The HOKA Mach X 2 is designed for runners seeking a plated super trainer for their intensity sessions. With a combination of a breathable woven upper, a PEBA-topped midsole, and a Pebax plate, the shoe can handle both daily training miles, when you need an extra boost, as well as quicker runs. Compared to the original HOKA Mach X, it features a higher stack height, providing even more cushioning while managing to reduce the overall weight.
Our Verdict
The HOKA Mach X 2 provides a good overall marathon performance package, balancing satisfactory energy return with outstanding cushioning. It's a reliable choice for marathon runners who prioritize comfort over outright speed. While it may not have the sharpest responsiveness or lightest weight, it remains dependable and sufficiently bouncy for sustained efforts, offering a smooth ride throughout extended mileage.
Plush cushioning.
Energy return is decent overall.
Pebax plate.
Lighter than its predecessor, but not light enough for racing.
For shorter, quicker races such as the 5K and 10K, the HOKA Mach X 2 underperforms slightly due to its weight and insufficient energy return. Runners aiming for fast times or personal bests will find it limiting, as the shoes lack the aggressive bounce and nimble efficiency needed for optimal short-distance performance.
Energy return is decent overall.
Pebax plate.
Lighter than its predecessor, but not light enough for racing.
Very soft foam underfoot.
The HOKA Mach X 2 delivers decent energy return, suitable for efficient, steady-paced runs, but lacks the impressive bounce and explosive responsiveness desired for shorter, quicker races. It's well-suited to longer efforts where moderate, consistent energy return complements its excellent cushioning rather than dynamic, fast-paced scenarios.
Good forefoot energy return thanks to PEBA in this area.
Energy return is decent overall.
EVA foam in the heel is much less bouncy.
Outstanding cushioning makes the HOKA Mach X 2 exceptionally comfortable for prolonged use. Its plush heel cushioning absorbs impact incredibly well, while the forefoot cushioning also provides incredible comfort, effectively protecting runners from fatigue and discomfort over extended distances. It's ideal for athletes seeking maximal protection without compromising too much efficiency.
Plush cushioning.
High stack height makes for ultra protective feel.
The lateral stability is adequate overall on the HOKA Mach X 2, making it a reasonable shoe for runners needing reliable support during long-distance races when fatigue begins to affect form. Its broad outsole dimensions significantly enhance stability, although it's slightly compromised by a notably soft heel and ultra-high stack.
Big and wide outsole platform.
Pebax plate.
Very soft foam underfoot.
High stack height leaves you perched high above the ground.
Performance Usages
Changelog
- Updated Nov 20, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
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Updated Oct 22, 2025:
We've adjusted this review's writing to align with the new test bench, including updates to all usage scores and test boxes for Cushioning, Firmness, and Energy Return.
- Updated Oct 20, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
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Updated Sep 16, 2025:
We have updated the Popular Running Shoe comparisons box to include a reference to the recently reviewed Brooks Hyperion Max 3.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the HOKA Mach X 2 in men's US size 9, as noted on the label. The color shown here is Black/Electric Aqua. This model is also available in Grapefruit/Electric Coral, Frost/Citrus and Frost/Electric Aqua. Wide versions are offered for both men and women.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The HOKA Mach X 2 is positioned as a versatile super trainer, offering an ideal blend of maximal cushioning and energetic responsiveness. On the broader market, this versatility makes it one of the most compelling options for runners who prefer a single shoe to handle virtually every aspect of their training. Other versatile trainer options include the adidas Adizero Evo SL, the ASICS NOVABLAST 5, and the Brooks Hyperion Max 3.
Within HOKA's lineup, the Mach X 2's refinements from the HOKA Mach X clearly establish it as the go-to super trainer for almost everyone. While the HOKA Skyward X remains an excellent maximalist alternative specifically suited to recovery runs, the Mach X 2 is a better all-arounder that offers more effective cushioning, so it's a better choice for most runners. It sits comfortably above trainers like the HOKA Clifton 10, a cushioned daily workhorse, and the lightweight HOKA Mach 6, but below the brand's true racing shoes, like the HOKA Cielo X 2.0 and the HOKA Rocket X 3, which are built with race day in mind.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes to find the perfect pair.
The HOKA Mach 6 and the HOKA Mach X 2 share a name but cater to distinct running experiences. The Mach 6 is a lighter, lower-to-the-ground daily trainer that remains bouncy for its category. In contrast, the Mach X 2 is a more versatile super trainer. It features significantly greater cushioning and a plastic plate, allowing it to handle a wider variety of workouts and paces effortlessly. Overall, runners seeking versatility and maximum comfort for both daily training and faster sessions will prefer the Mach X 2, whereas those looking for a simpler, lighter daily option will find the Mach 6 appealing.
The HOKA Mach X and the HOKA Mach X 2 offer a completely different experience—think of the Mach X 2 as a rare sequel that significantly outshines the original. While the Mach X is a decent super trainer, the Mach X 2 takes things to a whole new level, providing a far more cushioned experience, a higher stack height, and significantly better energy return, all while being nearly 20 grams lighter. This combination makes it the preferred option for almost everyone unless you prioritize stability, in which case the original Mach X still offers a more secure feel.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and the HOKA Mach X 2 are both versatile super trainers, but each excels in different scenarios. The Saucony is lighter and more stable and offers a snappier, more responsive feel. In contrast, the HOKA is more heavily cushioned and plush. While both shoes are versatile enough for training and some racing, the Saucony shines brightest in shorter events, whereas the HOKA is the preferred option for those prioritizing cushioning and comfort over extended distances.
The HOKA Mach X 3 is the successor to the HOKA Mach X 2, and the most notable change is in the upper. While the Mach X 2 was lighter and more streamlined, the lack of structure around the heel counter led to slippage for many runners. The Mach X 3 has added more padding and a more rigid heel counter, which helps with lockdown, but also increases the weight. As such, the Mach X 3 is less nimble than its predecessor, but the ride is more secure.
We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
The shoe has an acceptable weight—not exceptionally lightweight but notably improved from its predecessor, the HOKA Mach X, shaving off a substantial amount of grams. This is especially impressive given the significant increase in stack height and cushioning underfoot, benefiting runners seeking enhanced comfort without the penalty of excessive heaviness.
The heel energy return is better than the original HOKA Mach X, though it remains relatively modest. The largely EVA-based foam at the heel dampens the shoe's potential, creating a muted and somewhat flat experience upon landing. As a result, heel strikers seeking an energetic sensation might feel let down despite the improvements from the previous version.
The forefoot is lively, offering a distinctly more enjoyable ride compared to the original HOKA Mach X. Midfoot and forefoot strikers in particular will appreciate the shoe’s capacity for a fun, energetic toe-off, provided they naturally land in the shoe's PEBA-based sweet spot.
The heel cushioning of this shoe is amazing, placing it in the top tier for underfoot comfort. It stands out compared to other super trainers and offers excellent protection, redefining what can be expected from maximum cushioning. Those prioritizing supreme comfort, particularly during longer efforts, will find this heel cushioning impressively plush and protective.
Forefoot cushioning is superb, providing plenty of comfort that surpasses the original HOKA Mach X by a wide margin. This greatly benefits runners seeking luxurious cushioning at toe-off.
The heel is notably soft—perhaps excessively so—which negatively impacts stability. Runners prone to instability or who prefer a stable, secure heel strike may find the softness problematic, especially in longer distances where maintaining consistent form becomes critical.
The forefoot is moderately firm, striking a balance between stability and softness. It's noticeably softer compared to its predecessor but still retains enough firmness to ensure a controlled ride. This primarily results from the integrated plastic plate, which effectively holds the softer PEBA foam together, especially towards the forefoot where the plate sits lower. This design boosts stability and delivers a dynamic toe-off.