Comparison:
Hoka Mach 5 vs Hoka Mach 4
The Mach is Hoka's lightweight speed trainer. Here we will be comparing the Mach 5 and the Mach 4.
Comparison:
The Mach is one of Hoka’s most popular trainers due to its lightweight build, its versatility and its affordability. It’s designed to be a speed trainer but it also makes a great daily trainer which can perform most paces well.
This comparison will tell you which version is better for you, the Mach 5 or the Mach 4.
Similarity and differences: Mach 5 vs Mach 4
Expert score
8/10
10/10
Weight
8.20 oz
8 oz
Heel Drop
5 mm
10 mm
Verdict
The Hoka Mach 5 is a lightweight, smooth-riding trainer which can fill a number of roles in your running rotation. Version 5 has a softer, supercritical layer of midsole foam, an improved fit and a lighter weight which makes it a great update.
The Hoka One One Mach 4 is a well-cushioned everyday trainer that likes to pick up the pace. Feeling almost like some of its plated cousins, the Mach 4 will check off most of the boxes.
Recommended for
Speedwork, daily training
Speedwork, daily training
Cushioning type
Balanced
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Medium cushioning
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
medium
Stability
very stable
some stability
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$139.95
US$130
Sole unit: Mach 5 vs Mach 4
The Mach 5 has a soft, bouncy layer of supercritical foam called PROFLY+ as the top layer of its midsole. It has firmer EVA as the bottom layer of its midsole.
The Mach 4 has the older PROFLY foam as its top layer in its midsole. It isn’t as soft and doesn’t return as much energy as the newer foam in the Mach 5. It also has EVA as its bottom layer.
The ride of the Mach 5 feels more comfortable and more engaging than the ride of the Mach 4. This makes it better for slower paced runs because it’s softer. It’s also a better long run shoe because it feels more efficient due to the energy returning properties of PROFLY+ in its midsole.
The ride of the Mach 4 feels firmer and better suited to faster paced runs than the Mach 5. Its midsole doesn’t compress as much so it feels less squishy. It’s easier to pick up the pace in the Mach 4.
In terms of stability, the Mach 4 is better because of its firmer midsole which has less lean bias. Both trainers are still very stable neutral trainers though.
Outsole durability is the same for both trainers because they both don’t have any rubber lugs. The EVA layer forms the outsole so the Mach 5 and the Mach 4 have lower durability than most daily trainers.
Upper unit: Mach 5 vs Mach 4
The uppers of the Mach 5 and the Mach 4 are similar but the Mach 5 has the better upper because it’s thinner and more breathable.
They both have thin, gusseted tongues but the Mach 5 tongue is asymmetrical and it doesn’t slide downwards during runs.
The fit of the Mach series is true to size but it feels very narrow, a common occurrence when it comes to Hokas.
Which one to buy: Mach 5 vs Mach 4
If you’re a runner looking for a softer ride which feels better on slow runs and long runs, the Mach 5 is the shoe for you.
It has a more energetic midsole which feels more modern and an upper which is more comfortable.
If you’re looking for a firmer ride for mainly fast paced runs, the Mach 4 is the better option for you.
It has a more stable ride and it provides a firmer platform for you to push off from when you want to pick up the pace.
This expert review is written by
Brandon Law
Marathon Runner and Shoe Expert
Brandon is a South African who lives and trains in Malaysia. He is a marathon runner who eats, sleeps and dreams running shoes. While most people wear shoes to run, he runs to wear shoes.
