HOKA Mach 7 vs Arahi 8
Mach 7 or Arahi 8? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.
The short answer
Want light and quick without a plate? Get the Mach 7.
Want soft cushioning with quiet support? Get the Arahi 8.
Get the Mach 7 if
- You don’t need stability and prefer a neutral ride
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts
- You like a less rigid forefoot
Get the Arahi 8 if
- Your feet roll inward or you like extra support
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- You want a dedicated recovery-day shoe
- You need a roomier fit
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.
Arahi 8: Soft stability, the HOKA way. The softest Arahi yet, with a smooth rocker. The support comes from a frame on both sides of the heel, so it guides you without feeling like a traditional stability shoe.
Specs side by side
| Mach 7 | Arahi 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $145 | $119.95 (was $150) |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 37 / 32mm* | 39 / 31mm* |
| Drop | 5mm | 8mm |
| Weight, men’s | 8.37 oz | 9.8 oz |
| Weight, women’s | 7.15 oz | 7.7 oz |
| Support | Neutral | Stability |
| Plate | None | None |
| Widths | Standard, Wide | Standard, Wide, Extra wide |
| Built for | Easy days, Tempo & workouts, Long runs | Easy days, Long runs, Recovery runs |
| Expected life | 300–400 miles | 450–550 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.
Arahi 8. True to size with a roomy toebox and a snug midfoot. Some runners find the volume generous, so lace it firmly. Wide and extra-wide available.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
Shop the Mach 7 · Shop the Arahi 8 · Compare other running shoes