The HOKA Mach X 2 is designed for runners seeking a plated super trainer for their intensity sessions. With a combination of a breathable woven upper, a PEBA-topped midsole, and a Pebax plate, the shoe can handle both daily training miles, when you need an extra boost, as well as quicker runs. Compared to the original HOKA Mach X, it features a higher stack height, providing even more cushioning while managing to reduce the overall weight.
Our Verdict
The HOKA Mach X 2 provides decent overall marathon performance, balancing satisfactory energy return with excellent cushioning, making it a reliable choice for marathon runners who prioritize comfort over outright speed. While it may not have the sharpest responsiveness or lightest weight, it remains dependable and sufficiently bouncy for sustained efforts, offering a smooth ride throughout extended mileage.
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Plush cushioning.
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Energy return is decent overall.
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Pebax plate.
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Lighter than its predecessor, but not light enough for racing.
For shorter, quicker races such as the 5K and 10K, the HOKA Mach X 2 underperforms slightly due to its weight and insufficient energy return. Runners aiming for fast times or personal bests will find it limiting, as the shoes lack the aggressive bounce and nimble efficiency needed for optimal short-distance performance.
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Energy return is decent overall.
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Pebax plate.
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Lighter than its predecessor, but not light enough for racing.
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Very soft foam underfoot.
The HOKA Mach X 2 delivers decent energy return and is suitable for efficient, steady-paced runs, but it lacks the impressive bounce and explosive responsiveness desired for shorter, quicker races. It's well-suited to longer efforts where moderate, consistent energy return complements its excellent cushioning rather than dynamic, fast-paced scenarios.
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Good forefoot energy return thanks to PEBA in this area.
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Energy return is decent overall.
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EVA foam in the heel is much less bouncy.
Outstanding cushioning makes the HOKA Mach X 2 exceptionally comfortable for prolonged use. Its plush heel cushioning absorbs impact incredibly well, while the forefoot cushioning also provides great comfort, effectively protecting runners from fatigue and discomfort over extended distances. It's ideal for athletes seeking maximal protection without compromising too much efficiency.
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Plush cushioning.
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High stack height makes for ultra protective feel.
Overall, the HOKA Mach X 2 has decent lateral stability, making it ideal for runners needing reliable support during long-distance races when fatigue begins to affect form. Its broad outsole dimensions significantly enhance stability, although it's slightly compromised by a notably soft heel and ultra-high stack.
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Big and wide outsole platform.
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Pebax plate.
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Very soft foam underfoot.
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High stack height leaves you perched high above the ground.
- 7.4 Marathon Racing
- 6.7 5K/10K Racing
Performance Usages
- 7.1 Energy Return
- 8.9 Cushioning
- 7.0 Lateral Stability
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
- Updated Nov 13, 2024: Review published.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the HOKA Mach X 2 in men's US size 9, as noted on the label. The color shown here is Black/Electric Aqua. This model is also available in Grapefruit/Electric Coral, Frost/Citrus, and Frost/Electric Aqua. Wide versions are offered for both men and women. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
Compared To Other Running Shoes
The HOKA Mach X 2 is positioned as a versatile super trainer, offering an ideal blend of maximal cushioning and energetic responsiveness. On the broader market, this versatility makes it one of the most compelling options for runners who prefer a single shoe to handle virtually every aspect of their training. Other versatile trainer options include the adidas Adizero Evo SL and the ASICS NOVABLAST 5.
Within HOKA's lineup, the Mach X 2's refinements from the HOKA Mach X clearly establish it as the go-to super trainer for almost everyone. While the HOKA Skyward X remains an excellent maximalist alternative specifically suited to recovery runs, the Mach X 2 is a better all-arounder that offers more effective cushioning, so it's a better choice for most runners. It sits comfortably above trainers like the HOKA Clifton 9, a daily workhorse, and the lightweight HOKA Mach 6, but below the brand's true racing flats, like the HOKA Cielo X 2.0, which is built with race day in mind.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes to find the perfect pair.
The HOKA Mach 6 and the HOKA Mach X 2 share a name but cater to distinct running experiences. The Mach 6 is a lighter, lower-to-the-ground daily trainer that remains bouncy for its category. In contrast, the Mach X 2 is a more versatile super trainer. It features significantly greater cushioning and a plastic plate, allowing it to handle a wider variety of workouts and paces effortlessly. Overall, runners seeking versatility and maximum comfort for both daily training and faster sessions will prefer the Mach X 2, whereas those looking for a simpler, lighter daily option will find the Mach 6 appealing.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and the HOKA Mach X 2 are both versatile super trainers, but each excels in different scenarios. The Saucony is lighter and more stable and offers a snappier, more responsive feel. In contrast, the HOKA is more heavily cushioned and plush. While both shoes are versatile enough for training and some racing, the Saucony shines brightest in shorter events, whereas the HOKA is the preferred option for those prioritizing cushioning and comfort over extended distances.
The HOKA Mach X and the HOKA Mach X 2 offer a completely different experience—think of the Mach X 2 as a rare sequel that significantly outshines the original. While the Mach X is a decent super trainer, the Mach X 2 takes things to a whole new level, providing a far more cushioned experience, a higher stack height, and significantly better energy return, all while being nearly 20 grams lighter. This combination makes it the preferred option for almost everyone unless you prioritize stability, in which case the original Mach X still offers a more secure feel.
The HOKA Skyward X and the HOKA Mach X 2 both sit in the high-cushion performance trainer category, but their execution differs. The Skyward X prioritizes plush comfort with an extreme stack height and carbon plate, making it feel more like a max-cushioned cruiser than a performance shoe. The Mach X 2, on the other hand, refines the formula of its predecessor, offering an even more cushioned ride but with better energy return and a more natural transition. Despite its slightly increased cushioning, the Mach X 2 remains lighter and more stable than the Skyward X, making it a stronger choice for those who want a dynamic yet comfortable daily trainer. The Skyward X works best for easy runs where protection is key, while the Mach X 2 offers more versatility across different paces and workouts.
The HOKA Mach X 2 and the Mizuno Neo Vista are both versatile, plastic-plated super trainers designed to blend cushioning and performance, but each has distinct strengths. The Mach X 2 stands out for being even more cushioned, lighter, and more responsive, giving it greater versatility across various workouts and paces—from daily runs to faster efforts. The Neo Vista, while heavier and less energetic, still excels as a protective, comfortable option, particularly suited for recovery miles where leg preservation is key.
Test Results
The shoe has an acceptable weight—not exceptionally lightweight but notably improved from its predecessor, the HOKA Mach X, shaving off a substantial amount of grams. This is especially impressive given the significant increase in stack height and cushioning underfoot, benefiting runners seeking enhanced comfort without the penalty of excessive heaviness.
HOKA reduced weight in the upper for this version. Some runners in the online community and other reviewers noted discomfort in the heel area linked to the shoe's upper material. However, feedback is mixed—while some experienced irritation, others had no issues, aligning with our own observations.
The heel energy return is better than the original HOKA Mach X, though it remains relatively modest. The largely EVA-based foam at the heel dampens the shoe's potential, creating a muted and somewhat flat experience upon landing. As a result, heel strikers seeking an energetic sensation might feel let down despite the improvements from the previous version.
The forefoot is lively, offering a distinctly more enjoyable ride than the original HOKA Mach X. Midfoot and forefoot strikers, in particular, will appreciate the shoe's capacity for a fun, energetic toe-off, provided they naturally land in the shoe's PEBA-based sweet spot.
This shoe's heel cushioning is outstanding, placing it in the top tier for underfoot comfort. It stands out significantly compared to other shoes and offers exceptional protection, redefining what can be expected from maximum cushioning. Those prioritizing supreme comfort, particularly during longer efforts, will find this heel cushioning impressively plush and protective.
The forefoot cushioning is excellent, providing plenty of comfort that surpasses the original HOKA Mach X by a wide margin. This greatly benefits runners seeking luxurious cushioning at toe-off.
The heel is notably soft—perhaps excessively so—which negatively impacts stability. Runners prone to instability or who prefer a stable, secure heel strike may find the softness problematic, especially in longer distances where maintaining consistent form becomes critical.
The forefoot is moderately firm, striking a balance between stability and softness. It's noticeably softer than its predecessor but retains enough firmness to ensure a controlled ride. This primarily results from the integrated plastic plate, which effectively holds the softer PEBA foam together. This design boosts stability and delivers a dynamic toe-off.
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