I was excited to try the Hoka Mach X3. To be honest, I don’t think Hoka has nailed many of the Mach versions and maybe…just maybe I’m still sad about the discontinuation of the Hoka Cavu many years ago.
I’ve been confused about the Mach X since the debut. Do we really need a faster Mach and a faster Bondi? What is the point of another carbon-plated shoe from Hoka when they have 10,000? But after putting in the miles, I can say this version feels different in a good way.
Before trying the Hoka Mach X3, I had a few questions.
Is the Hoka Mach X3 good for marathon training?
Yes. The cushioning and plate combo make it comfortable for long efforts. It’s not an aggressive shoe, but it does give you some responsiveness, and you’re able to pick up the pace…and it can also handle easy runs.
How does the Hoka Mach X3 compare to the Hoka Rocket X3?
The Rocket X3 is a true racing shoe…lighter, snappier, and more expensive. The Mach X3 is more versatile, built for training and workouts with enough cushion for everyday use. A lot of people think the Hoka Rocket X3 is a lighter and faster version of the Mach X3, and I tend to agree. They would be great training partners. Use the Mach X3 for training and the Rocket X3 for racing.
Does the Hoka Mach X3 run true to size?
Yes, I’ve found this is one of the more true-to-fit shoes Hoka has.
Who should buy the Hoka Mach X3?
Runners looking for one shoe that covers easy miles, long runs, and workouts. If you’re looking for a daily trainer that can handle most types of runs, it’s a great option.
Q: How long does the Hoka Mach X3 last before wearing out?
A: Expect standard trainer durability, around 300–400 miles depending on your running style and surfaces.
Now, let’s get into an honest Hoka Mach X3 review.
Hoka Mach X3 Quick Facts
-
Weight: 10.2 oz (men), 8.5 oz (women)
-
Stack height: 42 mm
-
Drop: 5 mm
-
Price: $190
-
Uses: daily training
Hoka Mach X3 Upper
The previous Mach X models struggled with fit. The X2’s heel collar was downright frustrating for many runners. Hoka took notes because the Mach X3 upper is a different story. I do always appreciate when a brand listens to feedback not says: “we are right and you are wrong.”
The look of the Hoka Mach X3 leaves a lot to be desired for me. I like the bright colors, but for some reason it looks cheap. When you are paying $190 for a shoe, the last thing I want is for it to look cheap. Despite that, it doesn’t feel like a cheap running shoe.
The warp-knit material is soft but structured, and the added padding around the heel and tongue gives it a polished feel. It runs true to size for me, though I know some with wider feet prefer the wide option. It actually breathes pretty well. Really, I have no problems with the upper, minus the fact that it does look cheap.
The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and for the most part the Hoka Mach X3 does just that. I haven’t had any issues with hot spots or blisters. In running shoes I wear between a women’s size 10–11 wide, and I found the size 11 to fit well.
Hoka Mach X3 Ride
The midsole is where the magic happens. The Mach X3 uses a PEBA/EVA blend with a winged Pebax plate, and while that sounds like marketing soup, the ride makes sense once you’re in it. The EVA keeps the shoe grounded and stable, while the PEBA gives it a touch of bounce. Add the rocker geometry Hoka is known for, and you get a shoe that feels efficient once you find rhythm. As mentioned, the plate is made from Pebax versus carbon, which means it’s more flexible and can handle a wide variety of runs and races.
Where does the Hoka Mach X3 fit into my rotation? When people hear plate, they think the shoe must be fast and race-worthy, but that’s not the case with the Mach. It’s not the explosive rebound of a carbon-plated racer, but that’s not the point here. It can handle faster paces but really excels at daily training and those slightly faster than easy runs. I appreciate that the shoe is stiff, so if you are looking for something that doesn’t bend, it’s a good option.
Outsole
The outsole is mostly unchanged from the Mach X2, with those familiar cutouts. They shave weight but also make me nervous about rocks, though so far I haven’t had issues. I’ve taken the Hoka Mach X3 out on trails and in inclement weather with no issues. In all, I’ve been a fan.
I think it should last the average amount of time with daily training. I’ve already run about 50 miles on the Hoka Mach X3 with no signs of it slowing down.
Hoka Mach X3 Conclusion
The Mach X3 is versatile and fits well. I believe it to be the best Mach yet.
If you’re looking for a plated trainer that is versatile and not really made for racing, it’s the most complete Mach X yet, and while $190 is a tough pill to swallow, I’d argue the versatility helps justify the cost. For me, the Hoka Mach X3 is the version that finally lives up to the potential this line has been hinting at. Low key, I’m still going to add that I miss the Cavu though.
Who Should Buy the Hoka Mach X3
-
Runners who want one shoe that can handle easy runs, long runs, and workouts.
-
Anyone looking for a plated trainer that isn’t overly aggressive.
-
Hoka fans who struggled with the fit of earlier Mach X models and want an improved upper.
-
Runners who like a stiffer feel underfoot but don’t want the harshness of a true carbon plate.
Who Should Not Buy the Hoka Mach X3
-
Runners who want a lightweight, snappy racing shoe (look at the Rocket X3 instead).
-
Anyone who prefers a soft, flexible ride…this shoe is on the firmer, stiffer side.
-
Budget-conscious runners…the $190 price tag is high for a trainer.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
Curious about how I do gear reviews? You can read about that here.
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 X3?
What is your favorite daily trainer?