Hoka Mach 5 vs New Balance Rebel v3: Comparing Non-Plated Tempo Shoes
Both the Rebel v3 and Mach 5 are great options for runners who want to build strength in their next training block. Here's how they compare.
In a world of max stacks and carbon fiber plates, there are still some shoes left that offer a simpler experience. The Hoka Mach 5 and New Balance Rebel v3 are both non-plated, lightweight trainers that can handle speedy efforts as well as daily miles (but for the Mach 5, you'll see why daily miles might be a problem). Here's how they compare and what you need to know.
Overview: Hoka Mach 5 v New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3
The Hoka Mach 5 is a dual-foam, non-plated trainer designed to be a versatile and lightweight all-around training option. It uses a top-layer of supercritical EVA foam called ProFly+ on top of a standard EVA, which also serves as the shoe's outsole. The shoes comes in at 8.2 ounces.
The New Balance Rebel v3 is a non-plated daily trainer and uptempo shoe that uses New Balance's supercritical FuelCell foam. It has a snappy and flexible ride from a moderate 27.5mm inch stack. The shoe weighs in at 7.1 ounces, though it is less cushioned than the Mach 5.
Midsole: ProFly+ vs FuelCell
The Hoka Mach 5 is one of the dozens of shoes to use the dual-foam construction that's becoming popular. Dual foams allow sheo designers to accomplish more with a midsole than they would have been able to do with one foam alone. In the Mach 5, a soft ProFly+ supercritical EVA foam sits a top of a firmer standard EVA.
In the Rebel v3, there's a full-length bed of FuelCell foam. FuelCell is a supercritical EVA/TPU blend that's responsive, soft and lightweight—the holy trinity of running foams. It's also found in racing shoes from New Balance like SC Pacer and SC Elite v3.
The Ride: Responsive Cushioning vs Flexible Ground Feel
The Hoka Mach 5 has a cushioned and responsive ride that feels great at all paces. It has a highly rockered platform that makes it easier to run, as the curved forefoot helps you roll along. The ProFly+ foam is smooth and soft at easy paces, while the standard EVA adds some rigidity to the platfoam that helps create a snappy feel when running at faster efforts.
Hoka Mach 5
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The New Balance Rebel v3 has a more flexible and slightly lower profile feel the Hoka Mach 5. The FuelCell foam is soft and bouncy, but the 21.5mm stack of it in the forefoot allows some ground feel to come through the platform. The non-plated midsole combined with the sub-30mm stack height combine to create a simple, flexible feeling shoe that doesn't add or detract too much from the natural running experience.
New Balance Rebel v3
Due to having more cushioning, the Mach 5 is a slightly more comfortable shoe for runners who want to be isolated from the ground. The Rebel v3, on the other hand, provides a more connected ride. Both of the shoes are nimble, lightweight and feel great for faster training—neither feel firm or bulky, though the Mach 5 is carrying more foam.
The Mach 5 and Rebel v3 are both neutral running shoes, meaning they haven't been designed with any prescriptive elements to correct overpronation (when your knees and ankles don't line up when you ran). However, they both have some elements of inherent stability. The Mach 5 has a wide base with a flared heel, plus a firmer EVA, to provide stable landings. The Rebel v3 has a wider heel base to provide some stability in the platform, but not as much as the Mach 5.
Comparing The Upper & Fit
The Hoka Mach 5 uses a lightweight, stretchy upper materal called creel jacquard. The material has a premium sheen to it that looks more like a dressy garment than a piece of athletic sportswear—but alas, it is a great material for a running shoe upper. It's breathable for summer and provides a solid lockdown without being too baggy or too snug: completely dialed in. The toe-box is a touch narrow, so the Mach 5 isn't a great option for wide-footed runners.
The New Balance Rebel v3 has an engineered mesh upper that's also lightweight and breathable. The lockdown is decent, though the Hoka's does feel more dialed in. The Rebel v3 has a slightly roomier fit with a wider toe-box.
Who They're Best For
Both the Rebel v3 and Mach 5 are great options for runners who want to build strength in their next training block. The Rebel v3 is a good choice for runners who want a flexible platform that's light on the foot and allows some ground feel through—which is rare to the find in the world of 40mm cushioning and carbon plates. It's also a good option for short and fast workouts where you'll be driving at a high cadence and want something that feels relatively minimal.
The Mach 5 is more cushioned and rockered than the Rebel v3, so it's a better option if you want a shoe with a bit more assistance to help you run on tired legs during marathon training. The downside of the Mach 5 is that it doesn't have a rubber outsole. Most runners will be able to get 200 to 300 miles from the shoe, in comparison to the 300 to 500 you'll get from the Mach.
There are better options on the market right now for long runs over 90 minutes than both of these shoes. If you like the soft and bouncy feel of the Rebel v3, consider the Saucony Triumph 21 for your weekend long run weaponry. For fans of the smooth and responsive Mach 5, there's the Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 or Brooks Hyperion Max.
Final Thoughts
The Hoka Mach 5 and New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3 are both excellent shoes for marathon training or everyday running. The Mach 5 is better for the runners who wants cushioning, while the Rebel v3 is built for pure speed. If you'd like to evaluate all options, head to the running shoe database to see the tech and specs behind all the top shoes on the market today.
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