HOKA Mach X 2 Review

The HOKA Mach X 2 has quickly become a standout in my running shoe rotation, and I love its versatility! It feels fast and durable, and I can even race in it.

When my legs felt fatigued, the Mach X 2 became my go-to choice for an effortless ride. Although it's not a carbon-plated shoe, the Mach X 2 still offers a similar level of performance in terms of responsiveness and efficiency, all at a comparable price point.

Unfortunately, the heel caused irritation, which kept me from giving the Mach X 2 a perfect score. Despite this setback, it remains a strong contender for those looking for a versatile, high-performing uptempo running shoe.

I've been testing the new HOKA Mach X 2 for the past few weeks, and I have to say, it's a great update from HOKA. I've used the Mach X 2 for long tempo runs and some intervals, and I'm very impressed.

The shoe felt incredibly light and stable at both fast and slow paces. The PEBA foam midsole, combined with the propulsive Pebax plate, provided exceptional energy return, propelling me forward. It's similar to the feeling I get from the Cielo X 1 and my favorite shoe, the Rocket X 2. I also ran in the rain, and the outsole, with its strategically placed rubber, gave me secure traction.

The Mach X 2's supportive woven upper is highly breathable and provides a reliable hold on any type of run. Throughout testing, my foot always felt very stable, and I really appreciated the updated lacing system.

That said, after my first test run, I developed a blister on my left heel. At first, I thought, "Maybe it's me and not the shoe," since I don't usually get blisters, so I gave the Mach X 2 the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, the irritation didn't improve with additional runs. As it turns out, I wasn't the only one with this issue; my fellow testers, Connor and Aleisha, had similar experiences.

It was disappointing because I was thinking, "This is exactly the shoe I've been looking for in terms of the ride," and the Mach X 2 is probably one of the best shoes I've run in over the last two years. I just hope HOKA addresses the issue with the heel cup moving forward, because, if they do, the Mach X 2 would be excellent all around!

For runners who don't want to wear a carbon-plated shoe every day but still want the feel of a speedy super trainer, the Mach X 2 is a great option. It's truly a shoe for all situations: slow, long, fast runs, and race day. So if you're looking for a super trainer that offers lightness, super foam, and a plate, the HOKA Mach X 2 is the shoe you need.

The HOKA Mach X 2 is a huge upgrade for the series, and if it wasn't for the heel fit issues, I would put this as a top contender for fun shoes to bring out nearly any day of the week. The Mach foam compound and geometries really shine and make it easy to pick up the pace or just cruise. Some elements remind me of the Cielo X 1 (a great addition this past year), and some elements from the standard Mach blended for a true performance daily trainer. While I think the Mach X 2 has great versatility as a super trainer, it will shine best on progressive long runs, longer tempo workouts, or even some faster daily training. Overall, it's a bouncy shoe that just makes you want to pick up the pace!