Where are your feet wide? If it's in the toebox, I'd avoid Hoka. Their wides widen the midfoot a bit, but they still have a pointy, narrow toebox. I tried Challengers in wide and they ran great, but ultimately didn't work for me because of the narrow toebox. Here's a Challenger Wide next to an Altra shoe: https://imgur.com/a/hoka-vs-altra-vCaqepy
I have a love/hate relationship with Hoka. I've had two amazing pairs of Challengers and a pair of Speedgoats but I've also had a pair of each I've had to ditch because of severe rubbing on my Achilles. Same size and fit as what I've had before so can't find any reason for it. But I've yet to find shoes I like better than those models.
I’ve had three pairs of Challengers; first two were great but the third really rubbed on my Achilles. Maybe just unlucky as I will probably get another pair at some point as the other pairs were so good.
I have Speedgoats and like them but depending on how technical/difficult a more hybrid shoe like the Hoka Challenger might be a better one.
If you can, definitely get to a shop and try some out as you never know what will be right for you.
I got the challengers and ran lots in them, but I found myself blistering and getting strange bone pains, possibly sizing issue. Might try them again. Thank you!
I have both and the speedgoats are pretty stiff. Theyre great for the deep mud but pretty harsh on the streets. Challenger is the best allrounder, really soft.
I’m personally very satisfied with my pair of Trailflys so far. I’ve taken them running on trails and on roads and it’s a very comfortable ride for me. I previously had Hoka Challengers and I was surprised how both shoes seem to offer similar comfort despite the Trailflys having much lower stack height. They also seem to really take a beating well, on both the midsole and the upper.
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Versatile road-to-trail, but struggles on wet, technical downhills.
Kelsier25
