Tag Archives: hoka one one

Hoka One One Mach 2 Shoe Review

March 1, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , ,
Hoka One One Mach 2 Shoe Review

Recently I started running in two new Hoka Models. The Hoka Mach 2 and the Hoka Cavu 2.  Both of the original versions (Mach) and (Cavu) were favorites of mine last year. I was excited to see what updates they had made! The first version of any shoe can be hit or miss. Usually, a few significant changes are made for the second version depending on what customers preferred or didn’t.

So what was updated? The second version is slightly firmer but also slightly lighter. The fit remains similar, and dare I say it, even a tad big? Not big enough to go down a half size.

hoka one one mach

Fit:

The upper has been updated to include open engineered mesh.  It’s much lighter and more breathable than the previous model. Actually, it breathes extremely well, if not one of the best I’ve seen from a running shoe.

The fit itself is slightly long (almost unheard of these days in the running world!) but nothing I would adjust sizes with. I’m usually between a 10-11 wide. The Mach isn’t made in wide, so I went a 10.5.  I think if it were made in wide, I would order the wide.

Ride:

The Hoka Mach 2 uses Hoka One One’s early stage meta-rocker. What does that mean? The Meta-Rocker combines a low heel lift that promotes a smooth transition from heel to toe.  A smooth “rock.”

For those already running in Hoka, the Mach 2 feels much more responsive without sacrificing cushion. It’s a great speed work, or even racing shoe. For those running in a traditional brand but wanting to try Hoka, it provides the Hoka cushioning but without the drastic change of going to either the Clifton or Bondi.

If you ran in the first version of the Mach, you’ll notice a much softer heel but a firmer forefront. Hoka chose to do this to make for a more smooth heel to toe transition. If you strike more towards your heel but are looking for a racing shoe, the Mach is one to consider.  For me, it’s light, smooth, and been a good addition to my long run shoes.

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Thoughts:

I like the Mach and I’ve put just over 100 miles in it. For me, it works best as a faster long, or daily run shoe. I like more cushion for recovery and a little less, shoe, like the Hoka One One Cavu, for speedier work.

Current Rotation:

Daily Runs: Hoka One One Mach 2, New Balance 1080

Recovery Runs/Easy Runs: New Balance 1080, Brooks Glycerin

Speed Work:Nike LT, Nike Fly

Tempo Runs/Quality Long Runs: Nike Fly, Hoka One One Cavu

Races: Nike LT, Nike Fly

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Questions for you:

Have you tried Hoka?

What is your favorite shoe? 

Hoka One One Mach

March 8, 2018 By in Running, Running Reads, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , 5 Comments
Hoka One One Mach

The Hoka One One Mach is a brand new model from Hoka One One. It is basically the replacement for the discontinued Hoka One One Clayton 2. So if you’re looking for the closest thing to the Hoka One One Clayton, then the Mach is your best bet.  It’s the first model I’ve run in.  I have run in both the Hoka One One Clifton as well as the Bondi.

My apologies, but I took photos when I first got the shoe and lost them.  I realized I had lost “clean photos” of the shoe, so you’ll have to deal with them with over 100 miles of mud and dirt.  At least, you know I run in them.  😉

hoka one one mach shoe review

While I work in a running store, it’s important to keep in mind that there is no perfect running shoe.  Not everything works for everyone, and Hoka is not paying me to write about their shoes.  Here is a stock photo for good measure. hoka one one mach shoe review

Weight: Men’s size 9: 7.7oz Women’s size 8: 6.5oz

Drop: 5mm

It always seems to surprise people that most Hoka Shoes are a 4-5mm drop.  It’s like running on a flatter elevated platform.

The Fit:

The Hoka One One Mach is one of the wider Hoka models.  It has a full knit upper.  The knit upper means it’s seamless and allows feet to spread out as appropriate.  As I’ve mentioned in many reviews, but more shoe companies are going towards a seamless upper.  It accommodates wider feet including bunions.

Knit uppers are more seamless and a more flexible fit.  Personally, I prefer seamless and knit uppers because they fit my foot much better.

Ride:

I like the ride a lot.  While I never ran in the Hoka Clayton, I do know it’s the most similar and meant to replace it.  It’s lighter and more firm than any other Hoka model.

Why is that?

The Mach uses a new material from Hoka named: ProFly.

ProFly makes the heel firmer in the forefoot but softer in the heal.  It’s designed to role you forward and the difference also helps protect the feet, especially if you are more likely to heel strike. According to Hoka, the Profly is more durable and resilient.  I found it to be the springiest and most “fast” of any Hoka shoe I’ve run in so far.

hoka one one mach shoe review

Summary:

I’ve logged just over 100 miles in the Mach and like it a lot.  I wasn’t sure how much I would but new shoes are always fun to try (if they are appropriate for your foot).  I haven’t had any issues, or blisters, which is essential as well.  I’ll keep the Hoka One One Mach is my rotation until the cushion is gone.

Current Shoe Rotation:

Daily runs: Hoka One One Mach, Brooks Glycerin, Saucony Triumph ISO 4
Workouts: Nike Zoom fly, Altra Escalante
Races: Saucony Type A or Endorphin

Questions for you:
What is your current favorite running shoe?
Do you prefer more or less cushion?

Hoka Clifton 4 Shoe Review

October 11, 2017 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , 11 Comments
Hoka Clifton 4 Shoe Review

I’ve run in a few Hoka One One Clifton.  I ran in the original Clifton as well as the Clifton 3.  I skipped the Clifton 2 because it was a bit too narrow for my foot.  The Clifton has continued to be one of Hoka One One’s more popular models.  It’s light but still, has the cushion people have come to love from Hoka.

Hoka claims the differences between the Clifton 3 and Clifton 4 are the most drastic.  In my opinion, I believe sizing was a drastic change between the 1-3, but the upper is much different in the 4.

Appearance:

I rarely talk about the appearance of shoes, but Hoka has made a solid effort to make their shoes look more friendly to the eyes.  When Hoka was first developing shoes, some of their earlier models I wouldn’t ever use as a “casual” shoe.  The Hoka Clifton 4 went through such a drastic change in appearance, that it’s now a shoe I bought myself a second pair to walk around in.

Fit: 

Fit wise, the Hoka Clifton 4 is similar to the Clifton 3.  It’s important, especially if you have wider feet (like myself!).  I wore a 10 in the Clifton 3 and continue in a 10 now.

The great news for the Clifton lovers is the Clifton now comes in wide!  That deserves 10 exclamation points by itself.

As Hoka claims, they did update the upper.  The new mesh is much more breathable than previous years and also has zero seams (which is trending in the industry right now).

Ride: 

The Clifton is known to be lightweight but very cushioned.  To me, it feels like a giant spongey marshmallow underneath your feet.  The Bondi feels much more firm and dense, while the Clifton is much more spongy.

Hoka claims this year the Clifton 4 will last much longer than previous models.  As someone who has run and works at a running store, I will say that the Clifton has been notorious for not lasting as long as many other similar brands.  They sacrifice durability with decreasing the weight of the shoe.  This year, is a different story and I’ve almost run 300 miles in the Clifton 4.  A shoe I was never able to put that much mileage on.

If you have run in the Clifton 3, the ride is very similar.  It’s like a giant marshmallow underneath your feet. If you are new to the Clifton or Hoka, it’s a lightweight but a well cushioned and soft ride.  You feel the roll as you move through your gait cycle.

Hoka Clifton 4 Shoe Review

Thoughts:

I like the Clifton 4 and it will continue to keep it in my rotation.  In fact, I bought a second pair to walk around in because I do believe it does look that good.

Current Rotation:
Saucony Freedom (long runs/easy runs)
Hoka Clifton 4 (long runs/easy runs)
Brooks Ghost 10 (daily runs)
Altra Escalante (speed workouts)
Saucony Type A/Endorphin (races)

Questions for you:
What is your current favorite running shoe?

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