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Mach X 2
Today's tracked prices
- 01J's Cycles3d ago£83.99£180.00−53%
- 02RunAndBecomeLIVE£119.00£180.00−34%
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Price history
Our verdict
Heel rub is the first thing to know about the Mach X 2. Nearly every review mentions it: the heel collar is thin and unpadded, several testers got blisters in the first few runs, and another found it dug into the Achilles. Get past that and the ride is why people put up with it. It's a rockered, snappy super trainer that reviewers took from easy runs to track reps, and Believe in the Run graded its performance an A.
Doctors of Running were less convinced, finding it heavy for fast running and unstable for one of their testers. Hoka has since released the Mach X 3, which reviewers rate more highly, so the 2 makes most sense as a discounted buy. At £180 RRP it's hard to choose over its successor, but check the price table, because an older super trainer at a good discount is a different proposition.
Key features
- Rockered, plated midsoleRolls you forward and adds snap at toe-off, so picking up the pace feels easy.
- 5mm dropKeeps you closer to the ground under the heel, which suits a midfoot landing.
- Firm high stackGives you long-run protection without the mushy feel of softer super trainers.
- Woven mesh upperKeeps your feet cool and is far lighter than the first version's upper.
Who it suits
Who should buy it
- Runners who want one snappy shoe for long runs and tempo sessions
- Midfoot strikers who like a pronounced rocker
- Bargain hunters who can find it well below RRP now the Mach X 3 is out
Who should not buy it
- You're prone to Achilles or heel rubbing, as the collar is the shoe's main flaw
- You have wide feet or need a roomy toe box
- You want a soft shoe for easy days
- You can get the Mach X 3 for similar money
Best uses
Extra information
Fit & sizing
Most testers call it true to size, though one found it half a size long. The toe box is narrower and lower than you might expect from a shoe this tall: one review called it tapered and low-volume, while another felt it was roomier than the standard Mach.
The heel is the real fit question. The collar is stiff and thin, several testers needed a few runs before it stopped rubbing, and one never got comfortable. If you're prone to Achilles irritation, try it on and wear it around before committing, and consider lubricant or taller socks for the first runs.
Performance breakdown
Ride & feel
Reviewers describe it as fast, snappy and propulsive, helped by a pronounced rocker and a plate under the forefoot. One tester found it hard to run slowly in, which tells you where it's happiest. It covers easy runs well enough, but it feels best at tempo and threshold pace, and one review's testers used it for everything from long runs to short reps.
Cushioning
Cushioning is firmer than the tall stack suggests, which is what makes it feel quick. It has enough protection for long runs, but if you want a soft, easy-day feel this isn't it.
Stability
Reviewers disagree. One tester found it more stable than most high-stack shoes, while another found it unstable at almost every pace, and lab testing noted the narrow forefoot limits side-to-side stability. It's a neutral shoe, so runners who need support should look elsewhere.
Upper & comfort
The woven mesh upper is lighter and much more breathable than the first Mach X's, and testers liked it. The heel collar is the exception, and it's the one area Hoka clearly needed to fix.
Reviews
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FAQ
Specifications
| Category | Super Trainer |
| Surface | Road |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Heel Stack | 44mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 39mm |
| Weight | 260g |
| Carbon Plated | Yes |
| Stability | No |