HOKA ONE ONE Mach 3 Review
Protective Cushioning Meets Lightweight
Likes
- Casual Style
- Lightweight
- Great Underfoot Protection
- Secure Upper
Dislikes
- Firm Cushioning
- Lacks Bounciness
What's New
As part of the HOKA ONE ONE Fly series, the Mach 3 features quality materials and construction designed to create a premium, high-performance running experience. The PROFLY midsole is made of rubberized EVA which provides a high level of cushioning in a lightweight package. Its dual-density composition features softer foam in the heel for a plush landing with a firmer forefoot for a more responsive toe-off. For grippy traction, the outsole consists of a ground contact EVA outsole that helps to keep the weight down while increasing the shoe's smooth and responsive ride. Finally, the new jacquard mesh upper is made of a structured mesh and booty construction that delivers a lightweight, next to skin fit that disappears on foot.
The Bottom Line
Boasting an impressive cushioning-to-weight ratio, the HOKA ONE ONE Mach 3 offers the underfoot protection that the brand is known but with the responsive ride of a traditional trainer. Although our testers found that the Mach 3 felt firmer underfoot than most HOKAs and had less bounce then they expected, they appreciated the shoe's ample underfoot protection and connection to the ground. Larger runners will appreciate the Mach 3's resilient rebound. Also, those that want a shoe with plenty of cushioning and the responsive ride of a traditional trainer will enjoy the performance-inspired design of the HOKA ONE ONE Mach 3.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium to narrow (Women's: Medium)| Height: Medium | |
| Midfoot Volume | Men's: Medium to low | |
| Heel Width | Men's: Medium to Narrow | Women's: Medium | |
| Arch Height | Men's: Medium to high | Women's: Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 8.0 oz (size 9) | Women's: 7.1 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 27mm (Heel), 22mm (Forefoot) | 5 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
Departing from the cloud-like cushioning that the brand is known for, the rubberized EVA of the PROFLY midsole gives the Mach 3 a firm ground feel. The dual-density midsole provides the shoe with a softer landing with a stiffer toe-off.
Jasmine: "Step in feel is pretty firm off the bat which translated into a firm run. While I typically like a firm shoe, this one was a bit too much for me."
Tyler: "I found the Mach 3 to be one of the firmer Hoka shoes that I have ever run in. The forefoot had very little squish to it, which I preferred for shorter tempo runs."
Ride/Energy Return i
The PROFLY midsole offers a responsive ride that leans more towards a firmer rebound than it does towards a bounciness. Larger runners and those that like the feel of a traditional trainer will enjoy the shoes connected to the ground feel.
Jasmine: "I tend to enjoy a bouncier ride, and I am too light of a runner to get a bouncy rebound from the shoe. The Mach 3 had more of a firm responsiveness similar to a classic trainer."
Tyler: "While I liked the firm feeling for tempo workouts, the lack of a springy ride made the shoe feel kind of sluggish to me on longer, slower runs."
Underfoot Protection i
Our testers loved the underfoot protection of the Mach 3. They felt that it offered ample cushioning for their runs without having an overly squishy or unstable ride.
Jasmine: "For a lightweight shoe, there is an ample amount of cushioning for every day runs. I didn’t feel the road at all."
Tyler: "The Mach 3 is perfect for those who want protection from the ground while having a firm ride underneath."
Underfoot Flexibility i
The Mach 3 offers a stiff design which provides the shoe with stability and added responsiveness. Our testers felt that this shoe provided them with confidence during uptempo efforts while having just enough flex in the forefoot to be smooth throughout their stride.
Tyler: "While not as stiff as a plated shoe, the Mach 3 has very little bend to it. This gives the shoe a stable ride and quick turnover."
Jasmine: "The Mach 3 is not a very flexible shoe. Basically, the forefoot has a slight amount of flex, but from the mid-foot to the heel, there is no bend at all."
Upper Feel i
With a sleek and seamless design, the new jacquard mesh upper provides a performance fit that is both supportive and comfortable. Our testers enjoyed the bootie construction and breathable padded tongue.
Tyler: "I thought this was the most significant improvement to the shoe. I liked how the upper held my feet. It felt very secure and made it more comfortable for me to run at faster paces."
Jasmine: "The upper is a pretty structured mesh which in theory should offer support and hold but as I have a very narrow foot, the overall fit of the forefoot was a bit sloppy for me."
Individual Thoughts
I think that this shoe does a decent job overall. I really enjoyed the fit of the upper around my feet. The booty-like midfoot allowed me to feel more confident running at faster paces, and the higher volume toe box prevented my toes from feeling too claustrophobic. I prefer a bouncier ride and I wish that the Mach 3 had leaned a bit more towards bounciness than firmness during my standard runs.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
When I first opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised by the aesthetic of the Mach. It’s a good-looking shoe, streamlined with a bit of a leisurely look. From the beginning the step-in feel was firm. Although I felt plenty protected from the road, I didn't find that the firm cushioning offered the bouncy ride that I was expecting. Overall, I can see this being an option for someone who wants a lightweight shoe with ample cushioning for everyday use. It just wasn't the shoe for me.