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Cortland Today
By the People, for the People
Hoka Mach 7 Review: A Subtle Upgrade to a Beloved Walking Shoe
I wore the new Hoka Mach 7 for 4 weeks straight to see if the updates are worth the upgrade.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:07pm
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The Hoka Mach 7's subtle design upgrades make it an even more versatile and stylish option for both walking and running.Cortland TodayThe Hoka Mach 7 is the latest version of the brand's popular walking shoe, featuring subtle upgrades like a more breathable upper, improved traction, and a sleeker design. After wearing the shoes for a month, the author found that the Mach 7 maintains the same reliable, balanced ride as the previous model, with just enough refinements to make it feel fresh.
Why it matters
The Mach series has long been a go-to for Hoka fans looking for a versatile shoe that can handle both walking and running. As the sequel to the award-winning Mach 6, the new version needs to prove it can live up to the hype while also offering meaningful improvements.
The details
Over the course of 4 weeks, the author put the Mach 7 through its paces, wearing it for daily walks, commutes, and short runs. Key updates include a more durable rubber outsole for better traction, a breathable mesh upper that looks more refined, and a lower 5mm heel-to-toe drop that encourages a midfoot strike. While the Mach 7 is slightly heavier than the previous model, the difference is negligible. Overall, the shoe maintains the same balanced, lightweight ride that made the Mach 6 a fan favorite.
- The Mach 7 launched online in early March 2026.
- The author has been wearing the shoes nonstop for the past few weeks.
The players
Shannen Zitz
The associate style and reviews editor at Women's Health, who has been a longtime Hoka loyalist.
Hoka
The athletic footwear brand known for its thick, cushioned sneakers, including the popular Mach line of walking and running shoes.
What they’re saying
“Even with a job that keeps me tied to a computer much of the day, I rack up a surprising number of steps between long walks with my energetic Jack Russell terrier, commuting into NYC 4 days a week, and squeezing in runs whenever I can.”
— Shannen Zitz, Associate Style & Reviews Editor
“While Hoka's best known for its incredibly thick sneakers, the Mach 7 doesn't feel overly plush underfoot, but I actually prefer that—it gives me a more grounded, controlled ride that works just as well for walking as it does for running.”
— Shannen Zitz, Associate Style & Reviews Editor
The takeaway
The Mach 7 is a subtle but worthwhile upgrade to an already beloved walking shoe. While it maintains the same reliable, balanced ride as the previous model, the refined upper, improved traction, and sleeker design make it an even more versatile and stylish option for both walking and running.
