After 10 years of long-distance running, 121 marathons, and 15 ultramarathons of 100 km, I’ve tried countless pairs of shoes, yet I still get excited every time I open a new box. That’s exactly how it felt with the Hoka Mach X2. These are light shoes—extremely light. So light, in fact, that you almost wonder if you forgot to put them on. If I’d weighed them along with my socks, the socks might have won.

1. Performance in a Lightweight Package

The thick sole and thin, breathable material give them a premium look, while the design is simple enough to grab attention without being over the top. From the very first touch, it’s clear these shoes are built for speed. If they don’t deliver a personal best at your next marathon, they’ll at least make you feel like you’re running faster.

• Weight: 260 g for men (size 42 2/3) and 221 g for women.

• Drop: 5 mm – promotes a natural transition from heel to toe, ideal for runners with a neutral or mildly supinated gait (outward rolling of the foot).

• Material: Ultra-thin mesh for excellent ventilation; the midsole uses PEBA foam combined with a Pebax® plate for propulsion and responsiveness.

• Durability: Recommended for 400-500 km, making them ideal for races and high-intensity training sessions.

2. First Test: Mixed Runs

My first run with the Hoka Mach X2 started on a chilly morning, at a time when the IOR park still seemed half-asleep. Paul convinced me to take it easy at first—a conversational pace, as we call it, somewhere around 6:30–7:00 min/km. Six kilometers of warming up, chatting about elections, races, future destinations, and imaginary nonsense. It was one of those relaxed runs that reminds you why it’s so nice to have a partner on the trail, especially if they’ve been your friend for 28 years.

Then, after Paul bowed out, I was on my own for the next 5 km. I wanted to pick up the pace and see what these shoes could do at higher speeds. I transitioned from the slow rhythm to a 4:30–4:40 pace, on a route that combines flat stretches, climbs, descents, and the inevitable steps in the IOR park—always there to break your rhythm and kill your momentum.

How They Performed:

• Comfort and Weight: The dominant feeling was that of flying. Their lightweight construction makes you forget you’re even wearing them, and the combination of cushioning and responsiveness helps maintain a fast pace without extra effort.

• Cushioning: While they initially felt “fluffy” (a term I define as soft and pleasant cushioning), they didn’t compromise on stability.

• Responsiveness: The Pebax® plate in the midsole creates a bounce-back effect—you almost feel like the shoes are propelling you forward, helping you keep a consistent rhythm.

3. Performance at the December 1st Marathon

At the December 1st Marathon, the IOR park course presented a serious challenge for the Hoka Mach X2: 10 laps filled with tight turns, uneven terrain, stairs, and constant rhythm adjustments.

• On Asphalt: The shoes were flawless—the midsole cushioning absorbed shocks efficiently, without transmitting the impact of the surface.

• On Cobblestones: Surprisingly stable, considering their lightweight construction.

I started the marathon at an easy pace, running the first 21 km around 7:00–7:30 min/km, then significantly picked up the pace over the next 15 km, averaging 5:00 min/km and finishing the second half marathon at an average speed of 5:18 min/km. This shift in pace didn’t affect the shoes’ performance at all. Their cushioning and smooth heel-to-toe transition supported this varied effort perfectly.

The IOR course was littered with wet leaves and slippery patches due to moisture, but the Hoka Mach X2 handled them impeccably. The outsole, with its strategically placed rubber sections, provided excellent traction even in challenging conditions. I noticed this particularly when other runners complained about instability on the same sections.

Stairs and Climbs

This is where the lightweight design and construction of the shoes shine. On climbs, I felt like I was running “lighter,” without being dragged back by the shoes, and on descents, their cushioning was excellent. The impact was well absorbed, protecting my joints and keeping me comfortable, even on the park’s stairs. They are surprisingly effective for these segments, especially considering they’re primarily designed for speed.

What I Noticed:

• Traction: I was impressed by how well they performed on cobblestones—a pleasant surprise given their lightweight and speed-focused design. The rubber sections on the outsole contribute to optimal grip.

• Stability: Even on tight curves or stairs, I didn’t feel a moment of instability, which speaks to a well-thought-out construction.

• Long-Term Comfort: After 42 km and countless turns, the shoes remained comfortable and didn’t cause any additional discomfort—except for a minor initial irritation that turned out to be caused by something stuck in my sock. My fault, not the shoes’!

4. How They Feel on Different Surfaces

The Hoka Mach X2 are designed for asphalt and smooth surfaces, but my tests also put them through some less forgiving conditions.

Asphalt and Cobblestones:

• Asphalt: The running experience is nearly flawless. The sole absorbs just enough impact to shield you from the ground, yet it’s not so soft that it slows you down. That “bounce-back” effect I keep mentioning is real—it’s like getting a small push forward with every step.

• Cobblestones: I was surprised by their stability and control. Although these are lightweight shoes focused on speed, they provided enough stability to make me feel secure on uneven surfaces. This is especially important during urban races where you can’t always avoid such segments.

Wet Trails:

On the wet paths of the IOR park, covered in damp leaves and slippery sections, these shoes could have been a challenge for most speed-focused models. Yet the Hoka Mach X2 performed impressively, offering incredible stability thanks to strategically placed rubber sections on the outsole. This feature stood out, especially when other runners complained about slipping on the same stretches.

5. How They Help When Your Body Fails

What surprised me most about the Hoka Mach X2 was how they performed when my pace dropped dramatically—when my body simply didn’t want to cooperate anymore. This happened in the final stretch of a long run, during those last 3 km on one of those days where you start strong and end wondering whether you should bow out gracefully or crawl your way home.

As my energy dwindled and my legs felt every stone and incline, the “fluffiness” of the sole started to shine. Even though they’re designed for speed, their soft cushioning helped me keep going. They’re not as rigid as the Carbon X3, which can feel unforgiving in these moments. The Mach X2 allowed me to finish my run without feeling like I was fighting the shoes as well as my fatigue.

6. Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Extremely lightweight: Probably the lightest shoes in the Hoka lineup that I’ve tested.

• Responsive cushioning: The PEBA foam and Pebax® plate strike the perfect balance between comfort and speed.

• Stability on various surfaces: Including cobblestones and stairs, where competition shoes typically don’t excel.

• Excellent breathability: The thin material keeps your feet well-ventilated, even on long distances.

Weaknesses:

• Durability: The upper mesh, while comfortable, might raise concerns for long-term use.

• Fit: I recommend going half a size up for runners with wider feet.

7. Final Verdict: Who Are the Hoka Mach X2 For?

The Hoka Mach X2 are designed for runners who prioritize speed and performance in marathons or shorter distances. Despite their lightweight and speed-oriented design, they are surprisingly versatile.

Recommendations:

• If you run on smooth surfaces and aim to break your personal record: These shoes are perfect for you.

• If you mostly run at slower paces or on uneven terrain: There are better options, like the Hoka Bondi X.

Conclusion:

The Hoka Mach X2 aren’t just another fast shoe—they’re a tool that helps you dream bigger and run faster. For me, they’re already a top choice for upcoming races and a potential partner for that long-dreamed-of sub-3-hour marathon.