Hoka Mach 5 vs. Rincon 3: Which One? (2025 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  |
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Use | ||
| 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?
Hoka Rincon 3 is lighter and has rubber. The rubber is to help it last longer than the exposed EVA of the 1&2.