Saucony Ride VS Guide: The Winner Is…
Saucony Ride 18 vs. Guide 18: A clear look at how these daily trainers compare, with a goal of helping you decide which one is best for you.
If you’re in the market for a speed training / tempo running shoe with a carbon fiber plate, that blends performance, comfort, and versatility, you’ve probably looked at the Nike Zoom Fly 6 and the Hoka Mach X 2.
I’ve reviewed them both, at various paces, and through a range of workouts to see where each one works best, and where they fall short. Here’s the lowdown.
Nike Zoom Fly 6 VS Hoka Mach X 2 comparison table
| Nike Zoom Fly 6 | Hoka Mach X 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $170 at Nike / £165 at Sportsshoes (UK) | $190 at Hoka / £170 at Sportsshoes (UK) |
| Weight (Men’s US 9) | 8.5oz / 241g | 9oz / 255g |
| Drop | 8mm (42mm heel / 34mm forefoot) | 5mm (high-stack geometry) |
| Midsole | ZoomX foam (top) + SR-02 foam (bottom), full-length carbon plate | PEBA foam (top) + EVA foam (bottom), embedded Pebax plate |
| Upper | Dual-layer woven mesh, snug toe box, medium width | Lightweight woven material, minimal heel counter, medium width |
| Outsole | Thin rubber “web” with midsole cutout | Rubber sections with foam cutouts, stone-trapping potential |
| Intended Use | Daily training, speed sessions, and mid-range racing | Speed training, tempo runs, and possibly long distances (if heel fit allows) |
| IN-DEPTH REVIEWS | Nike Zoom Fly 6 review | Hoka Mach X 2 review |
What’s Good
Nike Zoom Fly 6
- Balanced cushion and responsiveness: There’s enough ZoomX up top to provide decent bounce without feeling overly soft.
- Stable underfoot: Despite the tall stack, It feels secure on corners and during longer runs. The layered midsole and carbon plate help with that stability.
- Comfortable upper: Dual-layer mesh offers a solid lockdown. The heel collar has a soft wrap, reducing any Achilles pressure.
- Lower price (relatively speaking): At $170, it’s more accessible than Nike’s higher-end racing shoes, and it’s also lighter than its predecessor.
Hoka Mach X 2
- Smooth, springy ride: The combination of PEBA foam and a Pebax plate gives a lively, cushioned feel once you pick up the pace.
- Stable for a high-stack shoe: That extended plate and rocker geometry help maintain good balance, even during sharper turns.
- Breathable upper: Great ventilation for warmer runs, and reflective detailing for low-light conditions.
- Versatile pace range: Feels especially good between 6–8 minutes per mile (4–5 minutes per km), but still reasonably comfortable at slower paces.
What’s Not So Good
Nike Zoom Fly 6
- Muted “Pop”: If you’re used to highly responsive trainers like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, you might find the Zoom Fly 6 a bit tame when pushing the pace.
- Snug toe box: While it’s not tight, wide-footed runners will find the forefoot constrictive.
- Midsole cutout can collect debris: If you stray off pavement, that open cutout can scoop up small stones.
Hoka Mach X 2
- Heel counter issues: This can cause friction for some runners (myself included). If you’re blister-prone, this will be a dealbreaker. I’m not blister prone and this design still tore up my achilles.
- Exposed midsole sections: The foam areas on the outsole are prone to wear on rougher surfaces, and the cutouts can trap larger stones.
- Price: At $190, it’s on the higher side, especially if the heel counter doesn’t play nice with your foot.
My Final Verdict
In many ways, both shoes aim to fill the gap between a pure racing shoe and a daily trainer, but they take distinctly different approaches to that goal.
The Nike Zoom Fly 6 leans more toward offering a stable feel and comfortable upper that can handle both steady runs and speed-focused workouts. It’s not as lively as some of its plated rivals, but it does a respectable job of balancing a cushioned landing with enough responsiveness to keep you moving.
The price is also slightly more approachable than Nike’s marquee race models, making it a viable option if you like the brand’s fit and want a do-it-all trainer that can keep up with moderate tempos or longer sessions.
The Hoka Mach X 2 is the more energetic shoe for me, delivering a bouncy ride that can help you pick up the pace when you need to but the bad heel counter design makes it a running shoe that’s too painful for me to continue wearing for training – a shame because the midsole ride is fantastic.
The Mach X 2 is at its best during tempo runs or intervals, yet it stays reasonably cushioned for slower efforts. Where it stumbles is the heel counter: if it rubs your foot the wrong way, that can overshadow all the good stuff happening underfoot.
It’s also a bit pricier, which adds to the disappointment if you find the collar area causing any irritation. For runners whose foot shape aligns well with the design, the Mach X 2 is a strong choice for speed training, but for those who get hotspots, you’ll likely want to pass on it.
Looking for Other Options?
If neither of these seems like your perfect match, I’ve got a best speed training shoes roundup that offers alternatives worth checking out. You might find a better fit there if you’re after different underfoot geometry, price, or durability features.
At the end of the day, finding the right shoe is all about what feels good on your feet and supports your running style best.
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