interesting here with

if you want to see the specific numbers

for the fourth forfeit width mid foot

width and heel width just go on the

website the shoe super tool the two are

really really really wide platforms as

you can see the more V4 is slightly

wider than the Bondi but the two are

like top of the of the range in terms of

which geometry score we're looking at

um it's not profly but the Eva base

meets on the Bondi is ranked at 36.1 on

the geometer scale and the one on the

more V4 is ranked at 34.3 so slightly

softer and indeed it feels a bit softer

price point we're looking at 160 Euros

150 dollars for more and 170 Euros 165

dollars for the Bondi eight similar

price point the more is a bit it's a bit

more competitive

um

so what's good what's not and so on

let's look at the uppers very quickly

here I would say that um the Bondi is

very

um is very plush and it has a bit more

of that inherent Comfort especially the

tongue is very very plush very

um very cushy very it feels like a

pillow on top of your of your feet and

it's very nice a bit less so on the on

the more I do prefer the tongue of the

more because I don't like very very

plush tongs but I think if you're

looking at that maximized experience you

may be interested in something like the

tongue of the of the Bondi the heel is

slightly pliable on the Bondi a bit more

so on the on the more two insoles are

removable if you want to put your own

Orthotics and the shoes are maybe not

yet but should be available in wide

sizes uh the two of them so if you have

wide fits these are two good options if

you're looking again at those maximize

shoes in the forefoot I prefer the bond

dice upper which is a bit thinner and

that's um Jacquard type of mesh is let's

say more pliable but at the same time it

is structured so it doesn't collapse on

top of your feet it's it's a nice upper

on the more there's nothing wrong about

it I think the the hooker one is

slightly more breathable slightly

thinner slightly more pleasant against

your feet if that makes sense so let's

give it here to the to the Bondi but the

two uppers are let's say similar if you

if you want some plushness and I think

you may want some blushness if you're

looking at these uh the shoes in this

category the Bondi is a bit more plush

in terms of Upper midsole and ride four

millimeters on the two shoes so you get

that lower drop type of experience with

the two the same drop that you had on

the more V3 correct me if I'm wrong or

just check the shoe super 2 if you want

to compare the more V4 and the more V3

but four millimeters it works really

well the four millimeters if you are

um a meter forward striker of course

naturally if you are not and you are

more of a heel midfoot Striker it works

well but better on the Bondi because it

has a bit of that a bit more role and

you can really take advantage of that

heel strike and move forward the more

doesn't have that but it has something

else which the Bondi doesn't have the

plushness of the of the landing if you

are a heel to meet with Striker so roll

from the heel towards the mid foot and

more of that you know sinking in

plushness here on the on the more

overall the the ride of the more is a

bit softer a bit it feels more cushioned

the two shoots are super cushioned but

it feels a bit more cushioned because

you have more compression with the foam

here on the more you have a bit more

cushion for sure especially if you are a

heel to midfoot Striker if you are more

of that Midfield football Striker it

doesn't feel

that cushions it feels similar to the

Bondi because the Bondi has some distant

cushion in the forefoot but if you are

mid foot forward Striker the two shoes

will will arrive quite similarly in

terms of cushion now if you are you know

more of that Cadence Runner increasing

your Cadence I think again the Bondi may

work a bit better because of the

clunkiness I would experience being a

Cadence Runner with this shoe I'm not

I'm a stride Runner and so I think the

more Works a bit better for me here

because I can you know use more of that

stomping type of um of a running style

here with the more compared to the Bondi

that doesn't quite respond as well to my

stomping running stomping you know

pushing on the ground here in the

forefoot it doesn't react quite as well

as the more but the two shoes are are

um

working well

you know independently of your food

strike I think they're the type of shoes

that can adapt quite well to you and

your running style especially at those

lower Paces daily training bases where

um you will find yourself at ease with

the two if you are looking for that

specific right and geometry if you are

looking for a bit more plushness a bit

more you know compression in the foam

that's here if you want the blushes in

the upper and more of the role here in

the in the midsole geometry that's more

here with the Bandai Outsource nothing

to write home about I was a bit

disappointed with the outsole of the

Bondi I must say I didn't experience

them more in similar conditions to the

Bondi the Bondi on some greasy roads and

you know wets Pavements felt a little

insecure

um surprisingly so you know nothing to

to write home about I think the

durability may be a bit better on the

Bondi that being said compared to the

more which has a slightly thinner

outsole coverage I think we'll be a

little less durable but the two shoes

will go past six seven eight hundred

kilometers 700 I think is a good place

for the two so around you know 300 miles

I think three to four hundred miles for

the two shoes good durability price

point I think is it is a touch high for

the Bandai for what you are getting

especially compared to the Bondi X which

is like the plated version of the Bondi

the difference is not that that big it's

a better you know positioning in terms

of price for the more in the maximize

category so again something you may want

to consider if you are looking at the

two shoes if you have questions about

these two shoes let me know in the

comments I will answer to all of you as

soon as I can I'm trying to do that all

the time but sometimes I take a bit more

time so forgive me if you don't have the

answer straight away but you will have

one eventually at some point enjoy

around today guys enjoy your ride and go

beyond your limits I'll see you in the

next one bye