Hoka has some great speed shoes no question with models like the Rincon and the Carbon X and to some degree the Clifton. For a while, they played with a model that had a little more structure called the Clayton which has disappeared but truthfully it really gave way to the Mach platform. Mach 3 is the next iteration of this and you can think of it as a highly cushioned speed shoe with a little more structure in the upper to give you a bit more control.
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- Performance oriented road shoe with a little more structure in the upper
- Weighs in at 8.6oz or 244g for a US Men’s 9 with a 5mm heel/toe drop
- Retails at $140.00 USD and comes in X colors for Men and Women
Run Test
Let’s kick this off and say we are huge Hoka fans, but the Mach platform has never really been one we, or many others, really took a hard look at. Other models get all the fanfare so we tend to lean towards though, so we came in with a bit of trepidation not knowing what to expect. Before we dig in deep, we can tell you this shoe sits too far below the radar and while it isn’t using carbon plating or knit in the upper, it still performs really well.
The first time on the foot you’re going to me with some stiffness. That jacquard upper is definitely a bit more structured than we expected and a far cry from the Rincon. The midsole is cushioned, but also a little stiff and it definitely feels like it’s got some bounce. Stiff is probably the word we would use overall to describe the initial experience, so we had a touch of concern in this area. You should reserve judgment though because this will also become a benefit as you get running. The only caveat here is that it feels like Hoka keeps narrowing the toe box, it is subtle, but that lateral side seems to come in a bit.
Mach 3 is plenty fast and we tested them across varying distances ranging from 6m speed runs to half marathon distances and beyond. You can dial them up and the midsole responds really well giving you tons of rebound and forefoot propulsion. You can also choose to run them a bit slower and Hoka’s Meta-rocker coupled with all that plush foam means more comfortable miles and easy turnover. We mentioned the stiffness earlier and this becomes very apparent in run because you can feel how well it supports the foot overall. The toe box has a bit more width and the midfoot is well supported to prevent side to side rotation. As the miles add up, this becomes a huge benefit because you will need this as the legs and feet get tired.
It is a strikingly simple shoe in some respect, but maybe that’s what is making some of these newer models so solid. Simple doesn’t mean bad though, it just means they have made some very strategic decisions which have led to a solid shoe.
Construction: Upper
The upper on the Mach 3 is a pretty sweet update. The new engineered jacquard feels like a hybrid between a mesh and a knit and it’s got a ton of breathability, but it’s got some resiliency. There is a not a ton of give in it anywhere, but as you get to the midfoot it really locks down preventing any sort of collapse. The tongue is a bootie fit that attaches under the midsole and additionally has aerated cutouts for even more airflow.
Construction: Midsole
Hoka used their PROFLY midsole for the Mach 3 midsole and it is best described as cushioned yet responsive. It does flex decently well, but only to a point which is how it gets that nice pop of responsiveness. It stays true to Hoka’s plush roots and offers a really nice level of cushion. It also features their Meta-Rocker design which helps with foot transition depending on how you strike the ground.
Construction: Outsole
The outsole is becoming a very similar recipe for Hoka across numerous models. It is a rubberized foam that improves durability while also allowing them to maintain a low weight. It grips well, obviously not as great as much as true rubber, but in our testing it was more than enough.
Style & Aesthetics
Mach 3 comes in 3 colors for men and women and the choices are all a bit bold, especially the all-whites. That being said they do look fast and when you put them side by side with a Rincon you see a lot of the styling similarities carry through. It looks like a Hoka in every way with it’s large cushioned platform, but just a touch more aggressive which we dig.
Overall Conclusion
Hoka’s Mach 3 is a really interesting option from Hoka. We just loved the Rincon in every way, but the Mach honestly feels a little more accessible but relatively unsung. The jacquard upper is more supportive than other mesh implementations so the shoe feels firmer and stiffer than something like Rincon, but this is really what some runners need. That midsole is nice and responsive and the crystallized rubber sole has plenty of durability. These are good for any training day but equally capable on race day.
Learn more on the Hoka website
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Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
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