My Triathlon Journey

The HOKA Mach 6 is a non-carbon road shoe, but does it still perform for speedwork and faster running?

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Despite running predominantly off-road and trail, I race on the road for triathlon except from XTERRA racing. I currently own my second carbon plated pair, both from HOKA, which is the Carbon X3, upgraded from the X2. Both are impressive performers so staying with HOKA I chose the Mach 6.

I was looking for a non-carbon plated road shoe for when I am doing some quicker training runs on the road or track and purchased them part way through last year’s triathlon season.

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My Thoughts

In my opinion this shoe is great for speedwork, tempos and faster workouts on the road or track. The shoes feel responsive and light, which are a couple things I look for in a shoe I am looking to run fast in. If you are looking for a non-carbon plated shoe then I would recommend using this for distances like 5k and 10k and would be a good shoe for parkrun, for those looking for a Saturday 5k shoe.

I use them in my warm ups, pre-race for the triathlon season, and really feel their responsiveness when I’m doing my drills – I particularly feel a strong bounce on the more skip and jumping drills. I land on the midsole of my foot when I run which cooperates efficiently with the Mach 6 for a nice rebound and helps towards a clean stride.

They are comfortable but aren’t the most plush shoe on offer if you are looking for cushion, so I would recommend something else like a Clifton if you are looking to stay with HOKA but opt for more cushion and plush over speed.

The shoe is reasonably narrow, which suits my feet but nothing unfamiliar to other Hokas, however they also available in a wide option too, as opposed to regular.

I’ve had no issues with rubbing or chafing in the shoe and the upper and lace system is light and flexible allowing for a snug and comfortable fit to the feet. The heel tab extends back a bit, helping for a better slip-on and providing some extra comfort for the top of the heel and lower achilles.

I haven’t felt these have been shoes that make my feet hot as I’ve felt with other Hoka’s, like the Speedgoat 4 for the trail, so breathability is pretty solid here in my opinion.

Pros

• Responsive and bouncy for powerful rebound off the ground
• Light and fast
• Comfortable heel tab that curves back a little for easy slip-on too.
• Comfortable and snug fit, without compensating breathability

Cons

• Not the most plush shoe if you are looking for one for easy road running, there are other options out there

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OVERALL

Combines speed and responsiveness with enough cushion, creating a lightweight fast and bouncy non-carbon shoe, suited best for quicker workouts but will still cooperate at slower running too.

9/10 – One of my favourite non-carbon road shoes

• If you are looking for a carbon-plated shoe as a similar option, the HOKA MACH 6 X is the carbon version available for about the same price.

Thanks for reading 👍