What’s new
- Durabrasion rubber outsole only on heel
- Sticky rubber forefoot outsole
ON THE RUN
SIDNEY: The Mach 5 and I were pals, then the Mach 6 came around and we drifted apart. The Mach 7 has made us friends again. Granted, not much has changed about the shoe. Maybe it’s me, or maybe I can finally appreciate the Mach for all that it is now. Supposedly all that’s changed are a few aesthetic updates to the midsole and an upgraded outsole combo, but something about this version just feels smoother.
Each step flowed and popped me right up with an effortless bounce, even through tundra-cold temps dipping into the negatives. Running in this kind of weather always feels hard. Your feet slip with every step, you lose momentum, traction disappears, legs go numb. Some of us are starting new training blocks in the worst conditions, and having a shoe that still feels lively makes a huge difference.
THE FIT
SIDNEY: The seamless fit returns once again in the Mach 7. No complaints here. No rubbing, and that doesn’t fly in the Mach household. The creel jacquard upper hits that perfect balance of breathability and security. It wraps nicely around the foot, holds where it should, and honestly leaves me with nothing to nit-pick.
THE FEEL
SIDNEY: The Mach name is fully reinstated here with a seamless fit, lightweight design, and that springy feel. Like I mentioned before, the Mach has that effortless bounce. It has always shocked me how light it feels on my feet, and I find myself favoring it over other lightweight trainers in this category just because of the way it runs.
Maybe it’s the secure, nonchalant fit that makes me feel like I’m basically shoeless and running on a trampoline, or maybe it’s just props to HOKA for making something really good. Either way, that SCF EVA midsole does not disappoint. It’s soft where it matters and responsive where it counts. Not losing the soft and squishy, keeping the firmer and
THE NITTY GRITTY
SIDNEY: Lightweight daily trainers are booming right now. You’ve got hot picks like the Hyperion, Rebel, Novablast, the list goes on, and they just keep getting better and better. I think the Mach 7 helps the Mach family reclaim their place and join that top-tier group of lightweight daily trainers built for speed but still offering real protection.
THE RUNDOWN
SIDNEY: The Mach 7 still has the same ride and the same midsole as before. I swear there has to be something different hiding in there somewhere because it just feels smoother. But on paper, it’s mostly aesthetic updates and a new sticky rubber outsole in the forefoot. And that outsole is definitely a game changer for the Mach as a whole. Just take a look at my shredded Mach 5 outsoles. I expect the Mach 7 to hold up a lot better, and for that, I am grateful.
The Mach 7 is a mighty fine pick for anyone looking for a feel-good, bouncy ride, a little spice of speed, and reliable comfort you can count on.
Meet the Reviewer
