Hoka Mach 6 Review

Comfort and Fit

Like many of Hoka's road-running shoes, the Mach 6 runs narrow. However, the unique shape of the toe box is a significant disappointment. Rather than having a toe box shaped like a foot, the Mach 6 has a steep taper towards the center, where the big toe ends up. On the run, it feels like our big toe is getting pushed towards the middle of the foot, which can feel uncomfortable. The Mach 6 is available in a wide size. While a wide fit will provide more space, it doesn't resolve the shape problem.

While the Mach 6 upper is solid and the length is spot on, the toe box is cramped, and the midfoot runs narrow. We felt that the midfoot was well-supported, but those with average to wider feet might find it a bit tight. The heel cup is relatively shallow, but the high pull tab prevents rubbing on the Achilles. The creel jacquard upper is exceptionally comfortable and offers great lockdown. The tongue is gusseted, and during long runs, we had no trouble with it remaining in place, even during intense efforts. Overall, we think the shoe is comfortable, if a bit snug.

Cushioning

Thanks to the addition of a new supercritical foam, the Mach 6 feels lively underfoot. The 38 mm stack height is nothing to sneeze at, but it is surprisingly lightweight for a shoe with such a substantial stack. Landings in the Mach 6 err on the side of being planted and firm rather than soft and bouncy, adding to the shoe's stability. There are also slight sidewalls, making this a relatively stable option for runners who value support. We appreciated the increased support that was neither too restrictive nor overly guiding. The rocker geometry allowed us to roll smoothly off our toes and works well in conjunction with the foam. As we increased the pace, there was a slight increase in bounce from the shoe.

The Mach 6 strikes an excellent balance for daily running; you can run fast when you want to, but slow mileage doesn't feel uncomfortable. The Mach 6 offers plenty of cushioning underfoot for long runs. We had no issues taking it out for 90-minute runs on a regular basis.

Breathability

This is one of the most breathable shoes in the competition. The creel jacquard upper materials are highly breathable, making them an excellent choice for runners who sweat profusely or live in hot climates. We never noticed warm feet, even during hot summer runs.

Traction

Traction for the Mach 6 is significantly improved over the Mach 5. The exposed midsole is gone, replaced by a thin layer of rubber outsole covering key contact patches. The outsole is grooved, offering sufficient traction on crushed gravel to prevent a slippery or unstable feel. On the other hand, the Mach 6 struggles on wet and cold roads, as the outsole compound appears to struggle with cold temperatures. This lack of traction when the weather is nippy can be a bummer when running in places like Montana, which is where we ran a lot.

Should You Buy the Hoka Mach 6?

For runners who want one shoe to do it all, the Hoka Mach 6 has a strong appeal. It's lightweight and responsive, with a well-cushioned and supportive design. The only real drawback is the narrow fit, which features an exaggerated toe taper and may not work well for everyone. We recommend trying on both the normal and wide widths before deciding, but we think it could be a great fit for runners who prefer a fun shoe with a little zip.

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