Challenger ATR 5

I have an older model, Challenger ATR 5 i think it was, and it is uncomfortably hard underfoot on paved roads. Are the newer versions any softer? I have to run a couple of kms to get to my usual gravel / light trail routes and those first kms are annoyingly uncomfortable. On non paved surfaces they are OK so I´m a bit unsure whether to replace them or just soldier thru those first kms.

For flat feet, stay away from Topo - they have super high arch support that caused me major issues even with just low arches. I've been having good luck with Inov8 lately and have also heard really good things about Norda. Altra Experience Wilds were also nice. Hokas in a wide didn't work for me because they only widen the midfoot, but still have a pointy little toebox. Xodus Ultras were also a bit too narrow in the toebox for me for anything over 50k.

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

Yes - that's the wide version that didn't work for me and in that picture I linked.

I’m a fan of the Hoka Challengers in wide; but I also switch out the insoles for custom Archcrafters

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!