The Mach X is designed to be a more affordable, more durable version of the high end Hoka racers. It shares some of the same technologies as the super shoes so it has a similar ride character.
The original Mach X was an excellent debut but the second version has been updated and gets a new outsole, upper and midsole. This comparison will tell you which version is better for you.
Verdict
The Hoka Mach X 2 is a great speed trainer with a versatile ride. It has a softer ride than most speed trainers but it has a high level of energy thanks to its layer of PEBA foam and its Pebax plate. Version 2 has a more breathable upper, a more cushioned ride and a more aggressive plate than the original version. Its upper doesn’t feel as comfortable or as polished as v1 and it may cause heel rubbing problems for some runners.
The Hoka Mach X is an excellent new speed trainer which has a versatile ride. It shares more in common with the Rocket X 2 than the Mach 5 because it has a soft, energetic ride as a result of the Profly X layer in its midsole. The Mach X fills the important role of the plated speed trainer which has been missing from the Hoka lineup.
Recommended for
Racing, speedwork
Racing, speedwork
Cushioning type
Balanced
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
medium
Stability
some stability
very stable
Sizing
buy half size bigger
buy half size bigger
Retail price
US$189.95
US$180
The Mach X 2 has a dual foam midsole with a soft, bouncy PEBA foam on the top and a firmer, more stable EVA foam on the bottom. This gives you a more sophisticated ride character and it makes the trainer more durable.
The Mach X has the same dual foam midsole but it has less PEBA foam on the top and more EVA on the bottom. It also has a thinner midsole than version 2 so it has a firmer ride with less cushioning depth.
The X 2 is better for longer runs because it has more cushioning, whereas the X is better for shorter runs because it’s firmer and lighter.
Both versions have a Pebax plate in their midsoles to create stiffness and propulsion. The plate in the X 2 is steeper and more aggressive than the 1 in the X so it provides more propulsion. The plate is more prominent in the X 2 and it makes it feel faster. The plate in version 2 is also winged which creates more inherent stability.
The X 2 is more stable than the X. This is because it has EVA sidewalls at the rear foot on both sides for less lean bias.
The outsole of version 1 is more durable than the outsole of version 2. It has thicker rubber lugs to protect the midsole foam so it shows noticeably less wear than version 2.
The upper of version 2 is very thin, light and breathable. It feels more like stripped down racing upper than version 1. It has a flat tongue which feels rough on its underside which may irritate some runners. It has no padding on its collar and heel tab so rubbers with sensitive Achilles may notice some irritation or rubbing from the sharp heel tab. It has a narrow toe box so you should go up a half size or get the wide version.
The upper of version 1 is thicker, more padded and more comfortable than version 2. It feels more like a training upper than a racing one. It has a thicker, padded tongue which is comfortable on the top of your feet. There is padding around its collar and heel tab so there is no irritation. It runs a half size small due to the narrow toe box so you should also get the wide version or go up a half size.
