Hoka Mach 6 Multi Tester Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Ben David, Peter Stuart, and Sally Reiley

Hoka Mach 6 ($140)

Introduction

Ben: I can be trustworthy: After I noticed early photos of the Mach 6 from The Working Occasion this previous December, I used to be involved that Hoka was taking an incredible product and making an attempt to drastically alter it. Visually, the shoe has little in frequent with current iterations. It even will get a rubber outsole! Its up to date geometry reads ‘streamlined and speedy’ when one appears to be like at it.

As an ardent fan of the Mach 4 and the Mach 5, my go-to each day trainers for a very long time, I used to be nervous to say the least. A lot of my angst disappeared upon step-in and was additional assuaged throughout my first run within the Mach 6. The shoe is secure, extremely comfy, well-cushioned and easygoing. That’s, it doesn’t run because it appears to be like; it is a each day coach that has been tweaked in order that the trip is much more gratifying and guarded.

Sally: I used to be lucky to attend The Working Occasion in Austin and noticed the upcoming Mach 6 in individual. True, the easter egg pastel colours caught my consideration, however the light-weight, basic and far much less “Hoka-esque” (ie, slimmer profile than the everyday Hoka) coach left me desirous to lace it up. I’ve someway not run in lots of Hoka fashions after discovering the few I attempted (Bondi was my first) appeared like an excessive amount of shoe for my petite body and little legs. SO many pals swear by Hoka – now is perhaps the time to get again within the sport and provides Hokas a good take a look at. And the Mach 6 appears to be like like an incredible place to begin.

Professionals:

Excellent degree of cushion for a each day coach: Ben/Peter/Sally

Sturdy higher: Ben

Not afraid to select up the tempo: Ben/Peter

Snug and really breathable higher: Peter/Sally

Easy uncomplicated higher: Sally

Stable worth at $140 for a supercritical foam coach

Cons:

Considerably slim, with a barely cramped toe field Ben

Slender midfoot, will problem increased quantity ft: Sally

Very barely heavier than the Mach 5 however increased stacked: Peter

Not fairly as low to the bottom and nimble as Mach 5 has a decrease stack: Peter/Sally

Please discover the testers full run bios on the finish of the article after Comparisons.

Stats

Spec Weight: males’s 8.2 oz / 232g (US10) / girls’s 6.7 oz / 190g (US8)

Samples: males’s 8.88 oz /251.8 g US11

girls’s 6.9 oz / 196 g (US W8)

Stack Peak: males’s 37 heel mm / 32mm forefoot (5mm drop spec)

girls’s 35 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot

$140 Obtainable now

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Ben: As famous within the introduction, whereas the outsole and midsole mix to make a extremely accommodating trip, I really discovered the match to be comfortable. The shoe appears narrower than earlier variations and a contact shorter for my dimension 9 nevertheless it’s potential this was from the thicker socks I used to be sporting. It additionally appears the higher is much less breathable than earlier variations. This wasn’t an issue whereas testing right here within the Philly space in February however could possibly be a difficulty in the summertime for many people. The heel tab appears barely increased than in earlier variations of the shoe, presumably to ease stress on and help the Achilles. I discovered that to be a welcomed change.

Peter: An excellent trying replace to the venerable Mach collection. Proper out of the field, it’s clear that the Mach 6 introduces some main modifications. The Mach 6 sits a full 8mm increased than the Mach 5 throughout the board. I discovered the match to be true-to-size and wonderful. I can really feel the additional cushion underfoot–particularly within the forefoot–which felt a bit skinny over lengthy miles within the Mach 5.

The tongue is gusseted and well-ventilated. Laces are wonderful and foot maintain is sweet.

Sally: My pair of Mach 6 arrived in a fundamental black higher with a white midsole – no easter egg pastel colorway as seen at TRE. The shoe feels comfy proper out of the field with a pleasant delicate well-cushioned step-in.

It seems slimmer than different Hokas, and runs pretty slim within the midsole, effective for my slim foot however probably a motive to go broad for a bigger quantity foot.

It matches mainly true to dimension in my girls’s 8, and even perhaps a bit lengthy (although I favor lengthy to too brief). Heel maintain is sweet, and the calmly padded gusseted tongue sits comfortably on the highest of the foot with out slipping.

I had no points with the lacing and the laces, all did as requested.

Midsole & Platform

Ben: As an alternative of the multi-foam strategy of earlier editions of the Mach, with a compression molded EVA as its primary midsole and a decrease foam as its outsole, the Mach 6 makes use of a brand new supercritical EVA foam, which I discovered to be much more responsive than the froth within the Mach 4 and 5 and features a rubber outsole.

It’s a vigorous shoe so far as each day trainers go, at the same time as vigorous as a number of the nylon-plated tremendous trainers to hit the market in current months. The width of the platform additionally appears expanded, making for a extremely secure trip. My ankles weren’t in peril of rolling or twisting and I felt assured going round bends. All of that stated, it’s probably the soundness and width of the shoe that prevents it from being a very quick shoe (not that velocity is the first motive to purchase a Mach shoe).

Peter: The brand new supercritical EVA foam is a wonderful improve from the foams within the Machs 4 and 5. It’s fairly spectacular that the Mach went up 8mm –to 37 within the heel and 32 within the forefoot–and solely gained a few tenths of an oz.. The froth is responsive and protecting of the foot and rolls properly by means of the gait cycle. I did some miles with a Mach 5 on one foot and a Mach 6 on the opposite, and whereas the 5 feels slightly decrease to the bottom, the 6 has extra spring and holds up higher over longer miles. The platform feels very secure to me–properly balanced and pure.

Sally: The brand new tremendous vital foam EVA midsole will get all of the credit score for the vigorous trip of this coach. The stack top of my girls’s dimension 8 is 35mm on the heel, 30mm on the forefoot, leading to a drop of 5mm (I are inclined to favor 8 mm or so to guard my achilles, however this felt okay). The shoe flexes properly on the forefoot, however in any other case is sort of stiff, nearly as stiff as a few of our plated sneakers.

The platform is wider than the foot mattress however not overly so, offering good stability, however nonetheless in a lightweight package deal. The texture is considerably delicate underfoot however not marshmallowy in any respect, and the brand new foam contributes to a responsiveness that I discover noticeable however comparatively tame, and never bouncy in any respect.

I’ve a hunch I would discover extra vitality return right here if I have been absolutely wholesome (at the moment rehabbing a hamstring) and capable of actually push the tempo and see what this shoe can do (I doubt Hoka named this shoe Mach if it weren’t meant for some velocity).

Outsole

Ben: We now have a brand new rubber overlay (no rubber in prior Mach, only a rubberized foam decrease layer) that mimics the sample of the outsole of the not too long ago launched Cielo X 1, minus the massive cutout. It’s a large, ample base. I didn’t have any points with the outsole of the final two fashions and had no points with this outsole both. I think about the rubber will add higher traction in rain and snow. This can be a bonus in a shoe presumably contending to be a do-it-all coach.

Peter: The outsole stands out as the most substantial change right here. The Mach 4 and Mach 5 tended to wear down fairly rapidly. I beloved every of them, however they actually began to flag after a few hundred miles. A part of this was the dearth of rubber on the outsole. The earlier “outsole” a rubberized foam, confirmed put on rapidly and had some traction points. The Mach 6 will very probably last more and have higher traction throughout. All of this with no vital weight achieve. The rubber outsole is a wonderful improve.

Sally: I shouldn’t have the Mach 5 for comparability, however the up to date outsole works properly. The rubber supplies nice traction even on moist surfaces and is comparatively quiet underfoot. The bottom is broad and secure with none exaggerated width. The quantity of rubber hints of the promise of fine sturdiness, an incredible trait for a shoe which may see a number of use as a each day coach, fitness center shoe, and on a regular basis informal shoe.

Experience, Conclusions and Suggestions

Ben: The Mach 6 continues within the custom of the iterations earlier than it by delivering a extremely wearable, do-it-all shoe. This newest model is more than pleased to select up the tempo. It’s a enjoyable, peppy shoe with a brand new foam and sleeker trip than the 5. Will individuals like this growth or yearn for the extra each day coach centered providing of earlier than? I discovered it to be a strong enchancment and am guessing it will vie with the Clifton to turn into Hoka’s hottest highway shoe.

Ben’s Rating 9.0/10

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Peter: The Experience of the Mach 6 improves from earlier variations in precisely the methods I’d have hoped. There’s extra cushion on the forefoot with out sacrificing a handy guide a rough and responsive trip. There’s rubber on the outsole which improves the traction. I discovered myself dashing up on my longer runs within the Mach and having a number of enjoyable as I began placing tempo on them. The trip jogs my memory of the NB Insurgent v4, and a barely extra cushioned and extra responsive model of the Mach 5. I just like the modifications to the higher and have felt secure on corners and in moist situations.

Rating 9.5 / 10 A superb each day coach. Completely within the entrance of the road for my favourite each day trainers of the 12 months.

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Sally: Hoka describes the Mach 6 as “a springy light-weight shoe constructed to go quick and much.” I’ve discovered it to be an incredible versatile each day coach that’s light-weight and peppy and cozy. I admit that I consider sneakers now with a warped filter – I’ve had the privilege and the pleasure of working in lots of the plated tremendous sneakers which can be uber responsive and return unreal quantities of vitality. The Mach 6 is strong and decently springy, however lacks the pop and responsiveness of the tremendous sneakers, as to be anticipated. Apples and oranges! As I proceed to rehab a hamstring harm, I hope to quickly choose up my tempo and higher expertise the snappy trip that Peter describes. This can be a basic trying slimmer-than-most-Hokas coach that can discover its spot on this runner’s rotation as a flexible each day coach, a fitness center shoe, and even as a do-it-all put on all of it day shoe. It’s time to lastly be a part of the plenty and FLY HUMAN FLY.

Sally’s rating: 9.2 / 10

Experience 9.1 (50%) Match 9.3 (30%) Worth 10 (15%) Fashion 9.7 (5%)

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6 Comparisons

Index to all RTR evaluations: HERE

Hoka Mach 5 (RTR Overview)

Ben: The Mach 6 is a contact snappier and a contact extra secure. Each are nice each day trainers and extremely dependable. It’s a toss-up, particularly as Mach 5’s will probably be on sale now.

Peter: Mach 6 is extra cushioned beneath the forefoot and actually enjoyable to run in. Add that to the probably higher sturdiness and it is a terrific replace. It retains the DNA of the unique and improves upon it.

Hoka Mach X (RTR Overview)

Ben: I really discovered the Mach X to be pretty uninteresting. It by no means gave me the pop that it was purported to supply. For value, weight and vitality return, I’d select the Mach 6.

Peter: What he stated. I didn’t love the Mach X. The Mach 6 is a extra enjoyable trip for me.

New Stability FuelCell Insurgent v4 (RTR Overview)

Sally: W8 in each, TTS. The brand new Insurgent is already one in all my prime each day coach picks of 2024: it’s mild, fast, bouncy, safe, and downright enjoyable to run in. The Hoka Mach 6 is comparable and checks a number of the identical packing containers, however someway doesn’t have as a lot enjoyable issue, missing the ridiculously vigorous bounce of the Insurgent 4. As somebody who likes to run on the wild aspect, I’d usually select the Insurgent.

New Stability FuelCell SuperComp Coach 2 (RTR Overview)

Ben: I discovered the NB trip to be pretty sloppy and had bother with lockdown. I’d not say the identical in regards to the Mach 6. For me Mach 6 wins this one simply. It will probably run at quicker paces and is able to cruise on simple runs.

Peter: I like the SC Coach. It’s received a really totally different really feel. It’s a a lot softer forefoot, however retains some spring. The Mach 6 is a bit firmer. Each really feel actually good, however I recognize the lighter trip of the Mach 6.

Sally: W8 in each. I actually love the NB SC Coach, however I agree that it has lockdown points. Just like the Insurgent, the SC Coach is livelier and bouncier, which tends to sway me towards that alternative. The Mach 6 is firmer and light-weight underfoot, has a greater becoming higher, and is a greater worth. It comes all the way down to what your priorities are.

On Cloud Eclipse (RTR Overview)

Ben: I discovered the On Cloud Eclipse to be merely a dream to run: delicate, energetic, comfy, enjoyable. Whereas heavier and costlier, I believe it’s the higher shoe in any respect paces. That stated, for many who have an aversion to On sneakers (and I do know these individuals are on the market), they are going to discover the Hoka to be the clear winner right here. For me, nevertheless, it’s the On.

Peter: Each wonderful sneakers. The Cloud Eclipse may be very barely much less secure, however each are nice to run in. Mach 6 is lighter.

Sally: The On Cloud Eclipse feels wonderful underfoot, however I’ve struggled with the overly roomy match of the higher. The Mach 6 match is comfortable and safe with wonderful lockdown. My dream could be the Mach 6 higher and the On Cloud Eclipse midsole. In the meantime, I can solely do miles within the higher becoming Mach 6.

Asics SuperBlast (RTR Overview)

Ben: That is one other toss-up for me. The SuperBlast felt clunky at instances and overly comfortable to me; we by no means absolutely received alongside. The truth that each of those sneakers know the right way to go quick with out having any form of plate is what places them at odds with one another. If it comes down to cost (and availability), the Mach 6 is the clear winner.

The Hoka Mach 6 is obtainable now together with at our companions beneath

Tester Profiles

Ben is the Senior Rabbi of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel of Elkins Park, PA. A most cancers survivor, he has run 21 marathons. He holds PRs of three:15 for the marathon and 1:30 for the half. At 46, he nonetheless enjoys pushing himself and mixing his working with supporting a wide range of causes. Observe him on Instagram: @RabbiBPD or Twitter: @BDinPA

Peter lives in Austin, Texas and has been a sub 3 hour marathoner in addition to a 1:21 half marathoner lately

Sally is a lifelong runner and mom of 5 who agreed towards her higher judgment to run her first marathon at age 54; she has since run the previous ten Boston Marathons, two NYC Marathons, one Chicago, and one London with the WMM Six Star Medal now in her sights. With a Boston PR of three:25:55 in 2022 (ninth place in AG) and two consecutive 2nd place in Age Group W60 awards in NYC, she competed within the Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Championships on the 2022 London Marathon and ran an all-time PR of three:24:02, inserting sixth on the planet in her girls’s 60-64 age group. She additionally competes in USATF races with the Higher Lowell Highway Runners staff. So as to add which means to her Boston Marathon races she runs with Crew Eye and Ear and has raised over $285,000 for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital. Sally is 5’2’’ and 105 kilos and lives in Marblehead, MA, coaching outside 12 months spherical. She blames her love of snowboarding out West for any and all Boston Marathon coaching challenges.

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