Bondi 9vsFresh Foam X More v6
Products · full comparison

Bondi 9 vs Fresh Foam X More v6

data as of July 6 · updated weekly

How these two compare on everything we measure — where the AIs rank them, what reviewers and buyers say, and how they price. The differences are the point — they decide which one is yours.

Bondi 9
by Hoka · Cushioned neutral running shoes
AI rank #10.1 fused across 5 questions in Running Shoes↑2$174.99
Reviewers
4.0/5
Buyers
4.6/5
vs
Fresh Foam X More v6
by New Balance · Men's or women's running shoes
AI rank #12.2 fused across 5 questions in Running Shoes$160
Reviewers
4.0/5
Buyers
4.6/5

Side by side

Every signal we hold, on one shared scale. The leading side is lit — and where the AI panel and the reviewers pull apart, the row says so.?

#10.1↑2
AI rankcombined avg · lower is betterfused across 5 questions in Running Shoes
#12.2
4.0
Reviewersout of 5
4.0
4.6
BuyersGoogle rating
4.6
$174.99
Street pricelower is cheaper
$160
How this is made

Built from what 5 AI models (Google-ai-mode · Gemini · Claude · ChatGPT · Perplexity) recommend for real buyer questions, layered with reviewer test summaries, Google buyer ratings, street prices and press. The short answer and verdict are derived from where those signals diverge — not written by hand for either product.

Independent — not a vendor, not advertising, not a paid review. How we score →

01

How the AIs rank them

2 models rank both products. Here’s each model’s pick (lower rank = higher).?

Gemini
Bondi 9
#7
Fresh Foam X More v6
#18
ChatGPT
Bondi 9
#17
Fresh Foam X More v6
#20
02

Which is better for what

Across the buyer-questions both appear in, who the AI panel ranks higher — and the widest gaps.?

Best Running Shoes for Wide Feet Fresh Foam X More v6 by 9#10 vs #1
Best Running Shoes for Beginners Bondi 9 by 4#9 vs #13
Best sneakers for working woman Bondi 9 by 2#1 vs #3
Best Running Shoes for Knee Pain Bondi 9 by 1#1 vs #2
Men's sneakers for everyday Fresh Foam X More v6 by 1#28 vs #27
Across 5 shared questions: Bondi 9 higher in 3 · Fresh Foam X More v6 in 2
Showing the 5 widest gaps
03

Critics & buyers

The human jury in one chapter — what the video reviewers score and say, the reviews behind it, and how Google buyers rate them.

What reviewers say

Distilled from the video reviewers — the score, what they praise, where they push back.?

Bondi 9
across 5 reviews
4.0/5
mixed
Reviewers praise
  • Supercritical EVA midsole is noticeably softer and more responsive than its predecessor, delivering a more comfortable and engaging ride
  • Redesigned 3D molded heel collar improves heel lockdown and reduces Achilles irritation
  • Expanded rubber outsole coverage provides better durability and traction compared to previous versions
Reviewers push back
  • Running feel is firmer than the soft step-in impression suggests, as the foam compresses to a denser core rather than squishing fully through
  • Still on the heavier side for a daily trainer, even after the weight reduction from the previous version
  • Tongue is on the short side and padding throughout is modest, not the plushest option in the max-cushion category
The Bondi 9 is a significant and broadly welcomed overhaul of a long-stagnant max-cushion trainer, with a softer, more modern foam that wins over nearly all reviewers, though the ride is less plush underfoot during running than the step-in feel promises.
— best for: Runners and walkers who want maximum cushioning for easy, recovery, or long-distance road miles, especially those who found earlier Bondi versions too firm.
Fresh Foam X More v6
across 5 reviews
4.0/5
mixed
Reviewers praise
  • Exceptional cushioning and plush ride from the large Fresh Foam X midsole, suited to recovery runs and all-day standing
  • Notably improved stability over the previous version via a wider outsole platform and stiffer heel counter
  • Roomier toe box with more volume than the prior version, accommodating wider feet
Reviewers push back
  • Completely unsuited to faster-paced running — the high stack and soft foam make picking up the pace laborious
  • Stretchy laces can cause the fit to feel loose during runs, requiring mid-run adjustments
  • Breathability is only adequate; the padded upper can feel warm in hot conditions
Reviewers broadly agree the More v6 is among the softest, most cushioned shoes available for easy runs and all-day wear, with meaningful stability improvements over its predecessor.
— best for: Runners and on-feet workers who prioritise maximum cushioning and all-day comfort over pace or energy return, including those who need wide or extra-wide sizing.
Reviewers disagree · Bondi 9?
Alastair Running 4.5/5
kofuzi 3.5/5

Sizing guidance is split: most reviewers found the shoe true to size, but one reviewer consistently sizes up and recommends others do the same

Reviewers disagree · Fresh Foam X More v6?
Hes Kicks 4.5/5
kofuzi 3.5/5

Reviewers disagree on whether the v6 is softer or firmer than the v5: the blind-test channel found the v6 noticeably softer, while the physio-focused reviewer and the Ben Parkes channel describe it as somewhat firmer underfoot

What buyers say

Aggregated Google Shopping ratings — the score, the aspects owners rate, and a real quote.?

4.6
6,525 ratings
Cushioning & comfort4.7
Durability & build quality3.2
Fit & support3.5
Performance for running4.8
I’ve been running regularly for 7 years but always in less-than-ideal or even second-hand shoes. I decided to run the OC Marathon this year and since I had a dividend and a Christmas gift card, I also decided to do it in real running shoes. I ended up purchasing these Bondi 9s just four days before the marathon. I ran a 2 mile test around my block and they felt great. Same with the pre-marathon 5k ItsJeffery · REI
Google ratings
4.6
692 ratings
Cushioning & comfort4.8
Fit & sizing4.6
Stability & support4.5
Long-distance walking performance4.7
The New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6 are easily the most comfortable sports shoes I’ve ever worn, with incredibly soft cushioning that still feels stable and supportive during long days on my feet. Since wearing them, I’ve had no more foot or joint pain, even after workouts or extended periods of walking. They feel lightweight, responsive, and perfectly balanced, making every step smooth and effor newbalance.com.au
04

How they price

Street price across retailers, the tier each lands in, and how it’s moved.?

$174.99
across 1 retailer
tier Premium
current street price
current model
$160
across 5 retailers
tier Premium
current street price
current model
05

Can you trust the claims

Each maker’s marketing weighed against independent tests — how many claims hold up, and the weakest one.?

marketing claims not checked yet
Fresh Foam X More v6Fresh Foam X More v6
67
Mostly honest, overstates softness vs. prior versions and breathability
1 hold up2 mixed0 overstated
Weakest claim
PromiseFresh Foam X midsole, engineered to provide our most indulgent comfort layer yet
RealitySofter than most, firmer than prior versions
06

The verdict: which to buy

Our read of everything above — who leads each point, and who each is for.

Bondi 9
AI panel rank
Fresh Foam X More v6
Bondi 9
Reviewer score
Fresh Foam X More v6
Bondi 9
Buyer rating
Fresh Foam X More v6
Bondi 9
Lower price
Fresh Foam X More v6

Net: Bondi 9 leads 1 of 4 · Fresh Foam X More v6 1.

Which one is right for you

How each suits the seven buyer types — a good fit, a maybe, or not for you.?

Buyer type
Bondi 9
Fresh Foam X More v6
Value-Maximizer
~
~
Quality Perfectionist
~
Premium Connoisseur
·
Early Adopter
~
·
Reliability-Seeker
Simplifier
Enthusiast
~
·
Good fitCould fitNot for you
So which one?

Each leads on different points — pick the one strong where you shop.

We don’t crown a winner. Both are strong; the differences above decide it for your use. Where a signal is missing, we leave it blank rather than guess.

as of July 6 · 5 shared buyer questions?

07

Common questions

The questions people ask comparing these two — answered from the data above.

QIs Bondi 9 or Fresh Foam X More v6 better overall?

The AI panel ranks Bondi 9 higher (avg #10.1 fused across 5 questions in Running Shoes vs #12.2), but it’s close — reviewers and buyers split differently.

QWhich one is cheaper?

Fresh Foam X More v6$160 vs $174.99 across retailers.

QWhat do reviewers think?

Video reviewers score Bondi 9 4.0/5 and Fresh Foam X More v6 4.0/5 — see what each praises and pushes back on above.

QHow do buyers rate them?

Google buyers give Bondi 9 4.6 and Fresh Foam X More v6 4.6 out of 5.

QIs Bondi 9 worth it over its predecessor?

Its predecessor in the line is the Bondi 8. We track Bondi 9 at #10.1 on the AI panel and 4.0/5 with reviewers; the Bondi 8 page shows how the older model holds up.