I was excited to try the Hoka Mach Supersonic. The Mach has gone through some big changes since its debut. For a while, it seemed like Hoka might get rid of the Mach altogether, but sadly they did that to the Cavu. Seriously Hoka, if you are reading this, bring the Cavu back or something similar.
The Mach Supersonic is a new and limited-release performance trainer and compliments the Hoka Mach 4.
When this shoe came out, I had so many questions:
What is the difference between the Hoka Mach Supersonic and Hoka Mach?
Is the Mach Supersonic better than the Mach?
Why is the Mach Supersonic more expensive than the Mach?
The Hoka Mach Supersonic is designed to run faster, but it’s not a carbon-plated or racing shoe. It’s an everyday lightweight trainer designed to run faster paces.
Hoka Mach Supersonic Quick Facts:
Weight: 6.9 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 5 mm
Cost: $150
Hoka Mach Supersonic Fit:
If you’ve never tried Hoka before, it usually runs slightly wider and longer. It’s not big enough to go down a half size, but it is just going to fit big. The Mach Supersonic does fit slightly longer, but it has a narrow heel collar than many Hoka shoes.
Regarding the upper, the Mach Supersonic uses a tightly woven engineered jacquard mesh upper and thin TPU support overlays. The engineered jacquard mesh is lightweight and breathable. I’ve already run a few times in very hot conditions and haven’t had to worry about my feet overheating. The gusseted tongue fits well and doesn’t move around. The Mach Supersonic also features an intense pull tab to slide the shoe right off. I don’t really notice it (and, to be honest, use it), but it’s there for those who prefer pull tabs. It also allows the heel to be much softer.
I strongly believe running shoe uppers should disappear off your feet, and the Mach Supersonic does just that. Nothing rubs that shouldn’t, and it feels comfortable.
Most Hoka shoes do fit slightly longer, but I’ve found the Hoka Mach Supersonic to be one of the truest to size Hoka shoes out there. Typically in running shoes, I wear between a size 10-11 wide and have found the Hoka Mach Supersonic size 10.5 to fit the best.
Hoka Mach Supersonic Ride:
The Mach Supersonic uses Hoka’s ProFly+ midsole foam, which provides an energized ride. It has a firm forefoot and springy and cushioned midsole that promotes faster running as harder-effort tempo runs, long runs, and long intervals. Just stepping into the Mach Supersonic, you don’t get a good feel of “this should go faster.” Once you get running, you’ll notice it’s designed to run faster paces.
When running in the Mach Supersonic, it felt extremely firm. It’s probably one of the firmest shoes I’ve tried thus far. If you are someone who wants any sort of softness in their running shoe, this probably isn’t the right option for you. Another key component is how rigid the shoe is in general. You would think it might have a carbon plate based on how inflexible it is. It doesn’t, but the Mach Supersonic is probably the most rigid shoe without a carbon plate. The inflexibility is not a problem; it’s just a fact. Some people prefer a more flexible shoe; some don’t. I don’t mind it, but I think it serves its purpose. I couldn’t run in a shoe like this every day, just like I can’t run in a carbon-plated shoe every day. It keeps your feet from moving as much as say something with more give.
Traction and Durability: The outsole of the Hoka Mach Supersonic is made from an exposed EVA midsole. This reduces the weight of the shoe and the traction and durability. The Mach Supersonic isn’t my favorite shoe to run on sandy terrain or inclement weather just because of that exposed midsole. I also don’t anticipate it will get the full 300-400 miles of a running shoe. When in good weather on terrain, it works well.
I’ve used the Hoka Mach Supersonic for faster long runs and just faster in general runs. For me, I like a shoe that is less shoe for intervals. The Hoka Mach Supersonic feels like too much shoe for hard efforts, but if you want the Clifton or Bondi, it will be an excellent speedwork option.
What is the difference between the Hoka Mach Supersonic vs. Mach 4?
Looking at the stats, it doesn’t seem like any difference. Both of them use the dual-layer midsole with the same rubberized foam. Of course, there is an ounce difference in women and 2 ounces in men, but to be honest, I couldn’t even notice that.
Mach Supersonic: The top layer features Hoka’s new ProFly+ midsole. This makes it more responsive than the standard ProFly of the midsole in Mach 4. The Hoka Mach Supersonic is also slightly more stiff, which results in the Mach Supersonic feeling faster and more responsive. Finally, the Hoka Mach Supersonic is $20 more expensive than the Mach.
So why buy the Mach? The Mach is more versatile and can be used more often as an easy-run shoe. The Mach Supersonic falls into the line of “performance trainer” like the Saucony Kinvara, New Balance 1400, or Atreyu Base Model. The Mach Supersonic is much more responsive and energetic than the standard and softer ProFly top layer of the Mach 4 midsole. So yes, you would consider the Mach Supersonic a “faster” shoe, but it’s not as versatile. Are you looking for a workout shoe? Go Mach Supersonic. Are you looking for a shoe you can use for various runs, including faster runs? Go Mach 4.
Hoka Mach Supersonic Conclusion:
If you are looking for a faster daily trainer, the Mach Supersonic is a great option. It’s definerly a different feeling than most Hoka shoes and more firm and lightweight. If you are someone (like me) who doesn’t do well in carbon-plated shoes, it’s a good option for a faster running shoe. In all, I’m a fan, but I do wish it had more durability.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Saucony Triumph 19, Brooks Launch 9
Speed Work: Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Hoka Mach Supersonic?
What is your favorite performance running shoe?
“If you are looking for a faster daily trainer, the Mach Supersonic is a great option. It’s definitely a different feeling than most Hoka shoes and more firm and lightweight. If you are someone (like me) who doesn’t do well in carbon-plated shoes, it’s a good option for a faster running shoe. In all, I’m a fan, but I do wish it had more durability.”
Hooooooooool up, are you saying that potentially, carbon fiber plates are designed around the running gaits of elite level runners and that the reason we use carbon fiber in hyper high end F1 Cars and Supercars is because it’s rigid, expensive and unforgiving? 😉