We live in a running world that's constantly ramping up. More foam, wilder plates, and just more of everything. Look at the shelf in a running store today, and you'll quickly see that "more" has become the norm. And there's certainly something good in that. But sometimes it's actually refreshing with a shoe that's easy to approach. A shoe you don't need to read a manual to understand, or have to run at a specific pace for it to work. That's exactly the kind of shoe is.
Despite its simplicity, it's actually hard to categorize. How should we categorize Mach?
What is a Mach?
My colleague Lars asked the same when he reviewed Mach 6, and I'm not sure the answer has become easier since then. Let's try to start with what Mach is not. The Mach series is not a soft and heavy daily trainer, nor is it a true race shoe. It has no carbon plate or wild Pebax foam.
The Mach series has long held its own place in HOKA's lineup as a light, plate-free, performance-oriented trainer that doesn't rely on tricks to feel fast. That's probably the best description I can give it. But is it boring? takes me back to a time before carbon plates and superfoam, and in that way, it feels old-fashioned. And 'old-fashioned' should be understood as a compliment here. Right from the first time you put your foot in, you know what the shoe wants. To be comfortable, yet light. Just uncomplicated, like the good old days.
Something Simple That Doesn't Steal the Show
Mach 7 is built around HOKA's supercritical EVA foam. Supercritical means the foam is made by injecting CO₂ into the material, which then expands. This makes the foam lighter and more airy than traditional EVA and creates a durable material that gives back without trying to steal the show. The stack height is 37 mm in the heel and 32 mm in the forefoot, giving a 5 mm drop. A geometry that naturally encourages midfoot or forefoot landing and helps you maintain momentum.
Mach 7 feels stable and well-connected to the ground. Not as soft and fluid as a New Balance Rebel v5, but that's not the point. For me, it's comparable to a Saucony Kinvara. Also a shoe that often divides opinions: Either you love the simplicity, or you miss the flair. Luckily, I appreciate the simple.
Upper and Fit
has received an updated creel jacquard upper compared to Mach 6. It's both thinner and more breathable than its predecessor. The padding around the heel is light but comfortable, and a soft internal heel counter keeps the heel securely in place. The tongue is thin but fits well thanks to a partial gusset construction. HOKA Mach is sometimes described as narrow in the forefoot. However, that's not my experience. For me, the fit is just right. I usually wear US 7.5 in running shoes and went with the same here.
Maybe an Ace Up the Sleeve?
I'm not sure it's a feature HOKA entirely intended for Mach 7. But I've actually used the shoe quite a bit when doing race-related strength exercises. Normally, I often take off my shoes when strength training. Most running shoes are simply too soft and lively underfoot to make sense to keep them on. But with Mach 7, they stayed on. Because the shoe isn't mega-high and isn't overly soft, it actually provides good stability and lightness. Lunges, step-ups, box jumps – Mach can handle it.
Who is HOKA Mach 7 For?
is not for everyone. It's not for you if you need the softest landing or the most explosive energy return. But it's for you if you want a straightforward and uncomplicated running experience. It's ideal as a 2nd shoe on the shelf (or 3rd, or 4th), if you usually run in a softer and more cushioned daily trainer and sometimes want something lighter underfoot. It's also a strong choice for runners who don't like shoes with plates or aren't ready for them yet. A shoe with a plate demands strength in feet, ankles, and hips. Mach 7 is more forgiving in that regard.
In a time where running shoes often become more and more advanced, HOKA Mach 7 is a much-needed break. It doesn't promise gold and green forests with smart technologies but delivers instead an honest and uncomplicated running experience. It's the shoe you end up reaching for again and again because it just works.
Explore More at RunningXpert
Are you looking for something other than Mach 7? Check out our wide selection of or find your next for your daily training. You can also check out our article on , if you want to get more out of your efforts on the road.
