Hoka One One Mach 6

One of the big updates with the Hoka Mach 6 is its new creel jacquard mesh upper, which is designed to be more breathable, and it really is.

The streamlined collar foam makes the back feel well cushioned, even when the upper does come up higher. It also minimizes the bulk in the shoe and cuts some weight. Finally, Hoka added a dual internal gusset to keep the tongue in place.

The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and for the most part, the Hoka Mach 6 does just that. I've found the new updates to the upper to be welcomed and have really improved the fit. As far as fit, I usually wear between a women's size 10 and 11 in running shoes and have found the size 11 to fit the best. It does run slightly short, so I've heard of others needing to go up a half size from their biggest running shoe size. I do hope Hoka makes the toebox slightly wider in the next version. Back in the day (LOL 3-4 years ago), Hoka was known for their wider toe boxes but it seems like some models have lost that. 

The other big update to the Mach 6 is its supercritical EVA foam midsole. This supercritical EVA foam midsole makes the Hoka Mach 6 responsive, but it also allows it to maintain cushioning. It's the secret sauce from Hoka, making the shoe lightweight but also cushioned. The heel is fairly cushioned, whereas the forefoot and midsole are more firm, making it fairly rockered and smooth when you're transitioning from heel to toe.

The Hoka Mach has always been a versatile shoe and meant different things for different people. For some, it's a daily trainer because they don't like heavy or bulky trainers. For others, it's a racing shoe because they are doing most of their workouts in heavy and bulky trainers. So, it really depends on what you like. For me, I've found it to be a versatile trainer that I can pick up the pace in if I want to. For workouts, I prefer something lighter and faster, and for true easy runs, I do like a heavier and bulkier trainer.

The best (in my humble opinion) update to the Hoka Mach is the new outsole to make it more durable. Like the Rincon, the exposed pieces of midsole made the Mach just not durable. It would maybe last 200 miles, and that was if you were super lucky.

Now, it features a reinforced rubber outsole designed to extend durability significantly. And it does! I already have 100 miles on mine, and it doesn't look like it's going to fall apart or deteriorate. This rubber also makes it a lot better for dealing with rainy or inclement weather. Is it the best shoe to run in the rain? No, but it handles it better. In fact, I'm writing this review while getting ready to run in the rain and I'll likely use the Mach. I've already used mine in the rain as well as some sandy trails with no issues of sliding around. Thank you, Hoka, for listening!

The Hoka Mach 6 continues Hoka's commitment to innovation. The updates, especially in the upper and midsole, only enhance performance.The addition of a more durable outsole addresses a big problem many runners were having. I know I have been hesitant about previous versions just because I wanted a shoe that would last.

Whether you're a long-time fan of the Mach series or considering your first pair, the Mach 6 can cater to most runners needs. My only request for the next version is making the toebox slightly wider.