Hoka Mach 5 vs. Saucony Endorphin Speed 3? (2023)
Comparing these two road running shoes makes a lot of sense. They share the same purpose: speed workouts like interval running, tempo training, and fartlek. On paper, they are very similar, and it may look like only a matter of brand preference. But we will see that there are a few key differences to consider.
First of all, the cushioning of the Endorphin Speed is higher and a bit softer, with a heel stack height of 36 mm vs. 29 mm for the Mach. Also, the Mach 5 has a low drop (5 mm), while the Saucony shoe has a standard configuration (8 mm). Also, the Endorphin Speed comes with a nylon plate, which helps to deliver great propulsion. However, the Mach does very well with only its responsive foam.
The next big difference is the fit. Runners tend to find the Hoka Mach 5 a bit narrow, which can be uncomfortable if you have wide feet. This model has a wide version available, however. On the other hand, the Saucony Endorphin 3 is spacious by default, with a roomy (but not loose) midfoot and toe box.
Lastly, the Hoka Mach is a tad lighter–not a big difference when you’re running–, and durability is very similar, meaning quite decent.
Hoka Mach vs Saucony Endorphin Speed: Verdict
You can’t go wrong with either shoe. They are both great fast daily trainers to crank up the speed miles, all in comfort. The great thing is that if you have a race and don’t plan on wearing a carbon-plate model, these models will do very well in competition.
Overall, it comes down to personal preference (e.g., drop, stack) and foot shape/size. We recommend trying both in a store and picking the most comfortable one.
Side-By-Side Comparison Table
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9.4  |
9.5  |
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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 Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a nylon plated running shoe for comfortable and responsive faster runs. |
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10
9
9
9
9
9
10
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9.5
9.5
9.5
9.5
9.5
9
9.5
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| Facts | ||
| Terrain | Road | Road |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Heel stack height | 29 mm | 36 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 24 mm | 28 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5 mm | 8 mm |
| Weight (men) | 212 g | 229 g |
| Weight (women) | 193 g | 204 g |
| Features | Rocker | Vegan, Recycled materials, Nylon plate |
| Athletes | ||
| Release year | 2022 | 2022 |
| Technologies | ||
| Outsole | Rubberized EVA | XT-900 |
| Midsole | EVA Sockliner, Profly+ | PWRRUN PB, Speedroll |
| Upper | Jacquard Mesh, Articulated Heel Collar | Engineered Mesh |
| Cushioning | ||
| Cushioning | Firm | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | High | High |
| Use | ||
| Distance | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Speed | Slow, Moderate, Fast | Moderate, Fast |
| Workouts | Daily running, Racing | Daily running, Racing |
