HOKA running shoes review (and 3 tips you need to know)

I’m super excited for today’s blog post – the Mach 4 HOKA running shoes review I promised you!

Having a great pair of running shes can literally be a make-or-break for ya so I take this very seriously. These Mach 4 shoes are about $130, which I totally understand is an investment, but is still pretty average for a good pair of running shoes. In my experience, I have found that cheaper running sneakers wear out more quickly because there is less cushioning and technical support to the shoes. At the end of a year, I have spent the same amount by purchasing multiple pairs of cheaper shoes or one pair of really great shoes.

The tricky part is figuring out what running shoes will be comfortable for YOU. Unfortunately, it usually takes running in them a while before you know, and by that point, you are in the hole some $$$. This is why I want to share not only a detailed review of these running shoes but three of the most important things to consider when shopping for running shoes.

three tips to choosing running shoes

Three of the most important things to consider when buying running shoes are stability, cushioning, and sizing. Surprisingly color doesn’t make this list 😉 Before we get into the Hoka running shoes review, let’s touch on this quickly.

one – stability

Stability refers to how much guidance your foot needs to keep from rolling inward too much as you push off the ground. Everyone pronates to an extent, but if it’s too much it can lead to pain in your ankle, knees, and shins.

There are two easy ways to check if you need stability running shoes. One is to go to a running store and have them check your gait. This is a pretty standard thing they do in those specialized shops! The second and even easier way you can check is flip over your current running shoes (or most worn sneakers) and examine the wear on them. If you need to have a little extra stability in your shoes, you will see very hard wear along the inner edges of your shoes (where your big toe and inner heel hit). It is normal to have some, but too much might require a little extra support. If the wear is pretty evenly distributed then you would be considered a neutral runner.

Since only one of my feet overpronates when I run, I prefer a neutral shoe but will sometimes swap out the inner sole for these inserts to add more support (I don’t have to do that for these shoes though!). If you have very low arches, chances are you will need a stability shoe to prevent overpronating.

The Hoka Mach 4 running shoes are supportive but still considered neutral – which works great for me!!

two – cushioning

Cushioning is more related to what type of running you are doing. Typically short distance racing shoes have minimal cushioning because extra cushioning = extra weight which is undesirable if you are a serious racer. In my experience, sneakers that have a lot of cushioning are super comfy to walk in but as soon as I pick up the pace I felt like I was running through mud. Personally, I take the goldilocks approach – not too much, not too little, but juuuuust right.

three – sizing

Sizing might seem like the easy part of buying running shoes but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, you should probably size up. The first time I went to a running specialty store, they asked what size I typically wear in shoes (size 8) and then brought me out sneakers in a full-size up! It felt so weird at first but this is a running game-changer!!

Basically, you should have some good wiggle room – not sloppy though – and be able to fit about a half-inch between your toe and the shoe edge. This helps prevent blisters and toenail problems.

This wraps up the most important things to know about buying running shoes – now for the real reason you came…

The mach 4 hoka running shoes review

I have run in all different brands of sneakers and loved most of them for different reasons. This pair just might be my favorite though! I found out a while ago that you can’t choose running shoes by looks because usually the best are not the cutest haha. When you find a pair that are cute it’s a total bonus! Personally I think the color options on the Mach 4 Hokas are the best! (Here’s the link to my blue/green ones, but check out these fun orange, grey, and white pairs!!) Again, not the determining factor but just a cool icing on the cake that should not be ignored.

First Impressions

Looks aside, my first impression running in these shoes was that they were good but not amazing. I KNOW I KNOW I just said they were the best, but I had to take them for a quick run to break them in. It’s totally normal for some sneakers to have a “break in” period. After that first run, I felt all of the benefits of them.

Here’s what’s unique about the HOKA running shoes

The top mesh part of the shoes is a lightweight material that molds to your foot and when you lace up without feeling restrictive. I can wiggle my toes around but I never felt like my foot was slipping.

One of the most unique features of the HOKA shoes is the extended heel on the sole. It’s a little hard to explain, but there is a portion of the sole that extends beyond where your foot is by just enough to absorb impact and add stability. This is one of my favorite features for a few reasons. First of all, the impact of striking your heel on the ground can put a lot of wear and tear on your joints and this feature really helps to minimize those effects. Second, I feel like this little feature helps guide my ride. Even when I’m tired, my gait doesn’t feel sloppy because this helps stabilize me. Overall, this unique feature adds a ton of comfort to the ride.

Another unique feature of the Mach 4 Hoka running shoes is the slight curve to the sole which kinda resembles the base of a rocking chair, although not as extreme. It’s just enough to help propel you and keep your momentum going through the ride. I felt like I was flying when I was running down a hill – such a great feeling!

The Ride

The ride in these running shoes is the most comfortable ever! They are lightweight but still have enough cushioning, and the bounce back is amazing! My feet never hurt after a run, which is part training but also hugely impacted by the right shoes. This fall I have a half-marathon race and these will definitely be my shoe of choice!

I know there isn’t any one running shoe that is perfect for everyone, but this shoe comes pretty close IMO!

When it comes to running, it can be easy to go all out with top-quality gear. At the end of the day, the most important piece of gear is your running shoes. Do your research, ask loads of questions, and make sure to wear them around your house before you take them for a spin!

I hope this Hoka running shoes review and tips for buying shoes helped you out! If you have any other questions, feel free to drop it in the comments or click here to connect with me on insta, I always check my DM’s.

Happy runnings!

x, rae