The HOKA Mach X 3 is a plated super trainer that matches maximum cushioning with a Pebax plate for a springy ride that comes alive at faster paces. The PEBA-based midsole is similar to the HOKA Mach X 2, but the upper has been significantly reworked to add structure and padding around the heel. This update was meant to address complaints about heel slippage in the Mach X 2, and the new upper has improved lockdown, but added weight. Although the lofty stack height of the Mach X 3 puts it in the max-cushioned category, the foam does not feel excessively soft or squishy. Indeed, with its rockered geometry and spoon-shaped plate, the Mach X 3 feels more comfortable at moderate or faster paces than during easy runs.
Our Verdict
The HOKA Mach X 3 is a decent option for a marathon shoe. The rockered, plated midsole provides some propulsion, and the cushioning holds up well over long distances. For a competitive race or PB attempt, however, there are more streamlined, race-optimized options.
Pebax plate in midsole.
Deeply cushioned.
Heavy for a super trainer.
The HOKA Mach X 3 is a reasonable option for a 5k or 10k race. The midsole has enough spring to reward intense effort, and the shoe's overall geometry feels comfortable at faster paces. However, the weight will hold you back from hitting top speed.
Pebax plate in midsole.
Forefoot is firm enough for stable toe-offs
Heavy for a super trainer.
The HOKA Mach X 3 has okay energy return, although the forefoot is much springier than the heel, thanks to a higher concentration of PEBA foam in the front of the shoe.
Very springy forefoot.
Midsole feels a bit dull and flat under the heel.
The HOKA Mach X 3 has amazing cushioning. The thick stack of PEBA-based foam does an excellent job of absorbing impact without feeling mushy.
Deeply cushioned.
The HOKA Mach X 3 is fairly stable, although it can feel less than secure when cornering at speed. The tall stack height is somewhat offset by the width of the shoe's platform, but the lack of gusseting in the tongue can compromise lockdown for runners with narrower feet.
Pebax plate in midsole.
Forefoot is firm enough for stable toe-offs
Lack of gusseted tongue.
Performance Usages
Changelog
- Updated Oct 28, 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.
- Updated Oct 17, 2025: Review published.
- Updated Oct 14, 2025: Early access published.
- Updated Aug 29, 2025: Our testers have started testing this product.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the HOKA Mach X 3 in men's US size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. The color shown here is White/Neon Tangerine. This model is also available in Neon Hoka Citrus / Neon Lime for men and in White/Neon Lime and Neon Rose / Neon Tangerine for women. Unlike some other HOKA shoes, the Mach X 3 is only available in standard width.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The HOKA Mach X 3 is a versatile super trainer that incorporates HOKA's max cushioning design into a performance-oriented plated shoe. The Mach X line is one of the pioneers of the growing class of shoes that use plates to stabilize a deep stack of foam, in an attempt to combine comfort and speed. The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 and ASICS SONICBLAST are two similarly constructed shoes with comparable cushioning, but better energy return. Some plated trainers that offer a firmer ride include the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and PUMA Deviate NITRO 3.
Within HOKA's lineup, the Mach X 3 sits in the middle of the performance spectrum in an increasingly crowded pack of plated shoes. The HOKA Rocket X 3 and HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 are lighter, streamlined shoes that are built for racing. At the other end of the spectrum, the HOKA Skyward X is a bigger, bulkier plated shoe that's more suited for long, easy runs.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, as well as the best long-distance running shoes and the best shoes for running a marathon.
The HOKA Mach 6 and HOKA Mach X 3 share a family name, but are rather different shoes. The Mach 6 is at the low end of HOKA's cushioning spectrum, with a light weight build and firmer ride, while the Mach X 3 is much more cushioned, and stands almost 10 mm taller in the heel. As such, the Mach 6 is more suited to shorter runs, as the cushioning starts to bottom out more quickly. The Mach X 3 holds up better over longer distances, but can still handle faster workouts.
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.
The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 and HOKA Mach X 3 are both max-cushioned plated trainers that can be used for a variety of workouts. The Brooks is a bigger and bouncier shoe, with both higher energy return and better cushioning. But the added foam also adds weight, making the Brooks over 20g heavier than the HOKA. Smaller runners may prefer the lighter HOKA, as the Brooks requires a decent amount of force to be applied to reap the benefits of its springy midsole.
The HOKA Rocket X 3 and HOKA Mach X 3 represent the brand's oldest plated shoe series, with the Rocket X 3 being the dedicated racing shoe, and the Mach X 3 a super trainer. The Rocket X 3 is significantly lighter and has a more rigid carbon plate, whereas the Mach X 3 has a Pebax plate. Despite being more streamlined and race-optimised, the Rocket X 3 is more stable than the Mach X 3, due to having a lower stack height and significantly firmer midsole.
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 HOKA Mach X 3 has gained weight since the HOKA Mach X 2, largely due to the more padded upper and added stack height.
The energy return from the heel of the HOKA Mach X 3 leaves much to be desired, and the shoe relies more on its rockered geometry to assist with transitions.
The HOKA Mach X 3 has very good energy return in the forefoot, resulting in a lively, springy step.
The heel of the HOKA Mach X 3 does an excellent job of absorbing impact, but the feeling underfoot is not particularly plush.
The cushioning in the forefoot of the HOKA Mach X 3 is similarly excellent, with enough foam underfoot to support heavy forefoot landings.
The heel of the HOKA Mach X 3 is not very firm, which can make tight corners a bit dicey for heel strikers.
The forefoot of the HOKA Mach X 3 is decently firm, providing enough stability for forceful toe-offs.