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  1. Table of Contents
  2. Top
  3. Main Differences
  4. Design
    1. Weight
    2. Stack Heights
    3. External Shape
    4. Internal Shape
    5. Other Features
  5. Performance
    1. Heel Energy Return
    2. Forefoot Energy Return
    3. Heel Cushioning
    4. Forefoot Cushioning
    5. Heel Firmness
    6. Forefoot Firmness
  6. Comments

HOKA Skyward X vs HOKA Mach X

Side-by-Side Comparison

Products

HOKA Skyward X
HOKA Mach X

Tested using Methodology v0.8

Updated Apr 01, 2025 09:49 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v0.8

Updated Apr 01, 2025 09:59 PM

Amazon.com
HOKA Skyward X Picture
HOKA Mach X Picture

Variants

  • Skyward X (Men - US 9) (Cosmic Grey/Silver)
  • Mach X (Men - US 9) (Ocean Mist/Lime Glow)

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.

0 

Main Differences for
Marathon Racing

Threshold 

0.10

Marathon Racing 

6.8
7.0

Weight  

4.0
5.9

Heel Energy Return 
 

7.1
5.0

Plate 
 

Carbon Fiber
Plastic

Full Comparison

Design

Weight  

4.0
5.9

Right Shoe Weight Photo  

HOKA Skyward X Right Shoe Weight Photo
HOKA Mach X Right Shoe Weight Photo

Left Shoe Weight Photo  

HOKA Skyward X Left Shoe Weight Photo
HOKA Mach X Left Shoe Weight Photo

Weight 
 

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

Stack Heights 
 

Stack Height Photo  

HOKA Skyward X Stack Height Photo
HOKA Mach X 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  

HOKA Skyward X 3D Model Full Shoe
HOKA Mach X 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")

Internal Shape 
 

3D Model Internal  

HOKA Skyward X 3D Model Internal
HOKA Mach X 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")

Other Features  

Other Features Photo  

HOKA Skyward X Other Features Photo
HOKA Mach X Other Features Photo

Tongue Gusset Type 
 

Semi-gusseted
Fully-gusseted

Plate 
 

Carbon Fiber
Plastic
Performance

Heel Energy Return 
 

7.1
5.0

Heel Compression Video  

Heel Energy Return  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Heel Energy Return 
 

81.5%
76.5%
Show Text 

Forefoot Energy Return 
 

7.5
7.5

Forefoot Compression Video  

Forefoot Energy Return  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Forefoot Energy Return 
 

82.9%
82.9%
Show Text 

Heel Cushioning 
 

7.9
7.3

Heel Cushioning Picture  

HOKA Skyward X Heel Cushioning Picture
HOKA Mach X Heel Cushioning Picture

Heel Cushioning  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Energy Absorbed At 300N 
 

1.10 J
1.16 J

Energy Absorbed At 600N 
 

3.97 J
3.49 J

Energy Absorbed At 900N 
 

7.63 J
6.24 J
Show Text 

Forefoot Cushioning 
 

8.7
8.2

Forefoot Cushioning Picture  

HOKA Skyward X Forefoot Cushioning Picture
HOKA Mach X Forefoot Cushioning Picture

Forefoot Cushioning  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Energy Absorbed At 300N 
 

1.08 J
1.09 J

Energy Absorbed At 600N 
 

3.68 J
3.22 J

Energy Absorbed At 900N 
 

6.88 J
5.46 J
Show Text 

Heel Firmness 
 

5.2
6.6

Heel Firmness  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Average Firmness 0 To 300N 
 

39.0 N/mm
36.4 N/mm

Average Firmness 300 To 600N 
 

46.6 N/mm
57.5 N/mm

Average Firmness 600 To 900N 
 

61.3 N/mm
81.5 N/mm
Show Text 

Forefoot Firmness 
 

5.9
7.8

Forefoot Firmness  

See details on graph tool
See details on graph tool

Average Firmness 0 To 300N 
 

39.9 N/mm
39.1 N/mm

Average Firmness 300 To 600N 
 

51.6 N/mm
62.9 N/mm

Average Firmness 600 To 900N 
 

70.4 N/mm
100.6 N/mm
Show Text 

HOKA Skyward X

HOKA Mach X

Comments

  1. Comparison

HOKA Skyward X vs HOKA Mach X: Main Discussion

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