Hoka Mach X 2 running shoes

The Hoka Mach X 2 Running Shoe is a neutral running shoe for longer, faster runs. If your pace is not faster than 4-4:30 min/km for a marathon or 4 min/km for a half marathon, you can run in the Mach X 2 even at running races. If you don’t run faster than that, it is completely unnecessary to buy a separate race running shoe, as it will do very little to improve your time results. The upper of the Hoka Mach X 2 is lightweight, has good breathability, the midsole is made of two different densities of foam with a PEBAX (plastic) plate in between, the outsole has good grip and is moderately abrasion resistant.

The Hoka Mach X 2 has changed a lot compared to the previous version, with a thinner and lighter upper and a 5 mm higher midsole. The previous version was closer to the Hoka Mach without the plate and X, with the difference between the Mach X 2 and Mach 6 being much greater than between the Mach X and Mach 5 or 6.

Hoka Mach X 2 upper

The upper of the Hoka Mach X 2 running shoe is made of a thinly woven mesh material that is very breathable. The upper is optimized for performance, not comfort, but that doesn’t mean the upper is uncomfortable. Performance optimized uppers are characterized by the fact that they hold the foot very securely to support fast running. Uppers are tru to size (slightly longer) and tend to be on the narrow side. The tongue is thin, minimally padded and fixed. The heel collar is unstiffened, only stiffened by an outer layer of rubber, which can be annoying for those sensitive to it. The inside of the heel collar is only padded on both sides, which provides some comfort but does not hold the ankle perfectly, so the laces have to be tightened.

Hoka Mach X 2 midsole

The Hoka Mach X 2 running shoe midsole is made up of 3 layers. On top is a thick layer of Peba foam, which is a very dynamic, lightweight and soft foam. Underneath the Peba layer is a polymer (plastic) PEBAX plate, which is more flexible than a carbon sheet, but also heavier and less dynamic. The PEBAX sheet is made from a recyclable bio-material called PEBAX RNEW. The bottom layers are EVA foam, which is harder and denser than Peba foam. From the side, it looks like the heel section is all EVA foam, but it only looks that way from the outside because the EVA foam is bent over the Peba layer. This sandwich midfoot construction can be very dynamic with high energy return, but also comfortable, not tight like carbon plate running shoes. It’s a very versatile midsole, durable for fast runs, but not tight and stiff for slower runs. Although Hoka has gone to great lengths to make the Mach X 2 stable, the soft, dynamic Peba foam means that the stability of the shoe is only average. The PEBAX plate on the forefoot, where the Peba foam is thicker, has a small wing (only on the outside) that improves stability, and the stiffer EVA foam on the front makes the shoe more stable, but overall the stability is “only” average. Compared to fast running shoes with a high midfoot designed for longer distances, this is not a weakness of the shoe. The midsole has a rocker (curved) geometry, so transitions in the shoe are smooth and quick, supporting a fast pace. The midsole is highly cushioned, 44mm at the heel and 39mm at the forefoot. This high level of cushioning not only provides good dynamics, but also comfortable shock absorption, which is especially important when running longer distances.

Hoka Mach X 2 outsole

The Hoka Mach X 2 running shoe outsole does not cover the entire midfoot, which is primarily due to weight reduction. The midsole also has 3 windows through which the PRBAX plate is visible. This is an additional weight reduction, but pebbles can get in here while running, which can be annoying. The outside of the heel and the inside of the forefoot have stronger outsole part because these are the areas that are used the most. The traction of the shoe is great, even on wet surfaces. Over the last 1-2 years, the durability of Hoka running shoes’ outsoles has improved a lot, so I assume that the outsole of the Hoka MACH X 2 running shoes has not only good grip, but also good abrasion resistance.

Summary

The Hoka Mach X 2 Running Shoe is a lightweight, dynamic, fast-training running shoe that you can feel confident using in races if you’re not one of those runners who can run a half marathon in 85 minutes or faster. The Hoka Mach X 2 upper is very breathable, lightweight and optimized for performance. It holds the foot well and securely, but the heel collar is a bit weaker than expected. The midfoot is well cushioned, soft but dynamic, with good shock absorption and support for longer, faster runs. The polymer PEBAX plate in the midsole gives the shoe extra dynamics, but doesn’t make it too stiff, so it’s not uncomfortable on slower tempo. The outsole doesn’t cover much of the midsole to keep the shoe lightweight, but the outsole is reinforced where it touches the ground the most, so it grips well and wears slowly.

Hoka Mach X 2, Mach X, Mach 6 comparison

The Hoka Mach X 2 has changed a lot from its predecessor. The upper is thinner, lighter and more breathable. The biggest change in the Mach X 2 is that the midfoot of the shoe has increased significantly to 5mm. This change has made the shoe more dynamic and versatile, allowing you to maintain a fast pace over longer distances. Despite the significant increase in midsole thickness, the Mach X 2 is not heavier, in fact it is 5 grams lighter.

I used to have a hard time deciding between running with the Mach X or the Mach (without the X), but with the introduction of the Mach X 2, the difference is more pronounced. The Mach 6 is a lighter, more flexible shoe, but while the previous Mach X only had a 2mm higher midfoot, the Mach X 2 has a 7mm higher midfoot, making it feel more dynamic over longer distances.