I was excited to try the Hoka Mach 6. I’m so old I remember the original Mach and Cavu (RIP Cavu, it was so good). Anyway, the Mach has lived on. This latest version of the Mach series introduces several updates, including the most obvious: the visual. I was somewhat concerned because the Mach has received a huge visual update, and I wondered if Hoka had messed it up.
Before trying the Hoka Mach 6, I had a few questions:
- Is the Hoka Mach 6 similar to previous versions?
- What are the differences in the new Hoka Mach 6?
Hoka Mach 6 Quick Facts
- Weight: 6.7 oz
- Heel to Toe Drop: 5 mm
- Price: $140
Hoka Mach 6 Fit:
The HOKA Mach 6 introduces a new creel jacquard mesh upper. This is a fairly big change, and there are also changes to the tongue and collar. Hoka claims this makes you feel more secure. The Mach 6 upper is fine. It’s breathable, fits well, and I don’t really have issues with it. To be fair, I never had issues with the previous ones either.
The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the Hoka Mach 6 does just that. The lightweight and breathable upper is nice, and it fits well, so there are no hot spots or anything of concern. I’ve had issues in the past where the Mach has been narrow, but that is not the case here.
In running shoes, I tend to wear a women’s size 10-11 wide, and I’ve found the size 11 to fit the best. There is plenty of room without it being too roomy.
Hoka Mach 6 Ride:
The Mach 6 uses a supercritical EVA foam midsole. It is responsive, provides cushion, and doesn’t feel too bulky or heavy. Unlike the Clifton, it’s much firmer and it’s just less shoe than the Bondi. You aren’t going to get as much as several other Hoka models; the Hoka Mach 6 is designed for faster workouts, without having a carbon plate.
The Hoka Mach has usually fit as a faster run but daily run or long shoe. It’s not something I use if I’m looking for a fast or hard workout, but a shoe that allows you to run faster. If you are someone training in the Bondi or Clifton, you might actually enjoy the Mach 6 for those speedier runs.
For me, I tend to use it for those runs where I may want to pick up the pace or just for longer runs because it’s more responsive, and I don’t feel like I’m slogging along (nothing wrong with that, of course, but sometimes you want a faster shoe). Some may use the Mach 6 as their daily run shoe if they don’t like or want that extra cushion. It seems like everything these days is centered around more, more, more (cushion).
Outsole
Thank goodness Hoka updated the outsole of the Mach 6 because previous versions wore out so fast. The Mach 6 features a reinforced rubber outsole designed for better durability. I’ve used the Mach 6 in inclement and rainy weather, as well as on some of the sandy trails, and this year there is much more traction.
The strategic rubber placement ensures better grip and durability. Is it perfect? No, but whew, it’s a step in the right direction. I wanted to like previous versions of the Mach, and I did, but I didn’t like having to replace the shoe every couple of hundred miles. Now, I anticipate it will last at least 300-400 miles.
Hoka Mach 6 Conclusion:
The Hoka Mach 6 has been updated significantly, but these updates have only further enhanced the shoe. It still rides fairly similar and is a great uptempo/daily run shoe. Someone doing their daily running or training in the Bondi or Clifton might find the Mach 6 to be a great workout shoe, but most will find it to be a good daily trainer.
Who should buy the Hoka Mach 6? If you are looking for a faster daily trainer or long-run shoe.
Who should not buy the Hoka Mach 6? I don’t have a reason not to buy it; the only reason I can think of is if you are looking for a carbon-plated shoe or something to run super easy, this isn’t the first shoe I would choose. It’s better for those faster, daily runs.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast ,
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Hoka Cielo X1, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
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:
What is your favorite shoe?
Have you tried Hoka before?