A Plated Running Shoe For Every Run
Supershoes (running shoes with fancy foam and springy plates) have been exclusively for races--until now. Hoka is once again changing the game with a springy, soft shoe you can wear for race day and your easy runs!
Hoka Running Shoes: What are they?
Before we get too far into the Hoka Mach X, let's do a primer on Hoka, the brand.
From the beginning, Hoka has been all about efficiency and fun. Their birth is in the French Alps, helping runners maintain momentum and play in the mountainous terrain. A decade or so ago, they broke into the mainstream running industry with shoes that people gawked at--SO. MUCH. CUSHION.
While folks still be gawkin', Hoka isn't just in the mainstream: Hoka IS the mainstream. Heritage running brands have jumped on the maximal cushion, rocker bandwagon to the point that a max cushion shoe from 5 years ago would fit into a nearly minimalist category now.
From the beginning, Hoka has been all about efficiency and fun. Their birth is in the French Alps, helping runners maintain momentum and play in the mountainous terrain. A decade or so ago, they broke into the mainstream running industry with shoes that people gawked at--SO. MUCH. CUSHION.
While folks still be gawkin', Hoka isn't just in the mainstream: Hoka IS the mainstream. Heritage running brands have jumped on the maximal cushion, rocker bandwagon to the point that a max cushion shoe from 5 years ago would fit into a nearly minimalist category now.
What Category Of Shoe Is The Mach X?
It can be difficult to categorize running shoes. Hoka uses a dazzling variety of foams, midsole geometries, plates, and uppers. Plus, every brand wants you to buy their shoe and convince you it's the perfect shoe for you. So many of our customers come to us with marketing whiplash.
The Mach X is closely related to the Mach (you probably figured that out already, you smarty-pants). The Mach, in its 5th version at the writing of this post, is one of Hoka's lightweight trainers. The Mach has two densities of foam: 1) a super-squishy layer close to the foot and 2) a firm, abrasion-resistant layer on the bottom. This combo gives the Mach a soft feel without the sloppiness of a more cushioned, bulky shoe. The Mach is a shoe that blends categories--you get softness AND springiness.
It's only natural that Hoka would take the Mach and upgrade it to become and even more versatile shoe. That said, the Mach X goes a step further and enters the racing category.
The Mach X is closely related to the Mach (you probably figured that out already, you smarty-pants). The Mach, in its 5th version at the writing of this post, is one of Hoka's lightweight trainers. The Mach has two densities of foam: 1) a super-squishy layer close to the foot and 2) a firm, abrasion-resistant layer on the bottom. This combo gives the Mach a soft feel without the sloppiness of a more cushioned, bulky shoe. The Mach is a shoe that blends categories--you get softness AND springiness.
It's only natural that Hoka would take the Mach and upgrade it to become and even more versatile shoe. That said, the Mach X goes a step further and enters the racing category.
The Mach X Is For Daily Running & Racing
The Mach X, like the Mach, has two different foams. Unlike the Mach, though, the two foams used in the Mach X are considerably squishy. There's EVA and PEBA foams (the EVA is a little more rigid) that sandwich a Pebax plate between them. The plate is what gives the shoe a lot of structure and "pop" when you push into it during faster paces.
It's sort of like having two shoes in one. When you're cruising along at an easy pace, you glide on the soft foam, gently rolled forward by the plate. But when you dig in and up the tempo, you interact with the stiff Pebax plate and spring forward into the stratosphere! Or just the finish line.
Let's go over it again. The Hoka Mach X can be used for your long runs--it's nice and soft. It can also be used for speedwork--because it's also lightweight and responsive. AND you can wear the Mach X for racing--because it's soft, springy, and lightweight (the total package!).
The Mach X does NOT have a carbon-fiber plate. This is how it suits non-racing runs so well. The Pebax plate is just a little bit more flexible than carbon-fiber but is definitely a plate. You can feel it!
It's sort of like having two shoes in one. When you're cruising along at an easy pace, you glide on the soft foam, gently rolled forward by the plate. But when you dig in and up the tempo, you interact with the stiff Pebax plate and spring forward into the stratosphere! Or just the finish line.
Let's go over it again. The Hoka Mach X can be used for your long runs--it's nice and soft. It can also be used for speedwork--because it's also lightweight and responsive. AND you can wear the Mach X for racing--because it's soft, springy, and lightweight (the total package!).
The Mach X does NOT have a carbon-fiber plate. This is how it suits non-racing runs so well. The Pebax plate is just a little bit more flexible than carbon-fiber but is definitely a plate. You can feel it!
Real-Life Testing Of Hoka's Mach X
Barbara has been testing out the Mach X for a couple months now. She's been a fan of the Mach 5 and other lightweight, versatile running shoes (and, in case you don't know her, she runs everything from 5ks to 50-milers).
Her main advice is to try on the shoe in store. "The Mach X seems to fit a little bigger than the Mach, but it does have better arch support."
Her main advice is to try on the shoe in store. "The Mach X seems to fit a little bigger than the Mach, but it does have better arch support."
Final Notes On the Mach X
How do you know if this is the right shoe for you?
Come try it on! We'll listen to you describe your current training and future goals, analyze your run, and help you decide whether or not the Mach X could be your do-it-all running shoe.
Come try it on! We'll listen to you describe your current training and future goals, analyze your run, and help you decide whether or not the Mach X could be your do-it-all running shoe.