My first pair of Hokas was the Bondi, one of their plushest shoes. It’s the shoe that helped me fall in love with running. Ultimately, I think the latest Hoka Clifton is the ultimate all-around shoe, as it’s more lightweight and still has plenty of plushness. (The Bondi became just too much squish for me as I advanced as a runner.) But lately, when I reach for a shoe, regardless of the kind of run I have lined up, the new Mach 6 has been my go-to because, as the name implies, it just makes me feel fast.
The Mach 6 is a massive upgrade from the 5 and the Pebax-plated Mach X thanks to the use of what’s called a Supercritical EVA foam compound, which makes up the entire midsole. It’s lighter and more porous than the previous shoes’ foams, making it lighter yet more responsive. You can run long and slow in these shoes, but when it comes time to pick things up, you feel like you’re zooming. It works at any pace you throw at it. What makes it work for long runs is how comfortable the airy jacquard upper is. There’s an internal gusset that gives you a locked-down fit and an EVA sockliner for a little extra cushion. (It also comes in wide sizes.)
Ultimately, I prefer the Hoka Mach 6 and Hokas in general because they have a zing to them. You could never accuse a Hoka of being boring. So much about running, especially when you’re just starting out, is learning how to enjoy it. Hoka makes it easier with plush soles that pop and attention-grabbing designs. There’s plenty of toned-down options, but the Pink/Lemonade Mach 6 is one of the best shoe colors of all time in my opinion. Hoka has truly out-there, innovative products that make running exciting for gear nerds like myself. If you want to get into one of the most insanely fun shoes ever, try the $225 Skyward X, a gigantically stacked trainer with a convex carbon plate–it’s like wearing a cloud with springs. But for everyday running, the Mach 6 will be the shoe that you’ll want to run with, well, every day.
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