Hoka Mach 5
Buy Hoka Mach 5 at today's best price (men's/women's)
7 minute read
Overview
The Hoka Mach 5 is a running shoe designed for those who seek a blend of lightness and cushioning. This shoe is known for its responsive ride and versatility across various paces and distances.
Key Features:
- ProFly+ Midsole: Offers a soft, cushioned landing with a responsive toe-off (the phase of the gait cycle when the foot leaves the ground), ideal for both long runs and speed workouts.
- Meta-Rocker Geometry: Engineered to deliver smooth transitions (the movement from heel strike to toe-off), propelling runners forward with each stride.
- Engineered Mesh Upper: Provides a breathable and secure fit, adapting well to the foot's shape.
- Eco-Friendly Design: Constructed with recycled materials, appealing to environmentally conscious runners.
The Hoka Mach 5 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a lightweight feel and cushioning for their daily running. Its responsive midsole offers benefits for those engaging in speed training, making it suitable for a range of activities from 10k races to half marathons. Part of the Hoka Mach family, the Mach 5 continues the lineage of performance and innovation.
According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 80%. This puts it rated just below the median rating of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 30% of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the Hoka Mach 5
The Hoka Mach 5 has been well-received for its lightweight design, comfortable fit, and versatile performance. Runners appreciate the shoe's ability to handle both long, easy runs and faster tempo efforts. The ProFly+ midsole provides a soft yet responsive ride, and the Meta-Rocker geometry ensures smooth transitions. However, the lack of a traditional rubber outsole has raised concerns about durability and traction, particularly on wet surfaces. Despite this, the Mach 5's eco-friendly construction and overall comfort make it a strong contender in the running shoe market. For runners seeking a do-it-all shoe with a balance of cushioning and speed, the Hoka Mach 5 is a compelling option, albeit with some trade-offs in outsole longevity.
Updates to Hoka Mach 5
The Hoka Mach 5 introduces several updates from its predecessors, such as a softer ProFly+ midsole and a redesigned upper for improved fit. These changes build upon the success of the Hoka Mach 4, offering a more cushioned and comfortable ride without sacrificing the shoe's signature lightness. The use of recycled materials in the upper reflects a growing trend towards sustainability in running shoe design.
Comparable Shoes
The ASICS Novablast 3 is a strong competitor to the Hoka Mach 5, offering a similarly cushioned ride with a more durable outsole. Runners who prioritize longevity and traction may prefer the Novablast 3 over the Mach 5.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is another alternative, known for its responsive ride and speed-oriented design. It's a suitable choice for runners seeking a faster shoe for race day or speed sessions, with better outsole durability than the Mach 5.
7 Hoka Mach 5 Pros & Cons
4 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Hoka Mach 5 features a redesigned upper made from a single-layer technical jacquard creel mesh, which is lightweight and breathable. This contributes to a secure and comfortable fit, accommodating a range of foot shapes. The flat-lay tongue and heel design optimize the shoe's fit, ensuring a snug and supportive experience during runs. The inclusion of recycled and vegan materials in the upper aligns with eco-friendly preferences, making the Mach 5 an attractive choice for environmentally conscious runners.
Midsole
At the heart of the Hoka Mach 5's performance is the ProFly+ midsole, a dual-density foam that delivers a plush yet energetic ride. The softer top layer provides cushioning for comfort, while the firmer bottom layer offers stability and responsiveness. This combination results in a shoe that can handle a variety of paces and distances, from recovery runs to speed workouts. The midsole's Meta-Rocker geometry further enhances the shoe's smooth and propulsive feel.
Outsole
The outsole of the Hoka Mach 5, made from a rubberized EVA foam, is a departure from traditional rubber outsoles. While this design choice contributes to the shoe's light weight and smooth ride, it also impacts durability and grip, particularly in wet conditions. Runners have noted significant wear in high-impact areas, suggesting a shorter lifespan compared to shoes with more robust outsoles. This trade-off is something to consider for those prioritizing longevity in their running shoes.
Size/fit
The Hoka Mach 5 is reported to fit true to size, offering a comfortable and secure lockdown. The shoe's fit is slightly longer and narrower than average, with a normal midfoot and a well-proportioned forefoot and toe box. The semi-gusseted tongue prevents movement during runs, contributing to the overall stability and comfort of the shoe. Runners with wide feet may find the wide version of the Mach 5 more accommodating.
Comfort
Comfort is a standout feature of the Hoka Mach 5, with runners praising its plush cushioning and responsive midsole. The lightweight upper and padded tongue contribute to a comfortable on-foot feel, making the shoe suitable for long runs and daily training. The shoe's cushioning is also appreciated for its impact absorption, leaving runners feeling fresh even after extended use.
Cushioning
The Hoka Mach 5's cushioning is a highlight, offering a soft landing with enough responsiveness for an energetic toe-off. The ProFly+ midsole ensures a cushioned ride without feeling overly soft or mushy. This balance of softness and energy return makes the Mach 5 a versatile choice for runners who want a shoe that can handle both comfortable long runs and more demanding speed sessions.
Breathability
The engineered mesh upper of the Hoka Mach 5 provides a breathable environment for the foot, making it suitable for runs in moderate temperatures. While not the most ventilated shoe on the market, the Mach 5 offers sufficient airflow to keep feet cool and dry during most running conditions.
Stability
Despite being a neutral shoe (designed for runners without significant overpronation or underpronation), the Hoka Mach 5 offers a stable ride, thanks in part to the wider platform and Meta-Rocker geometry. The shoe's design allows for natural foot movement while providing enough support to maintain a secure and balanced stride. This makes the Mach 5 a good option for runners who value stability in a lightweight package.
Durability
Durability is a concern for the Hoka Mach 5, primarily due to the absence of a traditional rubber outsole. The rubberized EVA foam used instead shows significant wear after moderate mileage, particularly in high-impact areas like the outer heel and forefoot. While the midsole cushioning is expected to last, the outsole may limit the overall lifespan of the shoe.
Grip
The grip of the Hoka Mach 5 is adequate on dry pavement, but the shoe's performance on wet surfaces is less reliable. The lack of traditional outsole lugs means that traction can be compromised in rainy conditions, leading to a slippery feel. Runners should exercise caution when using the Mach 5 in wet weather.
Who should buy the Hoka Mach 5?
The Hoka Mach 5 is well-suited for runners who desire a shoe that can handle a variety of training scenarios, from daily runs to speed workouts. It's particularly beneficial for those who appreciate a lightweight shoe with a cushioned yet responsive ride. The Mach 5's eco-friendly construction also makes it a good match for environmentally conscious individuals.
Who should not buy the Hoka Mach 5?
Runners who prioritize outsole durability and traction, especially in wet conditions, may want to consider other options. The Hoka Mach 5's outsole wears down quickly and can be slippery on wet surfaces. Those with a preference for a traditional rubber outsole might look at alternatives like the ASICS Novablast 3 or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3.
Hoka Mach 5: What's it good for?
The Hoka Mach 5 excels in providing a cushioned and responsive ride, making it ideal for runners who engage in a mix of daily training and speed workouts. Its lightweight design and Meta-Rocker geometry also make it suitable for 10k races and half marathons.
4 Hoka Mach 5 FAQs
Is the Hoka Mach 5 suitable for long-distance running?
Yes, the Hoka Mach 5 is suitable for long-distance running, offering a cushioned and responsive ride that can keep runners comfortable over extended distances.
How does the Hoka Mach 5 perform in wet conditions?
The Hoka Mach 5's performance in wet conditions is less reliable due to its lack of a traditional rubber outsole, which can lead to reduced traction and a slippery feel.
What type of cushioning does the Hoka Mach 5 use?
The Hoka Mach 5 uses a ProFly+ midsole, which provides a soft landing with a responsive toe-off, suitable for a variety of running paces.
Is the Hoka Mach 5 eco-friendly?
Yes, the Hoka Mach 5 features an upper made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly option for environmentally conscious runners.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
| released | ReleasedJun 2022 | Jun 2024 | Dec 2023 | Jun 2024 | ||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | Weight232 g | M: 269 g W: 218 g | M: 261 g W: 221 g | M: 215 g W: 184 g | M: 261 g W: 241 g | |
| Forefoot | Forefoot24 mm | 31 mm | 30 mm | 27 mm | ||
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop5 mm | 6 mm | 5 mm | 8 mm | ||
| Heel | Heel29 mm | 37 mm | 35 mm | 35 mm | ||
| Brand | BrandHoka | New Balance | New Balance | Brooks | ASICS | ASICS |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeComfortableLightweight | ComfortableMaximalist | ComfortableMaximalist | Comfortable | ComfortableLightweight | ComfortableLightweightMaximalist |
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Carbon fiber plate | Carbon fiber plate | |||||
| Techs | Techs | New Balance FuelCell | New Balance Fresh Foam | ASICS GelOrthoLite | ||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsSustainable | |||||
Common characteristicsRoadDaily runningSpeed trainingNeutralNeutral pronationHigh archOrthotic friendlyRemovable insole |
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- Mar 2015
