The Need for Speed: HOKA Mach X 2 Racing Shoe

When people hear about Hoka, they think of cushy shoes, which often equates to heavy clodhoppers. Though I’ve always been a big fan of Hoka, they’ve never been my go-to if I’m looking for a lightweight, springy option. That all changed back when I reviewed the Rocket X 2, which was completely different than any other pair of Hokas in my closet. It was then that I realized that Hoka was changing the rules and giving runners all sorts of new options to consider.

Recently, I’ve received a new pair of Hokas that remind me a lot of those Rockets, and they are called the Mach X 2 Racing Shoe. These are a plated shoe that’s very thin and anything but heavy.

Looks

The material on the Mach X 2 is extremely light, so much so that you can see your socks through them. I received a pair in the frost/electric aqua colorway, and in my opinion, they look really high tech. The race-inspired collar and wall construction is very thin, as well as the woven upper which makes for great breathability.

Function

 

The Mach X 2 is definitely an everyday running shoe, something built for speed over endurance. These shoes are designed to move you forward with the Propulsive Pebax Rnew plate, and they will give you the extra kick you need when you’re ready to move fast. I don’t feel like there would be enough support for anything in the double digit mile realm but they feel like a dream on my feet.

Construction

 

The latest version of the Mach has an increased stack height and more PEBA foam than previous versions. There are cutouts underfoot, an upgraded winger plate design, and a more aggressive rocker.  There’s a dual-layer midsole and a gusseted upper and integrated tongue which will prevent the tongue from slipping down into the shoe.

Fit

Though the construction of the shoe is super light, the resilient PEBA and EVA foam (with the Pebax plate between) is super springy. What this amounts to is a really excellent rebound, so you really do feel like you’re running on a rubber cloud.

The shoe fit is secure and close to the foot. The gusseted tongue makes the shoe feel like one entire piece that molds to your stride.  I wore these for a track workout and then for 5 hours volunteering at my son’s school and though that’s not really their purpose, they felt great for the duration of the day on my feet.

Overall

Light. Cool. Fast. These are the words used to describe the Mach X 2 and these are very accurate. These are the shoes I plan to reach for when I’m in for a speed day at the track. Your “get up and go” will increase tenfold in the Mach X2 Racing Shoe.