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HOKA Mach X 3 Multi-Tester Review

Name: Men's HOKA Mach X 3
Brand: HOKA
Rating: 4.0 (1 reviews)

The Up & Runners

Posted Sep 02, 2025

The HOKA Mach X 3 fixes v2’s blister-prone upper and delivers a smoother, more versatile ride. The Up & Runners praised its versatility for daily miles, tempos, and long runs, though some noted added weight and less snap than carbon racers.

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Value

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Mach X 3

4.0/5

(1)

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Pros

Comfortable, blister-free upper
Heel counter redesign provides secure, irritation-free fit (Cody)
Versatile pace range
Smooth rocker + nylon plate give propulsive feel (Blake)
Balanced dual-foam midsole
Durable outsole with good grip on roads and gravel
Provides some stability—friendly for mild support needs (Eric)
True-to-size fit

Cons

Heavier than Mach X 2
Short laces make double-knotting tough (Blake)
Not as snappy as carbon-plated racers (Blake)
Upper runs a little warm; tongue can feel long (Eric)
Slight ankle instability on sharp turns (Cody)
Early outsole wear noted on lateral heel (Eric)

The HOKA Mach X line has always promised a balance between speed and daily-miles versatility, but version 2 stumbled with an unforgiving upper that left many runners blistered. Enter the HOKA Mach X 3, a plated trainer that keeps the same dual-foam midsole and rocker geometry but arrives with a reworked upper and heel fit that aim to make it a true do-it-all option.

To put those updates to the test, we turned to the Up & Runners crew—three reviewers with different preferences and training styles. Cody logged 35 miles across daily runs, workouts, and long efforts, Eric stacked up 30+ miles on roads and treadmill sessions, and Blake went deep with 44 miles on roads and gravel paths at paces ranging from easy to race pace. Collectively, they pushed the HOKA Mach X 3 through the kinds of miles most runners would ask of a plated trainer: daily mileage, steady efforts, and speed-oriented sessions.

What they found was a smoother, more comfortable ride than before—one that can handle a wide pace range and training volume—though not without a few caveats in weight, snap, and fit.

At-A-Glance: HOKA Mach X 3

Blake: With 44 miles on roads and gravel, Blake found the Mach X 3 to be a true do-it-all trainer. The updated upper solved v2’s blister issues, and while it isn’t as snappy as carbon racers, the rocker and plate make it smooth and versatile for any run.

Eric: Logging 30+ miles on roads and treadmill, Eric appreciated the pace range and stability. He noted the upgraded upper transforms the shoe from last year’s flop, though the added weight and slightly warm feel keep it from being a pure speedster.

Cody: After 35 varied miles, Cody called the Mach X 3 a game-changing update. The reworked heel and upper eliminated past blister problems, while the foam and plate combo delivered both comfort and pop. It’s finally a plated HOKA he reaches for often.

How the Mach X 3 Stacks Up

One of the clearest strengths of the Mach X 3 is how it bridges gaps between categories. Each of the Up & Runners testers compared it against both its predecessor and a few peer trainers, giving us a sense of where it shines and where it falls short.

Versus the Mach X 2 All three agreed the Mach X 3 is a big step forward thanks to the reworked upper. Where the X 2’s sharp collar caused blisters, the new design is comfortable and secure. The midsole and outsole are unchanged, which keeps the same balanced ride, but the added ounce of weight makes it feel slightly less racy.

Related:

Eric's Video Review HOKA Mach X3 - Small Update Major Benefit?
Cody's Video Review HOKA Mach X 3 Review - Did the Heel Counter Fix the Biggest Problem?

Versus Carbon-Plated Racers (HOKA Rocket X 3, Cielo X1, On Cloudboom Max) Blake noted that while the Mach X 3 has a propulsive rocker and a nylon plate, it’s more forgiving than a carbon-plated shoe. It doesn’t deliver the same “snap” as the Rocket X 3 or Cielo X1, but that’s what makes it more versatile for daily miles. Compared with the Cloudboom Max, it feels lighter, faster, and more fun, though the Cloudboom offers firmer stability.

Related: On vs HOKA Running Shoes

Versus Other Plated Trainers (Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 / 4): The Up & Runners found the HOKA Mach X 3 most naturally compared to the Saucony Endorphin Speed. All three testers pointed to the Speed as the category benchmark — and agreed the Mach X 3 now belongs in the conversation. Blake highlighted that it feels softer, more cushioned, and more fun underfoot. Eric also noted that the Mach X 3 offers a touch of stability, which makes it accessible to runners who might struggle with more neutral, snappy models.

Cody Jett

With these updates, HOKA finally has a plated trainer that can stand alongside the Saucony Endorphin Speed — a shoe long considered the gold standard in this category.

The Mach X 3 doesn’t aim to outgun super shoes, but instead fills the middle ground: faster and more propulsive than standard daily trainers, more forgiving than carbon-plated racers. For runners looking for one shoe to cover a wide range of training, it holds its own among the category’s best.

Related: If you’re shopping for versatile trainers, you can also check out our team’s roundup of The 5 Best Daily Trainer Running Shoes of 2025 — where the Up & Runners put the top options head-to-head.

Ride & Responsiveness

The Mach X 3 delivers a ride that balances cushion, stability, and a touch of speed — making it more versatile than a pure racer but livelier than a daily trainer. Across their testing, the Up & Runners agreed the shoe’s dual-foam midsole and rocker geometry give it a smooth, efficient feel that adapts well to different paces.

Blake emphasized how the shoe flows at faster paces, with the rocker and plate providing enough pop to make uptempo miles fun without sacrificing protection on longer runs. Eric echoed that versatility, finding it capable across a wide range of efforts but best suited to tempo and threshold runs rather than sharp sprints.

For Cody, the big difference came from the redesigned heel and upper, which allowed him to trust the shoe for everything from daily miles to faster sessions without irritation.

Cody Jett

The Mach X 3 delivers impressive performance and versatility, making it a true do-it-all trainer. It feels quick and efficient for speed sessions, yet cushioned and stable enough for daily miles and long runs.

Together, their feedback paints the Mach X 3 as a shoe that thrives in the middle ground: not the snappiest plated option on the market, but one that many runners will reach for because it can handle almost any workout thrown at it.

Fit & Upper

The most noticeable change from the Mach X 2 to the Mach X 3 is the upper — and it’s where the shoe made its biggest leap forward. All three testers agreed that HOKA fixed the deal-breaking blister issues of v2 by softening the ankle collar and redesigning the heel. What was once a sharp, irritating fit has become a comfortable, secure lockdown that finally makes the shoe runnable for long efforts.

Blake noted the “razor blade” collar of the Mach X 2 is gone, replaced by padding that made him comfortable taking the shoe out for 40+ miles across roads and gravel. Eric appreciated the upgrade as well, calling the new upper the single change that turned the shoe from a flop into a winner, though he still found it a little warmer and heavier than he’d like. Cody echoed the comfort improvements, singling out the structured heel counter as a “game-changing update” that eliminated irritation and provided a secure fit even at faster paces.

Eric McIntyre

HOKA made a critical mistake last year with the upper… This year they made one change, the upper, and honestly for most people it likely makes a massive difference.

The engineered warp-knit mesh may not be the most breathable or lightweight option on the market, but the consensus was that it’s durable, padded in the right places, and supportive enough for a wide variety of training.

For runners burned by the last version, this upper is the reason to give the Mach X another shot.

Underfoot Feel: Midsole & Outsole

The Mach X 3 carries over the same midsole from the previous version: a dual-layer setup with soft PEBA foam on top, firmer EVA underneath, and a nylon plate sandwiched between. The result is a balanced ride — cushioned enough for protection on long runs, but firm and responsive enough to keep workouts lively.

Blake highlighted how the rocker geometry and plate combine for a smooth, rolling feel that’s especially fun at uptempo paces, while still forgiving enough to log big mileage.

Blake Graf

The dual foam setup made for a very balanced ride. It's firm enough to add some responsiveness and stability, but still has plenty of cushion and protection.

Eric appreciated the stability from the EVA chassis, noting that the Mach X 3 is one of the few plated trainers that could suit runners with mild support needs. Cody felt that the foam delivers both comfort and pop, making it versatile across daily runs, long efforts, and faster sessions.

Underneath, the outsole design also carries over from v2. With forefoot rubber coverage, heel strips, and exposed foam in between, it’s not flashy but gets the job done. Blake found grip solid even on gravel canal paths, while Eric noted some early wear on the lateral heel. Cody’s dry-road testing confirmed reliable traction, though he couldn’t speak to wet conditions.

The midsole and outsole create a ride that isn’t the snappiest plated option on the market, but one that’s consistently smooth, stable, and durable across varied mileage.

Who's the HOKA Mach X 3 For?

The HOKA Mach X 3 is best suited for runners who want one plated trainer to cover a wide range of training — from daily mileage to long runs and tempo efforts. It isn’t the snappiest or lightest plated shoe on the market, but that’s what makes it appealing: it’s forgiving, durable, and versatile enough to handle most of a runner’s weekly workload.

Blake found it ideal as a “do-it-all uptempo trainer” that’s smoother and more comfortable than its predecessor. Eric emphasized that it’s a great option for runners with smaller rotations, since it performs across paces and even offers a touch of stability for those who need mild support. Cody highlighted its blend of comfort and responsiveness, calling it the first Mach X he consistently reaches for on both easy and fast days.

Eric McIntyre

This is one of those shoes that probably isn't going to be the fastest in your arsenal, but especially if you have a smaller rotation due to budget or just preference, it’s one of few shoes that I think covers most elements of pace very well.

If you’re looking for a plated shoe that can double as your everyday trainer, the Mach X 3 delivers. But if you’re chasing a pure racer’s snap or the lightest possible build, you’ll likely be happier in a carbon-plated option.

Related: looking for the light and snappy feel of a pure racing shoe? Check out Hollie's expert picks for the Best Carbon-Plated Running Shoes of 2025

Final Verdict

The HOKA Mach X 3 takes a meaningful leap forward, transforming from a blister-prone experiment into a dependable plated trainer that genuinely earns a spot in the rotation. By fixing the upper, maintaining a smooth dual-foam ride, and delivering versatility across daily miles, long runs, and tempo sessions, it hits the sweet spot between comfort and performance. It won’t replace a true carbon racer for all-out speed, and some runners may find it a touch heavy or warm, but for most, it’s a well-rounded, do-it-all option.

For runners who want one shoe to cover the bulk of their training — and finally a plated HOKA worth reaching for — the Mach X 3 delivers.