Tired of soggy socks and sweaty feet? Whether you're returning to the pavement after a long hiatus or simply seeking a fresh pair of kicks, now is the ideal time to invest in new running shoes.
Our expert team of runners, including seasoned veterans from ACTIVE, has meticulously tested a wide range of shoes to bring you this comprehensive guide. Each pair was subjected to at least 20 miles of rigorous testing, with our testers evaluating factors such as comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility, and overall ride.
From beloved classics that have stood the test of time to innovative newcomers designed to inspire your miles well into summer, you're sure to discover the perfect shoe to match your unique needs and preferences. While we understand that budgets can be tight, we encourage you to consider investing in yourself. Your feet will thank you.
Spring Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Mammut | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | On | Pearl iZUMi | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Saucony | Skechers | Under Armour
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts, including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure that the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature highly rated products.
HOKA Mach X 2
HOKA Tecton X3
HOKA Speedgoat 6
HOKA Mach X 2
About: The HOKA Mach X 2 is a lightweight and responsive running shoe designed for speed and efficiency. With its Meta-Rocker midsole and PROFLYX cushioning, the Mach X 2 offers a propulsive and comfortable ride. The shoe's engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability, while the Vibram Litebase outsole ensures durability. Ideal for runners seeking a fast and efficient shoe for racing or tempo runs, the Mach X 2 delivers exceptional performance and a dynamic running experience.
The Mach X 2 is arguably the sexiest and most head-turning road shoe that HOKA has brought to market to date with its defined rocker design and striking colorway layout.
Things We Liked:
"In a landscape of shoe designs that try to be flashy, fast, and lightweight, leaving no detail to be left alone, honestly, it's nice to have old school, traditional woven cotton laces that feel firmly and securely tied when you single-knot them."
"It’s nice to find a shoe that can be comfortable enough for an everyday runner but still nimble enough to stand in as a race shoe."
Areas for Improvement:
"The heel of the Mach X 2 is too wide, leaving no room for a responsive footfall when cornering or making conscious stride or footfall adjustments during a run."
"The tongue of the shoe is quite short and very thin, which helps cut down on weight in the shoe, but when running with shorter running socks, the tongue can rub the front of the ankle. For those who prefer shorter running socks, this may be an annoyance."
Final Thoughts
HOKA has created the ideal everyday runner for those who want a shoe that can do it all. Stylish and aesthetically pleasing yet made for performance, the HOKA MachX2 is the perfect shoe for a runner on the go.
With its mesh upper, air constantly flows in, while the heat you generate during your runs escapes. The updated race collar around the ankle ensures your foot stays locked in place during a speed session, while the reflective detailing ensures you are seen as you run to the track. The pop from the PEBA foam and the Propulsive Pebax plate help to keep you quick off each step during faster efforts, but the responsive lighter materials also make the steady-state miles comfortable, and the legs feel refreshed after longer efforts.
If you are looking for a shoe that can keep you moving and grooving daily, both during and after the run, look no further than the HOKA Mach X 2.
Specs:
- Drop: 5mm
- Weight: 8 oz (Women) 9.2 oz (Men)
- Price: $190
- Category:
- Type: Cushion
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Recovery, Long Distance, Speed
Buy:
Women's | Men's
HOKA Tecton X3
About: The HOKA Tecton X3 is a lightweight and responsive trail running shoe designed for speed and efficiency on technical terrains. With its Meta-Rocker midsole and Vibram Megagrip outsole, the Tecton X3 offers a propulsive and grippy ride on various trails. The shoe's engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability and drainage, while the protective overlays offer added durability. Ideal for trail runners seeking a fast and efficient shoe for challenging terrain, the Tecton X3 delivers exceptional performance and a dynamic trail running experience.
Things We Liked:
"The feel right out of the box was great, and that didn't change as I ran many miles in it!"
"The return on your run is truly unmatched."
Areas for Improvement:
"I would add a tad bit more width in the toe box. I could feel the tip of the inside of my big toe rubbing slightly."
"A little more breathability would be amazing."
Final Thoughts
Hoka's slogan is Fly Human Fly, and there is absolutely no doubt that with this shoe, you will be flying. The return on your stride when you strike is at the next level, and it becomes increasingly difficult to break your stride. The plate in the shoe is stable underfoot while not weighing the runner down, and the upper sock fits the shoe and hugs your ankles with comfort.
The shoe is a 9.4/10. The breathability could be better, and it would be easy to see runners' feet getting too hot, especially with the sock upper retaining some of that heat. If you are working hard on a trail and pounding out the miles at the speed these shoes enable a runner to hit, getting overheated would be a real pill.
All that to say, it's important to note that this is not a shoe meant for your first trail race unless you are looking to podium on your debut.
Specs:
- Drop: 5mm
- Weight: 7.9 ounces (women) 10 ounces (men)
- Price: $275
- Category: Neutral
- Type: Trail Running
- Fit: True to Size
- Ideal For: Speed, Long Distance, Race
Buy:
Women's | Men's
HOKA Speedgoat 6
About: The HOKA Speedgoat 6 is a versatile trail running shoe designed for comfort, durability, and traction on challenging terrains. With its Meta-Rocker midsole and Vibram Megagrip outsole, the Speedgoat 6 offers a cushioned and grippy ride on various trails. The shoe's engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability and drainage, while the protective overlays offer added durability. Ideal for trail runners seeking a reliable and comfortable shoe for long and demanding runs, the Speedgoat 6 delivers exceptional performance and a confident trail running experience.
While we haven't seen the improvements we'd like to see, it's still a solid HOKA shoe!
Things We Liked:
"Lugs are in a good pattern and offer solid footing on any terrain, and the sole material has always been very grippy."
Areas for Improvement:
"This shoe needs better arch support along with a softer feel similar to previous versions"
Final Thoughts
Speedgoat 6s should have been a welcome addition to anyone's collection, but this year fell flat with a few issues previous versions didn't have. That being said, the 6 did offer some great positives. The toe box is quite large, similar to other Hokas; the laces were springy and stretchy when tightened and offered a good lockdown feel. The lug pattern has always been good and offered superior grip on trails compared to something like a Brooks Catamount 3, which would slip on similar terrain.
Hoka offers several colorways, with Sherbert / Beet Root tested here. It's a fun color and stands out on the trail. The color did change over time after running in red rocks and dirt.
These Speedgoat 6s were excellent in muddy conditions, providing traction the entire time; the wide base also offered a superior platform for any run, and no ankle rolling was noticed, even in the most technical of terrain. Mud did build up as in any shoe, but quickly dispelled after a few feet.
Anyone looking for the same Hoka Speedgoat experience as previous versions might not find it, but grip, drop, and trail running ability do exist in these shoes with the 6. If not knowing or owning previous versions, a runner would be apt to pick these up.
Specs:
- Drop: 5mm
- Weight: 8.2 oz (women); 9.8 oz (men)
- Price: $155
- Category: Cushion
- Type: Trail Running
- Fit: Runs Slightly Big
- Ideal For: Long Distance, Trail
Buy:
Women's | Men's
Check out the other shoes in the Fall Shoe Guide.
Fall Shoe Guides
Asics | Astral | Brooks | HOKA | Mammut | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | On | Pearl iZUMi | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Saucony | Skechers | Under Armour
About the Author
Stephen is the Editor in Chief for ACTIVE.com. He has been running been involved in the fitness industry for more than 10 years but has been running or playing sports for most of his life.
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