Mach-ing Forward: A Soleful Review of the HOKA Mach 6

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Run Oregon is Kicking it in the Hoka Mach 5

Looks:

The visuals of the HOKA Mach 6 strike a balance between simplicity and flair, with a design that falls between basic and flashy. This year, HOKA seems to have embraced a navy and deep blue theme in a variety of their options and is front and center here. While not my personal favorite among HOKA’s visual offerings, the muted blue hues exude a timeless appeal.

The combination of navy blue and sea foam green accents, along with an orange outsole, creates a pleasing aesthetic. Overall, it’s a straightforward colorway that manages to blend classic and contemporary elements seamlessly.

Construction:

Upper:

The upper of the Mach 6 retains the jacquard mesh material from its predecessor, the v5, a feature I particularly appreciate. The mesh is secured in two key areas, effectively stabilizing the foot and minimizing movement. Coupled with the double-gusseted tongue, this design provides an exceptional fit, ensuring a secure and comfortable experience for the wearer.

It’s not the most complex upper but was truly a pleasure to pull on and stayed tight and secure throughout all my runs. The collar is simply cushioned and feels good as well. I really don’t have much bad to say about it. It just fit my foot quite nice.

Midsole:

The Mach 6 stands out as the lightest shoe to date in the HOKA Mach lineup. While it may not claim the title of the lightest shoe overall, especially when compared to the premium super-light racing models like the Cielo or Mach X, it remains HOKA’s top choice for a lightweight and affordable option. This iteration strikes a balance between solid performance for daily training and a reduced weight that allows for easier pace pickup.

The midsole itself has been changed to a single layer SCF EVA (away from a dual version) that provides a little more of a responsive feel. Thus, it’s no surprise that the Mach 6 leans in that direction rather than doubling down on the marshmallow-like softness traditionally associated with HOKA. While the Mach 6 is not hard per se, it offers a slightly firmer and springier ride with enhanced ground feel (way more than I was expecting), catering to those who prefer such characteristics.

If you’re seeking a shoe with an exceptionally springy and bouncy feel, the Mach 6 might not fully meet those expectations. But if you want something with solid comfort and a little more receptivity to the environment underfoot, I think this hits that mark.

Outsole:

Significant modifications to the outsole rubber of the Mach 6 compared to its predecessor, the Mach 5, are evident upon closer examination. Unlike the Mach 5’s complete lack of rubber on the outsole, the Mach 6 features strategically placed thin overlays, indicating a more refined design approach. Testing conducted during the winter months revealed no notable issues, suggesting improved performance and durability despite the altered outsole configuration.

Final Thoughts:

At a price point of $140, the Mach 6 stands out as a solid option in a market where finding quality shoes at this price can be increasingly rare. Despite its relative affordability, it doesn’t compromise on the renowned quality associated with HOKA footwear.

Offering a pleasantly lightweight design, the Mach 6 serves as a dependable daily trainer capable of accommodating a variety of running activities, from speed work to logging consistent miles. Accessible to a wide range of runners, it boasts a no-frills approach coupled with sturdy construction, making it a reliable choice for runners seeking a dependable training companion.