Hoka Mach 6 review

There’s been a steady flow of new Hoka shoes hitting the shelves in recent months and featured here is the brand’s latest Mach, the Mach 6. Does it deserve a place on our list of the best running shoes?

What’s new?

Described as Hoka’s ‘lightest, most responsive Mach to date’, the shoe has seen a number of tweaks over its predecessor.

These include a new creel jacquard upper, an updated internal gusset for improved comfort and a new super critical foam EVA midsole.

The latter, which is a single-layer midsole and replaces the ProFly found in the Mach 5, is slated to deliver a boost in energy return.

Underfoot, the outsole has seen a significant change, too, with a rubber layer running over it. So how does it all perform? And does it offer improvements over the Mach 5 and similarly styled Mach X?

Fit and comfort

Let’s start with fit. I found the sizing a little on the small side, so I needed to jump up to UK11.5, despite typically being a UK11. That being said, my size 11 Mach 5s are only just big enough for me.

Meanwhile, the toe box also seems to have become a little narrower, but it didn’t prove an issue for my wide but low-profile feet. What’s more, the shoe is also available in a wide version.

That all out of the way, comfort is generally high and I had zero issues during a test period of around two months.

The upper feels more durable than the one found on the Mach 5 and is plenty breathable, though doesn’t hit the same levels you’ll get on super lightweight race shoes with very minimalist uppers.

The rigid heel collar makes it quick and easy to pull these shoes on – ideal in a race setting – and the lacing locks the foot down well, though there’s minimal padding in the tongue.

Speaking of which, I had no issues with movement in the tongue, with the dual internal gusset meeting its task well.

Performance and ride

Moving onto the ride, this is where Hoka says you’ll see some of the biggest changes over previous versions with an improvement to energy return.

In testing, I certainly noticed an extra pep to my stride and there was a welcome snap when picking up to race pace, yet there was enough of a cushioned landing to see me through my Sunday long runs, too.

Stack height is 37mm at the heel (35mm for women) and 32mm at the forefoot (30mm for women) with a neutral 5mm drop.

The bottom line

The result is a shoe that feels equally at home on lower-paced long runs, during tempo or intervals and also on race day.

That versatility doesn’t come with a weight penalty, either, with my UK11.5 weighing in at 272g (the Mach 5 was 255g in a size 11).

If the sizing works for you, this is a great all-rounder.

For more run kit reviews, see our lists of the best running earphones and best running socks.

Hoka Mach 6 specs

Price:	£140 / $140
Available from:	Hoka
Sizes:	6.5-12.5 (UK men’s), 3.5-9.5 (UK women’s)
Stack height:	37mm heel (35mm women’s), 32mm forefoot (30mm women’s)
Drop:	5mm
Midsole:	Super critical foam midsole
Weight:	272g (UK11.5)