Hoka Mach X 3 review

HOKA Mach X 3 Review: Good Becomes Great.

Specs

Price

$299

Weight

264 grams (men’s US 9)

Pronation Control

Neutral 

Stack Height/Drop

44 mm heel, 39 mm forefoot/5 mm droP

Introduction 

HOKA needed a plated speed trainer so they took the regular Mach and PEBA-fied it to create the Mach X. Not only does it have a Pebax plate in its midsole but it also has premium PEBA foam. HOKA places an “X” in all their running shoes that have a plate. 

The Mach X is a speed trainer, a trainer for uptempo running that’s designed to give you plenty of speed assistance and durability. It falls into the same category as the Adidas Boston, Nike Zoom Fly, New Balance SC Trainer and Brooks Hyperion Max. 

The original Mach X was launched in 2023 and at the time, it was one of the only speed trainers to have a midsole with PEBA. It was a very successful debut because of how comfortable, affordable and how fast it was.

Version 3 of the Mach X is an upper only update. The Mach X 2 caused some runners heel rubbing issues so the new upper of v3 has been designed to fix that issue. 

The Good

The new upper is so much more comfortable than the previous version: it feels smoother, softer and more premium. The redesigned heel tab doesn’t cause any rubbing and overall foot lockdown is excellent. The tongue is no longer gusseted but there isn’t any tongue slide because it has wide wings that hold it in place.

The ride is the same as its predecessor and it’s one of those rare rides that feel plush but also propulsive at the same time. The Pebax plate has just the right amount of flexibility to make it feel snappy without being overly stiff like a carbon plate. 

The Mach X 3 is one of the softest and most bouncy speed trainers on the market thanks to the thick layer of PEBA in its midsole. This unbranded PEBA has a pleasant squish to it when loaded and a fast decompression that bounces you forward. 

The midsole of the Mach X 3 is a dual foam setup. It has an EVA frame that protects the PEBA and provides extra stability/support. The EVA frame has raised edges at the rearfoot to guide your rearfoot. 

Versatility is excellent. The Mach X 3 can perform every pace well: from recovery, all the way down to 5K pace. There’s enough speed assistance and pop at toe offs for intervals, hill sprints, threshold and tempo workouts.

The Bad

Version 3 has gained weight- not a lot but it’s never good when the new version gets heavier. The weight gain is a result of the upper becoming more padded for extra comfort. 

The Mach X 3 also has a very narrow toe box that’s typical of HOKA trainers and racers. It’s recommended that you go up a half size or you get the wide version, even if you have narrow feet. 

Final Thoughts

While not a complete evolution, the Mach X 3 is a refinement of the Mach X 2. The improved upper makes the Mach X 3 one of the best speed trainers on the market- it's comfortable, cushioned, versatile and propulsive.

Compared to the other speed trainers, the Mach X 3 is softer and bouncier than most. It's also one of the more stable speed trainers out there however it's more suited to runners with narrow feet due to its narrow toe box 

The Mach X 3 is a great training companion to the HOKA Rocket X 3 because it has a similar ride but in a cheaper, more durable package. Add in the Bondi 9 or the Clifton 10 and you have a great HOKA 3-shoe rotation.

Reviewed by Brandon Law

Check out Hoka Mach X 3 here