HOKA Mach X Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
The HOKA Mach X arrived with serious expectations. Positioned between the everyday Mach 6 and the race-day Rocket X, it promised the versatility of a daily trainer with a carbon fibre plate for extra pop. After 300 miles across tempo sessions, long runs, and a half marathon, here is whether it delivers.
First Impressions
Out of the box, the Mach X feels lighter than it looks. At 265g for a UK size 9, it is not featherweight, but the PEBA foam midsole gives it a springy, energetic feel that makes it feel faster than the number suggests. The fit is true to HOKA’s sizing — slightly roomy in the forefoot, secure in the heel. The engineered mesh upper is breathable without feeling flimsy.
On the Road
Easy Runs
The Mach X is comfortable for easy miles but feels slightly overbuilt for pure recovery runs. The carbon plate adds a noticeable forward roll that makes you want to push harder than recovery pace. If you specifically want a shoe that forces you to slow down, this is not it. For easy-to-moderate runs where you want some energy without full race-shoe responsiveness, it hits the mark well.
Tempo and Threshold Runs
This is where the Mach X shines. At tempo pace (around 4:15 to 4:45/km for me), the carbon plate engages and the shoe comes alive. The energy return is noticeable without being as aggressive as the Vaporfly. It is fast enough to hit paces that matter, comfortable enough to sustain them for 40 minutes without complaint. My best tempo sessions over the last six months have all been in these shoes.
Long Runs
I ran my longest run in the Mach X — 22 miles at marathon pace practice — and my feet felt fine at the finish. The cushioning held up without bottoming out, and the rocker geometry kept my stride smooth when fatigue set in. The shoe does run warm due to limited ventilation in the midsole area, so summer long runs require thinner socks.
Racing
I used the Mach X for a half marathon and ran a 1:32, which is close to my PB. It is not as fast as the Vaporfly or Alphafly for pure racing, but it is 90% of the way there at 60% of the price. For runners who want a carbon-plated shoe they can also train in, without reserving it exclusively for race day, the Mach X makes a strong case.
What I Do Not Like
- Durability: At 300 miles, the outsole is showing significant wear on the forefoot. The midsole still feels responsive, but I expect to retire these around 400 miles. For a shoe at this price (around £170), I would want 500+.
- Wet grip: The rubber outsole loses traction on wet pavements and painted road markings. Not a shoe for rainy race days if grip matters to you.
- Not a true daily trainer: The carbon plate means every run feels like it wants to be faster than intended. For genuinely easy, recovery-pace running, a softer shoe without a plate is a better choice.
The Verdict
The HOKA Mach X is a genuinely good shoe that does most things well without being the absolute best at anything. It is not as fast as a pure race shoe, not as comfortable as a pure daily trainer, and not as durable as a pure workhorse. What it offers is versatility — one shoe that handles tempo runs, long runs, and races competently. For runners who want to simplify their rotation or who are buying their first carbon-plated shoe, it is an excellent choice. For runners who already have a dedicated racer and a dedicated easy day shoe, it fills a gap that might not need filling.
