I was quite tempted to just copy and paste the introduction from last year’s Hoka Mach 4 review when writing this one for the Hoka Mach 5, which came out in June 2022. I loved the Hoka Mach 4 running shoes immediately and they did not disappoint as their mileage increased. After having worn the Mach 5 for a few weeks and 60-ish miles now, I can safely say that much of what I wrote in that previous review rings true for the newer shoe, namely that it’s a versatile, lightweight trainer designed for tempo work but great for almost kind of road running.
Keep reading for the full Run the Shoes Hoka Mach 5 review.
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Specs
Offset: 5 mm
Weight: 6.8 oz (Women) // 8.2 oz (Men)
Price: $140
Notable features
Hoka calls the Mach 5 “the lovechild of Mach 4 and Mach Supersonic,” the latter of which was a limited release version of the Mach 4 made with PROFLY+ foam; the Mach 4 had standard PROFLY foam—more on the differences between the two below. The Supersonic was also .3 ounces lighter than the 4, and Hoka managed to get the Mach 5 down almost .1 ounce more, a small but noteworthy decrease. The end result is an incredibly lightweight and responsive trainer that still fits Hoka’s maximalist plush mold.
Dual-Layer PROFLY+ Midsole
As mentioned above, one of the key features of the Mach 5 is that its midsole is constructed from PROFLY+ foam, a snappier and more reactive foam than regular PROFLY material. Right beneath the PROFLY+ is a layer of rubberized EVA foam. This “dual-density” construction is how the shoe nails a bouncy but cushioned ride—the PROFLY+ provides the spring for each step while the EVA foam layer absorbs the impact for a soft landing.
Creel Engineered Mesh Upper
The Mach 5’s upper is made of a breathable and lightweight jacquard creel mesh. It has a gusseted, lightly-padded tongue with somewhat long laces.
How I tested
I wore the Hoka Mach 5 for about 60 miles of running over the course of three weeks. I ran on a variety of terrain and and did variety of workouts, including two longer speed sessions at an outdoor track (5x1k, mile repeats), a medium-long aerobic run on a gravel trail, and easy miles on both the treadmill and asphalt.
What to love about the Hoka Mach 5
The most obvious thing to love about the Mach 5 is that it is so dang versatile. If you’re a minimalist and are looking for one shoe to take on all variety of road runs—easy runs, tempo workouts, fartleks, recovery jogs, you name it—this shoe can get it done. I’m currently training for a half-marathon so most of my speed workouts are focused on longer efforts, but if you’re training for a fast 5k or just prefer a firmer ride for speed work, you’re better off adding something more specialized, like the Saucony Endorphin Speed, to your repertoire.
Another pro to the Mach 5: it has a very roomy toe box and if you have wide feet, you might feel comfortable enough in the regular width, though it does come in wide as well. One reviewer in the product page’s comment section on Hoka.com noted that they own the Clifton and Rincon in wide but wear a regular in the Mach 5.
What not to love about the Hoka Mach 5
The most obvious con of the Mach 5 is that instead of a durable rubber outsole, it has a rubberized EVA foam outsole. That helps keeps the shoe light but it does show wear and tear quite quickly. Heavier Hoka shoes, like the Clifton, have rubber outsole patches to ensure durability. If you tend to run on dry surfaces, the 100% EVA foam outsole of the Mach 5 shouldn’t be an issue, but choose a grippier shoe with more traction on rainy days.
The only other downside I found with the Mach 5 is the colorways. I’m not crazy about them! I like a loud color combo, and the current options for women feel a bit muted. (I do love the “radiant yellow/evening primose” colorway for men.)
The bottom line
Like the Mach 4 before, the Hoka Mach 5 is a versatile running shoe that is designed for tempo runs but can easily become your everyday trainer. It has a bouncy but soft and responsive feel thanks to a dual-foam construction, and a rubberized EVA outsole to keep it light. Though it can handle faster-than-tempo paces quite well, if you’re looking for a specific shoe for short speed distances, consider another Run the Shoes favorite like the Saucony Endorphin Speed.
What other reviewers are saying
“The latest version of the HOKA Mach stays true to form as a lightweight, uptempo trainer with enough cushion to go the distance. With less weight and a more lockdown fit, the Mach 5 is the best version yet.” – Fleet Feet
“Hoka may have designed the Mach 5 for uptempo running and racing, but I feel it fits better as a daily trainer. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, just different. Either way, it’s a damn fine lightweight trainer.” – Believe in the Run
“Outsole durability was my only complaint with the Mach Supersonic and it’s the same story with the Hoka Mach 5. My high wear areas (lateral forefoot and heel) are wearing quickly.” – Wear Testers
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