HOKA Mach 5 Review

Updated: July 12, 2022

Updates Highlight the Mach 5's Impressive Versatility

Likes

Versatile performance
Soft, responsive, protective midsole
Lightweight, comfortable, secure upper

Dislikes

Requires break-in period
Tongue bunches at the toe
Hard to find a home in shoe rotation

What's New

The HOKA Mach was crafted to be a lightweight trainer that excels during uptempo runs with the ability to double as a racing shoe for some, and although previous versions of the Mach have produced mixed results within the running community over its relatively brief history, version 5 is a promising and exciting step forward for the line.

With similar midsole tooling as the Mach Supersonic, the Mach 5 features a dual-density midsole with a top layer of PROFLY+ foam that sits atop a firmer rubberized EVA foam. Though similar, the Mach 5 feels much softer and more energetic than the Mach Supersonic and the Mach 4. This is mainly a result of the increased volume in the midsole combined with slight tweaks to the PROFLY+ top layer, which delivers a much different experience from the Supersonic, and builds off the success of the Mach 4.

The upper has also received slight updates and features a redesigned heel, which further optimises the shoe's fit, while the jacquard mesh remains lightweight, breathable, and comfortable.

The Bottom Line

After the success of the Mach 4, runners were eagerly anticipating the release of the Mach Supersonic and the debut of HOKA's highly touted PROFLY+ foam compound. Sadly, the Supersonic did not quite live up to expectations, and many runners were left wanting more from HOKA's lightweight uptempo trainer.

Now, with the release of the Mach 5, runners will be able to enjoy a significant jump in performance and a much-improved implementation of the PROFLY+ foam compound. Although the midsole is conceptually the same as the Supersonic's, slight alterations to the midsole's volume, geometry, and composition have resulted in a significant improvement in performance.

Praised for its incredible versatility, the Mach 5 is more responsive and protective than previous versions of the trainer, making the 5 as good a companion for long easy runs as it is for tempo efforts, as well as anything in between. The midsole still doesn't pack the most explosive energy return, so the Mach 5 may not be the best race-day shoe for everyone. Though, if you are a beginner runner, then the Mach 5 is a highly competent and comfortable race-day option.

The Mach's upper remains comfortable with a secure lockdown and a lightweight on-foot feel, closely resembling that of its predecessor. The forefoot was surprisingly spacious for a HOKA, though those with wider, higher volume feet may still want a little more room in this traditionally narrow shoe.

The challenge some runners may face with the Mach 5 is finding a home for the shoe in their rotation. The category of lightweight speed trainers is highly competitive, and the Mach still does not quite deliver the same level of pure speed other shoes can offer. Furthermore, shoes designed more specifically for daily training typically provide better protection and durability. Regardless of its high-quality performance, the Mach lands between the speed and daily trainer categories. The Mach line still has some room for growth moving forward, but version 5 has more than lived up to the hype, and the future is looking promising for the shoe. Do not be surprised if you see the Mach ranked among 2022's best trainers.

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Specifications & Fit

Shoe Specs

Weight	Men's: 8.2 oz\ 232.4 grams (size 9) \| Women's: 6.8 oz\ 192 grams (size 8)
Stack Height	29 mm (Heel), 24mm (Forefoot) \| 5mm Heel-Toe Offset
Terrain	Road
Stability	Neutral
Sizing	True to size

Our In-Depth Look

Shoe Softnessi

Connor F: "The Mach 5 has a ride that provides a soft instep that gently cushions each step without feeling like sinking in quicksand. Also, the Mach 5 finally has enough cushion in the forefoot to work as an everyday trainer for me, rather than a shoe relegated to only shorter runs. Though they are different shoes with different purposes, the 5 is the first Mach that offers a distinguishably more responsive midsole than the Clifton."

Connor B: "The Mach 5 feels softer underfoot than version 4 and the Supersonic. While HOKA claims the tooling of the PROFLY+ midsole is the same as the Supersonic, I found that the material in the Mach 5 provided a softer squish that also feels more comfortable, especially when running longer distances. I wasn't dissatisfied with the softness of the Supersonic, but I didn't feel like it was a huge upgrade from version 4. On the other hand, The Mach 5 feels like a huge upgrade, and it is now the only Mach I will pull out of my closet."

Ride/Energy Returni

Connor F: "The Mach 5 is a great step forward for the Mach line. However, just like the Mach Supersonic, the shoe's main benefit is its light weight, not the midsole's responsiveness. PROFLY+ is a livelier foam compound that is an improvement over HOKA's other midsole foam technologies, but it is still not a super foam, and there is a lot to be desired. The Mach 5 does have a modest energy return, but the response is subdued."

Connor B: "The energy return on the Mach 5 also seems to have been improved over its predecessors, once again, despite having the same tooling as the Supersonic. The PROFLY+ is simply better executed in this model, and the Mach 5 feels much more alive underfoot. I still feel like the midsole materials could be pushed further in future models, as there are some extremely bouncy midsoles currently on the market, but it's a step in the right direction."

Underfoot Protectioni

Connor F: "The Mach's midsole was protective thanks to the high stack height, which is proficient at taking most of the shock out of ground contact. The only time I felt anything underfoot was when my runs led me to gravelly roads with larger rocks scattered everywhere. That said, the Mach wasn't designed to take on harsher terrain, and if you stay on the pavement where the shoe truly belongs, then you'll have more than enough protection."

Connor B: "The Mach 5 has all the cushioning I need for daily training while still feeling fast enough to bring out for some more uptempo efforts. The underfoot sensation isn't quite as soft and protective as a Clifton, but I was never worried wearing the Mach 5 for a Sunday long run, even if my legs were tired."

Flexibilityi

Connor F: "Through the first 50 miles, I would have ranked the flexibility very low. Out of the box, the Mach felt surprisingly clunky. It took some time for the midsole foams to break in and for the shoe to start moving more naturally with my foot. After the break-in period, the Mach 5 became much more flexible, and now I don't feel the chunkiness that was initially there. The ride is also much less slappy."

Connor B: "The Mach 5 has just a hint of flex, which is on par with other Machs of the past. The shoe's high stack height doesn't make it very flexible, but the forefoot flex grooves, which are identical to the Supersonic, are fairly deep and help contribute to an amazing ride that is ultra-smooth no matter the pace."

Upper Supporti

Connor F: "Past versions of the Mach have always had wonderful uppers. Version 5 still has a comfortable upper, but slight tweaks have created a few fit challenges for me. The tongue is not gusseted, and while running, it would work itself down the shoe, causing it to bunch at the toe. This caused me some issues, and runners with high-volume feet might experience similar discomforts. The toe box feels slightly narrower, and I feel my big toe hitting the side of the shoe more than in past models. These are both minor issues that do not ruin the overall fit and lockdown of the Mach 5, but they're worth mentioning as things that could cause issues for runners, especially those with experience wearing previous models."

Connor B: "The Mach has always been known for its lightweight, versatile design, and the Mach 5's slightly more minimal upper helps keep weight down. The mesh continues to be thin and performance oriented, and it feels fast enough for speed workouts but still supportive enough for all of my daily training efforts."

Individual Thoughts

Connor F. Overall Score: 9/10

The HOKA Mach 5 is what I felt the Mach 4 could have been. The Mach now has a more cushioned ride in the forefoot that was lacking in the 4. While the Mach 4 felt great for the first few runs, the shoe firmed up quickly, limiting its level of protection and its overall versatility. I have used the Mach 5 for everything from tempo runs to long runs, and it feels just as good at the start as it does at the finish on any type of run.

Despite having no rubber on the bottom of the shoe, I have found the longevity of the Mach 5 to be outstanding. After some initial wear, the outsole seems to keep going, and I have no concerns that this shoe will last 500 miles. The Mach 5's midsole is now lively enough and lightweight enough to be used as the mythical quiver killer, and it can handle any run. I am impressed with how the inclusion of the PROFLY+ foam compound has transformed the Mach 5's underfoot characteristics. I hope the Mach 5 is the launching pad for HOKA including more exciting foams in their shoes.

Shoe Softness

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Return

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protection

LowHigh

Flexibility

RigidElastic

Upper Support

StructuredAdaptable

Connor B.Overall Score: 8/10

The Mach 5 is here, and I think HOKA has finally delivered an update that moves the line forward in a great direction. As a big fan of the Mach 4, I was very excited about the release of the Mach Supersonic and the new PROFLY+ midsole compound. Admittedly, I expected the new midsole foam to be a total game-changer, not only for the Mach line but for all of HOKA. But after testing the Supersonic, I felt as though the update was minimal and lacked the performance upgrade I had hoped for, especially given the premium price increase compared to v4.

Fast forward to the HOKA Mach 5, and I assumed the shoe would only feature minimal changes that wouldn't overly affect the performance, as the Supersonic tooling looked identical. But after putting the Mach 5 on my foot, I immediately noticed a softer and bouncier underfoot feel that already felt very different from the Supersonic. Honestly, it felt more like what I had expected the Mach Supersonic to feel like.

The more miles I put on the Mach 5, the more I enjoyed running in it, and soon I found myself using it for a decent amount of my daily training. I even had full confidence in wearing the 5 for steady long runs. It's light and fast, yet still has reliable protection and a smooth ride that excels at any pace. That said, I did not find myself using it for many speed sessions, as there are shoes in my arsenal with lighter and more responsive midsole compounds.

The Mach 5 is extremely versatile and does a lot of things very well, but I do find myself categorising it almost as a tweener, and for this reason, it doesn't receive quite as much time on my feet on workout days as some of the faster shoes in my lineup. But for the runner who doesn't have 50+ shoes in their closet, I feel the Mach 5 is a great offering. If you're looking for an extremely versatile performance trainer or maybe seeking a faster option than your trusted Clifton, the Mach 5 is a great training shoe that may just be the best version to date.