Hoka has been missing a speed shoe from its lineup. While, sure, you can do all of your workouts in the Carbon Rocket X2, these can get expensive to replace and Hoka racing shoes aren't known for their durability. Although it’s all relative considering the cost of almost anything for the bike.

Nowadays, the "speed workout shoe" has become one of the most popular trainers. People want a plated shoe without paying the carbon-plated shoe price. However, the Hoka's Pebax-plated shoe, the Mach X, is almost as expensive. Is it worth the cost? Hoka already has several plated models, including the Carbon X2, Carbon X3, Tecton X2, and now the Mach X with a Pebax plate. There is a rumor that the Carbon X3 is going away, though.

Finally, while the Mach X and Mach 5 share the Mach name, they aren't similar. The Mach X is more similar to the Carbon X2 than the Mach 5. It's actually weird that Hoka named it the Mach, but it fulfills a plated training shoe Hoka that has been missing in their lineup, similar to the Brooks Hyperion Tempo or Max, Saucony Endorphin Speed, Nike Tempo Next, or ASICS Magic Speed 3.

First Impression

My first run in the Hoka Mach X was on a training day. I wanted a faster run but not necessarily a speed workout; just something above an easy run pace. When I put it on, I immediately noticed it ran a half-size small, but other than that it felt comfortable. It was much softer than I imagined but not as soft as the Hoka Clifton. It was easy to pick up the pace, and I ran about 30 seconds faster than my easy run pace with minimal effort.

Hoka is known to run wider for the most part, and the Mach X runs wide but short. I would try it on if you can. The mesh upper is soft to the touch and breathable. Breathability is essential in the Mojave Desert summer. The tongue is relatively flat, and the heel collar is padded. For the most part, the Mach X has a comfortable upper, but finding the right fit will probably discourage many runners.

In running shoes, I wear between a women's size 10-11 wide, and I've found the size 11 to fit the best.

Performance

The "X" in Hoka shoes typically means plated. For most other Hoka shoes, it means carbon plated, but the Mach X is Pebax plated. Perhaps the Hoka Rocket P (for Pebax) would have made sense or something of that nature. But I digress.

The Mach X is soft, and the Pebax plate provides structure but doesn't firm up the shoe as much as a carbon-plated one. The Mach X midsole is made up of two layers. There's Profly X — As the top layer, it is softer. There is more Profly X in the forefoot than the heel. This makes the front of the Mach X feel more peaceful and have a more natural transition from heel to toe. And then there's CMEVA: The firmer foam on the bottom is designed for durability and stability.

In my experience, many of Hoka's carbon-plated shoes don't have durable outsoles. The Carbon X3 has no blown rubber, so you run on raw EVA foam, and you're lucky if you get 200 miles out of it. Luckily, that isn't the case with the Mach X, and the rubber wraps to the edge of the midsole. The "durabrasion" rubber outsole is much better than any other racing shoe Hoka has. For those who heel strike, you'll have a bit more durability.

Regarding traction, I used it on a few bad weather days, including rain and on sandy trails, and it handled decently well. It's not the best shoe for traction, but it's the best plated shoe from Hoka.

The Mach X is designed as a speed work shoe, and that's precisely how it falls into my rotation. It's a great trainer for faster runs and long runs. It's not something I would use for track work, but it's an excellent option for longer intervals and faster long runs.

Conclusion

The Hoka Mach X is the missing trainer Hoka has needed. It's an excellent option if you are looking for a soft, responsive, and durable workout shoe. While it is about $20 more expensive than similar nylon plated shoes, I believe it's worth it, especially if you can save your Carbon X2, or whatever carbon-plated shoe you use, for race day.

Who should buy the Hoka Mach X?
If you like Hoka and are looking for a workout and hard-effort shoe, or if you have wider feet and are looking for a plated shoe.

Hoka Mach X Stats

:
Speed/workout shoe
Weight: 9.4 oz
Heel Toe Drop: 5 mm
Cost: $180

Pros of the Hoka Mach X:
–More durable than most speed shoes
–Durable

Cons of the Hoka Mach X:
–It runs a half-size short
–More expensive than competitors

The post In Depth with HOKA’s Mach X first appeared on Slowtwitch News.

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is a firm carbon-plated racing shoe designed for shorter distances up to the half marathon. Before even trying it, I wondered if the price was worth it? At $290, it's almost more costly than any other carbon-plated running shoe out there.

Cloudboom Echo 3 Stats

Type of shoe: racing/carbon plated
Weight: 7.6 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 9.5 mm
Cost: $290

Get on any airplane, and you'll see at least 20% of travelers wearing On. Run in any city, and it's the same thing. Race any triathlon, and you'll see more and more of them on people's feet. On has significantly grown in the last few years, and it's quickly become one of the top-selling running brands.  On running shoes have a distinct look to them. Their "Cloudtec" soles are intriguing. But it's also considered fashionable, so you see them on a lot of travelers’ feet. 

The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is designed as a marathon racing shoe. The big update this year is the fully recyclable HF superfoam midsole made from Pebax. The midsole is 46% bio-based and is made from castor beans. The midsole and the full-length Speedboard Carbon Fiber Plate, and Cloudtec elements together create a modern-day racing shoe.

It's extremely firm and doesn't have that plush cushioning that a lot of carbon-plated marathon shoes have now. On claims that it is their fastest race-day shoe ever. While, yes, it's their fastest carbon-plated shoe ever, I can't quite agree that it's a great marathon shoe, especially since most people reading this are running their marathon after hours on the bike.

Upper Design

The brand On is known for its lightweight and comfortable upper. The Cloudboom Echo 3 features an upper that doesn't absorb liquid. This is great if you're running another Boston Marathon 2018 because your feet will stay drier. However, this doesn't make the upper breathable, and breathable uppers are essential for summer living in the Mojave Desert. The engineered polyester upper is thin and strong but it doesn't stretch well—you don't need to worry about it ripping. 

The tongue is thin and semi-gusseted on one side. I was concerned about it not being fully gusseted, but it doesn't slide around. It has additional eyelets under the regular ones, so you can tie it however you want. The shoelaces are interesting in that they feel like they are made from synthetic mesh but are still tacky enough to stay tied. 

On runs narrower than other brands, and the Cloudboom Echo 3 is no different. Typically, I wear a woman's size 10-11 in running shoes, and with On size 11 fits the best. If you have a wider foot, I recommend going up a half size.

Midsole Design

The Cloudboom Echo 3 doesn't feel like a marathon racing shoe. You feel the ground more, and there isn't a lot of energy return. If you miss the era of minimal racing flats and touching the ground, you'll likely enjoy running in the On Cloudboom Echo 3.

I've run almost every kind of run in the Cloudboom Echo 3, from easy runs to tempo and track work. I even tried a long run to see how it responded. It's designed for racing, and that's all I would use it for. But it didn't feel great in the long run, making me worry it wouldn't be a great marathon racing shoe. If you prefer a firm ride, you may love how it feels during long runs. My feet felt tired and slightly sore.

You can see the carbon plate in the On Cloudboom Echo 3, unlike many other brands. It's stiff and doesn't flex. One of the more unique pieces to the shoe is the thin silicone straps under the plate in the forefoot. On claims they are designed to hold your feet into place. It feels weird at first, but you get used to it. And they do keep my feet from sliding around.

Traction and Durability

When I saw the price tag, I thought that perhaps the Cloudboom Echo 3 was highly durable. It's not. It's likely one of the least durable carbon-plated shoes out there. On says the life of the Cloudboom Echo 3 is four marathons. (That could also be three long runs and one marathon.) It might not even make it past one month.

The outsole isn't flat, so the raised pieces often catch the ground. Mine have already worn significantly after only 25 miles.

The traction for the Cloudboom Echo 3 is good. I've taken it out on an inclement weather day and on the sandy desert trails and haven't had any issues. Together with the upper, I think it would be a good choice for a rainy race.

Concluding Thoughts

I want to like the Cloudboom Echo 3, but it's firm. Too firm for most people to run a marathon, and it doesn't feel like it should cost $290. Maybe it looks like a $290 shoe though? It does excel in the ability to race decently in pouring rain or inclement weather due to the traction and upper.

I would love to see On make the Cloudboom Echo 4 softer by increasing the stack height, adding more cushion, and making it more durable.

Who should buy the On Cloudboom Echo 3??
If you love the brand On and you like firm racing shoes, this is for you. It is great for half marathons and below.

The post Tested: On Cloudboom Echo 3 first appeared on Slowtwitch News.

Finding the right pair of running shoes can be daunting. And costly. Compared to some of the other elements within our sport, running shoes aren't that pricey. The most important and expensive item you need is a good, properly fitted pair of running shoes. But with shoes now regularly cresting the $200 mark, it's better to get it right the first time around than trial and error.

While you can read dozens of reviews on the internet (including here on Slowtwitch), the only surefire way to decide whether “a shoe works for me" is to actually try different shoes. You can expedite this process by going to a local running store. But many runners don't know how to get the best results from a trip to the store. They know they'll walk in, an employee will look at their feet, maybe watch them run, and they'll come out with shoes that the employee thinks are the best for them. 

If you want to get the most out of your run specialty store, you need to come prepared to run with your old running shoes, and bring your injury and running history. A good shoe is a shoe that works for your particular gait, stride, and feet. Everyone has a different gait, and a good pair of shoes for me doesn't mean it's a good pair for you.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Local Run Shop

Be prepared to tell the store’s employee the following information. Bring a list if you need to.
–Do you have pain when you run? ?
–?Tightness somewhere? ?Shin splints?
–If you answered yes to any of the above: does one leg hurt more than the other?
–?Have you lost toenails while running before?
–What shoes have you been wearing? Anything you liked or didn't like?
–What sock are you running in?
–What are you training for currently?

Don’t feel like you are rambling by telling the employee all this information. The more you can tell the employee about your running history, the easier it is for them to narrow down the kinds of shoes that will be best for you. Most stores reliably carry between 50 to 70 SKUs (not inclusive of color choice within those shoes), and the fitter's job is to narrow that shoe wall down to the three to five most likely options to work for you.

After talking with you, then the fit will move onto some type of gait analysis. Depending on the running store, they may have you run on a treadmill, run outside or watch your gait when you walk. Some stores use video so they can break down your gait in slow motion. But in general, this is where a shoe fitter is looking for any type of motion that might warrant some type of guidance or medial density changes.

The last piece of the puzzle before bringing out shoes: the employee will measure your feet with socks. Now, you may think you're a size 10. And you've been a size 10 all your life. But that doesn't mean that you should be wearing a size 10 running shoe today. First there's the accommodation for any type of swelling that may happen when you run. But secondly, and arguably most importantly, is that run shoe size is driven by arch length, not just total foot length. If you've ever put on a pair of running shoes and felt like the arch is either too far back in the shoe or too far forward, chances are you need to adjust accordingly due to arch length. (Editor's Note: I have a size 11.5 length foot with a size 14 arch. I wind up wearing a 13 to get the best overall fit.)

It's now that you'll have shoes brought out to you. Trust the employee's first choices. There's a reason why, out of a shoe wall with dozens of options, these were selected for you. More often than not, it's due to some combination of the information you provided up front regarding any issues you're having while running, as well as something that they picked up on while going through your initial gait analysis.

And now it's time to try on shoes! The most important thing to look for is comfort. If it's not comfortable now, it's not going to get any more comfortable while trying to run in it. Now is a good time to ask questions. Why were these shoes brought for me? What did you see before and what do you see now? That's what the fitter is there for. Your questions, and comments on how shoes are feeling, will help guide the fit more. Perhaps there's a change that needs to be made to bring out another pair or two to try on. Or it might just end there. Again, comfort is king — and you're in charge.

Returns, Exchanges, and Pricing

Once you've finished making your shoe selection, it's time for purchase. More often than not, the shoes you see in the store are not going to be cheaper online. A common misconception is that running shoes are more expensive in stores. At least in the United States, minimum advertised pricing (MAP) policies prevent most retailers from discounting heavily outside of selected time periods or end-of-season sales.

Because run shoe fit does involve a bit of trial-and-error, there are times where shoes just don't work out as well as they should have based upon the initial fit. Most stores will cover for that with a return or exchange policy. The most ubiquitous specialty run stores, Fleet Feet, offer a 60 day return / exchange policy within reason. Obviously, if you've run 200 miles in a shoe in 60 days, you're not going to be able to return that shoe. But if it isn't working for you, there's no reason to continue to suffer through a poor experience. Life's too short to run in bad shoes.

Other Things Stores Offer

Running stores can be a wealth of training information. Getting information from running stores typically doesn't stop after you've been fitted for the right shoes. Most stores have information about training plans, local races, local running clubs, and coaches that are in the area. The more you ask, the more information and advice you’ll get.

Most running stores also have group runs, fun runs, and activities to bring the running community together. Brand representatives sometimes come out to the running groups and have shoes for you to try. Maybe you've always wanted to try a Hoka shoe, even if you never really wanted to buy it. If a Hoka rep shows up, they'll often have shoes that you can test (and often, sometimes a selection of shoes that might not be available in the store yet). Typically, stores list which shoe companies will be at these group runs, so if there is a certain shoe you want to try, you know when to come.

The post Getting the Most From Your Local Run Store first appeared on Slowtwitch News.

If any brand got an award for making the most amount of carbon-plated shoes, it would be Hoka. It makes it better to find a carbon-plated shoe that matches your needs, but it also makes it more confusing to figure out which one is right for you. The excellent news is Hoka has no plans to stop making more types of carbon-plated shoes. The bad news is you might go through more trial and error to figure out what works for you.

What Carbon Hoka Models Are Designed for the Road?

–Hoka Bondi X
–Hoka Carbon Rocket X
–Hoka Carbon X2

Hoka also makes the Tecton X, but it's designed for trails. Don't run your road races in them and hope to run well.

The Basics

Which Shoe is the Best?

It depends on what you are looking for. The Hoka Rocket X is going to be the fastest for road racing. That speed comes at a price with less cushion than the other two models. The Hoka Carbon X2 is lightweight with plenty of cushion but lacks traction. At the end of an Ironman, that extra cushion is typically welcomed.

The Hoka Rocket X has the least amount of cushion. If you were a fan of racing flats before 2016, this would feel most like home. It handles the least like a Hoka shoe, and there isn't much rocking action propelling you forward. The Hoka Rocket X is the best if you prefer a low-to-the-ground, more natural feeling. If you want a Hoka shoe that doesn't feel like a Hoka shoe, the Rocket X is a good choice.

The Carbon X2 excels in the marathon and ultra-marathon distance but, without the rubber, lacks traction. It's not the best model for a rainy day, but it's lightweight with plenty of cushion to take you the distance. If you are running on a perfect race course with minimal weather and debris, the Carbon X2 might be your first choice. Without the blown rubber, it's a sensitive shoe. Depending on the terrain, you might not even get 100 miles in them. With more cushion than the Rocket X, it will feel more comfortable the longer you go. The World Best for 50 miles was set in the Carbon X2.

The newest carbon plated model, the Bondi X, has the most cushion and durability but is by far heavier than the rest. The Bondi X is the way to go if you are injury-prone or prefer more cushion. In fact, in 2022, we will see more racing shoes gain cushion similar to the Bondi X. But it's a lot of shoe and for many, it’s too much for a racing shoe; it feels clunky, heavy, and cumbersome.

Midsole Construction

The Rocket X is made from compression-molded EVA. It has a firm ride, making it versatile for workouts and races. It doesn't feel "as cushioned" as other Hoka models. It doesn't feel like a Hoka shoe at all.

The Carbon X2 has a ProflyX midsole. This dual-density midsole means the Carbon X 2 makes it stiffer, and you'll feel the "rocking sensation" that you often feel with other carbon-plated shoes.

The Bondi X uses the signature Hoka cushioning: compression-molded EVA midsole. This means that the three models feel the most like the Hoka trainers. If you are new to the carbon-plated world but love Hoka running shoes, the Bondi X is a great place to start.

Stability

While no carbon plated shoe has a traditional stability device in them, the Carbon X and Bondi X have a wider base, particularly under the mid foot, giving them inherent platform stability. Of them, the Bondi X is the broadest underfoot and would be considered the most stable-riding of the bunch. The Rocket X is the least stable underfoot of the three. It's lower to the ground and has a more "natural feeling."

Outsole and Traction

Blown rubber is the typical material used for outsoles, and it's what provides durability and traction for running shoes.
The Hoka Rocket X and the Bondi X have blown rubber on high-wear areas. This means there is less exposed midsole, and they will have more durability and last longer. The downside of blown rubber? It weighs more.

The Carbon X 2 does not have blown rubber, and you run on an exposed midsole. This makes the Carbon X 2 lighter but it has significantly less traction and wears out faster. If you are running Boston, or IRONMAN Lake Placid in the pouring rain, it's best to look for something other than the Carbon X2.

The Hoka Bondi X is the most durable, followed by the Rocket and finally the Carbon X2.

The Upper

Lately, Hokas have run slightly larger. In my opinion, it’s not large enough to call it running a half size long. For the most part, the uppers of the three Hoka Carbon Plated models fit similarly. The widest is the Bondi X, followed by the Carbon X2, and the Rocket X is a more narrow fit.

The Rocket X uses open engineered mesh. The upper is breathable, with plenty of space in the toe box. The tongue is also guested but padded, which makes the Rocket X feel more like a training shoe. The Carbon X2 is made from a single layer of engineered mesh. The tongue is also gusseted, so you don't feel it slide. It is thinner and has been a tongue that cuts into my ankle. The Bondi X uses a breathable mesh upper with a paper-thin tongue. The thin tongue can irritate your ankle. I hope Hoka goes to a more padded tongue like the Rocket X.

Conclusions

Rocket X: If you want to run fast for shorter distances, the Rocket X is a great racing shoe. You can use it for a marathon if you love the "ground feeling" and are less prone to injury. It's the shoe you see professional Hoka runners using for races. Keep in mind; that the Rocket X does feel the least like a Hoka shoe.

Carbon X2: If you are running ultramarathons or even further, the Carbon X is a great shoe. It is a lighter shoe and feels more nimble. If you are running in inclement weather or want a durable shoe, it's one of the least durable shoes. That is simply due to the lack of rubber on the bottom.

Bondi X: If you are looking for the most cushion or want an extremely stiff shoe, the Bondi X is a great option. If you're new to the carbon-plated world and love the feeling of Hoka, starting with the Bondi X is your best bet. Plus, you won't find more cushion in a racing shoe than the Bondi X.

The post Which Hoka Carbon Plated Shoe is the Best? first appeared on Slowtwitch News.