8.4Staff pick
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Trail · Hoka
Challenger 8
Small lugs and a soft midsole that work on gravel paths as well as the road.
7.7 Solid
Runsletter Score out of 10. Good at its job, with clear limits.
Buy it if
- Comfortable on road and light trail
- Soft, smooth ride
- Wide version available
Skip it if
- Small lugs struggle in mud
- Limited protection on rocky ground
$150
List price; often discounted in seasonal sales
Check price at retailers ↗When does it go on sale?We may earn a commission
- Weight
- 265 g
- Stack
- 33 mm
- Drop
- 5 mm
The verdict
The Challenger 8 is a hybrid: a soft, cushioned midsole with small lugs that work on gravel paths and road alike. The ride is smooth and easy, much like a road shoe.
It suits runners whose runs are mostly road with some dirt along the way. It's more road-friendly than the Speedgoat 6 and closer to the Pegasus Trail 5 in spirit. It lacks the grip for real mud or steep, technical terrain.
The fit is comfortable and true to size. A wide version is available.
“A shoe for runs that are mostly road with some dirt on the way.”
Specs
| Weight | 265 g |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 33 mm |
| Drop | 5 mm |
| Cushion | 4 / 5 |
| Plate | None |
| Support | Neutral |
| Surface | trail |
| Best for | daily, recovery |
| Midsole | Compression-moulded EVA |
| Upper | Engineered mesh |
| Outsole | Durabrasion rubber on the lugs, with exposed foam between |
| Lugs | 4mm listed, for gravel and hardpack |
| Rock plate | None |
| Widths | Standard and wide |
We may earn a commission if you buy through our links. Scores are sample editorial data.
How it stacks up
Compare side by side →| Product | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hoka Challenger 8 · this one | 7.7 Solid | $150 |
| Hoka Speedgoat 6 | 8.4 Strong | $155 |
| NNormal Kjerag | 8.2 Strong | $195 |
| Salomon S/Lab Genesis | 8.1 Strong | $200 |
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