HOKA Mach X 3 vs New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
We haven't tested HOKA Mach X 3 yet, so its role suitability is estimated from published specs.
HOKA
Mach X 3
Check priceReview Pulse · Strongly positive · 88/100
Reviewers praise the ride and upper.
New Balance
FuelCell Rebel v5
Check priceReview Pulse · Strongly positive · 94/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning and split on the upper and stability.
The differences that matter
- New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 is 26 g lighter.
- HOKA Mach X 3 has 10 mm more foam under the heel.
- New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 costs $40 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
HOKA Mach X 3
Praised
A smooth rocker and Pebax plate give the Mach X 3 a lively, rolling ride that works from steady miles to tempo, though a few testers find the unchanged midsole dull next to newer super trainers.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
A light, bouncy and flexible ride that feels fun at easy paces and lively enough for tempo work.
Cushioning
HOKA Mach X 3
Praised
The tall PEBA and EVA stack protects long runs and absorbs impact well without feeling mushy, with only the heel feeling firmer and less energetic than the forefoot.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
The taller PEBA-blended FuelCell stack adds protection without making the shoe feel heavy or mushy.
Upper
HOKA Mach X 3
Praised
The new padded Warp Knit upper and flared heel collar fix the Mach X 2's blistering issues, though the fit is snug and narrow for some and the tongue still lacks a gusset.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Divisive
A light, secure Fantomfit upper with a roomy forefoot, though the midfoot can feel sloppy and the tongue causes pressure for some.
Durability
HOKA Mach X 3
Praised
The rubber outsole holds up well on road and gravel with only light wear, and the exposed foam between the rubber strips is a minor long-term concern.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
The outsole rubber and foam hold up well for a light trainer, with better coverage than earlier Rebels.
Grip
HOKA Mach X 3
Praised
Testers report dependable traction in dry and wet conditions, including on gravel paths, with no major slipping.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
Traction is reliable on dry and wet roads, with enough grip for light paths.
Stability
HOKA Mach X 3
Praised
The wide base, sidewalls and plate make it stable for a high-stack trainer, though the rearfoot is less planted than the forefoot and can feel clunky for some.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Divisive
A wider platform and sidewalls add composure, but the soft foam and flexible forefoot make it less stable than firmer trainers.
Value
HOKA Mach X 3
Praised
At $180 to $190 it is cheaper than most carbon super shoes and versatile enough for training and race day, though one lab test says the modest heel energy return does not justify a premium price.
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5
Praised
At $140 it is one of the best values in the lightweight trainer category.
Which one to choose
Choose HOKA Mach X 3 if…
- you want more foam under you
- its upper is what you care about most
- its stability is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Tempo and threshold runs
- Long runs and marathon training
- A first plated trainer
Choose New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- you prefer to feel closer to the ground
- price matters
Reviewers recommend it for
- Daily training
- Tempo runs
- Easy long runs
Specifications
- Category
- Tempo / workout
- Tempo / workout
- Price
- $190
- $150$40 less
- Weight
- 252 g
- 226 g26 g lighter
- Drop
- 5 mm1 mm lower drop
- 6 mm
- Stack
- 44 / 39 mm10 mm more stack
- 34 / 28 mm
- Plate
- Not reported
- No plate
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- PEBA / EVA
- FuelCell
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE