This Hoka Running Shoe Has the 'Perfect Balance' of Cushion and Speed and Just Went on Sale in a Ton of Colors
“I've been a distance endurance athlete for 15 years and can honestly say these are a total game changer for my running.”
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Over the past few months, Hoka has dropped the prices on a slew of its popular lightweight running shoes, including the Arahi, the Rincon, and the Bondi, to make space for newer models. But the brand isn’t done with this wave of rollouts. Now, another popular style—the Mach—just received a rare discount, and it’s yours for the taking if you can find your size.
Right now, the Hoka Mach 5 road running shoes are on sale for $113 at REI—about a 20% discount on the original $140 price tag. It might not seem like the craziest deal, but because the brand’s running shoes are so in demand, it hasn’t had to discount them by much to watch sizes sell out quickly; several of the 10 colorways are already scarce in availability since their markdown went live. It’s because people love these running shoes—they’re backed by more than 400 five-star ratings at REI.
Hoka Mach 5 Road Running Shoes in Black/Castlerock, $113 (was $140) at REI
The Mach 5s are neutral-stability, responsive-cushion road running shoes that Hoka says are the ideal pair for everyday running around the neighborhood or on the treadmill and are suitable for racing, as well. They feature a breathable jacquard mesh upper, a slight rocker underneath, and a raised heel collar for a more secure fit. The stacked ProFly midsole provides cushion and shock absorption but is far less thick than other Hoka models. This allows runners to feel the ground better and get a “snappier,” more touch-based push-off. Select colors are also available in wide widths.
Lightweight running is no longer a trend—it’s a necessity. With younger brands like Hoka and On running shoes leading the charge into a new era of performance footwear, it’s forced giants like Asics and New Balance to shed the pounds, formulating foam soles of their own to keep up with customer demands. And while running brands often have their loyalists, many have at least experimented with newer brands like Hoka—some having switched for good.
Hoka Mach 5 Road Running Shoes in Impala/Vibrant Orange, $113 (was $140) at REI
Shoppers board the Hoka train to figure out what the hype is about, but they continue to ride because doing so affords them the best of well-engineered support and unique style—and the Mach 5 is a prime example. “I've been buying Hokas for 5 years now. The Mach 5s are (so far) the most versatile,” as one shopper put it. “I have trouble with plantar fasciitis sometimes when training for races (halfs, 10K) but not with these babies! They have the perfect balance of being cushiony but remain speedy, lightweight, and responsive. The only negative I can think of is that they wear a bit easily… They're so comfortable though that I sort of don't care and would gladly get a third pair!”
When runners talk about switching to Hoka and cutting ties from their previous favorite brand, there doesn’t seem to be much hesitation. “I've been a distance endurance athlete for 15 years and can honestly say these are a total game changer for my running,” one shopper explained. “I've used another brand that starts with a ‘B’ for the last 12 years religiously and wish I would've made the move earlier. The added benefit in just one week of use has been an overall 30-second improvement in my average mile time… Love these shoes!”
When Hoka shoes go on sale, they sell out quickly—we’ve seen it happen multiple times. But for just $113, it’s worth moving into the Mach 5 for your daily runs, gym cardio, or even as your go-to walker. But do not wait to pull the trigger: If you do, chances are the size won’t be there next time you check.