What replaced the Hoka Mach 5?
Updated August 1, 2026. Specs are men's US 9.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
The Mach 6 replaced the Mach 5 in March 2024 and was a complete redo: supercritical foam, a real rubber outsole that fixed the durability complaint, a new creel jacquard upper, and about 5 mm more heel foam, all at the same $140 list price. It became the best-reviewed shoe in the line.
At a glance
- Weight is unchanged
- 8 mm more heel stack
- Drop is unchanged at 5 mm
- New midsole foam
Every spec side by side, with the reason behind each change: Mach 5 vs 6.
Stay on your shoe, or switch?
Changed characterThe 6 rebuilt the Mach: supercritical foam, real rubber underfoot, a new upper, same $140. It is stiffer and snappier than the shoe it replaced, and it earned the best reviews in line history, with one test team scoring it as high as 9.8 out of 10. This is the version that turned the Mach from a nice lightweight trainer into a contender for Hoka's best shoe.
Stick with the Mach 5 if
- You liked the 5's softer, more flexible ride; the 6 is stiffer end to end
- Your feet are wide and leftover 5s fit; the 6 runs narrow in the standard width
Move to the Mach 6 if
- Outsole wear was your reason for leaving the line; the 6 fixes it with real rubber
- You want a bouncier, faster-feeling shoe for the same $140
Where the Hoka Mach is now
Two updates on, the Mach 7 (2026) is what sits on shelves today. Against the shoe you own rather than the one that directly replaced it:
- The Mach 7 is 0.3 oz lighter
- 8 mm more heel stack
- Drop is unchanged at 5 mm
- New midsole foam
- List price up $5
What loyalists said about the update
The beloved one. Aggregated Reddit reviews run 75 percent positive across 150 mentions, ranking it among the most recommended road shoes on the platform. Praise centers on versatility and the fixed outsole; complaints are the narrow fit and foam that firms up over time.
Still want the original?
Buy remaining Mach 5 stock
Sizes running outDiscontinued at retail. Amazon carries what remains, so treat an in-stock size as a closing window, and expect prices to swing.
Availability last checked Aug 1, 2026.
Ready to move on?
Beyond the Mach 6, these come closest to what the Mach 5 did.
- 7 oz
- 4 mm drop
- 29 mm heel
- $130 list
The Kinvara is the Mach's longest-running rival: both are light, unplated trainers that double as tempo shoes. The Kinvara sits lower to the ground and runs firmer; the Mach carries more foam.
Against your Hoka Mach 5: 1.2 oz lighter, 1 mm less drop, $10 less at list.
- 7.8 oz
- 8 mm drop
- 39 mm heel
- $175 list
The Endorphin Speed is the plated version of this job. It costs more and gives back more at pace; the Mach is the simpler, cheaper shoe that handles the same mix of daily and uptempo work.
Against your Hoka Mach 5: 0.4 oz lighter, 10 mm more heel stack, 3 mm more drop, $35 more at list.
- 9.2 oz
- 8 mm drop
- 42 mm heel
- $155 list
Same brand, same rocker, different mission. The Clifton is the softer, heavier easy-day shoe; the Mach is what Hoka runners buy when the Clifton feels too slow.
Against your Hoka Mach 5: 1 oz heavier, 13 mm more heel stack, 3 mm more drop, $15 more at list.
Questions runners ask
- Is the Hoka Mach 5 still available?
- For now. Amazon still lists the Hoka Mach 5, but the size run is thinning and prices swing with remaining stock. If your size is there, this is the late window, not the early one.
- Is the Mach 6 a downgrade from the Hoka Mach 5?
- Not a downgrade, but a different shoe. The Mach 6 scores well with new buyers while changing the ride that Hoka Mach 5 loyalists bought it for. Read the spec changes before assuming it will feel familiar.
- Is the Hoka Mach still made?
- Yes. The current version is the Hoka Mach 7, released in 2026, 2 versions on from the Hoka Mach 5.
- What is the closest current alternative to the Hoka Mach 5?
- The Saucony Kinvara 16. The Kinvara is the Mach's longest-running rival: both are light, unplated trainers that double as tempo shoes. The Kinvara sits lower to the ground and runs firmer; the Mach carries more foam.