HOKA Skyward X vs Mach X

Which Running Shoe Is Better?

Products

HOKA Skyward X
HOKA Mach X

Tested using Methodology v0.9

Updated Oct 29, 2025 06:55 PM

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Hoka.com

Tested using Methodology v0.8.2

Updated Oct 24, 2025 08:23 PM

Amazon.com

Our Verdict

HOKA Skyward X

HOKA Mach X

The HOKA Skyward X and HOKA Mach X are both premium trainers, but they cater to different types of runners. The Skyward X is all about maximum cushioning and underfoot protection, making it a great option for recovery runs or those who prefer an ultra-soft, high-stack experience. However, its towering design doesn't translate into a particularly energetic ride. The Mach X, on the other hand, fits more into the super trainer category. It's significantly lighter, more stable, and delivers a snappier feel underfoot. While both shoes incorporate advanced foam blends, the Mach X offers a more versatile ride that works well for both daily miles and uptempo efforts.

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Variants

  • Skyward X (Black/Electric Aqua - (Men - US 9))
  • Skyward X (Blanc De Blanc/Swim Day - (Women - US 7))
  • Skyward X (Blanc De Blanc/Virtual Blue - (Men - US 9))
  • Skyward X (Cosmic Grey/Rose Gold - (Women - US 7))
  • Skyward X (Cosmic Grey/Silver - (Men - US 9))
  • Skyward X (Frost/Lupine - (Men - US 9))
  • Skyward X (Frost/Lupine - (Women - US 7))
  • Skyward X (Lettuce/Cloudless - (Men - US 9))
  • Skyward X (Lettuce/Cloudless - (Women - US 7))
  • Skyward X (Luna Moth/Black - (Men - US 9))
  • Skyward X (Mint Fluorite /Blue Spark - (Women - US 7))
  • Mach X (Ocean Mist/Lime Glow - (Men - US 9))
  • Mach X (Ocean Mist/Lime Glow - (Women - US 7))
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Main Differences for
Marathon Racing

Threshold 

0.10

Marathon Racing 

7.3
7.4

Weight  

4.1
6.0

Heel Energy Return 
 

7.5
4.4

Plate 
 

Carbon Fiber
Plastic

Full Comparison

Design

Weight  

4.1
6.0

Right Shoe Weight Photo  

Left Shoe Weight Photo  

Weight 
 

306.9 g (10.82 oz)
260.2 g (9.18 oz)
Show Text 

Stack Heights 
 

Stack Height Photo  

Heel Stack Height 
 

50.4 mm
41.0 mm

Forefoot Stack Height 
 

43.6 mm
33.4 mm

Heel-To-Toe Drop 
 

6.8 mm
6.6 mm

Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop 
 

5.0 mm
5.5 mm

External Shape 
 

3D Model Full Shoe  

Outsole Heel Width 
 

95 mm (3.7")
90 mm (3.5")

Outsole Arch Width 
 

82 mm (3.2")
71 mm (2.8")

Outsole Forefoot Width 
 

119 mm (4.7")
110 mm (4.3")

Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio 
 

1.88
2.20

Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio 
 

2.73
3.29

Internal Shape 
 

3D Model Internal  

Internal Length 
 

274 mm (10.8")
273 mm (10.7")

Internal Heel Width 
 

60 mm (2.4")
63 mm (2.5")

Internal Forefoot Width 
 

91 mm (3.6")
93 mm (3.6")

Wide Sizing Available 
 

No
No

Other Features  

Other Features Photo  

Tongue Gusset Type 
 

Semi-gusseted
Fully-gusseted

Plate 
 

Carbon Fiber
Plastic
Performance

Heel Energy Return 
 

7.5
4.4

Heel Compression Video  

Heel Energy Return  

See details
See details

Heel Energy Return 
 

78.1%
71.1%
Show Text 

Forefoot Energy Return 
 

7.7
7.6

Forefoot Compression Video  

Forefoot Energy Return  

See details
See details

Forefoot Energy Return 
 

79.2%
78.8%
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Heel Cushioning 
 

8.8
7.4

Heel Cushioning Picture  

Heel Cushioning  

See details
See details

Energy Absorbed At 550N 
 

3.56 J
3.34 J

Energy Absorbed At 1100N 
 

11.41 J
8.93 J

Energy Absorbed At 1900N 
 

21.08 J
15.79 J
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Forefoot Cushioning 
 

9.6
8.0

Forefoot Cushioning Picture  

Forefoot Cushioning  

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See details

Energy Absorbed At 800N 
 

6.19 J
5.02 J

Energy Absorbed At 1300N 
 

11.79 J
8.65 J

Energy Absorbed At 2050N 
 

18.34 J
12.70 J
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Heel Firmness 
 

3.7
5.6

Heel Firmness  

See details
See details

Firmness At 550N 
 

42.8 N/mm
55.7 N/mm

Firmness At 1100N 
 

79.0 N/mm
112.0 N/mm

Firmness At 1900N 
 

169.4 N/mm
228.7 N/mm
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Forefoot Firmness 
 

5.3
7.8

Forefoot Firmness  

See details
See details

Firmness At 800N 
 

66.2 N/mm
98.7 N/mm

Firmness At 1300N 
 

128.1 N/mm
203.3 N/mm

Firmness At 2050N 
 

250.9 N/mm
398.5 N/mm
Show Text 

Forefoot Long Run Cushioning 
 

9.0

Forefoot Long Run Cushioning  

See details

Energy Absorbed At 10km 
 

10.59 J

Energy Absorbed At 20km 
 

10.34 J

Energy Absorbed At 30km 
 

10.19 J

Energy Absorbed At 40km 
 

10.08 J

HOKA Skyward X

HOKA Mach X

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HOKA Skyward X vs HOKA Mach X: Main Discussion

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