HOKA Mach X 3 vs Mach X 2
Mach X 3 or Mach X 2? 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 X 3 replaced the Mach X 2.
A new upper and heel that fix the 2’s heel rub, a little more foam and slightly more weight.
What changed
- Upper: New warp-knit upper and a redesigned heel with an extended collar, fixing the Mach X 2’s heel rub.
- Plate: Same Pebax plate.
- Outsole: Same outsole.
- Tongue: Thinner tongue, which reviewers didn’t like.
- On the run: Firmer, stiffer up front and snugger. Bounce about the same.
- Measured: 0.6 oz heavier and 1.7mm less foam under the heel. Drop about the same.
Still like the Mach X 2? It’s $39 less than the Mach X 3 while supplies last, with 2 colors in stock.
On the run
Mach X 3: The plated Mach for long, fast miles. Deeply cushioned, with a smooth, quick-rolling rocker and a Pebax plate. The forefoot is lively, but the EVA heel dulls the bounce at landing.
Mach X 2: The light, bouncy plated Mach. Light and fun, with excellent energy return and deep cushion. It handles tempo runs and long runs equally well.
Specs side by side
| Mach X 3 | Mach X 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $190 | $151 (was $190) |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | Not listed by HOKA | 46 / 41mm* |
| Drop | 5mm | 5mm* |
| Weight, men’s | 10.2 oz | 8.7 oz* |
| Weight, women’s | 8.6 oz | HOKA no longer lists it |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | Pebax plate | Pebax plate |
| Widths | Standard | Standard |
| Built for | Tempo & workouts, Long runs, Easy days | Tempo & workouts, Long runs, Easy days |
| Expected life | 350–450 miles | 350–450 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 X 3. Runs slightly short and very snug, so go up a half if you’re between sizes. Little room for toes to spread.
Mach X 2. True to size, but the toebox is small and tapered, and the heel collar can rub the Achilles.
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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