Hoka Mach 6

• Posted on 24 July 2024
• By Running Lab Staff
• 0

THE INTRO

The Mach 6 is doing the Mach lineup well with arguably the best update yet. A bouncier supercritical foam then the usual EVA midsole we've seen in past models as well as more enhanced durability with a layer of durabrasion rubber underneath. The bounce and spring you get from this lightweight shoe is unmatched, you're just going to have to feel it for yourself. 

THE SPECS

Support: Neutral

Weight: 8.2 oz / 232 g (men), 6.7 oz / 189 g (women)

Stack Height: 37mm in heel, 32 mm in forefoot (men), 35 mm in heel, 30 mm in forefoot (women)

Midsole Drop: 5 mm

Cushion Level: Mid

ON THE RUN

Jacob: The Mach 6 lives up to its name. I felt like I was able to go at Mach speed while in these! It felt so lightweight under foot, it helped me pick my feet up more and increase my stride and cadence during my run. The shoe felt so springy as well, which was shocking for a shoe without any sort of plate in it. The one thing that stuck out to me most about the shoe is how snug it felt under foot. I felt locked in and ready to go the second I put them on. I used them for shorter and longer runs, as well as some speed and track workouts, and it hits every mark that I look for in a speed shoe.

Sidney: As someone who wore the Mach 5 for just about everything, I would say I am qualified to give my opinion on the new upgrade. In the midst of wear-testing this shoe I was given another shoe to wear test. I found myself glancing over the new shoe to pick up the Machs everytime. This shoe felt invisible on my foot, it was light as a feather and did everything I needed it to and more. This shoe gave me a pep in my step when I was less than thrilled to go for a run. Like a slinky underfoot I was springing along. 

THE FIT

Jacob: The shoe tends to run a little narrow, but not too narrow to where I'm hanging off the sides. I feel snug and supported in it. It does fit true to size. I am a true 10.5 D and it fits lengthwise perfectly. The upper is very breathable and so lightweight. The heel cup is one of my favorite aspects to this shoe. Like I stated before, I feel so snug into this shoe, and the heel cup is a big part of that. The backing keeps me in the shoe no matter the sock I wear. It's like Hoka took a block of clay and carved it around my foot to make it fit perfectly, and chiseled it away to make it just right around my foot. 

Sidney: The fit of the Mach is something I hope Hoka never changes. The toe space is perfection, the shoe forms to your midfoot and secures you in place in the best way. It does all this while still remaining incredibly light. The middle of the shoe wraps securely around the arch and top of the foot to hold your foot in place. The forefoot area opens up like a blooming flower to give your toes the wiggle room it screams for in every other shoe. This shoe is underrated for the secure yet roomy fit and feel, everyone needs a Mach in their life. 

THE FEEL

Jacob: One of the most impressive aspects to this shoe is the cushion. Comparing it to other shoes in the same lightweight category, I would say this shoe does the best job with its foam not being anything too firm and hard, but also keeping it from being too bubbly and squishy. It is the Goldilocks of speed shoes! Not too squishy and not too firm! With the foam not being too ooey gooey, it keeps me stable under foot. Think of it like having those mini marshmallows under each foot; it is not a crazy amount of height but still nice and soft. 

Sidney: The new upgrades Hoka made to the Bondi, Clifton, and Mach all give the same kind of feel. The foam feels a touch more firm making all the shoes just slightly more responsive and bouncy. That being said, the Mach is still something special of its own breed. It's light enough on my foot for me to forget it's even there, yet has enough cushioning to spring me forward with each step. 

THE NITTY GRITTY

Jacob: I would recommend this shoe for either speed workouts or faster base runs. With the weight and the performance, it works well to keep you moving quick, but the cushion helps keep it fresh for miles at a time. Personally I like a lot of cushion so this shoe works best for shorter runs for me. This would also be a race day shoe if you can get past the fact that there is no plate. Comparing it to my other go-to speed shoes, the Mach is now my number one non-plated race shoe. For official race days, I still love my carbon-plated options I have to choose from, but this would be a much more cost-effective option that works just as well. Comparing it to the previous versions of the Mach, I would say this shoe molly whops them. They changed the foam to make it not only more bouncy and responsive, but also makes the shoe as a whole much more durable. 

Sidney: I feel so speedy in this shoe with its supercritical bouncy foam underfoot and overall lightweight feel. However, I also love to slide these shoes on for some good cushion for all those daily miles. This is a do-it-all reliable shoe that just does not get enough credit. 

THE RUNDOWN

Jacob: To keep it short, I'd say this shoe is amazing. It is everything that I look for in a speed shoe and much more. The upgrades are incredible between models! If you have the Mach 5 currently, come get the new model immediately! The one thing I would change is making it a little bit wider, especially in the toe box, but that would be the only thing I'd note. I give this shoe 4.7 stars!

Sidney: The miles rolled by each step on every run I took in this shoe. You know those days when you're completely dragging butt to get out on a run. It's after work, you'd really rather eat some grub and sit your butt on the couch, but duty calls and you gotta get those miles in... these shoes picked up my lazy, tired legs making the run feel tolerable. 

Get your own pair HERE!

MEET JACOB

Jacob is arguably one of the biggest sports fans you will ever meet and you can always count on him to make everything into a competition. Outside of running, Jacob also loves basketball, despite the Pistons breaking his heart every night.

All time favorite shoe: Saucony Freedom Iso

MEET SIDNEY

Sidney despised running her entire life until a doctor told her she wasn't allowed to run. A switch flipped and now she still can't stop years later. With an abundance of shoes and always being constantly on the move, she's fairly knowledgeable in the shoe game. 

Favorite shoe: New Balance Vongo v6