Hoka Challenger 8 Review: Rising to new Challenges

Introduction to the Hoka Challenger 8

JOHN: It’s been a few years since I’ve run in the Challenger. When I worked in run specialty, it was a favorite with some customers, but I was so-so on it. I had the Challenger ATR4; it wasn’t bad, but it gave me blisters on my toes during ultras, so I never really revisited the shoe. I’m glad Believe In The Run allowed me the opportunity to reunite with the Challenger because after doing the Scott Pursuit Gravel review, I’ve been thinking a lot about road-to-trail shoes for some races I have coming up, and this one was at the top of my list!

So I used the Challenger 8 at the inaugural running of the Woodstock Warrior 100. Sadly, I made a mistake on the course and dropped out after 34 miles. I also did another 9-mile training run wearing the Challenger 8, so I definitely got in some good miles wearing it. Let’s find out how it did.

ALLISON: I always get a kick out of doing reviews with John because, unlike most of us who might take a new pair of shoes for a spin around the block, he prefers to “test them out” with a 100-mile race. That’s a level of commitment (or maybe craziness) I could never pull off, but somehow it usually works out for him, probably because (I hope) he’s smart enough to stash an emergency backup pair in his drop bag just in case things go sideways.

Having run plenty of miles in the Hoka Challenger 7 myself, I figured the Challenger 8 would be a safe bet for him. After all, how much could they really change from one version to the next, right? Well, it turns out I was wrong. Sometimes even a tried-and-true update can surprise you, and not always in the way you’d hope.

What we like about the Hoka Challenger 8

JOHN: The fit of the Hoka Challenger 8 is excellent. I wear a US M11.5, and I feel like the shoe fits true to size — it’s extremely comfortable and locks my foot down well. For the most part, it also felt confident in a variety of trail situations. On steep downhills, my feet felt great, which is always a plus when I see less aggressive traction. I’ll get into some areas where it didn’t feel so great, but for the most part, this is one versatile trail shoe thanks to its 4 mm multi-directional lugs.

The upper also kept out debris pretty effectively and dried quickly when wet. Hoka’s cushioning feels like a sweet spot of just enough but not too much, which is just what I wanted.

ALLISON: The Hoka Challenger has always felt like the OG of road-to-trail shoes, and the latest version continues to deliver on that reputation. What I love most is its versatility; you can take it from pavement to gravel to singletrack without feeling like you’re in the wrong shoe. That kind of “do-it-all” performance is rare, especially at this price point, and it makes the Challenger a great option for runners who don’t want to overthink what they’re lacing up.

The cushioning strikes a nice balance: soft enough to keep your feet supported but not overbearing. The traction also holds its own across a variety of surfaces, giving confidence whether you’re cruising on a bike path or hitting a muddy stretch of trail.

I also have to give credit to Hoka for the aesthetics. The colorways are bold without being over-the-top, making the shoe look as good as it feels. It’s one of those pairs you’re happy to wear straight out the door, whether you’re headed for a day on the trails or just running around the neighborhood.

What we don’t like about the Hoka Challenger 8

JOHN: When running on straight-up gravel, after a while, the shoe got uncomfortable, and in some places on the trail, I could feel jagged rocks. I got a small blister on my toe, but it wasn’t as bad as when I used the earlier version of the Challenger (although it was in the same area on my toe). Keep in mind that the Woodstock Warrior course was quite challenging, and I used this shoe for 34 miles.

ALLISON: Where do I even begin on what I didn’t like about the Hoka Challenger 8? The first thing I noticed was how much narrower the shoe felt compared to the previous version. One of the things I always liked about the Challenger was its accommodating fit, and this update felt like a step backwards. On longer runs, the lack of room became noticeable and distracting.

The shoe also feels heavier underfoot, with added stack height that changes the ride entirely. Instead of the smooth, balanced feel that made the Challenger such a reliable road-to-trail option, the extra bulk made it feel less nimble and less enjoyable to run in. For a shoe I trusted to handle just about any terrain, this was surprising in all the wrong ways.

What I can’t quite figure out is why brands make these kinds of changes to models that already work well. Hoka did something similar with the Clifton 10, adding weight, altering the fit, and changing the ride, and the result just left me scratching my head. When a shoe is known and loved for its versatility, why mess with the formula?

Final thoughts on the Hoka Challenger 8

JOHN: I genuinely feel that where the Challenger 8 shines is in 8- to 20-mile training runs at a moderate pace. I had a much better experience on a less technical trail during a training run than I did using it at Woodstock Warrior.

For $155, this is a solid rotation option for training runs. I would race with it on specific trails, but nothing extremely technical. Overall, I found the Challenger 8 highly comfortable in most situations. It’s not exactly a silver bullet, but if you keep the Challenger 8 in the car, you’re more than likely good for most impromptu trail runs.

ALLISON: Like John, I’d take this shoe out for a casual run, but for anything longer I’d need a wider fit and some adjustments to make it work. Please, Hoka, bring the Challenger (and the Clifton) back to the basics that made them great in the first place.

You can pick up the Hoka Challenger 8 for $155 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.