HOKA Mach X 3 Review
By Bach Pham and David Salas
HOKA Mach X 3Price: $189.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10.2 oz, 289 g (men's size 9), 8.6 oz, 244 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 46 / 41 mm
Drop: 5 mm
Shoe Purpose: Plated performance trainer
Pros: Forefoot is lightly bouncy and responsive, high stacked, and stable
Cons: Rearfoot is less stable and may be clunky for some
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The HOKA Mach X 3 is a high stacked, plated daily trainer that features a firmer, responsive cushioning. The shoe has a dual-density midsole with a top layer of PEBA. The Mach X 3 excels at being a steady to uptempo paced trainer for long efforts. The shoe is a bit on the heavier side for full on racing at fast paces, but for those looking for a consistent, high stacked trainer for long runs and long distances racing with no major time goals, this is an affordable option that slots neatly underneath the super shoe market.
SIMILAR SHOES: On Cloudboom Max
PAST MODEL: Hoka Mach X 2
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
David: The HOKA Mach X 3 fits true to size in my men's 9.5. The width is slightly narrow in the heel with a normal fitting midfoot and forefoot. The volume through the midfoot is a touch snug, but not in a problematic way. There is enough space in the forefoot for swelling accommodation. The upper material feels a bit more synthetic, but it is comfortable and breathable. The material also holds its structure well when stretched while running. The tongue is moderately padded and does its job well. It does ride pretty high up the dorsum of the foot, but I had no issues with feeling it push into the crease of my ankle. The ankle feels like it floats a little bit initially, but this did go away when I started running. There is a shallow and flexible heel counter, though it did not give me any irritation and was curved posteriorly slightly. I did enjoy the fit of this upper and felt that it accomplished both daily training comfort with some performance leaning characteristics for speedwork. I do think I'd like to see a tad more volume through the midfoot, but otherwise the upper was really nice.
David's Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit David well: Nike Vomero 17, Saucony Ride 16, Puma Velocity Nitro 3
Shoes that have fit snug: HOKA Arahi 7
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon Aero Glide
Bach: The HOKA Mach X 3 is a unique shoe in that it fits like it will be a bit unstable when you put it on, but settles during the run and eventually disappears in a good way. The toebox features a good amount of width and an average amount of volume that suited my feet. There are major sidewalls on this model, which is usually a staple of HOKA models. The length was good for me. The midfoot is a little snug at first on foot, but loosens up after the first couple minutes on the run. I did loosen up the lacing out of box a little to help alleviate the snugness as well. I had no issues with heel slippage in the shoe and found the heel to be secure. There is a generous bump out in the heel area that I was worried would cause some heel slip issues, but I did not have any issues. The heel counter has flexibility and is not rigid. It feels sturdy on foot. The upper in general is fairly light and breathes well. I really enjoy how the upper as a whole melts away on the run.
If you are using an insole, this isn't a bad model to insert one. The current insole in the shoe is a touch thicker so there should be room for average insoles. Anything thick will be a tight squeeze.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit Bach well:
Nike Pegasus 40, Saucony Guide 17, Mizuno Wave Inspire 19, Saucony
Endorphin Speed 3, Nike Structure 25
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Asics Kayano 30, Puma Electrify Nitro, Brooks Hyperion, Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
Shoes that have fit large: Hoka Gaviota 5, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
How Flexible is the Shoe: No
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: No
Recommended for Haglunds:
Is This Shoe Orthotic Friendly: Possible
Recommended for Sockless:
Durability Expectation: Average
PERFORMANCE
David: The HOKA Mach X 3 performed quite well. The shoe has a very noticeable rocker and bounce to it, but does feel good at both slower and faster paces. The shoe uses a dual density midsole, with a very soft and bouncy PEBA topsole. The foams are divided by a Pebax plate. The plate is pretty stiff and the rocker is very noticeable. The heel does have some sidewall action from the foam and it is integrated well. The shoe feels soft without being unstable. The forefoot has a noticeable amount of pop to it that does come alive when the shoe is loaded. The outsole has good traction throughout and I did not have any issues with slippage, though most of my running was on normal roads. The shoe handles well and I did feel confident with taking turns.
The only downside I found with this shoe was also one of its strengths. The rocker is done really well in this model, but the stiff and responsive nature of this shoe can make steeper downhills a bit jarring. The shoe really wants to keep you in rhythm and launch you forward, so in situations where you are trying to not rip your stride open it can be difficult. I don't think they necessarily need to change the rocker profile, this is just a consideration for the consumer looking at this shoe. I was very happy with the performance of the Mach X 3. I felt that it did everything you could ask a lightweight trainer to do. It is versatile, and I could easily see someone choosing this as a long distance racing shoe as well if they are sensitive to super shoes.
Bach: The HOKA Mach X 3 is a smooth, any distance cruiser. The shoe feels very mid-to-forefoot oriented, offering a mildly snappy feeling underfoot with a very easy transition. The way the shoe is rockered, I could see runners who tend to be more heel oriented having a more awkward transition with the heel which is rounded off in a way where it feels like there's very little contact to the ground. The shoe sort of reminds me of a denser Skechers MaxRoad 5, a midfoot classic for runners who remember that model a few years ago. The Mach X 3 cushioning leans firmer despite the high stack. It definitely suits my preference for a firmer feeling underfoot. I am a lighter stepping runner and I tend to respond better to slightly firmer cushioning, especially when it's as responsive as the Mach X 3's cushioning. Those who land a bit harder might not like the sensation in the Mach X 3 as it might feel like a lot of forefoot in that case as it's also a weighty shoe.
The responsiveness of the shoe is excellent. Going uphill, it leaves no plodding feeling at all and even feels a little energetic thanks to it's big stack height kicking in. Downhill is where the shoe becomes very neutral. If you are running a deeply steep downhill, I would take caution due to the high stack height, but regular downhills are no issue. The shoe also takes a variety of paces well. I call the shoe a cruiser as it can do uptempo paces and easy paces really well, but for those trying to aggressively pick up the pace for say a 5k or a really fast half-to-marathon pace there are lighter, more efficient options out there.
The outsole has been durable for me so far and grips wet roads fine. There is a big groove in the heel and I definitely had a giant rock get stuck in it at least once. I would stick to good ol' roads with this model.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
David: The HOKA Mach X 3 is definitely a neutral shoe, but does not do a bad job of providing some gentle stability for how high up the shoe is. The upper is secure and does a great job of keeping your foot on the platform. The shoe does use some gentle sole flaring through the forefoot, and some sidewalls in the heel to keep you centered. The outsole traction is not bad. The plate is on the stiffer end, but it is integrated well with the geometry and you do feel guided with most steps. The softer foam does take some of the stability away, but this shoe definitely does not run unstable. Its a neutral shoe with pretty good guidance throughout.
Bach: The stability of the Mach X 3 is decent, particularly in the mid-to-forefoot. Despite so much shoe, there's a lot of width and firmness to counteract it. The rocker also does a good job of guiding you forward. There's some minor sidewalls in this, but none that are as intrusive as past HOKA models. This is still a very high stacked neutral shoe, and you're reminded of this running down a steep hill. This is by no means a stability shoe, but for those just wanting a mildly stable long distance trainer on most conditions, this may do the trick.
Thoughts as a DPT: Developing a Good Rocker
By David Salas, PT, DPT, CSCS
The HOKA Mach X 3 has one of the better rocker profiles that I have experienced in a super trainer so far. The shoe does a good job of matching the natural rocker points throughout the foot, without overly rounding them. I think this is most noticeable through the forefoot. The shoe rounds through the forefoot right under the metatarsal heads, without pushing the toes into any excessive extension. This would be an example of a shoe that has a noticeably rockered forefoot without large toe spring. The other thing is noticeable is how the softer PEBA top sole integrates really well with the rocker point mentioned earlier. You feel as though you are sinking into the already rounded platform when you are landing, and propelling off of it at toe off from both the foam and shaping of the plate. Those sensitive to rockers may have a hard time with this, but for those looking to a stiff rocker that does not force your toes into extension at toe off have a pretty good option here.
RECOMMENDATIONS
David: I really enjoyed my time in the HOKA Mach X 3. I felt the shoe transitioned well and did everything you could ask from a performance standpoint. The volume through the midfoot does feel a touch snug to me, and I think I would appreciate a little more space through the midfoot. If I am being really picky, maybe a slightly more comfortable mesh material for the upper. The shoe runs very well as is though, and again this is me being very picky.
Bach: I really love this category of performance shoes that are mild on the plate and versatile while also being firm. It really just ticks all the boxes for me. This model also does a good job of tuning in on some past issues in the Mach X series and nails a lot of elements. For edits to the shoe, the two areas are the heel which could use a smoother, more lateral bevel and the weight. If this shoe was in the low 9s or 8s, it would be exceptional. It'll just have to settle for pretty good for now.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
David: The HOKA Mach X 3 is a lightweight plated training shoe for those looking to have a lot of versatility. The shoe is very rockered throughout and provides a large bounce through the forefoot. The top sole is a very soft PEBA based foam that is accompanied by a stiffer Pebax plate throughout the platform. Those that respond well to stiffer rockers and like softer foams will have that here. I found that the shoe ran well across a large variety of paces and efforts. I could easily see someone choosing this shoe as their long distance racing shoe if they are sensitive to super shoes.
Bach: The HOKA Mach X 3 is a long run cruiser that will work for folks at easy to uptempo paces. I think it should be a top of list option for anyone who is seeking for a marathon shoe if they are looking for a tool to help with completion. I'm going to save these for my longer distance races in the future for sure as a slow speed runner. At $190, it also comes in at a great price tag below super shoes and just above max cushion footwear. I think in the current market it's relatively well-priced, and going to be a steal if you can get it for any less. Great work, HOKA.
GRADES
David
Fit: A- (Decently comfortable throughout with great lockdown, midfoot a touch snug. Breathability is good.)
Performance: A (Can go fast and slow with good versatility in both ranges.)
Stability: A- (Forefoot stability is good, rocker guidance is solid, heel sidewalls feel appropriate. Softer foam takes some stability away.)
Value: A- (For those looking to have an everything shoe, this is very solid. If it isn't an everything shoe, it is a bit pricey for a workout shoe but I think most will still find great value out of the Mach X 3.)
Personal: A- (The snug midfoot is the only thing for me, otherwise I really enjoy the Mach X 3 as a versatile training shoe.)
Overall Design: A-/A
Bach
Fit: A (A secure, easy upper)
Performance: A (A great ride that hits a lot of different paces)
Stability: A- (For a performance trainer, one of the more stable options)
Value: B+/A- (For slower runners, this is big value. For faster runners, there may be more engaging, faster performance shoes out there to meet your needs)
Personal: A (I've been waiting for something like this to fill my performance training void in 2025, and this one really has checked all my boxes)
Overall Design: A
SHOP | SUPPORT DORHOKA Mach X 3Price: $189.95 at Running Warehouse
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FURTHER READING
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Puma's high stacked training shoe.
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