
HOKA - Mach X
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Based on 1 year's data from Mar 23, 2026 How it works
I’m a challenger girlie (Clifton sister shoe) and I hated the Mach x. Maybe the plain Mach will be better. The rocker was way too aggressive.
Well currently I’m not a marathoner 😂. Hopefully come November I will be. I’ve trained in 1080’s, 860’s and Hoka Mach X’s so I’ve been all over the place.
I love the SC Elite 4 for my long and marathon paces, but they’re not my favorite for faster. I do my tempo runs in either the Hoka Mach X or Saucony Endorphin Speed.
* Easy/Recovery: Hoka Skyflow (52 mi) - Honestly, not my favorite shoe, but I bought them so I'll keep using them. It's probably back to my trusty Rincons after these are done. * Speed: Hoka Mach X (224 mi) - Still one of my favorites, especially for tempo runs. * Speed: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 (225 mi) - The original speed was one of the first shoes I fell in love with, and this shoe has different mechanics from the Mach X. * Long/Race: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 (190 mi/19mi) - I have two pairs. One that I've done all of my long marathon training runs in, and the new pair that I'm using for Philly this weekend and then Love Run in March. I wanted something wider and cushioned enough for longer runs, and while these aren't the fastest supershoes I've ever used, they're certainly reliable enough for 26.2. Ideally I'll replace them with the Cielo X1 3 when they're released. * Race: Hoka Rocket X 2 (146 mi) - I think these have one more race in them and then they'll be relegated to training. I adore this shoe and have to decide if I grab another pair or go with the 3 when I replace them. Also in my closet but not currently in use: * Brooks Ghost 15 (136 mi) - These feel like having a 2x4 strapped to your foot. They really ruined the shoe with this model and it's made me hesitant to try Brooks again. * Hoka Clifton 9 (153 mi) - I like the Clifton, they're just not ones I reach for on a regular basis. * Hoka Mach 5 (153 mi) - I bought these because of the hype around them, which I ended up not agreeing with. They're "fine" enough. * Hoka Skyward X (113 mi) - I've tried on and off to use these, but they make my peroneal tendonitis flare up. * New Balance More v4 (155 mi) - Another shoe that was overhyped for me. They never felt as "plush" as others talked about. * Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 (65 mi) - I bought these to use for my half marathon last year because of how much I loved the previous version. I strongly dislike this as a half/full marathon shoe because of the firmness, and it's not comfortable over 9 miles, to the point where I ended up using my almost-dead 3s for the race. They don't have a place in my rotation because the Rocket is a more aggressive shoe over the 5K/10K distance. I may end up using them for speed work when my current speed shoes are done.
They dont offer much at slower paces that is true. Carbon shoes make you feel like running faster is easier, that's the best way i can describe it. The ones i have at the minute are Hoka Cielo X1. They are considered a bit on the heavy side for a super shoe but i dont have much to compare it with. my last pair were Hoka Carbon X3, but you cant get them anymore. The Cielo have a good rocker on them, they are very bouncy, unlikely the carbon x3 which were more stiff. I you have a preferred brand that works for you, they will probably have a carbon shoe already. I always point people in the direction of [runrepeat.com](http://runrepeat.com) They do a massive scientifically detailed breakdown of loads of running shoes. So have a look at your options, pick a couple of pairs you like the look of and then type them into that website and read what they have to say about them. it will help you make an informed choice that is right for you. EDIT - I also have had a couple of pairs of Mach X, these have a Pebax plate. they are great for a variety of runs, but speed results are not the same, defo go carbon IMO.
Slow af girl with cerebral palsy who has been wearing plated shoes since Hoka carbon X shoes were the thing. Half PR is 2:09 and full PR is 5:09. The shoes I like are: Saucony speeds New balance fuel cell trainers (my go to) ASIC sonic blasts Hoka Mach X (slip a bit in the heel but I’d wear them in they were the only shoe around)
I personally wouldn’t pick the Endorphin Speed or the Mach X, only because I don’t think a plated trainer makes sense if you’re primarily on the treadmill. What’s worked best for me on a treadmill has been a good amount of cushion and rocker. The Nimbus or Novablast would both be fine options, but the Glideride Max is also worth checking out. I did a ton of treadmill miles on Kayano 30s when I first started out. I had some overpronation issues, and using those shoes while focusing on my form and strengthening the stabilizing muscles helped me improve my stride and move away from the need for stability shoes. If you have stability issues, the Kayano 32 wouldn’t be a bad place to start.
I use carbon super trainers for long runs. For instance, last marathon build, I used Hoka Mach X for long runs and then raced in Adios Pro 3. This build I’m using the Boston 13 for long runs and will likely race in the Adios Pro 4. I like the feel of carbon, but prefer the support of trainers if I’m not racing. Of course, I’ll use my racing shoes on a couple long run workouts to confirm they will work for a marathon.
I am the same height and weight as you and have about the same race times. The Superblast is very durable but does not feel like a fast shoe. It's OK but I wouldn't choose it for anything other than slow/mid pace runs. The Evo SL fun to run. I do find they causes calf soreness after a consecutive runs. That might just be me. Not as durable as most Adidas, although that is a high bar. Hoka Mach X/X2. Great to run in. Terrible durability. I ran less than 150 miles in them and the outsole started falling off. Prime X Stung 3: fast, fun and durable. They got poor reviews but I love them. Maybe they only works for heavier runners. Boston 13: fast, very durable. These felt a bit boring when I first put them on but I love them now. Also relatively cheap and look pretty good it you have to wear them on a flight or something.
I’d say adidas and asics. - Novablast & Supernova Prima (don’t care for the rise as much) - Magic Speed & Boston - Evo SL - Superblast - Metaspeed Sky/edge Paris & Adios Pro 4 I think Evo SL and Superblast is what really sets these apart. HOKA has a really strong lineup. Mach 6, Mach X4 and Cielo X1 2.0 make a solid rotation. I think New Balance, Puma, Saucony and Brooks all have very good shoes to choose from.
The Clifton and Bondi are the same shoe and they are both trash. The only Hoka I have ever tried and liked is the Mach series. The only reason the Brooks Ghost sells so many pairs is because that is the first thing the employee at the store makes people try on. So people are too worried to try other shoes and end up leaving with the Ghosts.