The Hoka Mach X is a really good new fast coach that can do lots of different things when you use it. It’s a lot like the Rocket X 2, not so much like the Mach 5. That’s because it’s bouncy and comfy to run in, thanks to the special Profly X part in the middle of the shoe. The Mach X is important because Hoka didn’t have a fast shoe with a special plate before.
Who should buy the Hoka One One Mach X ?
If you love the Rocket X 2 and you’re looking for a similar ride in a cheaper, more durable package, the Mach X is the perfect shoe for you.
Who should not buy the Hoka One One Mach X ?
If you’re looking for a trainer with a similar ride to the Mach 5, the Mach X is not for you. It’s softer, stiffer and a lot heavier than the Mach 5.
Hoka One One Mach X Introduction
Hoka’s version of the Endorphin Speed, Boston, Magic Speed, Deviate Nitro or Zoom Fly did not exist: a more durable, more affordable version of their race day super shoes.
These shoes are really famous for running now because they’re the shoes with plates that many people like.
You can pick the great Hoka Mach 5 for fast training, but it doesn’t give as much push as a normal training buddy because it lacks a plate in the middle. It’s not at all like the Rocket X 2.
Though they have the same name, the Mach X is quite different from the Mach 5. It’s more like the Rocket X 2; they both have Pebax foam in the middle and rubber on the bottom.
The Rocket X 2 is my top marathon shoe now. If it wasn’t expensive and lasted longer, I’d use it every day. A cheaper, tougher Rocket X 2 would be awesome.
The Mach X is 266 g (9.4 oz) for a men’s US 9. Much heavier than the Mach 5 at 232 g (8.2 oz), and similar to the Rocket X 2’s weight. It costs $180, which is more than most plated fast shoes.
Hoka One One Mach X First Impressions
When I tested the Mach X at the store, I tried my usual size and a bit larger one too, since Hokas usually have a tight front part. The slightly bigger size felt way more comfy, so I bought it.
My first run was a 20 km run where I started at 5:45 per km and went down to 4:30. I was amazed! It felt really soft and comfy when I went easy, but quick and light when I went faster.
It was softer and the plate was more bendy than I thought. Changing from one step to another was smooth and it fit perfectly. I could speed up easily.
It reminded me of the Hoka Rocket X 2 and the Puma Deviate Nitro 2.
The Rocket X 2 because they both had the same super soft Profly X foam in the middle, and the Deviate Nitro 2 because it also had a bendy plate with a lively middle part.
Hoka One One Mach X Upper
The Mach X’s top part is really nice, as long as your feet are kinda medium or not too wide. The fit is more on the tight side, and there’s no wide version. I needed a half size bigger since it’s so narrow, and I think most runners will need to do the same.
The flap on top is flat and kinda attached. It moves a bit while you run, but it doesn’t press on the top of your feet, so it’s okay. The part around the ankle has some padding and your heel stays in place well, though I tie my shoelaces a certain way.
The material on top is light, so your feet can breathe. The shoelaces are flat, fat, and wide – they feel like they should be on a super cushioned trainer. I’d like slimmer laces, like the ones on the Rocket X 2. The Hoka logo shines when light hits it, and there’s a shiny strip on the heel too.
Hoka One One Mach X Sole Unit
Hoka usually uses the “X” name for shoes with a carbon plate inside, but the Mach X only has a Pebax plate. I think it could have been named “Hoka Rocket” without the “X.”
It’s still way stiffer than the plate in the Endorphin Speed 3, so it feels more like a speedy trainer than an everyday one, which is what I like.
The Mach X’s middle part has 2 layers of foam: Profly X on top for comfy bounce, and firmer CMEVA foam underneath for extra strength and support.
More Profly X is in the front than the back, so the front feels softer and gives a natural, forward roll during steps. The CMEVA in the back goes higher to make the back of the shoe steadier.
The bottom part is designed really well with rubber put in the perfect spots. Normally, the rubber on the outer side of the heel doesn’t cover the edge, but on the Mach X, it goes over. This makes the heel last longer for people who hit their heels when they run. My pair looks almost new, and I’m usually tough on soles.
Grip on wet surfaces isn’t that great. The bottom is flat and the rubber is hard, so it doesn’t hold well on wet spots.
Hoka One One Mach X Conclusions
It’s got all I want in a quick trainer: soft, tough, comfy, and can go faster.
The Mach X is now my top quick trainer. It’s $180, $20 more than the normal quick shoes, but I think it’s worth it. The top part is really comfy (if you go half a size bigger), and it works great for faster runs. Everything works together well, and it seems super polished for a first-time shoe.
It’s the perfect partner to the Rocket X 2 racer if you like saving your super shoes for races. They both have that nice, soft, lively feel underfoot, but the Mach X lasts much longer with more sole on the bottom.
The Mach X feels very different from the Mach 5 if you’re thinking of an upgrade. It’s softer, bouncier, and not as cushiony on landing. The Mach X is more flexible and longer-lasting, but it’s $40 more.