Hoka Mach X 3 Review: A Success at Last? (2025)

Julien Guyod

Published on 11/04/2025

Updated on 11/04/2025

The Hoka Mach X 2 was divisive, it’s the least we can say: some runners praised it as the best shoes, while others (like me) barely managed to run with it due to the high heel part causing injuries.

Fortunately, Hoka clearly corrected this on the Mach X 3 with a more classic construction in this area.

Will this new version finally be a uncontested hit among all runners? Does it suit your runner profile and goals?

This is what you’re going to find out in this complet review.

Our Verdict

Cushioning

For the midsole, we find the same configuration as the previous version, with a Peba foam on the upper part, the Pebax plate in the middle, and a supercritical EVA foam on the lower part.

Unlike other brands, Hoka continues not to name its foams specifically, perhaps to have more freedom in their composition and to vary from one version to another.

This must be the case because the feel is quite different compared to the previous version, with a firmer sensation. I don’t think it is related to the increase in weight but more to the change in EVA foam density.

The feel is well-balanced and should suit a wide variety of runners, except perhaps those who like a plush sensation. The same aggressive geometry is present, along with lateral wings on the plate for improved stability.

With maximum dimensions of 44 mm at the heel and 39 mm under the forefoot (42 and 37 for the women’s version), shock absorption is, in my opinion, very good, and I think there is no limit to consider on the distance to be covered.

I have read other opinions on this point, some limiting the shoe to half-marathons, but I find it hard to understand. The cushioning is significant; it’s hard to make it more maximal. It’s more about preference for sensations than protection; I understand well that some struggle to elongate with a firmer feel.

A small note of caution for the 5 mm drop. It’s standard for the brand and shouldn’t disorient brand loyalists. However, it may require an adaptation period for those using higher drops (> 8 mm).

Energy Return

The weight has increased to 255 g in men’s size 42, which is not negligible for a shoe designed for fast sessions.

This is noticeable with a slight loss of dynamism compared to the previous version.

But nothing too penalizing, the difference is not huge either, and the reactivity remains very good.

Moreover, the Meta Rocker geometry (curved sole profile) ensures smooth and quick transitions with a strong forward lean.

Support and Stability

As often with these maximalist shoes with atypical geometry, the concern is legitimate regarding stability.

But with the bucket seat construction, the fairly dense foam, and the wings on the plate, satisfactory stability can be validated.

This model is for neutral gait.

Foot Lockdown

When you know the number of people working on developing a shoe and all the testing phases involved, noticing missteps for major brands is rare. However, that was clearly the case with the previous version, the Hoka Mach X 2.

In a nearly unique situation, there was even a warning message on the websites of merchants.

And I was one of those runners; I ended up with a bleeding tendon because I had to test the shoe.

Unsurprisingly, the Hoka Mach X 3 returns to a more classic configuration with a padded collar that fits the tendon well without compressing it.

The wrap-around mesh upper also offers more structure and comfort. Numerous paddings contribute to comfort and make the shoe more versatile: it’s easier to wear them for long periods.

Breathability is also good, and the coverage in cold weather is good for any weather condition use.

There is no rubbing in the heel area, and the rigid back ensures a good heel lock. However, some testers with narrow feet reported a slight slip. This note applies also to the general fit, especially in the forefoot area.

However, testers with narrow feet managed to find a satisfactory lock thanks to the flat lacing system with lateral reinforcements that secure the foot well.

For my part, I found that the shoe size is very classic, and I had no adjustment problems. The shoe fits true to size.

Small disappointment for me: the tongue is not gusseted. It’s quite thin but still well-padded. I didn’t experience any particular sliding, but it’s a point to watch for runners with narrow feet.

Finally, there is a removable insole and reflective elements.

In short, the upper is successful overall and of much better quality than the previous version.

Traction

The outsole is almost identical to the previous version. We find compression-molded grippy rubber in the impact zones.

No surprise on this point; we find reliable traction with a good grip.

Even on wet surfaces, the grip is present. Additionally, the deep central grooves and numerous micro-grooves with notches ensure good flexibility.

Regarding terrain, it’s best to stick to hard surfaces like tarmac or track. The shoe can be used on rolling paths, but its use will be more complicated on more technical terrains.

Use scenarios

The slight loss of dynamism compared to the v2 may limit the shoe’s use in competitions. There are many more performant and aggressive models, regardless of the distance.

This confirms a use more oriented toward training with good versatility. No problem to pick up the pace; the plate’s propulsion offers very good reactivity, and you can chain repetitions.

For pure speed sessions, the weight is felt, and the shoe is not ideal for sprinting. But for a large part of the pack, the dynamism will be ample for all fast sessions.

For more moderate paces (e.g., recovery jogging), the Hoka Mach X 3 is logically less relevant than a Clifton 10, for instance. But it’s more versatile than the V2 and can definitely be considered a unique pair for training.

In terms of distances, some runners recommend these shoes for intermediate distances (e.g., 10k, half-marathons), but I am quite skeptical about that. In my opinion, the cushioning is maximal, and shock absorption is very good for long distances, including a full marathon.

I believe it’s more the firm impact sensation and the demanding strong rocker that will limit the use.

The shoe is therefore generally a very good training partner for all the sessions where you need to pick up the pace.

Quality and Durability

Nothing to report on the upper or foam which have a standard lifespan. However, there are comments from testers regarding the durability of the outsole. I would, however, tone down this point because the previous version didn’t let me down in the end, and the same seems true for this Hoka Mach X 3.

The durability seems standard to me, even if the price is high; it remains within the market norm and allows validating a good quality-price ratio. The Hoka Mach X3 includes recycled materials, although the brand does not specify the percentage, and it is vegan (no animal material).

Conclusion

I am convinced of two things with this Hoka Mach X 3: it will be unanimous among runners who choose it (unlike v2), and it will most likely be among the most popular shoes at the end of the year.

With better versatility, the shoe is a very good option for any type of fast training. Without reaching the performance level of carbon rockets, it will also be a sure bet in competitions for runners looking for a unique pair and/or less rigid than those.

Our Field Test Video

Facts

Technical Specs

Cushioning

Technologies

Use

Reference: official site