Hoka - Challenger ATR 6 GTX

My old challenger 6 ATR lasted 600 miles! I miss them! I have a 7 now but haven’t used much. Hope they hold well 🤞

Hoka ATR's are pretty great for this.

As already said, use couch to 5k with the mix of walking and running but have your “running” as something just above a fast walk rather than a full on sprint. If you need to walk more then that’s absolutely fine.  Shoes are a completely personal choice and I’d highly recommend going to a shop to get fitted and maybe even do a treadmill check if they have the facility. Trying on shoes is key to find what you like and what fits you right. Depending on where you run, a hybrid set like the Hoka Challengers may be better than hardcore trail shoes.  And listen to your body when you’re starting. Injuries often come from doing too much too soon. If you’re in this for the long haul, there’s no need to be running like you’re prepping for an ultra in the next few months. Just get out, start to gently push yourself, and try to have fun!

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 have some Speedgoats but they kill my feet. The heel seems to really dig into my Achilles so I struggle with them.  I love my Challengers for easier terrain running though so I might have just got unlucky with that pair or particular fit. 

I love my Challengers. Super comfortable and cope with tarmac and light/moderate trails really well. I wear them over my trail shoes for races 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. 

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'm using the Hoka Challenger currently. Will try a Topo next time since I've now found a place localish to try them on.

Trail: Hoka Challenger Road: Hoka Clifton Hoka Mach 6

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

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.

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

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.

My experience with Salomon and challengers have been Salomon is more durable and I get more miles but the hoka mega grip has more traction. Used speedgoats for several years and now use Salomon. I have pretty narrow feet and the Salomon fits my foot shape a touch better.

Ultraventures have 5mm drop though, not 0. I use them for a similar purpose as OP and love them for it. After 600km they’re still looking great, whereas the Hoka challengers I was using before were falling apart so badly after 400k I had to tape them together just to finish a run.

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)

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

Hokas, Challengers have lasted me a good 6-8 months. I don't walk 15Km per day but walk 10Km about 4 times a week.

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.

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

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.

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.

I like the Hoka Challengers. I've ran up to 100 miles on them and they work perfectly. As someone else said, they fit a bit narrow.

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

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.

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 .

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.

I mostly run combined trails (~50% gravel, ~30% more technical terrain, ~20% roads). My runs are 5-15 km and I came to like Hoka Challenger they do fine on a road, hold good on rocky / gravel roads, and have enough grip on more difficult segments.

The Challenger is awesome. I use it for my road-to-trail runs. Highly recommend!

I rock the Hoka Challengers which work for both road and trail, might be worth a try🤷🏻‍♀️ Good luck on your race!!

I love the Terrex AS Ultra but have not tried the non-rod Agravic Speed but can see it being a great all around option for less $$. I agree they run \~1/2 size big, but I ended up going w/ my normal size b/c I HATE getting my toes smashed up and w/ a runner's loop the heel fit on mine is great. The order two sizes via Adidas approach seems solid. Pretty common. Note: The Agravic Speed is on sale right now for $104 (in the US): [https://www.adidas.com/us/terrex-agravic-speed-trail-running-shoes/IG8015.html](https://www.adidas.com/us/terrex-agravic-speed-trail-running-shoes/IG8015.html) I will say that if you are 1) running a mix of road/path/trail and not 90-100% trail, 2) the trails aren't super technical and 3) you don't really need this shoe to also be yoru race shoe, the Hoka Challenger is such a killer daily driver. I run a lot of my out-the-door runs in it, and it's great for some of the park trails I run that, even when they are single track, are never really too rocky/rooty.

Everyday road/faster workouts: New Balance FC Rebel v5. Love. Light, snappy, great feel that’s not too cushy but still plush. Mixed road/trail/non tech: Hoka Challenger. Honestly this shoe is so good. Great blend of plush and support while still feeling light enough. Stable and reliable, assuming trail Isn’t very technical. Long trail/more techy: Salomon Ultra FdH. I’d like to give a shoutout for this shoe. I think its price takes it out of the conversation a bit, esp since it’s not really a “super shoe” eg. Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra (see below). The combo of the foam, the plate, the fit and the grip are really superior IME. If it were 20% less money it would give a lot of shoes some competition. But then again there are lots of shoes I’ve never even tried. Terrex ASU-fast, runnable trail and race day. Love this shoe but have realized I didn’t size down enough. But even a bit big it’s impressive and fun as hell. Haven’t run loner than 14 miles in them but with 100 or so miles in them I can say I agree with most reviews: they are awesome but are not not the most stable. And the upper at the ankle may not work for all. Lots of shoes I’d love to try out there!

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.

Have a look at the Inov8 Parkclaw. Great pair of road to trail shoes. I switched to these after having Hoka Challengers which were good but a bit narrow for me (I don’t have particularly wide feet) and they were pretty slippery on wet tarmac. The Inov8’s fit really nicely, plenty of room around the toes, and the grip is fantastic on any surface even wet tarmac. If you’re after a lot of cushion then they’re probably not for you but otherwise highly recommended.

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 switched to the Challenger and absolutely love it for less technical runs. On my 2nd pair now.

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 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. 

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.

Hoka Challenger is your shoe 🤙

Hoka Challenger for mixed road to trail runs, where the trail section is non-technical. Hoka SG5 for long distance and technical trail/alpine running. Norda 001 for general trail running and feeling fancy. Have 500km and them and still not sure how much I love them but the brand is rad and the tech is cool. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hiero v7 for walking around, possibly the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever put in my foot and make me question why I’ve ever worn any other shoes.

I'm finding the same. Good shoe otherwise

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 😭😭

Hoka Challenger ATR’s are really good on the trails and “good enough” for road running in my experience.

I use Hoka Challengers for this exact purpose.

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

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!

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

I like the hoka ATR as a shoe I wear trail running but also walking around when I’m doing anything outdoors

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

This is what I do. I have Gore-Tex Hokas for winter. And I add a pair of wool socks.

I’m on my 3rd season of switching to trail runners over hiking boots. Everyone may have a different experience but for me, my feet have never been happier (Hooka, Speedgoat 5).