Hoka Mach 5 vs. Rincon 3: Which One? (2022 Comparison)

These two shoes from the Hoka series are similar in many ways. They have the same stack height (29 mm at the heel) and heel-to-toe drop (5 mm).
The Mach 4 was heavier than the Rincon 3 (about 0.7 oz/20g), but that’s not the case with the Mach 5. Both shoes are very light for daily trainers!
Testers who tried both shoes note that the Mach 5 is a bit more stable with its wider, firmer platform, especially in the heel.
However, the Rincon has the advantage of being a little more responsive with its more bouncy midsole.
Last but not least, the Mach 5 is more robust, while the relative fragility of the Rincon is a weak point noted by many runners.
Mach vs Rincon: the Verdict
Based on the points below, we recommend the Mach 5 if you’re looking for a versatile, fun, and lightweight daily trainer.
If you don’t have stability issues and are willing to sacrifice a little durability for more bounce, then the Rincon may be a better choice.
Side-By-Side Comparison Table
9.4 ![]() |
9.2 ![]() |
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Overview | ||
Description | The Hoka Mach 5 is a brilliant road shoe to go faster and longer comfortably. One of the fastest trainers out there, it's a truly unique pick for daily workouts and races! | The Hoka Rincon 3 is a lightweight, versatile, comfortable running shoe for daily training or long runs. |
10
9
9
9
9
9
10
|
9.5
9.5
9.5
9
8.5
9
9
| |
Facts | ||
Terrain | Road | Road |
Support | Neutral | Neutral |
Heel stack height | 29 mm | 29 mm |
Forefoot stack height | 24 mm | 24 mm |
Heel-to-toe drop | 5 mm | 5 mm |
Weight (men) | 212 g | 210 g |
Weight (women) | 193 g | 176 g |
Features | Rocker | |
Athletes | ||
Release year | 2022 | 2021 |
Technologies | ||
Outsole | Rubberized EVA | Hi-Abrasion Rubber, Full Ground Contact |
Midsole | EVA Sockliner, Profly+ | CMEVA, Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry |
Upper | Jacquard Mesh, Articulated Heel Collar | Engineered Mesh |
Cushioning | ||
Cushioning | Firm | Soft |
Responsiveness | High | High |
Utilisation | ||
Distance | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
Speed | Slow, Moderate, Fast | Slow, Moderate, Fast |
Workouts | Daily running, Racing | Daily running |
Hi,
Can you shed some light on why Hoka had a perfectly great shoe in the Rincon 1 & 2.
Why the change when going to the 3?
Also, do you have any insight to when the Rincon 4 is coming out?