Hoka Mach 5 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 3: Comparing Speedy Comfortable Trainers
We compared the Mach 5 and Speed 3 to see which is a better training shoe for chasing your next goal.
The Hoka Mach 5 and Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 are two of the premier cushioned, lightweight trainers on the market today. Both toe the line between daily trainer and tempo shoe, but they accomplish their mission of comfort and versatility through different technologies. Here, we compare the performance of both shoes to see which is faster, more comfortable and better for your training. Let's get into it.
Overview: Hoka Mach 5 vs Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
Saucony calls itself the original running brand, founded in 1906, while Hoka is one of the new kids on the block, founded in 2009. In this battle of new vs old brand, both of these shoes are relatively new to market, with the Endorphin Speed in its third iteration and the Hoka Mach in its fifth. The two shoes play in the lightweight daily trainer and tempo shoe segment, and the Endorphin Speed is also considered a super trainer.
The Hoka Mach 5 is a lightweight daily trainer that weighs 8.2 ounces and costs $140. It fills the non-plated performance trainer slot in Hoka's lineup, sitting between the more durable, heavier Clifton 9 ($145) and racers like the Cielo Road ($160) and Rocket X 2 ($250).
Hoka Mach 5
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The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a plastic-plated super foam trainer that weighs 8.1 ounces and costs $170. It's the fast training and budget racer option in the Endorphin line, which includes the supportive daily training Endorphin Shift ($150) and racing shoes the Endorphin Pro ($225) and Endorphin Elite ($275).
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
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Midsole: Hoka ProFly+ vs Saucony PWRRUN PB
The Hoka Mach 5 uses a dual-density EVA midsole, with a top layer of ProFly+ and a bottom layer of standard EVA. The ProFly+ is a supercritical foam, meaning it's been injected with gas to make it lighter, bouncier and softer. It's quite soft to the touch, compressing easily when you push in. The bottom layer of EVA is firmer and also serves as the outsole.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 uses a full bed of PWRRUN PB, which is a PEBA-based compound also uses in the Endorphin Pro marathon racer. PEBA is the top running shoe foam on the market, also in shoes like the Nike Vaporfly and Alphafly. It can be squishy and unstable, so it's often paired with a carbon fiber plate. Here, there's a nylon plate with wings in the side to help with stability and add structure and rigidity to the platform.
The difference in price between the Mach 5 and the Endorphin Speed 3 is mainly from the materials used in their midsole. The Mach 5's EVA is cheaper to produce, while the combination of super foam and nylon plate in the Speed 3 is driving up the price. Hoka's spinoff of the Mach 5, called the Mach X, replaces the top layer of ProFly+ with a PEBA foam and adds a plate—this shoe comes in at $180.
Ride: Smooth and Cushioned vs Bouncy and Energetic
The ride of the Hoka Mach is soft, smooth and cushioned. The supercritical EVA ProFly+ foam is responsive, while the bottom layer of standard EVA stabilizes the shoe to help provide planted landings. The platform is flexible because the shoe doesn't have a plate, and the stack allows it to be cushioned without feeling mushy (29mm heel, 24mm forefoot, 5m drop). A sub-30 mm stack is practically minimal these days compared to what's on the market, but the Mach 5's dual-foam set up helps it feel cushioned despite the thinner construction.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3's ride is bouncy and responsive. At slower paces, it's comfortable if a touch jumpy, like it's waiting for you to shift gears and step on it. The midsole foam and plate comes alive around marathon pace to half-marathon pace, where the PWRRUN PB provides energy return, soft landings and a snappy toe-off. The nylon plate is much less harsh than a carbon fiber one, though it's not as propouslive at those top range speeds.
Both shoes have a rockered geometry where the front and back of the platform curve upward to provide a rolling sensation when running. The Mach 5's rocker is a gentle helper that makes running across the range of paces feel a touch more graceful. The Speed 3's rocker is more aggressive and more noticeable, which is one of the reasons it's not the best shoe for the slowest recovery paces. At everyday running efforts, the Speed 3's rocker is more tolerable, though user beware: it does put you on your toes and may shave 15 to 20 seconds per minute off your usual running pace.
Upper & Fit: Hoka's Creel Jacquard vs Saucony's Engineereed Mesh
The Mach 5 has a creel jacquard engineered mesh upper. The lockdown is superb, providing a snug but not tight feeling. The toe-box is roomy enough to accommodate most feet, and the material is a tad stretchy—so the Mach 5 is a good option for runners with wider feet.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 has a narrower upper and fit, though the engineered mesh is stretchy and can accommodate high-volume feet. The toe-box and overall platform is narrower, as is common with many Saucony models. The lockdown on the Speed 3 is one of the best in the game, with a structured heel area providing an excellent wrap around the back of the foot.
Both shoes are comfortable on foot and provide good lockdowns for speedy efforts. The Hoka has a slightly more comfortable fit and is a better option for runners with wide feet. The Endorphin Speed is a bit more breathable due to the air holes in the mesh, but both shoes are great for summertime running.
Who They're Best For
The Mach 5 is one of the most comfortable uptempo shoes on the market. Despite its 29mm stack, it provides a cushioned feel and is streamlined and responsive renough for track workouts. The versatile ride can support everything from recovery runs to mile race pace. If you're looking for a comfortable, do-it-all shoe, there's no better option the Mach 5. It can even function as a racer for distances half marathon and below if you don't want a plated shoe or don't want to spend $200+.
The Endorphin Speed 3 is better in the middle of the pace ranges, from a touch slower than marathon pace to half marathon pace. It's also a good race day option for beginners or people who don't want to use a carbon plate, though it does have the full-length plastic plate reinforcing the midsole. The Speed 3 is also an excellent long run option, as the PEBA foam stays bouncy and responsive through the length of the run.
If you're looking for something that you can run in everyday, the Mach 5 is the better choice. If you already have a daily trainer and are looking for a workout shoe, the Speed 3 is a great choice. The Speed 3 is also a better option for long runs due to the increased cushioning vs the Mach 5, plus the carbon fiber plate. For a Hoka long run shoe similar to the Mach 5, check out the Hoka Mach X.
Final Thoughts
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 and Hoka Mach 5 are both great options for uptempo running. While the Hoka Mach 5 is more comfortable, the Speed 3 has a bit more snap and speed. Ultimately, your choice should come down to whether you're looking for a daily trainer (Mach 5) or a workout shoe (Speed 3).
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