In the running shoe world, the super trainer shoe options are growing by the day. Super trainers often use responsive cushioning and a plated design to deliver an uptempo ride and plenty of energy return, making them ideal for both fast and easy paces.
Plated trainers are a versatile training shoe option that can handle anything from daily mileage to uptempo runs or workouts. And one of the most renowned shoes in this category – the Hoka Mach X – just received its newest update. With more and more of these advanced trainers coming to the forefront, does the newest Mach X 3 hold on to its spot as one of the top options on the market?
With any new update, particularly from a brand as beloved and popular as Hoka, runners and walkers are bound to have questions about what’s new and how it stacks up. Fortunately, the Marathon Sports review team is here to answer all these questions.
Our reviewers put the Mach X 3 to the test through long run days, everyday mileage, speed workouts on the track, and more. In this review, we’ll cover some of the key features that make this super trainer so super, as well as dive deeper into our road test and comparisons with similar shoe models. So if you’re curious about the Mach X 3 and are wondering if it’s the perfect shoe to add to your rotation, this review is for you.
Our Review Process
To complete this review, our dedicated Marathon Sports team took an in-depth look at everything the newest addition to the Mach X lineup has to offer. We took a close look at all the features, examined how they differ from the previous version, and identified some of the pros and cons uncovered during our testing.
Our testing also enables us to give an accurate and detailed summary of how these shoes perform on all sorts of runs. The Mach X 3 went with us through tough long runs on the road, speed workouts on the track, daily miles through dirt roads, and more to give us a complete picture of where the shoe shines and where it could use some improvement.
Hoka Mach X 3: Details and Highlights
Before we take a closer look at how the Mach X 3 performs, here’s a quick overview of some of the key features and design elements it has to offer.
- Advertised as an up-tempo plated daily trainer
- Stack height: 44/39 mm (M), 42/38 mm (W)
- 5mm heel-to-toe drop in men’s shoes, 4mm drop in women’s
- Weight: 10.2 oz (M), 8.6 oz (W)
- Midsole is made of a dual-layer of PEBA and EVA foam
- High-rebound Pebax plate embedded in the midsole
- Prounounced rocker design adds propulsion during up-tempo efforts
- Upper is made from a breathable woven material with a redesigned padded heel collar to prevent hot spots
- Compression-molded rubber outsole for extra durability and traction
- Price: $189.95
Hoka Mach X 3: A Closer Look
Now that you have a general overview of what to expect with the newest Hoka Mach X, it’s time to take a closer look at how these features all feel and perform once the shoes are on your feet.
High-Stack Dual-Layer Midsole
One of the key factors of the Mach X 3 that gives the shoe the signature Hoka comfort and softness is the unique dual-layer midsole. The third iteration of the Mach X boasts even more cushioning than before, with a 44/39 mm stack height in men’s shoes and 42/38 mm stack height in women’s shoes.
The sheer amount of cushioning isn’t the only feature working to deliver a soft and energetic ride. Hoka also uses a layered midsole to create an efficient uptempo shoe without sacrificing comfort. The PEBA foam on top is soft and resilient, while the EVA foam on the bottom layer offers stiffer, more responsive landings. Working together, these two layers provide a balanced and propulsive ride perfect for uptempo efforts and speed workouts.
And despite the high stack height, our reviewers found that the low-profile design of the midsole kept the shoe feeling stable and grounded during long runs. If you want the benefits of lots of cushion without sacrificing a nimble, stable feel, you might find the Mach X 3 is the perfect balance.
Pebax Plate
Embedded between the layered midsole, you’ll find a snappy Pebax plate. This plate works alongside the two midsole foams to drive the uptempo, propulsive feel the Mach X is best known for.
The Pebax plate sandwiched in the midsole is designed to deliver unmatched energy return through every stride. Not only does this plate provide some additional stability in this high-stack shoe, but it also pairs perfectly with the firmer EVA base layer to counter the shoe’s softness and keep it feeling snappy and energetic throughout harder efforts.
New and Improved Upper Construction
The upper and heel construction was one of the biggest critiques of the Hoka Mach X 2. Luckily, if you loved the ride of the previous iteration but weren’t a fan of the flimsy and rigid heel collar, Hoka took these complaints into consideration, revealing a completely new and improved upper design in the newest iteration of the shoe.
The warp knit upper itself is ultra-lightweight and breathable. The woven material wraps the foot while minimizing any hot spots or rubbing during runs.
However, the biggest improvement can be found in the heel collar and tongue design. Hoka did away with the flimsy, non-structured heel found in the Mach X 2, replacing it with a lightly padded tongue and collar that reduces rubbing while offering a more secure and comfortable fit.
Natural, Speed-Focused Geometry
The Mach X 3 is meant to effortlessly carry you through speed workouts, uptempo runs, and even race days, and every aspect of the shoe is designed with that speed and efficiency in mind.
Hoka has become well-known for its rocker design, which incorporates a curved sole to guide you forward through every step. The Mach X 3 dials this geometry up to the next level, offering a pronounced speed-centered early-stage meta-rocker built for smooth heel-to-toe transitions and propulsive toe-offs throughout any run.
The low, natural drop is another essential piece of the shoe geometry that keeps you moving forward in comfort. The low 4 mm drop in the women’s shoes and 5 mm drop in the men’s help you feel the ground with each step and keep your feet in a natural position during your workouts.
Durability and Overall Value
At $190, the Mach X 3 is on the pricier end compared to standard training shoes, although it’s relatively in line with plated trainers and other uptempo shoes. But if you’re planning on shelling out money for a quality pair of super trainers, you’re probably wondering if it’s worth the additional cost.
One of the best parts about uptempo trainers like the Mach X 3 is the incredible versatility. The Mach X 3 has enough cushioning and protection for long runs, while also offering enough energy return and propulsion for speedier days and races.
While plated trainers may not get as much mileage as bulkier, more durable everyday trainers, Hoka also takes plenty of steps with the Mach X 3 to improve durability and increase the shoe’s lifespan.
The dual-layer midsole utilizes a top layer of more resilient foam to absorb impact and reduce early wear and compression. The compression-molded sticky rubber outsole also protects the bottom layer of foam and increases durability, while also adding some grip and traction on a variety of different surfaces.
Overall, the Mach X 3 certainly isn’t the cheapest shoe on the market. But with more versatility than either a standard daily trainer or carbon plated race shoe, this model’s adaptability and multi-purpose design make it a cost-efficient option that can be used for nearly any type of run.
Road Test Results
Our team of reviewers loves the opportunity to put new shoes to the test, so we couldn’t wait to lace up the Hoka Mach X 3 and see how all these features perform when we hit the road and trails.
From the second our reviewers stepped into the shoes, we noticed some immediate improvements from previous iterations. The heel collar was a common complaint in the Hoka Mach X 2, and many of our team members noticed that the rigid construction led to blisters and rubbing over the course of a long run.
Luckily, Hoka considered these issues with the newest iteration, redesigning the heel collar and tongue with more padding and structure. While there was still a bit of movement in the heel throughout the run, the new upper design and extra padding definitely improved lockdown and felt way more comfortable right out of the gate.
Throughout daily training miles, one immediate standout was the remarkably well-balanced and responsive underfoot feel. Despite the whopping 40+ mm of foam in the heel, the low-profile design and natural drop allowed us to feel the ground and provided a smooth ride. The dual-layered midsole, paired with the Pebax plate, prevents the shoe from feeling too soft or unstable, even with all the cushioning there for comfort and impact absorption.
This balanced and energetic midsole, paired with a pronounced rocker, was able to truly shine during uptempo mileage or speed workouts. Transitions felt smooth and effortless, and every landing had plenty of bounce, making it feel easy to pick up the pace. And while it’s not as light and propulsive as dedicated racing shoes, the Mach X 3 is a great option for middle-of-the-pack runners who want some extra speed and rebound on race day.
The Mach X 3 also has enough cushioning to support you through long runs, but some runners may find it serves them better as a dedicated uptempo or race day shoe. Our reviewers who prefer a soft, plush shoe for everyday mileage found the newest Mach a bit stiff and firm underfoot on long run days.
Overall, no matter where and what type of run we used the Mach X 3 for, we found plenty to love about this plated trainer. So if you prioritize speed and versatility in your training shoes, the Mach X 3 might be the perfect choice for you.
Hoka Mach X 3: Pros and Cons
While the Mach X 3 performed great on a variety of different runs, no shoe is without its drawbacks. Here are our top pros and cons for the newest Mach X:
Pros:
- High stack of layered foam creates a comfortable and well-balanced ride that can be used for nearly any type of run
- Pebax plate adds extra energy return and snappiness to help you pick up the pace
- Speed-focused MetaRocker propels you forward for extra speed during workouts and race days
- Upper underwent major improvements, with extra padding around the heel and collar to reduce hot spots and rubbing
- Sticky rubber outsole improves grip and durability for longer-lasting use
Cons:
- While the new upper is more comfortable over the course of runs and workouts, the extra padding adds some additional weight compared to its predecessor
- May feel too stiff on long runs for runners who prefer plush landings
- High price tag compared to standard daily trainers
How Does the Mach X 3 Compare to the Competition?
Like we mentioned earlier, more and more brands are jumping on the super trainer trend and releasing uptempo plated shoes for training, race day, and beyond. So how does the Mach X stack up in this saturated category, and what shoes are most comparable to this model?
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is one of the most popular performance trainers you can buy today. Like the Mach X, the Endorphin Speed features an embedded plate and rocker geometry for extra propulsion and speed. While it’s slightly lighter than the Mach X 3, it also has a slightly lower stack height. If you like lots of foam and cushioning underfoot during training runs, the Hoka Mach X 3 has the extra padding to carry you to the finish line in comfort.
While the Asics Megablast doesn’t have a plate, it’s another fantastic choice if you prioritize versatility and energy return in your running shoes. With max cushioning, a bouncy midsole, and lightweight construction, it matches the Mach X 3 in terms of adaptability. However, the Megablast rings up at $225, making the Mach X 3 a better option for runners on a budget.
Final Thoughts: Is the Hoka Mach X 3 the Right Shoe for You?
Whether you’re searching for your next all-around trainer or race day shoe, the Hoka Mach X 3 has plenty of features that every runner will appreciate. From the responsive midsole and max cushioned design to the redesigned breathable upper, this performance-focused trainer is built to carry you to the finish line of any type of run.
While we hope this review gives you a better idea of what to expect with the Hoka Mach X 3, the best way to tell if a shoe is right for you is to take it for a spin yourself.
At one of Marathon Sports’ brick-and-mortar locations, you can do exactly that. Stop by your nearest store to try our Right Fit process and determine if the Mach X 3 is right for you. From beginner athletes searching for their first pair of running shoes to seasoned athletes looking to add to their shoe rotation, our dedicated footwear team will be by your side to help you through every step of the decision-making process and ensure you leave with the right shoe for all your goals.
