Hoka Mach X 3 Review: Fixed and More Fun

Introduction to the Hoka Mach X 3

MEAGHAN: If you caught our review of the Hoka Mach X 2, you’ll remember we were big fans — with one not-so-small caveat: the heel collar. It left more than a few of us nursing hot spots and even some bloody heels, which is the last thing you want from a tempo trainer. Fortunately, Hoka took the feedback to heart and completely overhauled the collar and upper. The update brings extra padding around the collar and tongue, plus a switch from creel mesh to a more comfortable Warp Knit.

What hasn’t changed? Everything underfoot. You’re still getting the dual-density midsole, with a soft PEBA top layer over EVA and a Pebax plate sandwiched in between. We loved that formula in the last version, but with all the new tech dropping this year, the question is: does it still measure up? Let’s find out.

JON: Hoka hopes to strike some charm on the third iteration of their plated super trainer that sits alongside the Brooks Hyperion Max and Nike Zoom Fly. They addressed the elephant in the room with a revamped upper to course-correct where they had previously missed the mark. After reading what Meg and co. wrote about the X 2, I’m relieved that I will be cutting my teeth (and hopefully not my heels) on these.

THOMAS: I loved the Mach X 2. I had no issues with the upper. When we spoke to Hoka last year and they said that the midsole would stay the same, I figured they were telling the truth. As I walk around with an X 2 on one foot and the X 3 on the other, the midsole feels the same. However, out on the road, the Mach X 3 is missing something, and I’ve been struggling to figure out what. I have it narrowed down to two factors.

What we like about the Hoka Mach X 3

MEAGHAN: The step-in experience of the Mach X 3 is a significant upgrade from the Mach X 2, which was frustratingly difficult to even pull on. The added padding around the collar and tongue is a welcome change — while it slightly dulls the “race day” edge, I’ll take the comfort and structure any day for a daily trainer or uptempo shoe.

That said, the ride itself hasn’t changed. The PEBA top layer still delivers a soft initial feel, while the Pebax plate paired with EVA underneath provides a firmer, snappier response that leans more toward speed than plushness. This shoe is ideal for those “easy runs” with your fast friends — it looks casual on the surface, but it’s ready to kick things up a notch when the pace inevitably creeps faster.

JON: This shoe won me over pretty quickly upon unboxing. I think the lime colorway with black and white accents strikes a balance of looking fast without coming off as gaudy. Hoka’s Warp Knit upper also comfortably snugged my foot and broke in quickly, probably thanks to the breathable yet quick-drying material — a big plus for this heavy sweater. Interestingly, I thought the Mach X 3 would be narrow when I held it in my hands, but it’s actually true to size. The elf ear lends itself to a nice locked-in fit, while the toe box is roomier than expected.

Even better, I thought the ride was a blast. Hoka’s Pebax plate, sandwiched between layers of PEBA and EVA, provided a best-of-both-worlds experience. To me, the squish of the top layer provided comfort and impact absorption, while the plate and firmer EVA gave the Mach X 3 some pep for a quick lift off. The 5 mm drop and smooth rocker also allowed me to naturally utilize the top part of my foot without feeling like the shoe was controlling me.

Down below, the outsole provided excellent traction and control in both wet and dry conditions. It was resilient, and I noticed minimal wear throughout testing. I can see these lasting quite some time. Definitely big dawg approved.

THOMAS: The overall style is an upgrade, and the more traditional heel will definitely please the average runner. The fit is spot on, or true to size, with no hot spots.

I’m a massive fan of dual-density midsoles, whether or not they have a plate. The Mach X 3 and its Pebax plate feels snappy without being overly rigid, which makes the shoe fun for daily training and passable for uptempo workouts. The outsole is grippy and shows little to no wear after testing.

What we don’t like about the Hoka Mach X 3

MEAGHAN: The midsole I once really enjoyed remains unchanged, but the rest of the industry has moved forward, leaving this shoe feeling a bit flat by today’s standards. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a solid trainer, but in the current field of super trainers and uptempo shoes, I’d reach for others first, like the Asics Sonicblast or Mizuno Neo Vista 2.

Additionally, the extra padding comes at a cost: increased weight. My pair in W7.5 tipped the scale at 7.9 oz, compared to just 6.2 oz in version 2. While 7.9 oz isn’t heavy on its own, it’s a noticeable jump from the previous model.

JON: My biggest complaint is the construction of the tongue. While it was padded nicely where it needed to be, it was flimsy below the laces, so I had to pay special attention to ensure it didn’t fold in. This could have been easily addressed with a simple gusset, but such is life.

THOMAS: Meg got to one of my two thoughts on why the magic may have faded. Since the Mach X2 was released, we’ve seen other brands enter the space with solid contenders. The new rides leave the Mach X 3 feeling dull in comparison. Not all hope is lost, though. The build of the Mach X 3 is solid; it just needs the foams to be tuned to give more pop off the toes.

The other factor is the weight. The Mach X 3’s new upper makes the shoe more comfortable, but the trade is weight. The shoe gained 0.6 oz (18 grams), which doesn’t sound like much, but somehow changes the feel of the shoe. The Mach transitioned from being a daily trainer with race-day vibes to one with just a bit of pep.

Final thoughts on the Hoka Mach X 3

MEAGHAN: The Hoka Mach X 3 manages to feel like both a step forward and a missed opportunity. The upper has seen a big upgrade, delivering a more polished fit and feel, but the midsole remains untouched — and that’s where the excitement fades. With so many brands pushing innovation this year, it’s tough to rally behind a shoe that hasn’t evolved where it matters most. Loyal Hoka fans and Mach X 2 devotees will likely be satisfied, but stacked against the latest wave of super trainers, the X 3 struggles to stand out.

JON: This was one of the best super trainers I’ve tested this year. It was really fun to test and was versatile for what I need. It gave me something I could use on easy recovery days, but could jump into the next gear so I could stay in the front of the pack on group run days. I could easily take it on longer efforts into double-digit miles and over 2 hours without regretting it the next day.

While I’ve been a fan of Hoka’s trail lineup for some time, I had yet to find a pair of road shoes that I liked until now. I can see Meg’s gripes about the lack of innovation, but it didn’t make things dull for me. That’s a label better suited for something like the Zoom Fly, which I feel like has been on autopilot since the third version. I was glad to see that past mistakes on the upper were addressed while maintaining a if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it approach on the rest.

THOMAS: I thought the Mach X 3 was going to be an easy win for Hoka. Putting a better upper on a shoe that people loved is a no-brainer. Seeing Jon’s review makes me think maybe I was expecting too much. My previous affection for the X 2 set this review up to fall short. On the other hand, Meg’s comment about the competition in the category, which leaves the X 3 feeling flat, resonates with me as well. Clearly, the Mach X 3 will be a star with some and mediocre for others.

You can pick up the Hoka Mach X 3 for $189 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.