2 min read
CHARLES MELTON JUST traded the red carpet polish for a more comfortable travel fit. Fresh off the buzz of Her Private Hell at the Cannes Film Festival, the Men’s Health Spring 2026 cover star and actor was spotted at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport keeping things relaxed in a grey Louis Vuitton hoodie and black track pants, but it’s the footwear that quietly takes over the whole look: a pair of HOKA Bondi 7 sneakers.
The Bondi 7 has slowly become one of those shoes you keep seeing more and more everywhere once you start paying attention. Airports, coffee runs, long travel days, casual celebrity street style—it keeps popping up because people want to be comfortable right now. And after wearing them myself, I get it. The cushioning is the first thing you notice. HOKA packed the Bondi 7 with that ultra-soft, marshmallow-like midsole that makes walking through terminals, standing in security lines, and sprinting to gates feel a lot less brutal on your body.
And unlike some super-cushioned sneakers, these don’t feel overly squishy or unstable after a few hours. They still have enough support and structure to feel secure, whether you’re walking all day, commuting around the city, or wearing them casually with sweats and a hoodie like Melton.
Pros
- Great for travel, walking, or casual wear
- Open mesh construction offers breathability
- Cushioning takes the load off
Cons
- Not the best option for dressier settings
As I’ve started covering early Memorial Day sales, I’ve come across the Bondi silhouette having a huge moment. More people are leaning into sneakers that feel good right out of the box and still look clean enough to wear casually with sweats, hoodies, shorts, or relaxed tailoring. At Men’s Health, we’ve been big fans of HOKA for years because they consistently deliver that mix of comfort, support, and everyday wearability better than most sneakers out right now. More than anything, the Bondi 7 just makes long days feel easier on your body, which is probably exactly why Melton reached for them after a nonstop Cannes run.
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As the Style and Reviews Editor for Men’s Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.
