Hoka Mach 6 vs Endorphin Speed 4: Which is the Better Running Shoe?

Hoka Mach 6 vs Endorphin Speed 4: When it comes to choosing the perfect running shoe, runners are spoiled for choice.

Two of the most popular options on the market are the Hoka Mach 6 and the Endorphin Speed 4, both designed to provide a comfortable and responsive ride for runners of all levels.

But with so many similarities between the two, it can be tough to decide which one is the better fit for your running needs. 

Hoka Mach 6 vs Endorphin Speed 4: A Quick Overview

Hoka Mach 6:

• Maximum cushioning: Features a generous midsole with 32mm of heel stack height and 28mm of forefoot stack height
• Soft and smooth ride: Designed for runners who need a little more comfort and support
• Breathable upper: Features a lightweight and breathable mesh upper with a comfortable fit
• Moderate weight: Weighs in at 10.6 oz (men’s size 9) and 9.2 oz (women’s size 7)
• Neutral support: Suitable for runners with neutral foot pronation

Endorphin Speed 4:

• Snappy and responsive: Features a more responsive midsole with a 28mm heel stack height and 20mm forefoot stack height
• Lightweight and fast: Designed for runners who want a quick and agile ride
• Secure and comfortable upper: Features a lightweight and breathable mesh upper with a comfortable fit
• Very lightweight: Weighs in at 8.6 oz (men’s size 9) and 7.4 oz (women’s size 7)
• Support for mild overpronation: Suitable for runners with mild overpronation or neutral foot pronation

Cushioning Showdown: Hoka Mach 6 vs Endorphin Speed 4 Midsole Comparison

Midsole Cushioning Comparison

Hoka Mach 6:

• Maximum cushioning: Features a generous midsole with 32mm of heel stack height and 28mm of forefoot stack height
• Soft and plush feel: Designed to provide a comfortable and cushioned ride
• Early stage Meta-Rocker: Encourages a smooth heel-to-toe transition and a more efficient stride
• CMEVA midsole material: Provides a soft and responsive ride with excellent shock absorption
• More substantial heel-to-toe offset: 4mm offset helps to reduce the impact on joints and muscles

Endorphin Speed 4:

• Responsive and snappy: Features a more responsive midsole with a 28mm heel stack height and 20mm forefoot stack height
• Faster and more agile: Designed for runners who want a quick and agile ride
• PWRRUN PB midsole material: Provides a responsive and springy feel with excellent energy return
• Slightly firmer feel: Compared to the Mach 6, the Speed 4 has a slightly firmer midsole for a more responsive ride
• Lower heel-to-toe offset: 2mm offset provides a more natural stride and encourages a midfoot or forefoot strike

Key Takeaways

• The Hoka Mach 6 has a more substantial midsole with a softer and more cushioned ride, making it ideal for runners who need more comfort and support.
• The Endorphin Speed 4 has a more responsive midsole with a snappier and more agile feel, making it ideal for runners who want a fast and efficient ride.

Weight and Responsiveness: How the Mach 6 and Speed 4 Stack Up

Weight Comparison

• Hoka Mach 6:
  • Men’s size 9: 10.6 oz (299g)
  • Women’s size 7: 9.2 oz (261g)
• Endorphin Speed 4:
  • Men’s size 9: 8.6 oz (244g)
  • Women’s size 7: 7.4 oz (210g)

Responsiveness Comparison

• Hoka Mach 6:
  • Features a more substantial midsole with a softer and more cushioned ride
  • Designed for runners who need more comfort and support
  • Provides a smooth and comfortable ride, but may feel slightly less responsive
• Endorphin Speed 4:
  • Features a more responsive midsole with a snappier and more agile feel
  • Designed for runners who want a fast and efficient ride
  • Provides a quick and responsive ride, but may feel slightly less comfortable for longer runs

Key Takeaways

• The Endorphin Speed 4 is significantly lighter than the Hoka Mach 6, making it a great option for runners who prioritize speed and agility.
• The Hoka Mach 6 is designed for comfort and support, which may come at the cost of some responsiveness.
• The Endorphin Speed 4 is designed for speed and efficiency, which may come at the cost of some comfort and support.

Support and Stability: Which Shoe Reigns Supreme for Runners with High Arches?

Support and Stability Comparison

• Hoka Mach 6:
  • Neutral support: Designed for runners with neutral foot pronation
  • Moderate arch support: Provides a comfortable and supportive ride for runners with medium to high arches
  • Early stage Meta-Rocker: Encourages a smooth heel-to-toe transition and a more efficient stride
  • Comfortable and supportive upper: Features a breathable and comfortable upper with a secure fit
• Endorphin Speed 4:
  • Support for mild overpronation: Designed for runners with mild overpronation or neutral foot pronation
  • Moderate to high arch support: Provides a supportive and stable ride for runners with medium to high arches
  • Segmented crash pad: Helps to smooth out the heel-to-toe transition and provide a more stable ride
  • Secure and comfortable upper: Features a lightweight and breathable upper with a comfortable fit

Key Takeaways

• Both shoes provide moderate to high arch support, making them suitable for runners with medium to high arches.
• The Hoka Mach 6 is designed for runners with neutral foot pronation, while the Endorphin Speed 4 is designed for runners with mild overpronation or neutral foot pronation.
• The Mach 6 features a more comfortable and supportive upper, while the Speed 4 features a more secure and comfortable upper.

Recommendation

• If you have high arches and neutral foot pronation, the Hoka Mach 6 may be the better choice.
• If you have high arches and mild overpronation, the Endorphin Speed 4 may be the better choice.

Traction and Grip: Putting the Mach 6 and Speed 4 to the Test on Various Surfaces

Traction and Grip Comparison

• Hoka Mach 6:
  • Outsole material: Rubber compound with a unique tread pattern
  • Traction on various surfaces:
    • Road: Excellent traction and grip on dry and wet roads
    • Trail: Good traction on smooth trails, but may struggle on technical or rocky terrain
    • Track: Excellent traction and grip on the track, making it suitable for speed workouts
  • Grip on wet surfaces: Good grip on wet roads and trails, but may struggle on extremely slippery surfaces
• Endorphin Speed 4:
  • Outsole material: Lightweight and durable rubber compound with a unique tread pattern
  • Traction on various surfaces:
    • Road: Excellent traction and grip on dry and wet roads
    • Trail: Good traction on smooth trails, but may struggle on technical or rocky terrain
    • Track: Excellent traction and grip on the track, making it suitable for speed workouts
  • Grip on wet surfaces: Excellent grip on wet roads and trails, even on extremely slippery surfaces

Key Takeaways

• Both shoes provide excellent traction and grip on roads and tracks, making them suitable for speed workouts and daily training.
• The Hoka Mach 6 may struggle on technical or rocky trails, while the Endorphin Speed 4 provides better traction on smooth trails.
• The Endorphin Speed 4 has a slight edge in terms of grip on wet surfaces, making it a better choice for runners who frequently run in wet conditions.

Recommendation

• If you’re a road or track runner, both shoes are excellent choices.
• If you’re a trail runner, the Endorphin Speed 4 may be a better choice if you frequently run on smooth trails.
• If you frequently run in wet conditions, the Endorphin Speed 4 may be a better choice due to its excellent grip on wet surfaces.

Breathability and Comfort: A Closer Look at the Upper Materials of Both Shoes

Upper Materials Comparison

• Hoka Mach 6:
  • Upper material: Engineered mesh with a breathable and lightweight design
  • Breathability: Excellent breathability with a focus on airflow and moisture management
  • Comfort: Soft and comfortable upper with a roomy toe box and a comfortable fit
  • Support: Moderate support with a comfortable and secure fit
• Endorphin Speed 4:
  • Upper material: Lightweight and breathable mesh with a focus on ventilation and airflow
  • Breathability: Excellent breathability with a focus on moisture management and dryness
  • Comfort: Comfortable and secure upper with a snug fit and a comfortable toe box
  • Support: Moderate to high support with a focus on stability and security

Key Takeaways

• Both shoes feature breathable and lightweight upper materials with a focus on airflow and moisture management.
• The Hoka Mach 6 has a softer and more comfortable upper with a roomy toe box, while the Endorphin Speed 4 has a more snug and secure fit.
• The Endorphin Speed 4 has a slightly more supportive upper with a focus on stability and security.

Recommendation

• If you prioritize comfort and a roomy toe box, the Hoka Mach 6 may be the better choice.
• If you prioritize a snug and secure fit with moderate to high support, the Endorphin Speed 4 may be the better choice.

Drop and Offset: Understanding the Ride and Feel of the Hoka Mach 6 and Endorphin Speed 4

Drop and Offset Comparison

• Hoka Mach 6:
  • Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm
  • Offset: Moderate offset for a smooth heel-to-toe transition
  • Ride and feel: Soft and cushioned ride with a comfortable and smooth heel-to-toe transition
• Endorphin Speed 4:
  • Heel-to-toe drop: 2mm
  • Offset: Lower offset for a more natural stride and a faster feel
  • Ride and feel: Snappy and responsive ride with a more natural stride and a faster feel

Key Takeaways

• The Hoka Mach 6 has a higher heel-to-toe drop and a more moderate offset, resulting in a softer and more cushioned ride.
• The Endorphin Speed 4 has a lower heel-to-toe drop and a lower offset, resulting in a snappier and more responsive ride.
• The Mach 6 is designed for runners who need more comfort and support, while the Speed 4 is designed for runners who want a faster and more responsive ride.

Recommendation

• If you prioritize comfort and support, the Hoka Mach 6 may be the better choice.
• If you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Endorphin Speed 4 may be the better choice.

Trail vs Road: Which Shoe Excels in Different Running Environments

Trail Running

• Hoka Mach 6:
  • Traction: Good traction on smooth trails, but may struggle on technical or rocky terrain
  • Cushioning: Excellent cushioning for comfort on longer trail runs
  • Stability: Moderate stability for trail running
• Endorphin Speed 4:
  • Traction: Good traction on smooth trails, and better traction on technical or rocky terrain
  • Cushioning: Good cushioning for comfort on shorter to medium-length trail runs
  • Stability: Higher stability for trail running, especially on technical terrain

Road Running

• Hoka Mach 6:
  • Cushioning: Excellent cushioning for comfort on long road runs
  • Ride: Soft and comfortable ride for road running
  • Support: Moderate support for road running
• Endorphin Speed 4:
  • Cushioning: Good cushioning for comfort on shorter to medium-length road runs
  • Ride: Snappy and responsive ride for road running
  • Support: Higher support for road running, especially for runners with mild overpronation

Key Takeaways

• The Hoka Mach 6 excels on smooth trails and roads, providing excellent cushioning and comfort for longer runs.
• The Endorphin Speed 4 excels on technical trails and roads, providing better traction and higher stability for faster runs.

Recommendation

• If you’re a trail runner who prioritizes comfort and cushioning, the Hoka Mach 6 may be the better choice.
• If you’re a trail runner who prioritizes traction and stability, the Endorphin Speed 4 may be the better choice.
• If you’re a road runner who prioritizes comfort and cushioning, the Hoka Mach 6 may be the better choice.
• If you’re a road runner who prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the Endorphin Speed 4 may be the better choice.

Value for Money: Is the Hoka Mach 6 or Endorphin Speed 4 the Better Investment for Runners?

Value for Money Comparison

• Hoka Mach 6:
  • Price: Generally priced around $130-$150
  • Features: Maximum cushioning, comfortable ride, and moderate support
  • Value: Excellent value for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning
• Endorphin Speed 4:
  • Price: Generally priced around $120-$140
  • Features: Snappy and responsive ride, good traction, and higher support
  • Value: Excellent value for runners who prioritize speed and responsiveness

Key Takeaways

• Both shoes offer excellent value for money, but the Hoka Mach 6 is a better investment for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning.
• The Endorphin Speed 4 is a better investment for runners who prioritize speed and responsiveness.

Recommendation

• If you’re a runner who prioritizes comfort and cushioning, the Hoka Mach 6 may be the better investment.
• If you’re a runner who prioritizes speed and responsiveness, the Endorphin Speed 4 may be the better investment.

FAQs

Q: What is the main difference between the Hoka Mach 6 and Endorphin Speed 4?

A: The Hoka Mach 6 is designed for comfort and cushioning, while the Endorphin Speed 4 is designed for speed and responsiveness.

Q: Which shoe is better for trail running?

A: The Endorphin Speed 4 is a better choice for trail running due to its better traction and higher stability on technical terrain.

Q: Which shoe is better for road running?

A: The Hoka Mach 6 is a better choice for road running due to its excellent cushioning and comfortable ride.

Q: What is the price difference between the two shoes?

A: The Hoka Mach 6 is generally priced around $130-$150, while the Endorphin Speed 4 is generally priced around $120-$140.

Q: Which shoe is better for runners with high arches?

A: Both shoes are suitable for runners with high arches, but the Hoka Mach 6 may be a better choice due to its more comfortable and supportive ride.

Q: Can I wear these shoes for daily training?

A: Yes, both shoes are suitable for daily training, but the Hoka Mach 6 may be a better choice for longer runs due to its excellent cushioning and comfort.

Q: Are these shoes suitable for racing?

A: The Endorphin Speed 4 is a better choice for racing due to its snappy and responsive ride, while the Hoka Mach 6 may be better suited for longer, more comfortable runs.