This Hoka running shoe is one of the best I’ve tested — and it just hit its lowest ever price

I usually test 50 to 60 pairs of new running shoes every year, and so it takes something special to stand out from that crowd enough to make my own regular running shoe rotation. The Hoka Mach X2 is definitely a special shoe, and one that I’ve continued to use long after I finished testing it out for our review.

I’ve run over 100 miles in it so far, using it for pretty much every kind of run from fast track reps to long, easy plods. I even took it away as my only running shoe for a trip, because it’s so versatile, I knew the Mach X2 could handle any kind of workout I did while away.

It’s not a cheap shoe, however, and I’ve been hoping to see it come down in price in sales, which it now has! You can get the Mach X2 for $151 in the Hoka sale right now, which is a 20% discount well worth considering if you need a speedy sneaker for your runs.

The Hoka Mach X2 is one of the best running shoes for fast training in particular, thanks to the high stack of springy foam and plastic plate in its midsole. I found it to be almost as quick as the best carbon plate running shoes in my testing, while being more comfortable and flexible for easy training runs.

There is one main flaw with the design of the shoe that I noticed during my runs in the shoe, which is that the upper is a little too lightweight, and the lack of padding around the heel in particular can create an uncomfortable fit and rub the Achilles tendon.

I didn’t actually suffer much from this problem with the shoe myself, though, which is why I rate it so highly. If you are concerned about that, a new upper is set to be the main update on the upcoming Hoka Mach X3, which should have a more comfortable fit while hopefully retaining the springy ride of the Mach X2.

The imminent launch of the Hoka Mach X3 is no doubt one reason why the Mach X2 is now appearing in sales, so you might want to wait for the new shoe. However, you will have to pay more for the Mach X3, so this discount on the Mach X2 makes it the more attractive option for me; it’s a great price for such an impressive shoe.

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.