Products
HOKA Mach 6
PUMA Velocity NITRO 4
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Oct 29, 2025 03:35 PM
SEE PRICE
Hoka.com
Tested using Methodology v0.9
Updated Dec 02, 2025 07:59 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Weight
233.6 g (8.24 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
5.9 mm
Plate
None
Weight
232.3 g (8.19 oz)
Heel-To-Toe Drop
11.1 mm
Plate
None
Our Verdict
HOKA Mach 6
PUMA Velocity NITRO 4
The PUMA Velocity NITRO 4 and HOKA Mach 6 are both daily trainers in a similar weight class, but they feel quite different on foot. The Velocity NITRO 4 uses a higher-drop and a very energetic midsole that feels lively and responsive while keeping you more grounded due to its lower forefoot stack. The Mach 6, with its lower drop and higher forefoot stack, comes across as more cushioned overall, especially up front, and a bit softer underfoot, giving it a slightly plusher, more protective feel for longer efforts. The HOKA also retains its cushioning abilities longer than the PUMA, which tends to bottom out quicker during long runs.
Variants
- Mach 6 (Black - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Black/Electric Tangerine - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Black/Fuchsia - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (Black/White - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Black/White - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (Cielo Blue - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (Cloudless/Waterpark - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (Dusk Shadow - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Electric Cobalt/Varsity Navy - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Frost/Gold - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Lava - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (Oat Milk/Barley - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (Pale Dusk/Gull - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (White - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (White/Lettuce - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (White/Nimbus Cloud - (Men - US 9))
- Mach 6 (White/Nimbus Cloud - (Women - US 7))
- Mach 6 (White/Solar Flare - (Men - US 9))
- Velocity NITRO 4 (Black - (Men - US 9))
- Velocity NITRO 4 (Black/Dark Amethyst - (Men - US 9))
- Velocity NITRO 4 (Black/Dark Amethyst - (Women - US 7))
- Velocity NITRO 4 (Mint Melt/Speed Blue - (Women - US 7))
- Velocity NITRO 4 (Sea Glass/Gold Moon - (Women - US 7))
- Velocity NITRO 4 (Sea Glass/Speed Blue - (Men - US 9))
- Velocity NITRO 4 (Speed Blue/Gold Moon - (Men - US 9))
- Velocity NITRO 4 (White/Black - (Men - US 9))
- Velocity NITRO 4 (White/Black - (Women - US 7))
Main Differences for
Marathon Racing
Marathon Racing
Threshold
Marathon Racing
7.0
6.5
Forefoot Stack Height
31.2 mm
26.1 mm
Forefoot Energy Return
7.0
7.8
Full Comparison
Design
Weight
7.0
7.1
Right Shoe Weight Photo
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Left Shoe Weight Photo
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Weight
233.6 g (8.24 oz)
232.3 g (8.19 oz)
Stack Heights
Stack Height Photo
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Heel Stack Height
37.1 mm
37.2 mm
Forefoot Stack Height
31.2 mm
26.1 mm
Heel-To-Toe Drop
5.9 mm
11.1 mm
Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
5.0 mm
10.0 mm
External Shape
3D Model Full Shoe
Outsole Heel Width
88 mm (3.5")
85 mm (3.4")
Outsole Arch Width
61 mm (2.4")
65 mm (2.6")
Outsole Forefoot Width
108 mm (4.2")
103 mm (4.0")
Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
2.37
2.28
Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
3.46
3.95
Internal Shape
3D Model Internal
Internal Length
271 mm (10.7")
278 mm (10.9")
Internal Heel Width
59 mm (2.3")
62 mm (2.4")
Internal Forefoot Width
92 mm (3.6")
90 mm (3.5")
Wide Sizing Available
Yes
Yes
Other Features
Other Features Photo
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Tongue Gusset Type
Semi-gusseted
Semi-gusseted
Plate
None
None
Performance
Heel Energy Return
6.3
7.1
Heel Compression Video
Heel Energy Return
Heel Energy Return
74.1%
76.6%
Forefoot Energy Return
7.0
7.8
Forefoot Compression Video
Forefoot Energy Return
Forefoot Energy Return
76.0%
79.9%
Heel Cushioning
6.8
7.2
Heel Cushioning Picture
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Heel Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 550N
2.86 J
3.56 J
Energy Absorbed At 1100N
8.53 J
8.90 J
Energy Absorbed At 1900N
15.28 J
14.28 J
Forefoot Cushioning
7.8
6.2
Forefoot Cushioning Picture
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Forefoot Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 800N
4.51 J
4.12 J
Energy Absorbed At 1300N
8.38 J
6.66 J
Energy Absorbed At 2050N
12.61 J
9.39 J
Heel Firmness
5.9
6.3
Heel Firmness
Firmness At 550N
60.0 N/mm
51.7 N/mm
Firmness At 1100N
111.1 N/mm
130.5 N/mm
Firmness At 1900N
235.8 N/mm
319.7 N/mm
Forefoot Firmness
7.6
9.0
Forefoot Firmness
Firmness At 800N
100.0 N/mm
137.6 N/mm
Firmness At 1300N
186.2 N/mm
297.8 N/mm
Firmness At 2050N
385.5 N/mm
585.1 N/mm
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
6.6
5.8
Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
Energy Absorbed At 10km
7.32 J
6.35 J
Energy Absorbed At 20km
7.07 J
6.21 J
Energy Absorbed At 30km
6.92 J
6.11 J
Energy Absorbed At 40km
6.81 J
6.05 J
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HOKA Mach 6
PUMA Velocity NITRO 4
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HOKA Mach 6 vs PUMA Velocity NITRO 4: Main Discussion
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