Hoka Challenger 8

Summary

Average Weight: Mens 275g / Womens 246g
Offset: 8mm

The Hoka Challenger 8 is a very light, comfortable and durable shoe, with ample cushioning for road and good grip for off-road running. Great for a mix of road and flatter trails, towpaths, park runs etc. Available in wide fittings.

Men's Hoka Challenger 8

£130

Women's Hoka Challenger 8

£130

Features

Metarocker technology for a smooth running gait
Light and soft cushioning for harder surfaces
Decent grip for muddy conditions
Comes in a wide fitting for both women and men

Upper

Breathable upper
Extended heel-pull for secure ankle support

Midsole

Soft and responsive cushioning
Great roll-through for each stride thanks to the Metarocker

Outersole

Wide outsole design guarantees surefooted stability on uneven terrain
The 4mm lugs are now broader and closer together – providing better traction on trail surfaces
Good mud-release
Durable zonal rubber outsole for increased durability

Pros

Very light and comfortable
Good grip in muddy conditions – especially for a road-trail hybrid shoe
Feels beautifully soft on road and rocky terrains
Very smooth transitions through each stride, very easy to run in
Wide outsole for stability on uneven terrain.
Available in a wide fitting
Waterproof version is also available

Cons(iderations)

Torsional flexibility isn’t as good as on pure trail or fell shoes, so doesn’t react as well when you’re running at an angle, e.g. across the side of a hill
Cushioning can feel too soft on soft trails
Lugs don't have a super grip if you are going to run somewhere very muddy
8mm drop, compared to 5mm in Challenger 7, giving a different feel

In Testing

So far, I’ve used the Hoka Challenger 8 on some long-ish runs in Somerset over a real mix of terrain, and for the most part I’ve been really happy with them.
Starting on road they give as much cushioning as you could wish for, and the Metarocker does a marvellous job of encouraging a smooth roll through your gait. I’ve found them immensely comfortable as they’re very flexible too.
Once on soft, muddy ground I was surprised at how effective the grip was; I felt secure and confident. Going up and downhill was good, grip was effective on grassy banks. Additionally, even though the mud was a bit clay-like – heavy and sticky – it released very well and didn’t clog up the bottom of the shoe.
The only time I wished I was wearing my La Sportiva Akashas instead was when running on a steep camber – along the side of a hill. At that point I felt a slight lack of torsional flexibility and the shoe didn’t balance as well. Otherwise I was very happy.
The fit of the uppers is really good, I felt confidently held without any feeling of restriction, and the laces hold well so you don’t have to stop and tighten them. Lastly, the heel tab is very useful when pulling on and off, especially when the shoes are very muddy!

Verdict

I’m super happy I invested in these, and I’m going to be using them for all my towpath, road-to-trail, and any runs on rocky terrain. But I’ll also feel confident using them on more challenging terrain with mud and hills. If you’re looking for something that can be your daily running trainer for road, parks, trails,and a good bit of mud thrown in, this is a really good option.