REVIEW: HOKA Mach 6

Introducing HOKA's lightest, most responsive Mach to date.

This lively trainer has been fine-tuned for extra energy return with a super critical foam midsole and updated for enhanced durability with strategic rubber coverage in the outsole. Implementing speed focused design details throughout, HOKA have enlisted a new creel jacquard upper with zonal breathability and an internal gusset to deliver the foot-hugging comfort required to set your next PB.

Whilst the Mach could sit in the cushioned section of this guide and is found on the feet of many runners who use it everyday, it is designed as a faster paced shoe that, depending on the runner, is suitable for marathon distance. Used by many who train in the likes of the Bondi 8 or Clifton 9 but prefer to keep these for speed sessions and race day.

We took the HOKA Mach 6 for a spin around Victoria Park in London to provide you with an in-depth review of the latest release from HOKA. The Sunday Plodcast co-host Matt Seddon is joined by HOKA athlete Rory Leonard to help give you the low-down on everything you need to know about the HOKA Mach 6.

Find out more about the most significant updates from its predecessor and see where the Mach 6 can sit in your rotation.

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The tech

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The Review

Firstly, let's provide a refresh overview to the Mach franchise whilst also making reference to the release of the Mach X last year, before diving into where the Mach 6 will sit within your training.

For those who aren't yet familiar with the Mach range, the best way to think of it is a lightweight shoe that enables the wearer to mix daily training, tempo running and race day performance all in one. It's very quickly become one of HOKA's most popular and well known shoes and for good reason. Following the launch of the Mach 5 coming up to almost two years ago, we did also see the release of the Mach X last year, which saw some significant deviations away from the original franchise. Not only was it a feast for the eyes in terms of its jacquard mesh upper, but it instead featured a Profly X midsole compound and therefore was more closely related to the Rocket X 2 in daily trainer form.
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The Mach 6, as mentioned previously, fits the bill as the shoe that will get you through all your training if you are someone not interested in building a shoe rotation, and comes in with an array of updates, but most significantly to its midsole compared to its predecessor.

Following a more conclusive overview, Let's now go into a much more detailed breakdown into each part of the shoe including the upper, the midsole and the outsole, mainly looking to draw comparisons to the differences from the Mach 5.

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Creel jacquard mesh upper

The upper maintains its breathability, but features a new creel jacquard upper and has now implemented into it more speed focused design details with a sock-like fit. The internal gusseted tongue remains for the Mach 6 which delivers on foot-hugging comfort when putting in the paces.

If we look to the heel, we've got a lower ankle collar with a streamlined cushioning to reduce weight and bulk which again, really shows the emphasis on speed-focused modifications.

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Super critical foam midsole

Let's first start with some of the most exciting and significant changes to the Mach 6 (and generally where most of us are interested), the midsole.

The HOKA lab scientists have been busying away to bring a new and updated midsole, departing from the Profly+ found in the Mach 5, to instead deliver a single density super critical foam midsole which is lighter and more resilient. Because of this, you're looking at a shoe that brings a faster underfoot feel for the up tempo days on the road.

The cushioning remains low-profile for a closer to ground feel and aims to provide response over something more balanced or plush, which shows in its weight profile coming in at roughly 232g for men and 189g for women.

The Mach 6 maintains the early-stage MetaRocker, a technology found it all HOKA shoes designed to create a smooth and efficient transition underfoot. The emphasis on early stage within the Mach 6 means that it further helps to create a faster and slightly more aggressive transition through the gait cycle.

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Rubberised EVA outsole

The Mach 6 features a strategic rubber outsole which offers an increased traction, and although lighter in weight, the outsole coverage doesn't compromise on its durability so you can expect to still be able to pick up the pace even under slightly wetter conditions.

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Summary of key features

Creel Jacquard Mesh Upper

A secure, sock-like fit that provides comfort and breathability.

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Dual Internal Gusset & Anatomical Tongue

Designed to improve the fit to provide you with all-day comfort.

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Super Critical Foam Midsole

A more reactive ride with tons of cushioning for enhanced energy return and better durability.

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Rubberised EVA Outsole

Rubberised EVA foam is used to enhance responsiveness, increase traction and ensure high rebound cushioning.

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Looking for a guide to the entire HOKA Road Running range?

Then check out The Range Explained: HOKA Road
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Interested in the latest shoes, apparel and technology? Then head over to our Kit & Gear category for more reviews, tips, advice and product releases.