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The Hoka Mach X2 was one of the best running shoes launched in 2024 thanks to its bouncy, versatile ride. It had a flaw though, which was its uncomfortable upper, and Hoka has addressed that flaw with the Hoka Mach X3, putting an all-new upper on the shoe with more padding around the heel.
It improves the fit for sure, but makes the Hoka Mach X3 heavier than its predecessor and also some key rivals in the plated trainer category, like the Nike Zoom Fly 6 and Saucony Endorphin Speed 5. It’s still one of the most impressive all-rounders you can get though, and well worth looking at for your running shoe rotation.
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £170/$190
- Weight: 274g/9.7oz (men’s UK 9 / US 9.5)
- Drop: 5mm
- Upper: Warp knit upper with padding around heel
- Midsole: Peba foam top layer with EVA bottom later and Pebax plate
- Outsole: Rubber covering forefoot and heel
Hoka Mach X3 review
How’s The Fit
Nick and Kieran tested out the Hoka Mach X3 for our review and enjoyed the improved fit of the shoe, which is more comfortable around the heel in particular than the Mach X2. We stuck to our normal running shoe size, and had a good fit around the toes as well.
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The Run Test: Likes
The Hoka Mach X3 retains the springy, rockered ride of the Mach X2, which works well for pretty much any kind of run. It has the speed to use for interval and tempo sessions, and the comfort for easy runs, and retains its bounce over the course of the long, hard efforts you do in marathon training.
It’s also fairly stable for a high-stack super-trainer, and really does tick the versatility box well, with the Mach X3 even having the pace to step in for a carbon plate shoe on race day, especially for longer events like marathons.
The improved fit is noticeable on every run but particularly welcome during your easy daily training, when you don’t to worry about lace bite or the upper cutting into your heel as with the Hoka Mach X2.
The Run Test: Dislikes
The improved upper has more padding and makes the Mach X3 about 20g heavier than the Mach in a UK size 9. Kieran felt that difference in weight on the run and thought the Mach X3 was less snappy than its predecessor.
Nick found that it was as fast as its predecessor during hard training sessions, but the upper does change the feel of the shoe to be less racy, and the added weight makes it heavier than some impressive alternatives in the plated super-trainer category, like the Zoom Fly 6.
Verdict And Alternatives
There wasn’t much to improve about the Hoka Mach X2, but the upper needed work and Hoka has done that work to make the Mach X3 a more comfortable shoe. It’s a better all-rounder now since it’s more enjoyable for your easy runs, though the added weight reduces the Mach X3’s appeal for all-out efforts.
If you can get on with the fit of the Mach X2, it might well be the better option, especially as it’s often available in sales now. The Nike Zoom Fly 6 is another great super-trainer that’s cheaper and lighter than the Mach X3, while the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 offers a lower-stack alternative in the plated trainer category.
There is also the Adidas Adizero Evo SL to consider if you’re looking for a speed shoe in particular. It’s much cheaper and lighter than the Mach X3 and delivers a terrific ride for fast runs, while also being pretty comfortable for easy efforts as well.
If you don’t mind spending more on your shoes, the Asics Megablast is perhaps the best all-rounder on the market overall. The Mach X3 is better value, but the Megablast is lighter and even bouncier.