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HOKA Mach 6 Review

Updated: February 26, 2024

Version 6 Redefines the HOKA Mach Series

Likes

  • Supercritical foam midsole delivers a responsive ride
  • Lightweight and comfortable upper 
  • Stylish aesthetic with bold colors

Dislikes

  • Could be more responsive with improved impact absorption

What's New

Redefine your running experience with the HOKA Mach 6, an energetically bouncy uptempo running shoe engineered to excel during all your uptempo, and even daily, runs. The heart of this awesome trainer lies in its upgraded midsole, which now features supercritical EVA foam formulated to deliver an incredible mix of speed and protection, helping transform each step into a dynamic and energetic movement. Not only does the Mach 6 deliver speed, but effortlessly smooth transitions as well, and if speedwork is not on the schedule, then the Mach 6 will still add fun to any daily run.

 

The HOKA Mach 6's bold and stylish creel jacquard mesh upper marks a new era for the Mach series. With the Mach's signature lightweight feel, version 6 receives changes to the tongue and collar, both designed to help deliver all the security and comfort runners need.

 

Better still is the shoe's updated outsole. While previous versions of the Mach were outfitted with an exposed EVA outsole, the new Mach 6 is reinforced with a strategic rubber outsole that is not only able to adapt to any surface but will be ready to perform for miles on end. So, if you are a runner searching for a shoe that effortlessly combines lightweight comfort, versatile performance, and a sleek design, look no further than the HOKA Mach 6.

 

The Bottom Line

HOKA has been making big changes to its performance lineup over the last few years; we have seen major releases and awesome updates that have dazzled our testing team. The Mach 6 update is no different, as this shoe is an all-new beast thanks to the supercritical EVA midsole, which our testers were raving about by the end of the testing period.

 

In versions past, the Mach series provided a lightweight on-foot feel with a firmer midsole that paired well with shorter, faster efforts but did not provide the protection that some runners needed for longer uptempo runs. The Mach 6's supercritical foam midsole had no issue with responsiveness or protection, and testers were able to enjoy a myriad of different training runs at a variety of paces. Yes, the Mach still is not the most protective or the speediest shoe in the uptempo category, but version 6 is much better suited to longer runs while also offering all-new levels of responsiveness. Our testers would happily recommend the Mach 6 for any run up to 12 miles.

 

Our Running Warehouse testers also found a lot to love about the Mach's updated creel jacquard upper. It is not only lightweight, but it is highly breathable as well, providing a cool and dry feel that does not create any irritation. Furthermore, our team appreciated the gusseted tongue and updated heel collar, which provided a secure wrap that comfortably hugged their feet throughout testing. That said, the Mach 6 may not be the best shoe for our wider-footed friends, but given how comfortable the shoe felt, we definitely recommend trying a pair on for yourself.

 

As our testers describe below, runners cannot really go wrong with the new HOKA Mach 6. It is comfortable right out of the box, fun and bouncy on every run, and durable, which is yet another improvement over previous versions. Furthermore, the Mach 6 represents a huge leap forward for the Mach line, and version 6 is an excellent option for any runner looking for their next uptempo shoe or even high-performing daily trainer.

Specifications & Fit

Shoe Specs

WeightMen's: 7.4 oz (size 9) | Women's: 6.7 oz (size 8)
Stack Height37 mm (Heel), 32 mm (Forefoot) | 5 mm Heel-Toe Offset
TerrainRoad
StabilityNeutral
SizingTrue to size

Our In-Depth Look

Upper

Jon: "The upper of the Mach 6 is simple, but it gets the job done. It was a bit narrow in the midfoot and through the toe box, but it did not cause any hot spots or areas of discomfort. In fact, the snug fit works well for the intended purpose of this shoe, which is to go fast. It is not as stripped down as other lightweight uptempo shoes, but that could work in its favor for runners looking for a fast shoe in a more structured, comfort-minded package."

Kaleb: "The updated creel jacquard mesh upper was very comfortable and is a noticeable improvement from version 5. It provided an excellent balance of security and comfort, and I never experienced any points of irritation throughout the testing period. The Mach 6 was secure through the midfoot, allowing me to confidently pick up the pace without worrying about sliding around. Also, the forefoot offers enough room to keep my feet comfortable deep into longer efforts, which was a highlight of this update. If I am being super knit-picky, I would change the length of the laces, as they are slightly long. That said, they were by no means an issue."

Risa: "The Mach 6 upper is lightweight, soft, and comfortable. I instantly had a secure lockdown, and the shoe almost felt tailor-made for my foot. What more can you ask for from a shoe? I have narrower feet, but I think the shoe will work for runners with more standard foot shapes as well. That said, I am not sure about my wide-footed friends. Overall, the Mach 6 is the best-fitting HOKA I have worn so far."

 

Midsole

Jon: "The Mach 6's supercritical EVA midsole is extremely lightweight, which I loved, but the midsole was not quite as soft or responsive as I expected. Given that it is a supercritical EVA compound, I imagined a softer step-in with a noticeable compression of the foam, but that was not my experience.

However, I would not say the Mach 6's midsole is firm, as it still feels protective underfoot. Also, even though the energy return was not as high as I had hoped, the ride was still very bouncy, and the combination of its low weight and midsole geometry made for a great underfoot experience on all my testing runs. I probably would not choose this shoe for my longer, faster training efforts over 10 to 12 miles because I typically prefer more protection for those runs, but on shorter speed days, the Mach 6 certainly delivered."

Kaleb: "Version 6's SCF EVA midsole was the main highlight of this shoe, and its exquisite balance is what surprised me most. Out of the box, it felt soft and bouncy underfoot, helping fuel my excitement for the training miles to come, and on the run, the Mach 6 certainly did not disappoint. Though it is not the most explosive shoe, the SCF EVA midsole provides a bouncy return that has no difficulty with tempo paces.

More impressive was how comfortable the Mach 6 felt at slower, daily paces. I felt like I could use the Mach for nearly any type of daily run, and the biggest improvement over the Mach 5 was the shoe's ability to handle distance. Earlier versions of the Mach were firmer underfoot, and though this helped for faster efforts, it did not provide the protection I typically like for longer uptempo runs over the 6- to 8-mile mark. The Mach 6 was awesome in this capacity, and I could comfortably complete longer training runs while testing this shoe.

This shoe is best for runners who want a do-it-all trainer that can accommodate shorter-distance runs at swifter paces, efficient long-distance efforts, and everything in between. I might use the Mach X or even the Cielo Road if I am working at a race pace, or the Clifton or Bondi when I need to give my legs a day off from pounding the pavement. For everything else, the Mach 6 will get the job done. I look forward to putting more mileage on this shoe as I prepare for the LA Marathon later this spring."

Risa: "The first thing that stood out was how lightweight the Mach 6 was, weighing in at 6.7 oz for a woman's size 8. The Mach 6's SCF midsole was also incredible, and having the supercritical foam underfoot made a huge difference out on the roads, providing a relatively soft underfoot feel with a nice responsive bounce.

This shoe is fun to do speedwork in, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it for daily training runs too. I quickly began reaching for the Mach 6 for just about any daily run I had on my schedule. That said, I did grab Mach 6 for an 8-mile race. Sadly, it was not protective enough for me over that distance, but I am sure that for some runners, the Mach 6 has more than enough protection for longer distances. Personally, I prefer max-cushion shoes for my long runs."

 

Outsole

Jon: "The outsole rubber offers excellent grip and traction, which lends itself perfectly to a fast and nimble running shoe. There is significant rubber coverage, so I would not hesitate to take my runs on fire roads or light trails while wearing the Mach 6."

Kaleb: "Version 5 of the Mach had an exposed outsole, which raised some concerns in terms of durability and traction, but the Mach 6 utilizes strategically placed rubber to provide all-new levels of durability and traction. After over 30 miles in this shoe, I have not noticed any signs of wear, and I do not doubt that the Mach 6 will last a big chunk of mileage. Furthermore, as someone who always appreciates a rubber outsole, I found the Mach 6 to be much grippier than the 5. I had no trouble cornering or maintaining speed, and this helped give me the confidence to reach for the Mach 6 when faster workouts were on the schedule."

Risa: "I got roughly 30 miles in my Mach 6s during this test, which is not as many as I would typically like to truly assess a shoe's durability. However, given how it has held up so far, it seems like the outsole will deliver solid durability. I would like to note that I had no issues with grip on my runs, and the Durabrasion rubber definitely gave me the confidence I needed to push the pace."

 

Comparable Shoes

HOKA Mach 6 vs. ASICS Novablast 4

Jon: "Both these shoes are lightweight and fast, but the underfoot experience is quite different. The HOKA Mach 6 is extremely lightweight and has less cushioning underfoot than the Novablast 4. The Novablast 4 is one of the most versatile shoes I have ever run in, and since versatility is my favorite characteristic in a running shoe, I absolutely love the Novablast.

However, the Mach 6 offers a really fun and lightweight ride, and I could definitely see myself choosing it over the Novablast on training days that call for a 5K or mile pace. The Mach's lower-to-the-ground profile makes it very nimble, but the shoe still has enough protection to get through those tough, 5- to 8-mile speed training sessions. If you already have a daily trainer you love, then the Mach 6 would be a fantastic addition to your shoe rotation. If you are looking for one shoe to do it all, then it's hard to beat the Novablast 4."

Risa: "Another uptempo shoe that I really love is the ASICS Novablast 4. It does not have a supercritical foam midsole, but the FLYTEFOAM BLAST PLUS ECO foam is soft and bouncy, providing that ever-sought-after wow factor. The Novablast 4 is more cushioned than the Mach 6, so it was a better option for picking up the pace over longer distances. With the Mach 6, you get a shoe that is about an ounce lighter with a more connected-to-the-ground feeling, making it better for shorter, faster runs. Both are incredible options, and if you are deciding between these two models, then I think it is a matter of whether you are a runner who prioritizes lightweight responsiveness or protection over longer distances."

HOKA Mach 6 vs. New Balance Rebel v4

Jon: "I find the Mach 6 and Rebel to be very similar. Both of these shoes excel at speedwork and feel almost weightless on foot. The Mach 6 upper fits my foot better and gives me the secure lockdown I look for in an uptempo shoe, but I would give the edge to the Rebel v4 in the midsole department, as I find the FuelCell foam more responsive and energetic than the Mach's supercritical EVA.

I'm not sure either of these shoes would feel great during 18- to 20-mile runs, but I can attest that the Rebel v4 will get things done up to the 14-mile mark. Honestly, I did not even want to try running that long in the Mach 6s out of fear that my legs and feet would feel too beat to run comfortably the next day. Overall, I would give the edge to the Rebel because I like the underfoot feel of the foam better, and it is one of the best-looking running shoes I can remember. That said, I would not bat an eye if someone told me they preferred the Mach 6."

Kaleb: "If you have followed my reviews over the years, you know how much I love the New Balance Rebel line. They are responsive and protective, allowing me to tackle a variety of runs, all using one shoe. The Mach 6 is very similar in this capacity. You can do shorter, faster runs while wearing the Mach or longer, slower runs without skipping a beat.

The Mach 6 is protective and responsive, but I would give the Rebel a slight edge in both categories. If you prefer a little more comfort, I would recommend the Mach, but if you need more speed and agility, I would recommend the Rebel. Regardless of your preference, you cannot go wrong with either model, especially if you are looking for that one shoe to cover most of your daily mileage."

HOKA Mach 6 vs. Saucony Endorphin Speed v4

Risa: "If you are interested in adding an embedded plate to the mix for fast training runs and are okay with spending a little more money, then the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is an excellent option within the uptempo training category. The Speed 4 also has more cushioning than the Mach, making it slightly more protective over distance. The Endorphin Speed's embedded nylon plate also makes it more efficient and snappy than the Mach 6. I like having a dedicated race-day shoe, but if I were looking for one shoe to race and train in, I would choose the Speed 4 out of these options. If you want a versatile and fun training shoe that is also a little cheaper, then I would recommend the Mach 6."

Individual Thoughts

JonOverall Score: 8.5/10

When I am choosing a shoe to lace up on speed day, there are a few critical factors I consider. First, I need a lightweight shoe, and second, I need a comfortable fitting upper. When I am in a training cycle, the number-one priority is staying healthy, so I want an upper that is not going to cause irritation or blisters, any of which could result in a missed day of running. Last but not least, I need a midsole that is lightweight, responsive, and protective. I am happy to report that the Mach 6 checks all of those boxes! Sure, the midsole is not the most responsive or cushioned, but it fits the bill enough to make the Mach 6 a great option for anyone looking for a lightweight and fast uptempo shoe that will allow you to crush all your speedier training runs. Before finishing this review, I have to mention that HOKA's run of making some of the best-looking shoes continues with the Mach 6. The overall aesthetic and color choices make it an easy shoe to gravitate toward.

KalebOverall Score: 9/10

Overall, I cannot tell you how impressed I was with this update. There are definitely things that can still be improved in future iterations of the Mach, but after the Mach 6, I am extremely excited to see where this shoe goes.

Personally, I thought everything was better about the Mach 6 compared to version 5. The upper was more accommodating, the midsole was more responsive and better at covering distance, and the shoe's durability increased dramatically without adding a bunch of weight. You really cannot ask for more in an update. 

Sure, there are faster shoes and more protective ones as well, but every time I put this shoe on, I was excited to get out on the run, always looking forward to a comfortable and fun running experience. This is invaluable, in my opinion, and the key factor to why I think the Mach 6 is a great shoe.

RisaOverall Score: 9.5/10

If you can't tell, I am a big fan of the Mach 6. I had never worn a Mach before, and I was excited to test out the shoe, especially given that I have been increasing the pace of my speed workouts. Then again, I had heard that previous versions were firm underfoot, so I was a little apprehensive because I typically enjoy softer, bouncier midsoles. As I continue to train for a marathon, I will reach for the HOKA Mach 6 for my shorter runs up to 5 miles and on some easy days as well.

I enjoy the soft yet bouncy feel of the Mach 6's supercritical foam midsole, and this is one of the best-fitting running shoes I have tested, which is a big highlight of this shoe. There was not really anything I did not like about the Mach 6. Though moving forward, I hope HOKA makes the Mach a little more protective so that I can log some longer efforts in the shoe. However, this shoe is super lightweight, so it is a tradeoff that some other runners may not mind. No matter your specific preferences, the Mach 6 is a shoe I definitely recommend runners try out!

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