Hoka Mach X

Review Score
86%
🏅 Highly Rated
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Hoka Mach

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Hoka Mach X: Review

“A versatile and lightweight shoe for daily running and speed training.”

Overview


The Hoka Mach X is a lightweight and versatile running shoe engineered to offer a balanced blend of cushioning and agility. Part of the Hoka family, known for innovative designs, this shoe caters to runners seeking a responsive and swift ride.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight Design: The Mach X is constructed with a lightweight build, making it a go-to choice for runners who want to maintain speed without sacrificing comfort.
  • PROFLY™ Midsole: It features Hoka's PROFLY™ midsole technology, offering a combination of cushioning in the heel for a soft landing and responsiveness in the forefoot for a quick toe-off.
  • Versatile Performance: This shoe adapts well to various running styles, from tempo runs to long-distance outings, thanks to its versatility.
  • Breathable Upper: The upper is designed with breathable materials to keep your feet cool and comfortable, even during extended runs.

The Hoka Mach X is an excellent choice for runners looking for a lightweight and versatile running shoe that delivers a comfortable yet responsive experience. With its PROFLY™ midsole, it caters to those who want cushioning for longer runs and the agility to pick up the pace. Whether you're training or racing, the Mach X is a dependable option for a wide range of runners.

With an average review score of 86%, it's in the highest rated 20% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 20% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Hoka Mach X


The Hoka Mach X is a versatile and lightweight shoe that offers stability despite its stack height. It's well-suited for heel strikers and offers exceptional breathability. However, the jacquard mesh upper did not hold up well in durability tests, and the heel padding also showed signs of wear. The rubber outsole has average hardness and exceptional durability, but the thickness of the outsole is thinner than most shoes, with a considerable amount of exposed foam. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Mach X is a significant upgrade from previous versions of the Mach, offering responsiveness, versatility, and Hoka's signature comfort. Overall, it's a great choice for runners who want a versatile shoe for different paces.

Hoka Mach X: Base model


The Hoka Mach X is a special version of the Hoka Mach. It offers a firmer feel underfoot compared to other Hoka models and features a Pebax plate and a PEBA-based midsole foam for high-octane performance and comfort. The shoe also has a lightweight jacquard mesh upper and a durable outsole.

Comparable Shoes


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The Hoka Mach X is a significant upgrade from the Hoka Mach. It offers responsiveness, versatility, and Hoka's signature comfort. While some improvements could be made, it is the best Mach to date.

8 Hoka Mach X Pros & Cons


5 Pros

Lightweight and stable
Works across all paces
Comfortable for easy runs
Offers exceptional breathability
Well-suited for heel strikers

3 Cons

Price might be steep for some
The jacquard mesh upper did not hold up well in durability tests
The heel padding also showed signs of wear

In Depth


Upper

The Hoka Mach X features a jacquard mesh upper that offers excellent breathability. However, the upper did not hold up well in durability tests. The shoe also has a semi-gusseted tongue for comfort and a secure lockdown.

Midsole

The midsole of the Mach X features a Pebax-based foam that offers exceptional softness and bounce. The secondary foam layer is firmer for stability and cost reduction. The Pebax foam remains soft in cold weather, making the shoe suitable for all seasons.

Outsole

The outsole of the Mach X is made of rubber with average hardness. It offers exceptional durability, but the thickness of the outsole is thinner than most shoes, with a considerable amount of exposed foam.

Size/fit

The Mach X fits true to size. The toe box strikes a balance between width and snugness, making it suitable for runners with a medium toe box. The shoe also has a semi-gusseted tongue for comfort.

Comfort

The Mach X offers Hoka's signature comfort. The tongue has ample padding, and the insole is removable. The shoe is also orthotic friendly, making it a great choice for runners who use custom insoles.

Who should buy the Hoka Mach X?


The Hoka Mach X is a great choice for runners who want a versatile shoe for different paces. It's suitable for those looking for a speed training shoe with bounce and energy return. People who want a lightweight option between a daily trainer and a race shoe would also find value in this product.

Who should not buy the Hoka Mach X?


The Mach X might not resonate with every runner. It's not the best choice for runners who prefer a shoe with a thicker outsole. The durability of the jacquard mesh upper could also be a concern for some runners.

Hoka Mach X: What's it good for?


The Hoka Mach X is good for daily running and speed training. It's also suitable for road running and various events, including 10k, half marathon, and marathon.

4 Hoka Mach X FAQs


Is the Hoka Mach X suitable for daily running?

Yes, the Hoka Mach X is designed for daily running.

Is the Hoka Mach X orthotic friendly?

Yes, the Hoka Mach X is orthotic friendly. The insole is removable, making it compatible with custom insoles.

What is the weight of the Hoka Mach X?

The Hoka Mach X weighs just 9.1 oz (259g) for men and 8 oz (227g) for women, making it incredibly lightweight.

Is the Hoka Mach X suitable for speed training?

Yes, the Hoka Mach X is suitable for speed training. It features a Pebax plate and a PEBA-based midsole foam for high-octane performance and comfort.

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Released
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Weight
Weight
M: 266 g
W: 227 g
M: 230 g
W: 164 g
261 g
210 g
232 g
198 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
M: 37 mm
W: 32 mm
36 mm
31 mm
30 mm
24 mm
20 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
7 mm
6 mm
10 mm
8 mm
Heel
Heel
M: 29 mm
W: 34 mm
36 mm
37 mm
36 mm
34 mm
28 mm
Usages
Usages
RacingSpeed training
RacingSpeed trainingSpeed trainingRacingDaily runningSpeed trainingSpeed training
Brand
Brand
Hoka
AltraadidasPUMABrooksadidas
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
ComfortableLightweightLow dropComfortableComfortableLightweightMaximalistComfortableLightweightLightweight
Breathable
Breathable
Rocker
Rocker
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Techs
Techs
adidas Lightstrike ProPUMA NITROPUMA NITRO EliteBrooks BioMoGo DNAadidas Lightstrikeadidas Lightstrike Pro
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
SustainableVegan Ⓥ
0

Hoka Mach X: what the experts say (7 reviews)

Hoka Mach X: 29 Expert video reviews

Hoka Mach X: 7 Manufacturer videos

Hoka Mach X characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainRoad (+1362)
UsagesRacing (+183)Speed training (+302)
BrandHoka (+107)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1116)Heel strike (+1097)
FitMedium toe box (+855)
FeaturesBreathable (+753)Orthotic friendly (+456)Removable insole (+439)Rocker (+177)
MaterialsMesh (+942)
Events10k (+711)5K and 10K (+135)Half marathon (+711)Marathon (+711)Obstacle course racing (+168)
ColorwaysAmparo Blue / Splish Splash, Black / Silver, Fsrb, Lime Glow / Sunlit Ocean, Ocean Mist / Lime Glow, Rsrw, White / Blue Glass
Specificationsvs Average
Model
X
Released
Jun 2023
Measurements
Weight
M: 266 g
W: 227 g
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
Heel
M: 29 mm
W: 34 mm
Forefoot
M: 37 mm
W: 32 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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