The Mach X is the training companion of both the Cielo X1 and the Rocket X, HOKA's two carbon racers. It's a more comfortable, more durable and cheaper option that gives you a similar ride to HOKA's super racers.

The Mach X 3 is a minor update but there are a few important changes that you should be aware of before purchasing. This article will tell you which version is better for you.

The Mach X 3 and X 2 have the exact same sole units so the ride is the same. They have dual-density midsoles with a soft layer of PEBA on the top and a firmer layer of EVA on the bottom. The PEBA provides excellent energy return and comfort while the EVA provides structure and durability.

The Mach X has a versatile ride character and it’s suitable for easy runs up to really fast, V02 Max workouts. It has a lively ride with excellent energy return that makes it very easy to pick up the pace. It can even be used for races however, it has a heel stack above 40 mm which makes it illegal to use for official World Athletics races.

The sole of the Mach X has a meta-rocker design that helps to speed up transitions. Both the rearfoot and the forefoot curve upwards- this geometry eases you through transitions and makes running feel more efficient.

There’s a flexible Pebax plate in the middle of the sole for extra propulsion and improved stability. The plate extends out on the lateral side of the midsole to offer more lateral stability. The Pebax plate is much more flexible than a carbon plate so it feels more natural at slow paces.

On the outsole, there’s compression-moulded sticky rubber for excellent traction, even in wet weather. The rubber isn’t very abrasion resistant so it wears down faster than your average outsole rubber.

The upper of the Mach X 3 is a lot more comfortable than the 2. The mesh is smoother and it makes the shoe feel more premium. There’s more structure in the heel of the 3 and this provides better heel lockdown. There’s also more padding in the tongue and the collar of the 3 so it provides more comfort around your ankles.

Version 2 has a rough pressure point on the inside of the upper where the tongue is stitched onto the ceiling of the toe-box however, this issue has been fixed in version 3. Version 2 has a thinner, more porous mesh which improves breathability.

Both versions have very narrow fitting uppers, particularly in the toe-box so it’s recommended to go up a half size from your normal size. Both versions are not recommended for you if you have wide feet.

If you prefer a softer, more comfortable upper, the Mach X 3 is the better choice. The X 3’s upper feels smoother and more premium than the X 2. There’s more padding in the X 3’s tongue and collar, so there’s less chance of foot irritation.

If you prefer a thinner, lighter upper, the Mach X 2 is the better choice. It has a more porous upper material that lets more air in however, it can feel hard and scratchy in certain parts. The X 2 is also slightly lighter than the X 3 thanks to its stripped down upper so it feels more nimble and more agile.