I love the Hoka Mach X2 after running 100 miles — and it’s 20% off right now

(Image credit: Future)

I test a lot of running shoes and rarely get the chance to go back to shoes I've already reviewed, so I if I get to rack up 100 miles in a shoe it means I consider it pretty special.

The Hoka Mach X2 is certainly a special shoe, with a springy and versatile ride, and although the Hoka Mach X3 recently launched, I still prefer the Mach X2 myself because it’s lighter while still being just as bouncy and fun as the new shoe.

That means any deals that pop up on the older shoe is worth considering, and REI has reduced the Hoka Mach X2 to $152 in its sale right now, with two colors of the women’s shoe and one of the men’s included.

The Hoka Mach X2 is likely to be widely discounted now the Mach X3 has come out, and the Mach X2 is also down to $151 in the Hoka sale right now if you’d prefer to shop there, but you get a bit more choice in the colors available in REI’s sale. If you are Hoka fan in general, it's worth checking out these 17 deals from the Hoka sale.

Hoka did make one substantial update to the Mach X3, which is a new upper that has more padding around the heel and tongue. This adds weight, but it does make the Mach X3 more comfortable and reduces the risk of heel rub, which was a problem for some runners with the Mach X2.

If you don’t have that problem with the Mach X2, it’s the better shoe in my opinion, because it’s lighter and the upper was otherwise comfortable for me, and the midsole and outsole are the same as on the Mach X3.

So if you’re happy to risk the thinner, racier upper of the Mach X2, then this deal is certainly worth grabbing for one of the standout super-trainers available from any brand.

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Nick Harris-Fry is an experienced health and fitness journalist, writing professionally since 2012. He spent nine years working on the Coach magazine and website before moving to the fitness team at Tom’s Guide in 2024. Nick is a keen runner and also the founder of YouTube channel The Run Testers, which specialises in reviewing running shoes, watches, headphones and other gear.

Nick ran his first marathon in 2016 and became obsessed with the sport. He now has PBs of 2hr 25min for the marathon and 15min 30sec for 5K. Nick is also a qualified Run Leader in the UK.

Nick is an established expert in the fitness area and along with writing for many publications, including Live Science, Expert Reviews, Wareable, Coach and Get Sweat Go, he has been quoted on The Guardian and The Independent.