The Mach is one of the most popular un-plated speed trainers. It’s affordable, widely available and very versatile. The Mach series has gone through some drastic changes over the years. The latest version has a brand new upper, midsole and outsole.
This comparison will be able to tell you which version is better for you between the 6 and the 5.
Verdict
The HOKA Mach 6 is an everyday shoe that has enough stack height in the midsole to give you that comfortable ride for those long runs and light enough to make you pick up the speed. If you’re interested in a well-balanced midsole that is responsive underfoot this can be the shoe for you.
The Hoka Mach 5 is a lightweight, smooth-riding trainer which can fill a number of roles in your running rotation. Version 5 has a softer, supercritical layer of midsole foam, an improved fit and a lighter weight which makes it a great update.
Recommended for
Racing, speedwork, daily training
Speedwork, daily training
Cushioning type
Responsive/balanced
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
medium
medium
Stability
very stable
very stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$139.95
US$139.95
Both versions of this Hoka trainer have EVA midsole but they differ vastly in terms of construction and composition. The Mach 6 has a supercritical EVA midsole with a single-density construction. The Mach 5 has a dual-density construction with soft EVA on the top and firm EVA on the bottom.
The Mach 6 has a much softer ride because its supercritical EVA is infused with nitrogen so it compresses much easier. It also has more energy return and a livelier ride. The Mach 5 on the other hand has a firmer ride with less compression and more ground feel.
The Mach 6 is better for slower, easier runs than the 5. The 5 is better for going faster as it has a firmer ride which makes it easier to pick up your pace. The 6 is also better for longer runs because it has more long-distance comfort than the 5.
In terms of stability, the Mach 5 is the winner. It has less lean bias because its midsole is firmer. The firm layer of EVA on the bottom of its midsole creates a stable platform for your feet to sit on.
When it comes to outsole durability, the Mach 6 wins because it has rubber on its outsole whereas the 5 only has hardened EVA as its outsole. The rubber is much harder and it is more resistant to abrasions. The 6 also has better traction because of the rubber on its outsole which can grip the ground better.
Both versions have thin, breathable, racing-inspired uppers. The biggest difference is the sizing. The Mach 6 has a very narrow tow box and is shorter in length than the 5. Most runners will need to get the wide version or will need to go up a half size in the Mach 6.
The 5 fits true to size with a more accommodating, more spacious fit than the 6. Both are narrow though so they might not be suitable for wide feet but they both come in wide versions.
If you want a speed trainer which is soft and squishy, the Mach 6 is the better shoe for you. It’s better suited to slower-paced runs than the Mach 5 and it’s also better for long runs. If you want a more durable shoe, the Mach 6 is also the better option because it has conventional rubber on its outsole.
If you want a speed trainer which is firmer and more stable, the Mach 5 is the better option. It’s easier to pick up the pace in the Mach 5. If you prefer more ground feel, the Mach 5 is also better for you.
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