REVIEW OF EVERY HOKA RUNNING SHOE of 2023 - Comparison of Clifton/Rincon/Rocket X/Bondi/Mach/Mach X

[@abrahamperalta8248]

The Clifton 9 really does do it all, I use them for all my training camps before a fight. Literally got rid of 6 pairs of sneakers because the Clifton has it all. Love them so much !

[@parrotbrand2782]

I heard about Hoka for years...thought it was all hype but when I got the Rincon 3, i realised they have become my best pair of shoes

[@asvpjoeyevdo9798]

Same here !!! Rincon 3 is the best shoe I’ve owned

[@khgear7160]

@@asvpjoeyevdo9798Rincons are so freaking fast!!!

[@hugoq6186]

Would be really happy to have the same serie for Asics !

[@HowIsThat69]

Why. Would you spend a small 1000 Earth credit on such 4 shoes? In asics just get the Superblast and meta speed sky+, I doubt you need more

[@jaminSVT]

the novablast is there too, the gel kayano is new, and the nimbus 25 is also worth checking out

[@BenParkes]

Judging by the amount of likes I think we should try with ASICS. See if people like it!

[@Mcluckers]

Would love this

[@jjeniece]

@@HowIsThat69superblast and kayano 30 seems to be the optimal duo for most people. I have sore ankles and I don’t even feel the pain when I’m running in the new kayano.

[@pauladdison3189]

Hi Ben brilliant video. Been running 🏃‍♂️ in the Hoka Clifton 9 for the last two years. I’m now in my 40th year of running and the Hoka have been the best shoes I’ve ever ran in. 👍

[@hardusventer9852]

Got my 2nd pair of Mach 5 early 2023 and did about 450km in both of my pairs. Durability definitely is an issue on the sole especially I live in Ireland so traction tends to be bit of a problem on the wet surface. Besides the durability issue there isn’t a better daily trainer when it comes to lock down and comfort. Currently running in the Endorphin Speed 3 Thanks for all your reviews Ben

[@slavasss2189]

How much is your weight? After 450 km u mean mach 5 is dead or still alive?😮😅

[@robsmith8589]

Totally agree, Mach 5 are the perfect running trainer.

[@DR-cs6dl]

On my first pair of Mach 5’s now and I’ll never go back, tried on 5/6 running shoes in a shop after getting my running analysed on a treadmill, from Nike Brooks Asics and New Balance, the Mach 5’s gave me such a sense of speed, running fast feels effortless

[@chrisdin3372]

what do you prefer, mach 5 or speed 3?

[@therunophil]

Great that you included recommendations for rotations. Adidas and Asics could be interesting as well. I however would love even more comparisons across different brands for specific purposes like long run or speed day. I guess there are a lot of brand loyal fan boys and girls but I prefer to take the best from each brand, also because sometimes specific shoes just don't work out because of fit, stability etc.

[@BenLuney]

I currently wear the Clifton 9 for easy/recovery runs, the Mach X for speed sessions/tempo and long runs, the Rocket x2 for racing. I also had the Mach 5 recently and managed 600 miles in them 💪🏼

[@markoljustina]

Do you like C9?

[@BenLuney]

@@markoljustina yeah I really enjoy them! Never an issue picking up the pace when needed. I also had the Clifton 8s and they were solid too

[@markoljustina]

@@BenLuney tnx 🙂

[@tryfergoodra552]

are the mach x good for recovery aswell? im looking for an all out shoe , jogging , walking , sprinting and even low jumps 😅 it kinda worirres me tho the bulkiness of the mach x im used to low shoes and i like to feel that im barefoot for training

[@sevsary6519]

Hey can you suggestion about c9 vs mach5 which one is better?

[@runningforviews]

Can’t wait for the Hoka Trail video! (Please)

[@iberiksoderblom]

Clifton 9 is my prefered everyday shoe. I wear down 3-4 pairs every year. And I have a handfull of other shoes...

[@JackGarside]

Got 550km in my Mach 5s and they have been great. Never had any issues with traction, wear on the sole has been purely cosmetic for me.

[@LuciodoBrazil]

Thanks for this comment. I had doubt about the durability of the outsole so I bought something else instead.

[@bradleywall2246]

I’m on my 4th pair of Mach 4’s and as mentioned by you and others, the outsole does get worn down around that 400-500 miles (650-800 km). Although, the rest of the shoes holds up extremely well. I put over 2000 km on my first 3 pairs and the outsole was the ONLY issue.

[@RuminatingBroccoli]

Thanks for the video! Would appreciate a series on Altras - and your thoughts on zero-drop vs non-zero-drop shoes.

[@m3phist0]

Favourite Hokas. Mach 4/5 (for road) and Torrent 2 (for door to trail)

[@martinweston8147]

Today I was running in a new pair of Hoka ATR 6’s the last pair have 600 mile on them and have been good upto a 50 mile gravel/ cycle path Ultra, Speedgoats are my go to trail shoe. Don’t really do any tarmac speed runs as there isn’t much down here in Cornwall 😊

[@Balintrebeka]

Would be great to see one of trail versions too...thank you!! happy running!

[@trailsandbeers]

Carbon X3 is good for wide feet as the upper stretches, I use mach 5 wide fit and carbon X3 for my road and treadmill runs and like them both.

[@kyleryczek]

Fantastic format for this video!

[@ashbankultra]

I love the speedgoat 5 for my trail running. Done an ultra in it and it was super comfy.

[@giovannitertulli]

Great one! I'd love to see something similar for Saucony!

[@BenParkes]

Already on the channel! 🙂

[@giovannitertulli]

Damn then I need to catch up! Thanks for all the content you put out there, it is truly valuable@@BenParkes

[@ruthholden9900]

Thanks for these reviews and others, helped me cut through the plethora of sponsored opinions and marketing hype :)

[@evy684]

Terrific video ! I love that you bend the sole of the shoe. I wish everyone did this. I am not able to wear shoes that bend very much. So this really helped.

[@LeeSmales]

Nice video. Mach 5 my go to shoe. Managed to get 800km+ from each of my pairs. Hope they don't ruin it when the 6 eventually arrives.

[@skylerkeene8457]

Bought 3 pairs of the Mach 4. That shoe was special for me in terms of comfort and fun.

[@dalekirkwood6496]

Really good format of video 👍 great way to understand rotation in general too

[@BenParkes]

Glad you liked it!

[@lennertvanbraekel-ge9it]

I would really like a review of the New Balance Fuelcell Propel V4, or just a summary of the New Balance line-up, thanks

[@DTsoumpas]

Perfect video! Brilliant, got a Bondi 8 today, I’m excited to get my activity in

[@HeyLookItsEd]

Love these videos! Would love to see you do one for the new balance line up

[@kennethmonroe6939]

Using the Rincon 3 right now as my primary daily trainer.

[@ralphvangelderen68]

Great video. Mixed experience with hokas. Mach 4 is great, but indeed not very durable. Ran 25k on them in my first run without any issues. Had the clifton 8, but really struggled with blisters and sore feet. After 100k it got a little bit better, but never really enjoyed them. Really looking for some comfortable long run shoe, so love these kind of videos. Have a new balance trail shoe which i really love, so would be interested in the road shoe comparison.

[@Oleg_Kol]

I’d like to see a trail version of Hoka line similar to the one you’ve done for Nike trail

[@k3nbe]

As someone who likes comfort as well as aesthetics in a running shoe, the Mach X is a beauty!! I think I’ll be trying these next once I’m through with my Nike Zoom Fly SP & Vaporfly 2s

[@wojciechbladowski542]

I really enjoyed your combos at the end of the vid; think this is an overlooked piece in shoe reviews - pairing shoes so they make a reasonable rotation for those on a budget!

[@johnnylineham59]

I really enjoy the Mach 5, but you should give the Tecton X a go. I really enjoy that for all my trail running and to me it feels like trail version of the Mach 5, similar fit overall dynamics. The plate(s) aren't super stiff.

[@AstrumG2V]

Audree Lafreniere ran UTMB on the Tecton X!

[@danmunnery6951]

Really love the combination recommendations at the end there Ben! Please do these again when you do another brand! 👍🏻

[@NG_Ark]

Thanks for the review! On my third pair of Hokas. This is helpful for identifying the next one!

[@giladeliyahou2288]

Epic video! Would love to see the same with asics😎

[@clivebunyard3265]

Great video Ben as always. I love Hoka and I notice people here commenting on the trail shoes in addition to the road shoes, so I'll share my experiences on both. I was gifted a pair of Torrente for trail-training and they were excellent (wouldn't use them to race and I always stay with my Salomon S-labs) and I use my Rincon 2 for walking and "granny hikes" on hard/dry surfaces. Without doubt my favourite Hoka shoe has been my Clifton 8. I have used it for modest road runs, casual wear and on a dry day for road/trail combinations, just fantastic. I cannot comment on the durability as I'm wearing it for casual in addition to running so don't have the total KM recorded but I guess I am nearly 2-years in with these shoes and just love them all round and although the sole is wearing and slippy in the wet, all the wear-pads are still on the shoe

[@robsmith8589]

I bought Mach 5 for faster stuff and Clifton 9 for long runs but I'm beginning to run almost all runs in the Mach 5. My legs actually feel fresher after running in the Mach vs the Clifton.

[@gsmittysSanD]

Would love for you to do this breakdown for Saucony

[@BenParkes]

We have. It’s on the channel if you search 🙂

[@davidjuson5608]

I've just coughed up for the Rocket X3 and I'm impressed, other than the Great South Run in October I'll be trying to keep them road ready for something spectacular come the spring. The New Forest Marathon is looming and, as it is "multi terrain", I don't the Rockets will do the job unless it's been unusually dry. I've got Clifton 9s & Mach 5s, and love them both, but what's my best bet for the big day? Good reviews by the way. Thanks Ben. Weirdly, I have all the shoes you reviewed except the Bondi. The Rincon 3s are close to strolling to the pub duties only.

[@BenParkes]

I’ve never done the new Forest marathon, so hard to say.. but if it’s mainly in the fire roads then the rocket x should be ok! Otherwise you’d have to buy a trail shoe.. speedgoat 5 or tecton x if you wanted a plate. Good luck!

[@davidjuson5608]

@@BenParkes Thank you for the response Ben. The organisers reckon the course is around 50% asphalt and the rest pretty firm. Last year I did the 10k (almost all well pounded bridleway) comfortably in Carbon X3s, but it was parched. Decisions! Decisions!

[@jengaman3421]

Just want to say I’ve got the Mach 5 with 750km and still going… outsole looks slightly chewed but no effect on performance. Midsole still got at least another 200km for my 10-20km runs. Well worth every dime I paid for the bang I get out of it! Love my Clifton 9’s with about 600km+ but have more fun with my Mach 5’s!

[@fudbeer1]

Great video thanks.Have had numerous pairs of Clifton great shoe but cushion dies before 250 miles for me.

[@paulbrennan4567]

Great video, looking forward to more like this 👍

[@lubricator]

Ben, Thanks from Sacramento. Great energetic and informative video. I am a 76 year old walker, so the Clifton 9 or Bondi 8 look like the ticket for me. Off to REI to see what they have in stock. Greg Smith

[@ThatRunningGuy]

Great video Ben. I’ve just moved over to Hoka and my Achilles loves them. Really enjoying the Clifton 9 and the Clifton Edge (picked up of Vinted). Wished I would of tried Hoka sooner

[@Ginguredrunner]

Curious about this comment....lower drop shoes are harder on your achilles?? What did you run before?

[@ThatRunningGuy]

@@Ginguredrunner I used to wear NB (typically a 10-12mm drop) and suffered from regular on\off Achilles issues. Moved over to Nike and Saucony as also a 10mm drop. They worked better than NB but still had issues. Since moving over to Hoka I’ve had no issues. I was worried about the 5mm drop but believe Hoka work for me because of the increased cushioning and stability their shoes offer.

[@QronoZ713]

​@@ThatRunningGuyRockers reduce Achilles load, so maybe also that.

[@jansmith8909]

Another great video Ben 👍 really good at comparing your personal opinions without showing any particular bias. I find a number of other reviewers only speaking about shoes from their POV. My current favourite from Hoka is the very niche Cielo RD. The full PEBAX foam and no plate just works wonders for speed work. And for someone that’s been running for over 30 years, this is like an old school (90s/00s) racing flat with heaps of pop. Ideal for track sessions rather than using spikes as often. Would love to see a Brooks segment like this 🎉

[@Typikyle]

Super happy with my Rincons.

[@jesseadams5500]

Just got the Clifton 9s today. They’re awesome. I feel like it’s a perfect balance of comftorability and light weight. Next I want to get the rocket x 2

[@KentWeare]

I am a Nike Vaporfly convert - love my Clifton 9s for training and love the Rocket X2s for racing. Haven't tried the others listed but would love to try the Mach X

[@JavierISampedroTNF]

I had the first version of Rincon which I enjoyed very much, skipped v2 and got the 3. Same snappy feel and seems the outsole is holding even better (already 600km in). It can be a good choice for easy days but it always makes me wanna go a bit faster, so I need to control a bit. If I had to get another Hoka for the road I think I would choose Mach 5 or Mach X.

[@Timbroa]

I'm currently training in my Clifton 8s while they still have some life in them, however my favorite shoe is the Mach 5s and I am going to be running the London Marathon 2024 in them, but I may get another pair closer to the time just to make sure they are race ready and fresh after a few practice runs.

[@matthewhooper493]

Just brought the rocket x first edition for £75 would love to see the comparison from the originals to the new ones and were the originals would sit in todays tech

[@mats271979]

Nice review. As a Hoka fan, I have a few different models, best has to be the speed goat 👍

[@cosmaddi]

Great video, super useful!

[@BenParkes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Warriors_and_Wanderers]

Got myself the Mach 5s not so long ago, and whilst I really like the ride and it feels great, I just cannot get past the durability of the sole! Got some very flat spots that are starting to get very slipping, even in summer running. I’m thinking of going cloudmonster next. I think if they put a decent rubber sole on it I would just be buying that time after time. Great video Ben! Class as usual Edit: I’ve just realised that the shoes have actually not lasted longer than the Klarna payments to pay for them…😭

[@ryanpedlow]

I’ve just retired my second pair, tended to get between 500 - 600km on them before they needed replacing. So while that’s not as good as a lot of shoes, it’s not terrible.

[@Warriors_and_Wanderers]

@@ryanpedlow yeah, I’m up to the 450k mark currently, but they’ve been on the way out since around 300ks. Deffo retiring soon for something different

[@adcashmo]

Another vote for Asics please. I always come back to them due to the fit......at list for me

[@jesseGfragrance]

You could definitely get a Clifton 9 , run a marathon in and still get a solid time

[@dasnekysnek]

love the video mate! I'm thinking about getting my first hoka for my bday

[@Rustyfox46]

Hey Ben. Looking forward to the Saucony vid 👊🏻

[@BenParkes]

It’s on the channel already! 🙂

[@charliecooper3781]

Really like the concept of this series! Maybe once you've covered all of the brands' complete ranges you could suggest some rotations between of multiple brands? e.g. an Asics daily trainer which complements a Nike race-day shoe

[@nickpocock8081]

I loved the Rincon 1. The 2s never gave me the same feel.

[@chrisrose3967]

I really doubt that you can do a run at marathon pace with the Bondi 8 or 7. Unless your pace is something

[@BenParkes]

I was just surprised at how fast you could go in the shoe.. but ultimately it is heavy and bulky. No faster then marathon pace.. but of course you’d want to find something better for marathons. Great for chilled runs though!

[@chrisrose3967]

@@BenParkes I can imagine that it works for some people maybe heavier runners it’s just doesn’t work for me and I’m surprised that it worked for since you certainly are much faster then me

[@andrewwright3676]

Hi Ben, thank you for the great review 🙌. How about reviewing all the Puma shoes very good price point too 😊

[@antonyhylton]

Thanks for the video. Love Hoka. Wore them for a long time back to the Clifton 1s. I like a stability shoe and got the Arahi 5s which I really loved, more than the Cliftons, but the 6's were much firmer so I didnt really like them. Was going to get another pair of Cliftons, but ended up getting the new Kayano 30s. Got the Rocket X 1s which I really enjoy, but the 2s seem like they've upgraded the foam so excited about trying those. Speaking of Kayanos, would be interested to see what you think of the Asics range if you have the budget 🙂. Thanks Ben!

[@melw2389]

Mizuno would be a great brand to review. Thank you for everything you do.

[@dougiedoesstuff]

I am a massive Hoka fan-boy so thanks for this film. I had the Clifton 8s and the got the Clifton 9s. They do feel a spongy compared to the 8s. I do also have the Carbon X2s for track and speed sessions and do like them. But for me, the out-and-out best Hoka are the Speedgoats. Have used every iteration except the 1s and have had multiple pairs of each, all of which have covered multiple trail Ultras. And I love them. It seems that the problem with all Hokas is the durability. I barely get 300 miles out of Speedgoats and, by that time, they are bald! You asked about which Hokas and here is my current list: Speed road - Carbon X2 (pair 2) General road - Clifton 9 Trail - Speedgoat 5 (pair 4) Deep mud - EvoJawz (for transparency, I also use Inov8 Mudclaw Classics) PE teaching - Rincon 3 (pair 2) Holiday - Sky Hopara sandals Recovery - Flip 2 Did I say I was a Hoka fanboy? Keep up the good work.

[@woOBuzz89]

Great video, you do a good job 😁 What do you think of the Hoka Arahi series?😛

[@alexprime9607]

Clifton good enough for everyday run. Like it.

[@basti_1206]

I just got back into running from an long therm injury ab got the arahi 6 for a stable run to get back into it and they feel amazing on feet

[@noelschwarz1016]

Would love to see a review of the Puma range.

[@StephaneMichel-Montréal]

Thanks for the video, Ben. Puma would be a good pick for another of this kind. As for the Hoka experience, the Clifton 3 was a gem (after that, it was a continuous disappointment), the Rincon 3 is indeed a very good value shoe, fun to run with, and for trails, the ATR Challenger 3 was a fun road to trail model, and the Torrent is a durable and comfortable shoe to confront rocks and roots.

[@the-drew-abides]

New to running. Love the Clifton 9.

[@ebutuoy8272]

My Favorite Hoka shoe I've ever run in is the Gaviota 5. I bought them last week cause my knees started to hurt. Only been running for 5 weeks. So I guess my Brooks Trace caused the damage.

[@yashesh7264]

but what about the shoes for overpronators and flat feet running shoes bondi used to be that so what is replaced in 2023 is it arahi6? max stability shoes from hoka 2023 line-up?

[@modifiedprogramjam4830]

My Clifton 9s have served me well. I only walk in my Bondi 8s. Wouldnt trade either for anything. I wear a pair of Arahi 7s to work. I was thinking about getting a pair of Mach 5s and trying em. Not sure if u need em at this point.

[@greggabbott7985]

Hey Ben. I would like to see you review the Altra lineup. Thanks

[@Mooghasi666]

Would love you to do Altra

[@Arda-mb6co]

Your make the best videos greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@vickyshaw1709]

I've only run in Mach 4 but really like them. New Balance please ?

[@LuciodoBrazil]

I bought my Rincon 3 for £60 online as I think it has been on the market for several years already. Initially hated them as I found them too stiff but finally broke in after 100K. Super light and very good value if you can get them at a discount.

[@patrickclarke1462]

Same

[@fo1javierglennmarcz714]

I love watching your channel what is the best for long run

[@yurynsk3533]

Asics, Saucony, Salomon would be great to see. Thanks for the video!

[@Rubix78]

I really like my Clifton 9, they currently hold my 5k pb and I can't even reach the same speed with the Mach 5.

[@peterward6205]

What about a review of all of the Hoka trail shoes for 2023? Great video as always Ben 😀

[@palmyarmyswim]

Speed Goat Evo's are the best Hoka's ever. I had the mach 5's, they were great as well, but died earlier than any shoe ive had in the last 5 years. Couldn't even move them to walking shoes they were that 'flat'. I'm glad they are shifting away from eva

[@baldilocksofficial]

What shoe would be good for Air Force basic training? Something that’s going to be comfortable, durable, and going to give me a little something extra for my pt test.

[@jonh1958]

I've been using the Hoka Arahi for a little while and I'm on to my 2nd pair now. Apparently they are a stability version of the Clifton?? Either way I find them comfortable but have had to go for a wider fit. Before this I used the Challenger ATRs which were also very nice for the trail runs I was doing at the time. Very interested in the Mach X for speedwork or races.

[@syrphilipgulmatico5352]

Hoka Mach 5 is the best fit for me love how light it is. but the sole wears easily. I still love it though :D

[@wedgythewedges5489]

My first Hoka shoes is Kawana, and is the only shoes that I can wear all day without ache at the end of the day(even wear it in dry working kitchen), tho clifton 8 is kinda plush for the outsole, but it still give me some ache sometime. gaviota 4 is comfort to wear, but I guess it doesn't suitable for whole day standing around workplace. stinson 6 is pretty plush shoe, but I think my right leg toe are kinda sore due to the front part of it being high, not fully breakin for these 2 shoes yet. while what do you think of the Gaviota 5? i think most review say is very soft, some even whining for too soft,

[@timverkoyen8742]

Would love to see you review the current lineup from Adidas! 🙏

[@hikerboater]

The Hoka Rocket X2 is best sprint trainer for the track I've ever used. Heel strikers and slow runners won't get the full benefit of this shoe. There is a definite sweet spot in the forefoot, great for sprinters. Rincon 3 is also good for half the price, my 2nd choice.

[@oisin3237]

thanks for the video

[@FelonMusk2021]

Could u pls do a review for minimalist shoes like vibram five finger, Xero and vivobareroot?

[@יצחק-ד8ה]

Awesome video. Tnx

[@georgelai8748]

Which Hoka would you recommend for a 67 year old who wants to use it just for walking exercise? Around an hour on tarmac usually. Right now I’m using a Arahi 6(?). Thanks

[@Bijits2510]

New balance series please

[@inkysteve1983]

Had the carbon x2 but I didn’t really like them! I have since started using the tecton x2 and I love them 👌🏻⚡️

[@stndrdnz]

Great video! What do you prefer between the Mach 6 and Mach X for an everyday trainer?

[@Kkjimmy90runs]

Saucony line up for sure

[@haz5326]

The Rincon 3 are perfect for 10km competitions, greetings from France 😜