Hoka Mach X 3

The Hoka Mach X 3 is the plastic-plated counterpart of the Mach 7, a high-stack lightweight trainer built for brisk runs, long intervals and long runs that call for a slightly quicker pace without bringing out the race-day artillery just yet. Within the Hoka range it sits between the aforementioned Mach 7, lighter and without a plate, and the Cielo X1 3.0, the carbon-plated racer it pairs well with in a possible rotation for dedicated fans of the brand.

Compared with its predecessor, the Mach X 2, nothing changes underfoot and all the work has gone into the upper. The barely padded heel of the previous version, which caused more rubbing than expected, gives way to a padded collar and a more conventional heel counter, along with a wraparound knit upper that breathes better. It is also easier to slip on, although the loose tongue, not stitched to the sides, is fiddly to lay flat and it pays to take a moment to adjust the laces properly. The fit is snug, especially in the midfoot, which favours narrow feet, so anyone with wider feet should try it on first. All that padding comes at a cost: it is noticeably heavier than the Mach X 2 and loses some of the race-shoe spark it had.

The dual-density midsole keeps the same recipe: a soft, bouncy top layer of PEBA foam over a firmer EVA base, with a Pebax plate sandwiched between them. The result is firmer than its 44 mm heel stack height (39 mm at the forefoot, 5 mm heel-to-toe drop) would suggest, more lively than plush. The MetaRocker geometry rolls the foot forward and suits midfoot strikers, while heel strikers may find the transition somewhat clunky because of the rounded heel. On steep descents the stiffness and stack height make themselves felt, giving the impression of a shoe that is "missing something" (or rather, one carrying too much weight and too little agility). The compression-moulded rubber outsole grips well and wears well, although the weight-saving cut-outs tend to trap small stones. Ideal for neutral runners looking for a versatile shoe for long runs, marathon pace and quality sessions, and even for racing if carbon shoes are not their thing.