Hoka Mach X3 Review | Finally Worth the Hype

Not to sound like a broken record from the last Mach X, but here we are again with a shoe that’s totally different. The Hoka Mach X3 has gone through another round of changes, so is this the one that finally hits that sweet spot? We sure hope so.I’ve always been a fan of the Hoka Mach and Mach X lineup. Unlike some of the classic Hokas that can feel a bit bulky, to me, the Machs have always struck a good balance. They’re light enough to pick up the pace, but versatile enough to handle those easier miles without needing a whole separate pair of “fast shoes”.

That said, the Mach X wasn’t a homerun for everyone, and while the Mach X2 brought back some bounce, the heel collar fit left many frustrated.

When the Hoka Mach X3 showed up, I was curious if this update would finally fill that void of comfort and pop that many runners were looking for.

The colorways practically scream, “let’s run fast”, but as we all know, we can’t pick a shoe just based on its looks.

Let’s see how they held up across easy runs to treadmill sessions and even faster workouts at the track.

This is a middle to back of the pack race day or speed workout shoe that can also feel good on easier miles.

Hoka Mach X3 Overview

This shoe might be love at first sight, but it’s not necessarily love at first wear.

Wait, come back, keep reading though!! Let me explain.

Just like we always say, never judge a run by the first mile; you can’t judge the Mach X3 from the first few steps. They need a little break-in period before you get that ‘ohh, there it is’ moment.

I eased into mine during a track workout, which, full disclosure, wasn’t the smartest move. I wore the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo for my first set of intervals, so, of course, the Mach X3 didn’t feel as responsive or flashy by comparison.

So I gave them another chance. I wore them on treadmill miles, outdoor workouts, and a few easy runs. And I’m glad I did because the Hoka Mach X3 gets better each time you lace them up.

At first, the foam feels pretty firm, almost to the point where you wonder how they’re supposed to double as a speed shoe. But once they loosen up, that stiffness gives way to a smoother, more responsive ride.

The Mach X3 still uses the winged Pebax plates sandwiched between layers of PEBA and EVA foam. That combo is what creates such a smooth transition when shifting gears from easy paces miles to picking things up for some speed work.

The PEBA brings the bounce, while the EVA adds stability, which is exactly why Hokas leans into calling this a cushioned tempo shoe. It reminds me a lot of the Brooks Hyperion Max 3, but with a touch more softness underfoot.

The Mach X3 carries over the same rocker geometry we saw in the X2, helping to propel you forward with each stride. 

The outsole design hasn’t changed from the X2, right down to the cutouts. So far, I haven’t had any stowaway rocks sneak their way in, but the holes are big enough that you may pick up a stone or two along the way.

Would I choose these for trail running? Probably not. But if you find yourself hopping on a strech of gravel or dirt mid-run, they’ll handle it just fine.

Overall, I see the Hoka Mach X3 as a great option for mid to back-of-the-pack runners tackling anything from a 5k to the marathon. There’s enough pep to keep things fun, with just the right amount of cushion to keep your legs feeling good mile after mile.

Dare I say it? With the updates made to the Mach X3, Hoka may have finally found the sweet spot this lineup has been chasing.

Hoka Mach X3 Fit

The biggest update that was made to the Mach X3 was to the upper. Hoka clearly listened to the feedback from runners who struggled with the X2 fit, and they went back to the drawing board with a full redesign and even new fabric.

Now you’re getting a super soft warp knit upper, plus just a touch of plush cushioning around the heel collar and tongue.

In my experience, the fit runs true to size, but some reviews have mentioned the fit felt a little narrow. If you need a bit more room, a wide width is available in select colorways!One thing I’ve gotten used to in a lot of shoes recently is a gussetted (attached) tongue, and it was almost a surprise to find that the Mach X3 didn’t have that. But it actually works here because you can move it around to get it in a spot that feels just right.

The tongue is slightly longer than previous models, but I never experienced any rubbing or discomfort, even with my low-rise socks.

Hoka Mach X3 Feel

The feel underfoot is pretty comparable to the Brooks Hyperion Max 3, but with a touch more bounce through each step.

It’s the kind of shoe that works well for easy miles, tempo runs, or even longer workouts, because it strikes that sweet middle ground.

There’s enough cushion to keep you comfortable without sinking in, but you’re not too close to the ground that it feels stiff.

Because the plate is made from Pebax rather than carbon fiber, the Mach X3 has a bit more flexibility. That makes it easier to transition between paces and adds to its versatility as a trainer, instead of locking you into the rigid feel you sometimes get with carbon plated shoes. 

There are definitely lighter and faster options from Hoka, like the Rocket X3, but that comes with a hefty price tag. With the Mach X3, you’re still getting a balance of stability and speed for under $200.

Even with its rocky start, the Hoka Mach X3 has earned its place in my weekly rotation.

That first run? It didn’t exactly blow me away, but it also wasn’t a deal breaker. The shoe just needed a little time to warm up before showing what it could do.

What surprised me most was how comfortable it felt even after my run was done. I never felt the need to kick them off immediately after running, which we’ve all experienced with a pair of shoes at some point.

The best way I can describe it is that classic Goldilocks analogy.

The balance of foam, support, and bounce feels right, enough to keep you reaching for them again and again.

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