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Reddit Reviews
I've been wearing trail running shoes for the last 5 years. Started off with a pair of Hoka Challenger 6s they lasted for about 3 years. I then went for the Challenger 7s I got them in a lighter colour and they look a little tatty but still solid. I've also got some New Balance Hiero 9s which are now my favourite.
I've got hoka challenger 6's that i'm currently at 1200km on...
I’m a Wisconsin runner. I run in Challenger GTXs (older pair) and use Kahtoola nanospikes after it snows or is icy. They don’t have as much grip as my Speedgoats but feel better on my usual city routes.
This is what I run on an old pair of Challenger GTX. Works great!
Hoka Challenger or Rocket X2 trail ($$ super-shoe) would be a better fit for this race. Would help to know your preferred road shoe.
I wear HOKA Challenger GTXs and pack a pair of Keen whisper sandals. I just wear black hiking pants and I don't do anything that would require being "stylish."
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.
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).
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 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 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.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Deep mud and soft ground

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Salomon - Speedcross Series
Best for Quick draining and drying for wet trails

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Hoka - Speedgoat Series
Best for Road-to-trail transitions

Top pick
Nike - Pegasus Trail Series
Best for Steep technical descents

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Salomon - Genesis Series
Best for Technical rocky terrain

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La Sportiva - Prodigio Series
Best for Ultra-marathon racing

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series





