Hoka - Challenger ATR 5

100% Hoka Challenger wide

Wide versions of both Speedgoat and Challenger are good to me.

I’ve bought wide versions of both the Speedgoat and Challenger. Altra’s have been fine as well.

My feet are a 4E width across the ball and pretty square across the toe. Hoka Wide fit is ok but tends to rip out at the bulge on the outside of the ball of my foot eventually. The New Balance X-Wides are my current go to, really comfortable.

Just beware that wide in most traditional shoes, Hoka included, widens the midfoot without really widening the toebox. I have wide Challengers I was trying out and they're great shoes, but the pointy little toebox just isn't working for me. My two big toes have some pretty awful blisters right now from being pressed in.

Not many options unfortunately. Hoka "wide" versions just seem to widen the midfoot, but the toebox is still pretty tiny. I currently have Challengers in a wide and it's almost comical how pointy the toebox gets. If you really need a wide toebox, Altra and Topo are about the only options. They're the only ones I can run in without getting gnarly toe blisters. I find Altra to be more comfortable, but their durability has been hit or miss and seemingly getting worse year to year. My Experience Wilds fell apart at 300mi. I'm not crazy about the Topo Ultraventures I have, but they do seem much more durable than Altra.

I ran in Fuerteventura with the Challengers on rough trails that petered out to volcanic landscape. They were comfortable enough on sand and rock, but a little ripped up and worse for wear. I'd want something tougher for a repeat adventure.

Agreed. I do the Bambi on ice thing in my Challengers with any wet mud. They are a summer trail shoe.

I’m a widefoot, but Topo Ultraventure is my favorite shoe for exactly this scenario. I originally had Hoka Challengers in wide, but they blistered my feet even if I just used them for walking. Hoka Challenger 7 are the first shoes I ever gave up on.

So I live in the UK, Cornwall to be specific, and at the moment a lot of the coast paths are sodden and the mud is THICK. I’ve been running in my HOKA challenger ATR 5’s as they’re my best option atm. (I’m aware these aren’t remotely barefoot or even BFF) I wear barefoot shoes for daily life and work, during the dry and less muddy days I typically run in vivobarefoot Primus trail. However, they are just not an option as I just look like Bambi on ice running along the coast paths. Does a barefoot shoe exist that can handle mud? Would it even be possible to add deep enough luggs onto a barefoot shoe? I may find a barefoot sub to share this to as well as I understand it may be a bit niche. Any shoe suggestions are always welcome, or any brands that have wider toe-box. Thanks!

I was running in a pair of Salomons (I can’t remember what make sorry) and they were pretty handy in the mud, but the toe box was ridiculously tight for my feet so that’s why I’ve been resorting to my Challengers. I will check out your suggestions though, thank you! I think when it’s awful conditions I am better off sticking with a shoe with a decent lug that’ll keep me upright as opposed to being barefoot. I may do some more research on the vivo hydra’s. Going by the pictures online, they appear to have bigger lugs to what I’ve looked at on other barefoot shoes. I do agree with you about finding a 5mm lug on a barefoot shoe though

Yeah they are for sure slowing me down. I was running in a pair of Salomons, which were great but they’re just too narrow for me so that’s why I’ve resorted to hoka for now

Another vote for the Challengers…they’re so much more comfortable to run in than the SG’s.

Hoka Challenger in wide sizing.

I’m currently using both pairs. I like the Challengers for multi use trips. They’re my One Bag travel choice, where my time will be mixed between urban and outdoor use. The Speedgoats are my hiking/wet weather choice. That increased grip on the heel section is clutch when hiking down muddy/wet trails.

The Challengers are fine. I mostly travel to southern England and the trails there are easy. For running on the beach they’re great. The Speed Goats stay at home (Norway), where the trails are wet, steep and rugged. Both pairs suffer slightly from Hoka’s big weakness: durability.

Hoka ATR for springy. Altra lone peak for wider toe box and less stack height 

Hoka ATR is road to trail and the all black model also looks pretty good for street wear

Agree, it really depends on how fast, how far, the ratio of road to trail etc. my Saucony Tempus are pretty good on park run trails and “fire track” style roads. Puma shoes with their Puma Grip are great in the rain or on slightly uneven terrain. Then you have what some call Commuter shoes - road to trail shoes with lower lug depth and softer midsole. Hoka’s Challenger ATR isn’t bad, and the Tecton X and X2 had proper gravel lugs that worked well, along with shows like the Saucony Xodus Ultra, Nike Terra Kiger or Pegasus Trail. Personally I’ve just run in road shoes if it’s dry, and I trust my trail shoes (currently Salomon Genesis and Hoka Mafate 5) in the wet or more technical terrain.

Hoka ATR Challengers work pretty well for this. Suitable for running on different terrain types, and feel fine for walking the streets. I will happily do a trip with just them.

this is my answer too. They are also a good “just what I’m wearing” shoe for short trips, if your style constraints allow it

Hoka ATR's are pretty great for this.

I use the HOKA Challenger ATRs for my combo runs, and I go up 1/2 size for the extra room.

Hoka Challengers are my go to shoe for mixed terrain with light trails. They feel like slippers when they’re on and I’ll choose them over my Speedgoats whenever I can. 

I’m not a fan of GoreTex running shoes as they’re less breathable if you have hot/sweaty feet like me, and if you get water in the top of them then they stay wetter for longer. Breathable shoes are much more preferable.  And yeah, get to a shop and try some on if you can. I have some Speedgoats as they were the best fit of the four or five I tried. The hybrid Hoka Challengers are great for light trails and the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever had. 

Hoka Challengers are my go-to for most runs. Must be 1,000km into this pair at least.  And Speedgoat 6s for the heavier stuff. Went into the shop to go for something else after a bad experience with the 5s but they were still the best fit of everything I tried. 

Love my Challengers. I use them for over 80% of my runs and the tread doesn’t wear too quickly on the tarmac; I’m about 1200k into this pair and probably looking to replace them soon.  They’re like wearing slippers compared to my Speedgoats. 

I’m on my third pair of Hoka Challengers as they’re great for the majority of what I do, with a pair of Speedgoats for harder terrain. They last pretty well too with my most recent ones going for 1,200k before I retired them and I still use them for walking.  (I’m not a Hoka fanboy but whenever I’ve been into a shop to try new shoes, I’ve still always preferred these ones). 

The Hoka Challenger is a really good door-to-trail shoe.

The foam on the zegama 2 is more comfortable for me for long efforts than the challenger. My feet get sore in the challengers a lot faster than the zegama.

I swear by the hoka challenger. I know some folks who only do trails prefer the speedgoats. I’d say go to a shoe store and get fitted up and see what you like.

I wear Challengers in the southeast, but I've also slid down more than one clay embankment.

Hoka challengers have been holding up well. And the support is positively divine!

Hoka challengers or adidas terrex for dry days, Salomon quest 4 gore tex for wet/muddy/snowy days

I have tried ASICS Gel Nimbus TR and Hoka Challenger. ASICS is way more comfy esp on the road, but has slightly worse grip on the trails. Challenger looks much better imo, so I like using it as a travel do-it-all shoe, but for road to trail runs I’d pick the ASICS every time.

Thanks for your perspective. My boots are Merrells and my trail shoes are Hoka Challengers. I just did Baldy in the Challengers so I’m sure they’d be comfortable enough for Catalina. Just wondering mostly if the additional backpacking weight would necessitate sturdier footwear.

First, there is nothing that wrong with using road shoes on trails. 25 years ago there was no such thing as trail running shoes and people did fine. If you do want specific shoes and like Hoka then: Hoka Challenger if they are smooth trails or mixed road trails. Hoka Torrents if they are rougher trails.

I've never worn Speedgoats, but I've got Challengers and Cliftons that fit true to size for me!

Love my Challengers and I don't think the tread is too much for daily walking on the street. It's not Vibram and there's enough cushion so that you don't feel like you're walking on a slab of hard rubber. Or at least I don't.

I liked the Hoka Challenger, though there's probably shoes with more modern foam these days. Outsole was good enough for light trail without being a Vibram sole, which I thought would have been a drag on how much I was using it on the roads.

The crowd can relay anecdotal evidence on which shoes last and which don't, but none of us can say with certainty which ones will feel comfortable to you. It looks like you're using boots. HanWag are some beefy bois & last, so if you like 'em get another pair. Most of the folks here will recommend trail runners. There are endless discussions on why & when to use one or the other so I'll leave you to do that research yourself. Just remember that runners have an average lifespan in the 500-800 mile range. I will say that in general, runners are super comfortable so worth trying on some pairs to see what you think. Maybe even buy a pair & test 'round town. But if you want something that will last years, stick with boots, whether low mid or high top. Personally, I've switched mostly to hiking sandals and now only wear my trail runners during the fringe seasons when it's a bit chilly for my piggies. In near (or below) freezing weather, I still use my boots, which are Keens and have lasted me about 10 years with only the heel fabric wearing down and are still comfortable to me. My own anecdotal is that I've found Altras to be very uncomfortable to my feet. My runners are Hoka Challengers. I've even found their SpeedGoats to be uncomfortable to me while others swear by them. The Challengers have held up as well as any runner has (about 800 mile life for me).

Hoka Challenger a good shoe but probably a bit on the heavy side.

It quite as heavy as you but I’m a lot heavier than most people writing shoe reviews. Big fan of the Brooks Caldera. I found Hoka Challengers too squishy and Peregrines too firm to if that helps frame my opinion. The calderas are thick enough not to bottom out under a heavy person but firm enough to not feel like you’re running in oofos.

I'm not sure about the zero drop, but I'd look at Challengers or Speedgoats. Always loved the wide Hoka models for my thick toes

If you like Hoka, try the Challenger. It’s a good all-terrain shoe with an approachable price point.

You are me! I weigh 200. I run to the trails in my hoka challengers! They’re awesome I do such a mix that they cover everything! I even ran my first marathon in them on the road XD I finally bought some road shoes too though. But when ever I run to the trails it’s the challengers

Hoka challengers is exactly what I wear in this situation. They are literally made for road to trail. I run to the trails on rainy days, smash around than run home. Best shoe.

i am a big guy (6’0 270lb) and i prefer my challengers over my speedgoats. the SG are a tad bit lighter but the challengers are just more comfortable as a beginner. can’t really go wrong with either of them tho in my very limited experience

So I loved the Speedgoat 5 (wide), the 6 is ok but just isn’t the same. Kind of makes me sad. Challenger is different but I think I like it more than the 6. I know this is probably the wrong sub but does anyone have a road shoe that gives me those SG5 feels with a tread I won’t wear off in a month on the pavement?

I daily wear trail runners. Hoka speedgoat 5s felt like they wore out really quick (but super comfy and I'd do it again if they still made them). Wearing challengers now and I feel like they're doing just fine though. Probably a different compound or something. I'd imagine the answer is just "it depends"

Have you tried the wide in the Hoka Challenger? I ran through the winter in Clifton’s on those sorts of surfaces and I think the Challenger is like the Clifton with better grip. I’m between the challengers and inov8 next. +1 on the comment about not bothering with gore tex. Your feet sweating make it like a rainy day every time you go out and they smell way faster. Maybe try some waterproof socks if you’re really bothered, a friend hike in sealskinz socks.

Hoka Mafate Speed 4 or the Challenger are both good options. Mafate is perfect for non and technical trails. But its main role is purely trails. One of my fav trail shoes ever. Challenger is a road to trail shoe or hybrid. Its a shoe you'd use when running from your house to the trail. It can do a bit of road running and its decent in non technical trails. The tradeoff is It'll do both roles decently but it doesnt excel in either. Any pure trail shoe you pick will wear out pretty fast if you run it on asphalt often no matter the brand. Easiest answer is to just buy 2 pairs one for road running and another for trails. Something like a Hoka Clifton + Hoka Challenger combo would work perfectly for you and both are usually on sale too.

Challenger don't have good traction on wet surface (both tarmac and offroad), so I avoid them on wet, but on dry surface, shoe is fantastic.

Yeah same I loved my Challengers for about 100k. Won't get them again in a hurry

Just picked up S/Lab Ultra and loving them after Speedcross (narrow), Challenger (clunky and sluggish) and Lone Peaks (lovely but flimsy)

My first thought was Hoka Challenger. Great durable all terrain all round shoe

Hoka Challenger is a hybrid shoe. Very comfortable on road.

I switched from Altra to Home Speed Goats and ended with Hoka Challengers. Switching to Hokas was the best decision I made and kept me going.

Same. I love the Challengers. There is a goretex version, too.

I don’t know if they’re too trail for your needs, but I absolutely love Hoka Challengers. Work well on streets and less technical trails, I fell in love taking them to Peru and now use them anytime I need a hybrid. But the tread may be too much for London street walking as a daily walker.

Yup, this is my go to travel shoe. Hoka Challenger is similarly capable for road to trail but not the best looking for casual wear imo

Not much grip and I found the foam to be unstable. Sold mine. I'd get Tomir 2 or Mafate 4.

Had lots of issues in my Hoka trail shoes, challengers and Speedgoats…switched to Altra Olympus…amazing

I feel your pain... :/ Had similar problems. What helped for me is that I switched to Injinji toesocks plus I tie my laces differently, I use a runnersknot but then I extend it and I tie the knot on the instep/midpart of my foot. So the front of my foot is more secured. It's a bit of a hassle and you'll need extra long laces occasionally. But for me it worked alot better, still losing the occasional nail every now and then but alot less pain. Edit: I use Injinji ultra run crew (size 45-47) and Hoka Challengers (size 47 1/3). Where as my road shoes are usually 46.5

In my opinion, Speedgoats would be the way to go if that's the only Hoka you're considering, but I'd also highly recommend the hoka challengers. About to start my hike in a couple months in lightly worn Hoka challengers - but I almost went with speed goats! One of my parents is an ultramarathoner/trail runner and went with me to REI to help me choose between a few different shoes there, and while we both liked the speed goats and my gait in them we noticed one small issue: micro spikes. If you're going to be wearing spikes at any point during your hike, check to make sure that dip in the outsole in the back center of the speed goats (and in any shoe you're trying) doesn't render your spikes in that spot useless. I am using kahtoola micro spikes, and on speed goats the back center spikes are right over that outsole gap and as such don't actually dig into any snow/ground when pressure is put on the shoe/you take a step. Not sure about other brands of spikes, so if you have spikes that work with the shoe, awesome!! Hoka challengers have, from my and my parents experience with them, very similar benefits to speed goats but slightly tougher/longer lasting tread than speedgoats, slightly better grip on rock, as well as work great with Kahtoola micro spikes. But if the speedgoats are what you're set on, my regular-marathoner parent absolutely loves them and wears them as a primary hiking/trail running shoe, so really you can't go wrong there haha. Just be aware of the arrangement of your micro spikes if you use them!!! As for the wearing out issue, Speedgoats will wear faster than challengers due to the make of the outsoles, and excessive road walking will kinda kill Speedgoats. Challengers can tolerate it due to the tougher outsole, but they'll also wear out faster on pavement. Overall though, I'd say they're worth it despite that issue, and nothing stops you from almost literally running them into the ground with how much of an outsole they've got on them.

Hoka Challenger is a comfortable road to trail hybrid. I also enjoy (even more) ASICS Trabuco Max 2 for trail/road. Puma running shoes have “Puma Grip“ which works great for both roads and trails. The MagMax and Deviate Elite models are great.

If you like hokas, I train in challengers and race in Stinsons. They've both got a bit of stability in them and I've never noticed a loose ankle feeling, but then again everyone is different.

Just gonna throw my 2 cents that the Hoka Challengers have been awesome for me. They’re not so beefy that they only work on trail, so mixed runs where you’re on road and trail are great. They’re super grippy and have gotten me up 4k+ft of tough trail, but are perfect as daily drivers as well.

Hoka Challenger in wide with custom insoles, (I use Archcrafters), is my perfect, run anywhere shoe

I haven’t ran in mine yet, they feel narrower and a little stiffer than the 5s but not necessarily a bad thing on Rocky technical stuff… I love my challengers for dirt road but if the race is even somewhat technical I wouldn’t race in them .

There's no such thing as beginner trail runner shoes. But if you like HOKA shoes, try the Speedgoat, Mafate, or the Challenger if you'll also be running on the road with the same shoes.

Mine developed a tear pretty quickly (100 miles or so), the grip started coming away from the sole… they were relegated to dog walking shoes after about 150 miles. Comfortable, but do not last. Also quite wide fitting.

I haven’t run the catamount but have been on some of the trails at Trapp and lots of others in the area. I always wear trail shoes but nothing very aggressive - think Challengers or Ultra Glides mostly. If you had to, you’ll survive in the 860’s, though you’ll need to watch your foot placement in places and the midsole may be thrashed when you’re done. You’ve got some time though, maybe go try a few pairs on?

I basically do 90% of my runs in Hoka Challengers, which are a road/trail hybrid. For more technical and trail only runs I switch to Speedgoats.

Google “road to trail” shoes … normally throws up some brands on offer . I’m fine using my road daily’s ( brooks adrenaline) on shorter easy dry trail runs if there’s road as well. Hoka Challenger are good hybrid but mine didn’t last as long as I’d hoped . I’d buy them again though as they fitted well. Ideal for longer undulating ( dry) British countryside .

Hoka challenger is designed specifically for this. I'm on my sixth pair and they are fantastic for road and any non technical trail 

Check out the Hoka challenger. Take advantage of the 30 day return policy. I wanted to like the speed goats but they just don’t work for my foot so I returned them and tried the challenger and have loved them.

I have about 10 running shoes. 4 trail; 3 road-to-trail hybrids which are Nike Pegasus 5 and NB heirro 8. The NB has more cushioning and good to less technical trail, the Pegasus handles wet, mud better and speed work. NB better for longer distance, say 20-40k. Hoka challenger also great for hybrid if you like cushioning. Then all trials I have Hoka mofate speed 4. Testing these ahead of my first ultra (52) in May. Uk based and this race could be mega boggy, wet, slippery with hills, or dry. So I may use a hybrid if dry the week before. So far the Hoka seem great, so much grip from the vibram sole, but good cushioning (I’m 95kg so I pound the trail lol). Doing 30k tomorrow so will see if they hold up with the cushioning! I tried the Nike Ultrafly too which were good but not worth the money so i returned them.

The new Rabbit High Country is really filling this void for me. Previously I’d gone with the Hoka challengers or just a road shoe. New balance rebel works on lighter trails.

I do like the Challenger but had some real, uhm, "challenges" with my knee (very swollen) after my last 100 and feel like I might need a bit more "cushion" for a 100. I originally bought the Challenger because I like Speedgoats a lot in training, but my races have not been technical enough to need that much lug/grip (unless it were to rain). Since you have not used the Challenger for a bit - what is your go to shoe for very long distances on light to moderate trail?

this is very helpful, thank you! Did you ever try the Tecton X2 (I did and absolutely abhorred it... cut into the back of my ankle hardcore and I read that was a common issue). The 3s are so pricy that I don't think I will try them. I will look inot the NF Enduris and Topo Vista. It's fun to try different shoes and ultimately, I could fall back on the Challengers if need be; I can get 500 miles or so on those and they are priced so well.

Thank you! That is interesting regarding the Challengers experience you have had - the Hoka Tecton X2 did that to me and it sucked so much! The reason I am considering switching for my upcoming race is because I've had horrible knee swelling after a 100 in Challengers and obviously that could be from a lot of different things BUT I wondered if a bit more cushion might help mitigate the issue.

Hoka Challenger, haven’t worn them in a few iterations but they def work for it. 

Hoka Challenger’s working well as a hybrid shoe for me

Stick with Hokas and check out the Challenger. I run Clifton’s on the road and bought Speedgoat 3’s years ago as I started running trails more. Always felt a bit too narrow (esp in to box) I got the challengers and love them. They are hybrid so ‘some’ road use is ok but better for just trail. Hope this helps- ps the footbed is almost exactly the same as Clifton if you’ve worn those or have access to them. This info came from Foot Traffic in Bend, so I trusted the dude and didn’t regret it.

Something like the Hoka Challenger would probably work along with gaiters. But the real answer is: Go to your local running store, get fitted and see what feels comfortable, train in them on similar terrain, race, profit.

Something I’ve noticed is that you lose the wide widths in the GTX option. If you don’t absolutely need the waterproof, I’d skip it. Just use wool socks and Vaseline your toes for warmth in winter. Hoka Challenger or Speedgoat could be a good option from the brand. Brooks Caldera is another one I love for mileage & comfort on a mix of paved & trail.

Agreed with the road shoe suggestions. I used to use Hoka Challengers for mixed running but they are overkill for gravel or well maintained paths. Road shoes are way more comfortable and faster.

I don't really know of any one personally who uses adidas terrex unless they're sponsored. Not the best pair. I personally use Merrell. It's cheap and sturdy but quite heavy and not too agile. Hoka challenger and speedgoat are good for more established trail routes, especially if there are a lot of road sections. Salomon speedcross is great but the toebox can be a bit narrow. Altra is great, especially for people with wide feet, but not very durable and not very supportive. Which race are you joining?

Hoka Challengers are everything to me and will need to be pried out of my cold dead hands. I just bought out so many when I saw they are discontinuing the 7 😭😭

I use Hoka Challengers for this exact purpose.

depends on how loose and the incline. I use Hoka challengers for tracks that don't need as much grip as Speedgoats for example.

+1 for a hybrid shoe like Hoka Challenger to start. Can always relegate them to a training shoe.

Agree with this. Went speedgoat to matafe and they’re unbelievably strong yet responsive. I feel invincible in them (wet / icy road, packed trail or mud) and stomped on a random stone which I think in most shoes would’ve broken my foot (it was painful enough for me to stop and go oh shit). The challengers are comfortable but garbage as trail runners, I bought them as a walking trainer and they’re bad enough at that in wet weather. Still do daily road mileage in them but wouldn’t buy again.

I have Challengers and I use them for work. I just did the TCT in 13 hours in a pair of Nnormal Tomir 2.0s. Felt great.  Challengers can be a bit stiff/firm in my opinion. If you’re attached to Hoka and worried about the extra weight and your comfort, I think Speedgoats might be a better option for you as they’re a lot more plush. Either way, as others have said, almost any trail shoe will be a better option than boots. Good luck!

I’ve switched almost entirely to trail runners including on a lot,of rugged terrain. I did find that when I was using Hokas that I had an increased tendency to roll my ankle after about ten miles. I like the padding, but have found lower drop shoes to be better for this. Altras are good, but I destroy them in about 300 miles. Trying Topos right now. Not as padded, but low drop with a wide toe box and they seem to be holding up better.

Trail runner will be fine. I was talking to a guy recently that said the AT requires real boots. But even by his argument, trail runners will be fine. The thing with trail runners is when you are tired, it is easier to roll your ankle. I have only found this to be a concern when I was using Hoka. Altras and Topos have less to zero drop and they don’t have this occur for me. Though Altras kind of suck for durability (expect 300 miles unless they fixed things). And Topos have less padding and are not as comfortable.