If you enjoyed the Hoka Mach 5, I have great news, they didn’t make any massive shifts with the Mach 6. And if you’re new to running in the HOKA Mach, then I’m excited to tell you more about this lightweight cushioned running shoe!
I first started running in HOKA with the Clifton 1 and I loved it almost right away. I was skeptical at the time because no one else was doing such a large stack height, but it was fantastic.
Over the years, other brands have caught up and now the Clifton feels almost like a firm cushion compared to the soft bounce that you find in so many others. Which might be one of the reasons, I like the HOKA Mach 6 better than the Clifton, it feels softer.
You’ll notice I go back to the Clifton for comparison here because many folks have tried it and that’s a good way to gauge if you’ll like the Mach 6. Checkout my complete list of best HOKA running shoes to compare them all.
As always, I note that I am super honest in my reviews about what works, doesn’t work and of course I have preferences in shoes after 20+ years running and testing hundreds! So take what seems most valuable to you from here and decide if it’s a shoe worth adding to your rotation.
Without further ado, let’s talk more about this fun lightweight daily trainer.
Hoka Mach 6 Review
When you’re ready to turn on the speed, the Mach is your Hoka of choice. It’s not a carbon fiber shoe, instead it’s a super lightweight shoe designed to spring off the ground and help you find that quick turnover.
This shoe is best for middle of the pack runners who are looking for a fast and responsive shoe to take on long-distance races or interval training. Would this be my preferred shoe when cranking out 6:30 reps probably not, but only because I’ve tested other faster shoes. It handled great for anything from 7:30 tempo on up.
One of the things I really like about this shoe is that it’s not JUST a speed shoe. It’s honestly a great daily trainer and I’ve logged as many easy days in it as I have interval or tempo runs.
The Mach features a lightweight foam midsole that provides a quick, lively feel, while the meta-rocker design helps to encourage a more natural gait.
One of the big updates for the 6 is a change in the midsole to a SCF EVA foam for an even more snappy ride. (Supercritical EVA is considered the top of the line foam right now.)
While many shoes promote something like a meta-rocker to help propel you from heel to forefoot, I will say I did actually notice it a bit in the Mach. That’s super unusual, normally I’m wondering what on Earth they mean.
You’ll also notice that they are being more selective with the outsole rubber. This is a common thing among shoes trying to cut weight and it works, but often makes me wonder if it cuts down on the durability of the shoe. I don’t have enough miles to answer that yet, but my Mach 5 definitely hit close to 400 miles.
For those wanting a fast training or race day shoe without a carbon plate, this is a winner.
We know that not everyone needs a carbon plate and this shoe is going to delivery those speedy performances with good cushion. While I’m sure some would wear it up to the marathon, having now tested so many shoes I’d personally keep it for up to 13 miles as my max.
Important to note that my easy long runs are anything from 9:30 to 11 min pace, so you might like this shoe for even longer runs if speedier.
Specifications
I wasn’t a fan of the first models, then I tried the Mach 5 and fell in love (I went through 2 pairs!). The Mach 6 will now also hold a steady place in my rotation.
I’m probably running in it every few weeks, which says a lot for someone testing new shoes weekly!!
- Neutral Running shoe
- Responsive Cushion
- 5 mm drop (37 mm stack on men’s)
- 6.8 oz women’s, 8.2 oz men’s
- Available in Wide in some colors
- $140
- See all HOKA Mach models (also includes a Ironman version)
Stack height has not changed from the Mach 5, the shoe has gained maybe a .1 oz in weight.
I definitely preferred the white of my 5’s to the colors on the current 6 that I tested. But that’s tooootally a personal choice, as immediately on Instagram a bunch of you said you LOVED the color. Good thing they come in a variety.
Coach Stacey, also took the Mach out for a spin and had some additional important feedback.
“I was pleasantly surprised by how good the shoe felt. I loved the Mach 5s but when I compared to the two I felt the Mach 6 provided just a little more support. Just like the Mach 5, the Mach 6 did not irritate my plantar fasciitis which is always a good thing! I would use this shoe for mid-long runs that may have some speed thrown into them (between 5-8 miles). ”
Fit
I thought past versions ran a bit more narrow than other Hoka’s, but that’s not true with the Mach 6. It actually feels like a great width and good room in the toebox.
Putting them on you can also feel immediately how light they are and how thin the upper is for breathability.
You won’t find a padded tongue here, but I had no issues with the thin tongue. I felt just fine on the foot.
While they’re also listed as a neutral shoe, I was thrilled to see my foot didn’t drop in one bit when I put them on which is common in other shoes. Another example of how their shoes have some natural support due to the bigger platform.
- True to size
- Very similar to Clifton, but lighter and softer
- Higher stack height than the Clifton, which is probably why it feels more cushioned
- Good room in the toebox
Mach Vs Mach X
The Mach X is their version of the shoe with a plate (technically is Pebax, not carbon…still doesn’t feel like a speed shoe). Some folks loved it, I just was not impressed. If I’m going to pony up for a plated running shoe, then I want the full experience of the bouncy foam and speed.
This just feels like a slightly firmer Mach.
However, there is a redesign coming, so that could change everything.
It’s only $40 more than the Mach and for some folks it’s kind of that replacement for BondiX…the every runners option for a carbon shoe. I’d still prefer the Mach right now.
Who Will Like the Mach 6?
If you already know that you like the fit of Hoka, this is a win.
- It’s a roomier shoe
- Feels really light weight
- Not max cushioned with that plush feel you sink in to
- Soft cushion that still allows for speed
- A shoe that feels stable, but is not a stability shoe
Who Will Not Like the Mach 6?
If you’re looking for a bouncy carbon plate type of foam for speed days, that’s not what you’ll be getting here. This is simply a lightweight shoe that can transition from daily trainer to speed workout.
All right, I hope this Hoka Mach 6 review helped you with making an informed shoe choice!!
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Nick
Thanks for the review. I’ve been looking forward to trying this shoe. I’ve always found Hokas tend to run a little narrow, with low volume toe-boxes. I imagine the wide fit of this shoe would probably fix that problem.
How would you compare this shoe to the New Balance Rebel? I’ve had good experiences with that shoe in the past, and I am curious to compare the two shoes. I suppose I could get one of each 😉
If someone was looking for a plated trainer for higher speeds, faster tempo efforts, what shoe(s) would you recommend? Do any of them accommodate wider forefeet?
Amanda Brooks
I would say teh Mach probably feels a little softer and a little more stable. My review of it is also up so you can look, but I think the Rebel toebox is a bit bigger.
Love the endorphin pro 4, also reviewed. But a wider toebox is the adios pro