Thank you for the review! I have really enjoyed the Kinvara 14s for my treadmill runs (1-3 miles). My 52-year-old hips have actually responded much better to the lower drop with the Kinvara (which I have heard that the super-cushioned shoes may not always be great for people with joint issues?). So, if I want to try something different that would give me the same feel as the Kinvara, which of these would you recommend?
Hello I do triathlon half long distance. Next December, I will do a long travel to participate a half triathlon on New Zealand and after that visiting. As I can t have multiple shoes on my suitcase, I need a running shoe for the running and for the day to day. Is New balance rebel 4 is a good option
I love the super foam because I am slow.. If the REBEL V4 had super critical foam it would be nice.. I don't know if the REBEL midsole is enough for a long run.. Love the Elite V3.. Hoka is a non starter because I have wide feet..
Hoka offers the Mach 6, along with many of its other shoes (except their race day shoes) in a wide fit option. Hoka is second to only New Balance in accommodating wider feet.
You should get your feet scanned and try on a few different pairs! Some of our wider foot wear testers have enjoyed Hokas as they can be a bit more accomodating but it also depends on your arch height and how much volume your feet take up. Let us know how it goes!
It's important to stress that these "exciting" foams work well for UPTEMPO running. There is absolutely a place for those "duller" foams you mention, especially when it comes to long, slow runs, perhaps training for ultras, maybe just a newer runner working on staying frequent and getting in miles. While a lot of us might like the notion of "uptempo training", it's important to understand what kind of training that actually is, and to be honest with ourselves as to whether that's the kind of daily training we do. High energy return is not always what we need from shoes, and for the average American runner, it definitely is not what's best in a daily trainer. A bit of energy dissipation can also be a good thing. Loving my $65 Rebel V3s so far, had em a few days, barely hitting 15 miles in those first couple runs, and I can actually see them being good for a dirt path backyard ultra this spring, as I had hoped... BUT the amount of energy return is significant and can clearly be counterproductive at slower paces on hard surfaces when focused simply on getting in miles. Now I need something with similar geometry that can just eat up slower steady miles on pavement, and that means a midsole without quite so much energy return... sadly all those options seem to have higher stacks/jacked up heels/puffy uppers...
And as for the weight of the runner? I weigh 83kg and I'm looking for a shoe without a plate for a IM 70.3 and I have some ankle problems so I'm not looking for a stable shoe? Which one would you recommend?
Always best to try on both shoes at a local Fleet Feet store to see what works best for you. But, with the wider base on the NB Rebel v4, you will probably find a more stable ride in that shoe. - Brandon
The Mach 6's would be a good choice for the full marathon distance. But like any other shoe, try it out on a few longer runs before going straight to the full! - Brandon
I have a slim foot with low volume, but I like room for my toes. My experience is that NB has a pretty narrow heel, narrow forefoot but plenty of room for the toes, while the hokas are not narrow enough in the heel, tight in the forefoot and a painfully cramped toe box. What is your experience if you had to specify the width in regard to the heel, forefoot (across the metatarsals) and the toe box? I'd also be interested in the feeling of the insole. Is it firm or mushy? Contoured or flat?
NB is wider and Hoka are more narrow. If you want more room in the toe box, go with NB. Insoles are pretty similar in step in feel. Insoles wear out much quicker than the midsole foam itself, so prioritizing midsole foam over insole will be your best bet.
I ain't happy with Hoka atm. Their new Mach 6 have totally been changed from one of their best selling sneakers, the Mach 5. They have increased the stack height BY A WHOPPING 8MM bro, making it like about 2mm less than the Clifton's. So now, for the Mach loyalists and ppl who wanted a lower stack and closer to the ground more controlled "feel the ground a little " preference, then there is nothing there for us now.... the choice is gone now. Ppl who wanted the higher stack had the Clifton's and those who loved the more sporty Mach specs had the Machs..... now these 2 models and their other models are too close together and Mach loyalists have been left high and dry. And on the trails, they are doing the same with the Torrent 4s coming out soon. Stack has been raised to similar to their other trail models so nothing there for those whom like that lower stack. No variations now. I won't be buying any of these Hoka's now and they have nothing for my needs and preferences so they have lost me. These were my favourites in 2023. Stocked up on a few for 200 bucks aud also but wont be buying the 6s.... new stacks too high for me 😠😡. It seems now Hoka don't really have anything for us customers that likes a lower stack and more sporty ground feel (especially something without a plate)...... Very disappointed with Hoka.
Recommending to throw shoes after 200-300 miles sounds outrageous. That kind of advice is understandable from commercial/manufacturer standpoint, which aim to sell as much as possible. But how can someone with logic and reason actually follow these guidelines, meaning to throw a pair of shoes half of their real lifespan?
I hear you on this. I would just monitor your shoes and decide what makes the most sense for you. Most shoes and their durability will last longer, but you might begin to feel the effects and wear around 200-300 miles as the shoe loses some support. Keeping track of your shoe's miles and visible wear is a good place to start. Also, these are uptempo daily trainers made from less durable foams than standard EVA daily trainers. Knowing what foams and rubber coverage are on your shoe are going to help you make an informed decision on when it's time to get a new pair! - Brandon
Thank you for the review! I have really enjoyed the Kinvara 14s for my treadmill runs (1-3 miles). My 52-year-old hips have actually responded much better to the lower drop with the Kinvara (which I have heard that the super-cushioned shoes may not always be great for people with joint issues?). So, if I want to try something different that would give me the same feel as the Kinvara, which of these would you recommend?
Both sound nice. However, the Hyperion 2 and the Adios 9 are both coming in a few months and are looking like great updates.
Great review. Just got the Rebel v4 and absolutely LOVE IT
It’s a fun one
IWill try the 6 in-store and see if these changes are any good.
Very informative comparison from these two shoes. Thank you!
Glad you found it useful! More to come.
One of my runner crushes. Hi Brandon! Sending loves from Manila Philippines ❤
you are great reviewer. it’s good to have you as main reviewer.well done fleet feet!
Thank you!
Hello I do triathlon half long distance. Next December, I will do a long travel to participate a half triathlon on New Zealand and after that visiting. As I can t have multiple shoes on my suitcase, I need a running shoe for the running and for the day to day. Is New balance rebel 4 is a good option
Worth Noting both NB and Hoka offer these shoes in a wider fit.
Good call! - Brandon
Which better for FM?
I love the super foam because I am slow.. If the REBEL V4 had super critical foam it would be nice.. I don't know if the REBEL midsole is enough for a long run.. Love the Elite V3.. Hoka is a non starter because I have wide feet..
Hoka offers the Mach 6, along with many of its other shoes (except their race day shoes) in a wide fit option. Hoka is second to only New Balance in accommodating wider feet.
You should get your feet scanned and try on a few different pairs! Some of our wider foot wear testers have enjoyed Hokas as they can be a bit more accomodating but it also depends on your arch height and how much volume your feet take up. Let us know how it goes!
It's important to stress that these "exciting" foams work well for UPTEMPO running. There is absolutely a place for those "duller" foams you mention, especially when it comes to long, slow runs, perhaps training for ultras, maybe just a newer runner working on staying frequent and getting in miles. While a lot of us might like the notion of "uptempo training", it's important to understand what kind of training that actually is, and to be honest with ourselves as to whether that's the kind of daily training we do. High energy return is not always what we need from shoes, and for the average American runner, it definitely is not what's best in a daily trainer. A bit of energy dissipation can also be a good thing. Loving my $65 Rebel V3s so far, had em a few days, barely hitting 15 miles in those first couple runs, and I can actually see them being good for a dirt path backyard ultra this spring, as I had hoped... BUT the amount of energy return is significant and can clearly be counterproductive at slower paces on hard surfaces when focused simply on getting in miles. Now I need something with similar geometry that can just eat up slower steady miles on pavement, and that means a midsole without quite so much energy return... sadly all those options seem to have higher stacks/jacked up heels/puffy uppers...
Thanks for your thoughts here. We always appreciate the discussion on shoes and you bring up some great points about more "exciting" uptempo trainers.
FLEET FEET?? What happened to BITR?
bITR sucks ass
And as for the weight of the runner? I weigh 83kg and I'm looking for a shoe without a plate for a IM 70.3 and I have some ankle problems so I'm not looking for a stable shoe? Which one would you recommend?
Always best to try on both shoes at a local Fleet Feet store to see what works best for you. But, with the wider base on the NB Rebel v4, you will probably find a more stable ride in that shoe. - Brandon
Which one would you say is more ideal for a speedy Half Marathon?
You can't go wrong with either! Both work well for a half. - Brandon
Looks like Mach 6 gave a step closer to the Rebel v3.. and Rebel v4 gave a step closer to the Speed 3..
Can I do a marathon in the Mach 6’s? I did half marathon with the 5’s with no issue and now about to do a full marathon
If you’re not going sub 2:30, I honestly think that you’d be fine in your trainers
The Mach 6's would be a good choice for the full marathon distance. But like any other shoe, try it out on a few longer runs before going straight to the full! - Brandon
I have a slim foot with low volume, but I like room for my toes.
My experience is that NB has a pretty narrow heel, narrow forefoot but plenty of room for the toes, while the hokas are not narrow enough in the heel, tight in the forefoot and a painfully cramped toe box.
What is your experience if you had to specify the width in regard to the heel, forefoot (across the metatarsals) and the toe box?
I'd also be interested in the feeling of the insole. Is it firm or mushy? Contoured or flat?
NB is wider and Hoka are more narrow. If you want more room in the toe box, go with NB. Insoles are pretty similar in step in feel. Insoles wear out much quicker than the midsole foam itself, so prioritizing midsole foam over insole will be your best bet.
Would the hoka be good for a half marathon
Are the Mach 6 good for running a 5k? I’m a beginner not sure I need alphafly’s yet lol
Yes there are great for a 5k! - Brandon
What about the Hoka Mach X? Is the Mach 6 better for a 5k vs a Mach X?
I ain't happy with Hoka atm. Their new Mach 6 have totally been changed from one of their best selling sneakers, the Mach 5. They have increased the stack height BY A WHOPPING 8MM bro, making it like about 2mm less than the Clifton's. So now, for the Mach loyalists and ppl who wanted a lower stack and closer to the ground more controlled "feel the ground a little " preference, then there is nothing there for us now.... the choice is gone now. Ppl who wanted the higher stack had the Clifton's and those who loved the more sporty Mach specs had the Machs..... now these 2 models and their other models are too close together and Mach loyalists have been left high and dry. And on the trails, they are doing the same with the Torrent 4s coming out soon. Stack has been raised to similar to their other trail models so nothing there for those whom like that lower stack. No variations now. I won't be buying any of these Hoka's now and they have nothing for my needs and preferences so they have lost me.
These were my favourites in 2023. Stocked up on a few for 200 bucks aud also but wont be buying the 6s.... new stacks too high for me 😠😡.
It seems now Hoka don't really have anything for us customers that likes a lower stack and more sporty ground feel (especially something without a plate)......
Very disappointed with Hoka.
👍👍👍🤗
The bottom line,get them both 😅
Honestly though. Both great options and can't go wrong. - Brandon
Can't believe Hoka left all that foam in the heel exposed. Bet that degrades fast for a lot of people.
Recommending to throw shoes after 200-300 miles sounds outrageous. That kind of advice is understandable from commercial/manufacturer standpoint, which aim to sell as much as possible. But how can someone with logic and reason actually follow these guidelines, meaning to throw a pair of shoes half of their real lifespan?
I hear you on this. I would just monitor your shoes and decide what makes the most sense for you. Most shoes and their durability will last longer, but you might begin to feel the effects and wear around 200-300 miles as the shoe loses some support. Keeping track of your shoe's miles and visible wear is a good place to start. Also, these are uptempo daily trainers made from less durable foams than standard EVA daily trainers. Knowing what foams and rubber coverage are on your shoe are going to help you make an informed decision on when it's time to get a new pair! - Brandon
SCF EVA for the Mach 6. That’s just like putting lipstick on a pig. The ride will and always ride like brick until they use pebax
Using the phrase “a little bit” every 5 seconds is a little bit too much. It’s a little bit annoying.