Hoka - Challenger Series

I’ve run my last two pairs of Challengers into the ground. Probably a bit too much with my last pair at almost 1,400k! I have had bad “luck” with my previous Speedgoats where the inside of the back of one felt really odd and rubbed against my Achilles loads. No issues with a newer pair. My latest Challengers feel a bit less tight on my feet but maybe I need to change my lacing.  That happening twice to you doesn’t just feel like bad luck though. 

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. 

100% Hoka Challenger wide

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 had to return my ATR Challenger 7s the other day after 2 months (250ish km) because the glue holding the grippy bits on was failing. I got another pair to see if I was just unlucky, but we’ll see… they’re so comfy but I’m not sold on the longevity/quality.

Hoka challenger 8. It's miles above any other gravel shoe out there on the market. Don't buy the speedgoat. Its a trailshoe and the recent ititeration has a very stiff mid. The aggressive lugs will make pavement running uncomfortable as well. 

Seriously. They are amazing.

They are finding out that most people run on manicured single track. I find these gravel shoes excellent for technical trails on my long runs. I haven't found trailshoes that are comfortable for more than 3-4 hours. I recommend the Challenger 8 by Hoka. They are the best gravel shoe on the market. I run 50-150 miles a week.

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 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.

I went back to hoka, using the challenger 7 atm. To be honest all my issues went away when I really pulled the laces apart and wore them super loose 

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.