Products
Tested using Methodology v0.10
Updated Mar 27, 2026 06:38 PM
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Hoka.com
Tested using Methodology v0.11
Updated Apr 13, 2026 01:56 PM
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Amazon.com
Weight
233.6 g (8.24 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
5.9 mm
Plate
None
Weight
248.2 g (8.76 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
8.2 mm
Plate
None
Our Verdict
HOKA Mach 6
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
The HOKA Mach 6 and the ASICS NOVABLAST 5 are both versatile daily trainers but cater to different needs. The Mach 6 sits closer to the ground and offers a lighter, firmer feel, making it a great no-fuss option for daily training. In contrast, the NOVABLAST 5 provides significantly more cushioning, helping to protect your legs during longer efforts, and a midsole that delivers greater energy return.
Variants
- Mach 6 (Black - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Black/Electric Tangerine - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Black/Carrier Grey - (Men - US 9))
- NOVABLAST 5 (Black/Carrier Grey - (Women - US 7))
Main Differences for
Marathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
7.0
7.3
Heel Stack Height
37.1 mm
41.8 mm
Weight
7.0
6.5
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
7.0
6.5
Right Shoe Weight Photo
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Left Shoe Weight Photo
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Weight
233.6 g (8.24 oz)
248.2 g (8.76 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
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Heel Stack Height
37.1 mm
41.8 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
31.2 mm
33.4 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
5.9 mm
8.2 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
5.0 mm
8.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Outsole Heel Width
88 mm (3.5")
89 mm (3.5")
Outsole Arch Width
61 mm (2.4")
75 mm (2.9")
Outsole Forefoot Width
108 mm (4.2")
115 mm (4.5")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.37
2.13
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.46
3.44
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Preview 3D
Preview 3D
Internal Length
271 mm (10.7")
284 mm (11.2")
Internal Heel Width
59 mm (2.3")
62 mm (2.4")
Internal Forefoot Width
92 mm (3.6")
94 mm (3.7")
Wide Sizing Available
Yes
Yes
Forefoot Fit: Width
9.2
9.2
Forefoot Width Photo
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Ball-Of-Foot TTS Deviation
1.6 mm (0.062")
1.5 mm (0.059")
Toe TTS Deviation
-2.7 mm (-0.107")
-3.0 mm (-0.116")
Forefoot Fit: Height
10
8.9
Forefoot Height Photo
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Toe TTS Deviation
-0.2 mm (-0.006")
-1.6 mm (-0.064")
Arch Fit: Width
3.9
7.1
Arch Fit Photo
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Arch Width TTS Deviation
-8.0 mm (-0.313")
-4.5 mm (-0.178")
Length Fit
10
10
Toe Clearance Photo
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Heel Rocker Geometry
6.2
Heel Rocker Photo
Heel Spring
17 mm (0.7")
Heel Apex Position
13.2%
Heel Rocker Angle
23.0°
Forefoot Rocker Geometry
6.7
Forefoot Rocker Photo
Toe Spring
48 mm (1.9")
Toe Apex Position
73.4%
Forefoot Rocker Angle
31.0°
Other Features
Other Features Photo
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Tongue Gusset Type
Semi-gusseted
Fully-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Compression Energy Return
6.3
6.3
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Heel Energy Return
74.1%
74.0%
Forefoot Compression Energy Return
7.0
7.3
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Forefoot Energy Return
76.0%
77.3%
Heel Cushioning
6.8
8.2
Heel Cushioning Picture
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Heel Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 550N
2.86 J
3.83 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
8.53 J
9.97 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
15.28 J
16.86 J
Forefoot Cushioning
7.8
7.9
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
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Forefoot Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 800N
4.51 J
5.15 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
8.38 J
8.58 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
12.61 J
12.28 J
Heel Firmness
5.9
5.1
Heel Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 550N
60.0 N/mm
47.1 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
111.1 N/mm
109.3 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
235.8 N/mm
229.7 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
7.6
8.1
Forefoot Firmness
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Firmness At 800N
100.0 N/mm
105.0 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
186.2 N/mm
220.1 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
385.5 N/mm
436.1 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
6.6
7.3
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Preview Graph
Preview Graph
Energy Absorbed At 10km
7.32 J
8.00 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
7.07 J
7.77 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
6.92 J
7.61 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
6.81 J
7.50 J
Rocker Stiffness
6.1
Forefoot Rocker Stiffness Video
Forefoot Rocker Stiffness Graph
Preview Graph
Force To Flatten The Rocker
64 N
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
6.5
Forefoot Bending Video
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
Preview Graph
Forefoot Bending Energy Return
62.4%
Forefoot Bending Stiffness
6.5
Forefoot Bending Resistance Picture
Forefoot Bending Resistance
Preview Graph
Forefoot Bending Stiffness
11.3 N/mm
Forefoot Bending Force
234 N
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HOKA Mach 6
ASICS NOVABLAST 5
Comments
HOKA Mach 6 vs ASICS NOVABLAST 5: Main Discussion
What do you think of these products? Let us know below.
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Thanks for you comment. What did you find different about the Novablast 5? Also, keep in mind that this page is a comparison of the Novablast 5 and Mach 6, which are rather different shoes. Our standalone, full review of the Novablast 5 is here: https://www.rtings.com/running-shoes/reviews/asics/novablast-5
I have Novablast 5 purchased from Supersports a reputable running store that in no way resemble the shoe you describe here.