When it comes to sneakers, Hoka is still one of the buzziest brands out there for its ability to combine high-performance cushioning and stability with chic and wearable aesthetics. They’ve topped so many of our lists at Prevention from best shoes for walking on concrete to best shoes for plantar fasciitis and more, so whenever the brand drops a new sneaker, I am excited to test it out.
The new Mach 7 released earlier this year with an ultralight weight (a mere 7.1 oz!) as well as an updated ventilated upper perfect for long summer walks and a responsive insole that has supposedly been fine-tuned for extra energy return, making it ideal for agility with extra comfort. As someone whose main problem with Hokas is their heft, which offers comfort for long hours but frequently feel heavy, clunky, and slow me down, I was curious to see if this pair could be the perfect lightweight pair I’d yet to find from the brand.
| Sizes | 5-11 |
| Weight | 7.15 oz |
| Heel-to-toe Drop | 5 mm |
| Best for | Walking, jogging, increasing speed |
Fit
I have tried several pairs of Hokas in my years of sneaker testing, and all of them have had the same sturdy, chunky aesthetic. So I was pretty surprised at how sleek the Mach 7 fit. Though they still look like your cute, typical pair of Hokas (the outsole is still thick), everything else felt much more snug. Compared to the extremely roomy toe boxes of other Hokas, I’d even say they fit narrow. The brand advises sizing up half a size, and I would definitely agree that is the right move. Even at my sized-up 9.5, I still felt a little cramped at the end of long walks or jogs when my feet were at their most swollen. If you have especially wide feet, I’d even suggest sizing up a full size rather than a half.
I will say, though, that despite being foot-hugging, the upper is made of a stretchy mesh that is both lightweight and breathable, so despite swelling, my feet never got sweaty or suffered chafing or blisters due to the tighter fit.
Hoka Mach 7 overhead view
Feel
The cushion is where Hoka shoes shine, and the Mach 7 does not disappoint. However, unlike the Bondi 9—whose cushion is ultra-plush and almost quicksand-like—the Mach 7 offers a springier ride while not being too bouncy. Somehow, it has perfected the balance between maintaining a soft and comfortable insole to stay cushioned on long walks while still offering enough responsiveness to keep my pace energized.
I found that I reached for my Mach 7 mostly when I was in need of getting places fast, or if I wanted something that felt lighter rather than squishier. For example, it was a godsend during my quick Central Park walks and helped me zigzag through slow-walking tourists with remarkable agility and ease.
What surprised me the most about the feel, though, is how versatile it was. I am not a runner by any means, but our former editor who loved her pair of Mach 6s said they were superior at shaving minutes off her training mile, and I was curious if it would feel the same with walking. FYI: It does. Its lightweight stature barely felt like it was more than my foot, which compared to Hoka’s chunkier models was a revelation (and a major win for anyone who dislikes heavy trainers).
Stability
The Mach 7 says it offers neutral stability, and that matched my experience. Like other Hoka models, the thick, high-stack sole took a few wears to get used to, especially since I typically prefer more grounded sneakers. Once I adjusted, though, I found the shoe surprisingly stable. The snug fit kept my foot feeling secure, and I never experienced wobbling during long walks, quick turns, or crowded commutes.
However, it’s not a true stability shoe. If you need extra support for overpronation or prefer a more planted feeling underfoot, the Bondi9 may be a better fit. But for neutral walkers and runners, the Mach 7 strikes a nice balance between cushioning, responsiveness, and control.
How I tested
I wore the Mach 7 sneakers on and off for three months during work commutes, long walks, short jogs, and during physical training classes. I also wore them during several rainy days on slippery subway platforms and puddle jumped, so their stability and sole grip got extra testing, too.
Bottom Line
The Hoka Mach 7s are a perfect summer walking shoe. Unlike most other Hoka models, they clock in at an extremely light weight, are highly ventilated, and will never make you feel like you are being dragged down into cushioned marshmallows. The Mach 7 is the Hoka I’d recommend to anyone who loves the brand’s cushioning but finds models like the Bondi or Clifton too bulky.
However, if you have wider feet, speed and agility aren’t a factor, or you require the maximum amount of cushion, you’re better off sticking with the Bondi 9.
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