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Hoka’s lightweight trainer the Mach, has been through several evolutions since it was first cleared for takeoff back in 2018 as an update to the Clayton in Hoka’s ProFly line—a collection of faster, lower-to-the-ground shoes that defied the maximalist heritage of the brand. I had the opportunity to test the first Mach when it hit the streets, and while I enjoyed the super light experience, I found the fit too long and the cushioning to be in no-man’s-land: not responsive enough, yet neither cushioned sufficiently as a trade off. Subsequent models improved on the formula, and five editions later, the franchise has reached a pinnacle in its evolution with the Mach 6.
Stepping into a freshly minted pair, the immediate sense is that of lightness and cushion in an optimal combo. This is a fine line to deliver upon, but the new midsole has succeeded, elevating the Mach to a go-to shoe for everyday training with some tempo efforts thrown in for good measure.
Hoka Mach 6 Specs
- Price: $140
- Weight: 6.7 oz. (women’s size 8); 8.2 oz. (men’s size 9)
- Stack Heights: women: 35mm (heel), 30mm (forefoot); men: 37mm (heel), 32mm (forefoot)
- Heel-Toe Offset: 5mm
TL:DR
- Pros: Light weight; soft, bouncy cushioning; accommodating ride; comfortable fit
- Cons: Laces too long; lacks propulsive pop of a plate if used for racing
Hoka Mach 6: Features and What’s New
The standout update and shining star feature of the Hoka Mach 6 is its new midsole. The sixth edition features a new full-height layer of supercritical EVA midsole with gas-infused bubbles that make it lighter and noticeably bouncier than the Mach 5, which had a soft EVA layer over a firmer, rubberized EVA base. While the new Mach has the same stack heights, the softness and rebound of the new midsole make the ride feel more connected to the ground. Asymmetrical molding, with a supportive flare along the arch side, helps keep this soft shoe from feeling unstable.
That rubberized EVA base layer on the Mach 5 doubled as the outsole, a design meant to reduce weight and provide smooth landings. Having run (and trashed) Hoka shoes for many years, however, I heartily welcome the addition of a thin Durabraison rubber outsole on the Mach 6 with hopes it will add to the longevity of the shoe. While I haven’t logged enough miles to put the sole durability to the full test, it’s apparent this will more than likely stand the test of time over previous editions.
A Jacquard mesh upper complements the smooth-riding midsole with a foot-hugging, sock-like fit. Design and aesthetics have always been a keen part of the running shoe business, and Hoka has delivered a stylish-looking shoe. The upper might not scream, “I am racing, and my competition is dust,” but it is clean and sleek: I am as pleased to wear this shoe for running as I am to have them on when I knock off a quick list of chores with no time to change after the run. It will be interesting to see how the upper breaths in the heat of summer, but it’s doing the job both technically and aesthetically in spring running conditions.
My only critique—and it’s minor—is about the laces. On a women’s size 9, they are too long, and I had to resort to tucking the ends under the crossed laces between the eyelets to stave off a tap, tap, tap, which could—if in the wrong mindset—send this runner into a dark place. This is a first-world problem, but something I have begun to notice on more and more shoes.
RELATED: Puma Magnify Nitro 2 Review
Hoka Mach 6: Who’s It For
The Mach 6 is a great option for runners who are looking for a shoe at a sensible price point that delivers a premium experience. The Mach 6 is enjoyable as a go-to daily trainer, as well as an up-tempo shoe for weekly fartlek, tempo, and long interval work. It would also be a solid option as no-pressure racing shoe for a local 5K, a parkrun, or up to half marathon distance. And it could put a bit of a spring in your step for medium to long training runs in the 8-15 mile range.
For age-grouper triathletes, and I place myself solidly in this bracket, the Hoka Mach 6 presents itself as a solid race-day option when you might not be clocking a pace that merits a carbon-plated shoe. The foam/weight combination is a welcome package for easing into a solid run off the bike. The aforementioned laces might cause few issues in the transition, so I’d switch these out for elastic race laces.
Companion and Comparable Shoes
The Hoka Mach X2 ($190) is a carbon-plated upgrade with similar geometry and specs that is a natural partner to the Mach 6 as a race-day shoe.
Other training shoes that are similar to the Mach 6 include the Puma Magnify Nitro 2 ($140), Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 ($150), Diadora Frequenza ($180), Under Armour Infinite Elite ($160), ASICS Nimbus 26 ($160)
- Hoka Mach: Shop Women’s & Shop Men’s