HOKA Mach 7 vs Mach 6
Mach 7 or Mach 6? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
The Mach 7 replaced the Mach 6.
A new upper and gusseted tongue for better hold, plus a grippier, more durable outsole. Same foam, stack and 5mm drop.
What changed
- Foam: Same supercritical EVA and the same rocker, so it feels nearly identical underfoot.
- Outsole: Refined sticky rubber with much better wet grip, plus a tougher rubber on the outer heel.
- Upper: New upper with a gusseted tongue for better hold.
- On the run: Feels about the same.
- Measured: 0.3 oz lighter. Heel stack and drop about the same.
Still like the Mach 6? It’s $50 less than the Mach 7 while supplies last, with 3 colors in stock.
On the run
Mach 7: The light, nimble do-it-all. Firm, springy and low to the ground for a HOKA. It feels fast when you pick up the pace and still works for everyday miles, though the foam firms up noticeably in real cold.
Mach 6: Light, lively and versatile. Light, lively and versatile, from easy miles to faster days. Cushioned but on the firm side, on a platform that’s much stiffer than the Mach 5’s.
Specs side by side
| Mach 7 | Mach 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $145 | $94.95 (was $140) |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 37 / 32mm* | 37 / 32mm* |
| Drop | 5mm | 5mm* |
| Weight, men’s | 8.37 oz | 8.3 oz* |
| Weight, women’s | 7.15 oz | 6.9 oz* |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard, Wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs | Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs |
| Expected life | 300–400 miles | 300–400 miles |
Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.
Fit
Mach 7. Runs slightly short and close-fitting, with a new gusseted tongue that locks the midfoot in. If you’re between sizes, go up a half. Wide feet should try the wide.
Mach 6. True to size with superb lockdown, but the toebox tapers and the tongue is thin, so it suits narrower feet best. Wide available.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
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