When most people think of Hoka running shoes, they picture big chunky midsoles and lots of plush cushioning. And while this is true for many Hoka running shoes, the brand has also ventured into other specialties. Today, Hoka has several shoe options geared towards speed workouts, uptempo training runs, and even intense race days.
Enter the Hoka Mach, a lightweight, uptempo trainer that counters the plush, marshmallowy-soft reputation Hoka is known for. Since the first iteration, the Mach has grown to be a top choice for both speedy runs and everyday miles.
Now on the 7th iteration, Hoka opted not to change too much about the Mach’s winning formula. In fact, the Mach 7 is nearly identical to the previous iteration of this training shoe. So is it worth the upgrade, and did Hoka make any changes in the newest Mach iteration?
Throughout this review, we’ll take a closer look at the new Mach 7 to answer these questions and help you decide whether the Mach is the right shoe for you.
Our Review Process
Our review team at Marathon Sports aims to learn everything there is to know about each new running shoe model and update that comes through our doors. By knowing each shoe inside and out, we can provide the best possible recommendations to help you find the perfect fit for your walking or running needs.
So as with every shoe, we put the Mach 7 to the test. From speeding around tracks to long slow miles on the road, we put in the miles in this newest Mach to truly understand who might benefit from this shoe and who may want to look elsewhere.
Throughout this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Mach 7 features, summarize our in-depth road testing results, and offer up some alternative uptempo training shoe options for those unsure about the best shoe for them.
Hoka Mach 7: Fast Facts
Before this deep dive into all the details, we need to cover some brief facts and highlights about the Mach 7. If you’re looking for a quick overview on the shoe, here’s what you need to know:
- Designed as a low-profile and lightweight daily training shoe for uptempo runs or daily mileage
- Stack height: 37/32 mm (M), 35/30 mm (W)
- 5 mm drop
- Weight: 8.37 oz (M), 7.15 oz (W)
- Made with supercritical EVA midsole foam for a springy, responsive ride
- Refined creel jacquard upper wraps the foot, creating a snug and secure fit
- Speed-centric gusseted tongue design helps reduce weight and bulk
- Durabrasion rubber heel works with sticky forefoot rubber to improve grip and durability
- Mild rocker aids in propulsion and smooth transitions
- Price: $144.95
The Nitty Gritty Details: A Closer Look at the Mach 7
Hoka didn’t reinvent the wheel with the Mach 7. Instead, they kept many of the beloved features runners loved about previous versions, all while making a few minor tweaks to help make the shoe the best it can be.
Here’s a closer look at some of the main features you can expect to find with the newest Hoka Mach.
Speedy and Versatile Midsole Foam
The heart and soul of the Hoka Mach 7 is in the bouncy and responsive midsole design. The supercritical EVA foam offers exceptional energy return and pop underfoot, giving the Mach its signature lightweight and speedy feel.
This supercritically-formed foam is stiffer underfoot than some of Hoka’s more plush daily trainers, so you don’t sink into the shoe as you pick up the pace. But with a high stack of this cushioning – 37/32 mm for men’s shoes and 35/30 mm for women’s – the Mach 7 is versatile enough to provide comfort and shock absorption during daily miles or long runs.
Low-Profile Construction
Another of the Mach 7’s key features is the sleek, low-profile design. The low-profile footbed keeps you feeling light and fast on your feet, without bulky cushioning or extra weight getting in your way.
Those who prefer feeling the ground under their feet on runs or walks will appreciate this agile design. The low 5 mm heel-to-toe drop enhances this grounded feeling even more. This small drop, paired with the more minimal footbed, ensures your feet stay in a natural position for extra groundedness and comfort throughout any type of run.
Refined Upper Design
As we mentioned, Hoka didn’t make too many drastic changes between the Mach 6 and Mach 7. However, they did incorporate some new refined elements to improve your running experience. One of the biggest updates is in the creel jacquard mesh upper.
The Mach 7 uses the same airy mesh as its predecessor, offering a lightweight feel, secure fit around the foot, and optimal breathability. But this upper on the newest model has been carefully refined, adding more zonal breathability to keep your feet cool and comfortable in any temperature.
Around the heel collar, the Mach 7 has a touch of cushioning for an extra secure lockdown and added comfort during those longer run days. The rest of the upper maintains a more minimal, performance-oriented feel to keep you moving quickly without any extra padding or material weighing you down.
The internal gusset and new speed-centric tongue are also designed to keep you moving forward in confidence. This gusseted, flexible tongue keeps you securely locked-down, so you can focus on the workout ahead of you distraction-free.
Overall Fit
Generally, the Hoka Mach 7 fits true to size. The upper creates a snug and secure fit around the heel and midfoot, with a bit of extra width in the toe box compared to the previous version.
However, the toe box still has a standard tapered shape, and the creel jacquard mesh upper isn’t particularly accommodating or flexible. If you prefer a roomier fit, consider sizing up or trying the Mach in a wide width.
Durability and Value
Another minor but meaningful improvement can be found in the Mach 7’s outsole.
The Mach 7 incorporates a new outsole combo – sticky rubber in the forefoot with resilient durabrasion rubber in the heel. This combination maximizes grip and traction with every step, all while adding extra longevity and durability.
The shoe did go up $5 in price from the previous iteration, now ringing in at $145. But with the new, stronger rubber outsole design and incredible versatility, our team found that the updates and adaptability offered plenty of value for the cost. If you’re only adding one shoe to your rotation, the Mach 7 remains an affordable option that can handle whatever type of workout you throw at it.
Road Test Results
Hoka shoe updates are always eagerly awaited, particularly when it comes to popular shoes like the Mach. Along with the loyal Hoka fans, our review team was excited to dive into the newest Mach and see how the updates to this fan-favorite uptempo trainer held up.
At first glance, the shoe looked remarkably similar to the Mach 6. This was good news for our team, who appreciated the lightweight design and versatility the previous Mach had to offer.
Sliding them on, the shoe also felt incredibly similar to its predecessor. The upper isn’t particularly luxurious or cushioned, so the Mach 7 doesn’t have quite the same immediate step-in comfort found in many other Hoka shoes. But as an uptempo shoe, our review team didn’t mind the lightweight, minimal upper construction.
We said earlier that the supercritical foam is the heart and soul of the Mach 7, and as we ventured out on a variety of runs, it was clear why this cushioning is the Mach’s standout feature. The midsole unit blends a high stack height with responsive and energetic foam. This combination helps effectively absorb shock while propelling you forward and driving smooth, comfortable landings.
This energetic foam really came into play during speed workouts and shorter, uptempo runs, providing the energy and forward momentum we needed as we picked up the pace. And despite being slightly heavier than the Mach 6, the shoe is still incredibly lightweight and performance-oriented to keep us feeling fast and agile.
The Mach 7 shined on speed days, but one of the best aspects of the shoe is its versatility and ability to handle nearly any type of run. Runners who prefer a stiffer, more responsive ride will likely find that the Mach 7 is a great choice for speedier days, recovery runs, daily mileage, and more. The grounded, low-profile design even helped us tackle the treadmill runs and light trails in confidence and comfort.
Pros and Cons
As we put the Mach 7 through extensive run testing, our review team found lots to love about this light and speedy daily trainer. But as much as there was to enjoy with the Mach 7, no shoe is without some downsides. Here are some pros and cons we uncovered through our testing.
Pros
- High stack of supercritical EVA foam is incredibly versatile. Enjoy shock absorption on long runs with plenty of responsiveness and energy for uptempo days
- New outsole combo improves durability for longer lasting use
- Refined upper is incredibly lightweight and breathable, with a secure lockdown to reduce unwanted movement or rubbing during runs
- Affordable price for such a versatile daily trainer – if you’re looking for a single, do-it-all running shoe, the Mach is up for the task
Cons
- Upper fits snug and narrow. Runners who need a more accommodating fit may need to size up
- Responsive midsole may feel too firm for runners who prefer soft, luxurious landings during daily miles
How Does the Mach 7 Compare to the Competition?
Overall, the Hoka Mach is a great choice for runners looking for a dedicated uptempo shoe or a lightweight trainer that can handle all types of paces.
But the Mach 7 isn’t perfect for everyone, and some runners may find the foam a bit stiff for their liking. Fortunately, there are plenty of great alternatives to consider when you’re deciding on your next new running shoe.
If you want a lightweight design but prefer a soft, plush ride, you should check out the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5. Like the Mach, the Rebel is a light and versatile trainer that boasts lots of energy return. Most runners will find the New Balance FuelCell foam a bit softer underfoot compared to the Mach. However, this soft foam also compresses more quickly, so those looking for durability throughout everyday miles may prefer the Mach.
The Asics Novablast 5 is another fantastic option in this uptempo trainer category. At 9 oz for men’s shoes and 7.9 oz for women’s, the Novablast is slightly heavier than the Rebel and Mach. But with lots of soft cushioning and a wider, more accommodating fit in the toe box, it’s a great alternative for any runners searching for a bouncy and plush daily trainer.
Try the Hoka Mach 7 at Marathon Sports
Our team dives into testing and researching every new running shoe to help you make the most informed decision possible. And while we hope this review gives you an idea of whether the Mach 7 is right for you, the best way to decide is to stop into Marathon Sports and try out this Hoka running shoe for yourself.
We were impressed with the Mach 7’s consistency and versatility. But every runner is different, with different support needs and preferences when it comes to shoes. At Marathon Sports, we’ll use our in-depth Right Fit process to narrow down your options and ensure you end up in the perfect pair of running or walking shoes.
Hoka’s goal is to inspire people to feel like they can fly, and the light and propulsive Mach 7 is a fantastic step in the right direction. But whether you end up in the Mach or another top running shoe, we’re excited to keep you moving forward and help you fly towards all your running goals.
