Hoka One One Mach 2 Shoe Review

Recently I started running in two new Hoka Models. The Hoka One One Mach 2 and the Hoka One One Cavu 2. Both of the original versions (Mach) and (Cavu) were favorites of mine last year. Each shoe is from the Hoka Fly Collection which are more responsive and faster shoes.

I was excited to see what updates they had made. The first version of any shoe can be hit or miss. Usually, a few significant changes are made for the second version depending on what customers preferred or didn’t.

So what was updated? The second version is slightly firmer but also slightly lighter. The fit remains similar, and dare I say it, even a tad big? Not big enough to go down a half size.

Hoka One One Mach 2 Fit:

The Hoka Mach 2 upper has been updated to include an open engineered mesh. The Mach 2 delivers a breathable mesh upper. It also has perforations for increased breathability in the mesh. It’s much lighter and more breathable than the previous model. It breathes extremely well, if not one of the best I’ve seen from a running shoe.

The Hoka Mach 2 fit itself is slightly big (almost unheard of these days in the running world!) but nothing I would adjust sizes with. I’m usually between a 10-11 wide. The Mach isn’t made in wide, so I went a 10.5. I think if it were made in wide, I would order the wide.

Ride:

The Hoka One One Mach 2 uses Hoka One One’s early stage meta-rocker. What does that mean? The Meta-Rocker combines a low heel lift that promotes a smooth transition from heel to toe. A smooth “rock.” It’s designed to run faster.

For those already running in Hoka, the Mach 2 feels much more responsive without sacrificing cushion. The heel is light and cushioned. It feels soft on ground contact. The Profly outsole allows you to feel responsive and it’s a great speed work, or even racing shoe. For those running in a traditional brand but wanting to try Hoka, the Mach 2 provides the Hoka cushioning but without the drastic change of going to either the Clifton or Bondi.

If you ran in the first version of the Mach, you’ll notice a much softer heel but a firmer forefront in the Hoka Mach 2. Hoka chose to do this to make for a more smooth heel to toe transition. The rubberized foam midsole allows you to feel cushioned through the entire shoe. If you’re a heel striker but are looking for a racing shoe, the Hoka Mach 2 is one to consider. For me, it’s light, smooth, and been a good addition to my long run shoes. It’s a great road running shoe.

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Hoka One One Mach 2 Thoughts:

I like the Hoka Mach 2 and I’ve put just over 100 miles in it. For me, it works best as a daily cushioned shoe. I like more cushion for recovery and less shoe, like the Hoka One One Cavu, for speed work.