Maybe you live close enough to your trail-running route that you can jog there directly from your door. Maybe you’re about to travel, and only want to bring one pair of shoes for road and trail runs at your destination. Maybe you’re just looking to simplify your running gear collection—and you need a pair of shoes that can very nearly do it all. The HOKA Challenger 8 (women’s and men’s) was built to meet these needs at “the intersection of road and trail,” combining the cushioning you’ll need for the roads with the stability and grip necessary to tackle more varied terrain. This much-awaited update to the beloved hybrid running shoe model will satisfy those looking for trainers that can handle a varied, active lifestyle with confidence.
| Runner | Fi Lowenstein |
| Years running | 4 |
| Average miles per week | 15 |
| Preferred distance | 4-6 miles |
| Preferred terrain | Trail |
I’m lucky enough to live in a part of Los Angeles that’s surrounded by some of LA’s most popular running routes, so I can run directly from my door to my favorite trails. This means my runs rarely take place on just one type of terrain. It also means I often find myself hesitating at my shoe collection before choosing a pair to lace up. Do I choose shoes that will offer more bounce and cushion on the hard pavement near my house? Do I go for a lightweight pair that will let me really cruise on the way to a trail? Alternatively, do I prioritize the shoes that will protect me from the rocks and roots of Griffith Park or help me grip the loose dirt in Elysian Park?
The Challenger is primarily a trail shoe, so at first I was disappointed I didn’t have the opportunity to test this new version outside of the city. It would’ve been nice to see what they could do on some further flung trails and mountains. But once I incorporated them into my LA routine, I realized the shoe is in many ways perfect for someone running in an area like mine. For runners living in the wildland urban interface (those increasing residential parts of our country located between unoccupied land and human activity), the Challenger 8 just might be the perfect shoe for your daily adventures.
HOKA is known for producing shoes with cloud-like cushioning, and the Challenger 8 is no exception. The compression-molded and -cushioned midsole keeps you bouncy and light on concrete and asphalt, while an updated lug design with increased depth is meant to offer more traction than the Challenger 7 once you hit the trails. The update also includes a new last with increased drop, and improved fit in the forefoot and instep. Changes in stack height, drop, and lugs are meant to take the Challenger fully into that all-terrain territory. Cole Erickson, REI’s buyer for trail-running shoes, describes the 8 as “a thoughtful improvement” over the 7, rather than a “drastic change, so” Challenger 7 devotees are likely to enjoy this update.
Understanding an All-Terrain Trail-Running Shoe
Erickson says that all-terrain trail-running shoes serve a wide variety of purposes, but generally speaking are meant to “support people that are getting out on a variety of surfaces.” As compared to rugged-trail, running shoes which tend to be heavier and more supportive, resembling hiking shoes, “door-to-trail” or all-terrain shoes are meant to be truly versatile—taking you quite literally from your door to whatever trail you want to run, and back. This style of shoe might not be as relevant for very technical trails, but Erickson is confident the Challenger 8 will feel good on most moderate trails. “And, you’re not going to have problems running on the pavement to get to those trails,” he adds.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Comfortable out of the box
- Cushioned and bouncy on pavement
- Decent traction on trails
Cons
- Lacks some stability on trails
- Not the most protective trail shoe
- May require special lacing to feel ankle support
- Minimal rain protection
Best for
- Door-to-trail runs
- Hilly urban neighborhoods
- Paths with a mix of pavement and dirt
Traction, Protection and Stability
Not only did I not have trouble running on the pavement to get to my trails, I found that the Challenger 8 provided surprising grip up and down the steep hills of my neighborhood. I live on a block my friends frequently complain about when strolling over a visit, which is to say that the grade of hills I’m tackling at the start and end of my runs is pretty serious. But, the Challenger was the first shoe that didn’t make me feel like I was about to skid down the asphalt and onto the street. It almost felt sticky—like the experience of clambering around big rocks in the desert. There was just enough grip to keep me in place, while not making me feel too stuck to propel myself forward.
Once I hit the trails, I continued to cruise until I encountered a rocky downhill. While I can’t speak to how the Challenger would fare in mud, I felt the shoe lacked some stability when faced with more uneven terrain. I wouldn’t describe the trail I was on as especially technical, but when I accidentally stepped on an unstable rock, the bouncy midsole and super soft upper seemed to struggle to hold my foot steady. I felt like I could have twisted my ankle if I’d been less lucky.
I didn’t feel myself skidding on my trail runs, but I didn’t feel as confident moving downhill, and I definitely felt a lack of ankle stability. In fact, I had some light soreness after my first time running in the shoes, which prompted me to lace them more tightly and use the additional lace opening on my next run. This did help a bit going forward, though I remained slightly cautious. Finally, while I felt mostly protected from rocks and debris underfoot, I wasn’t entirely confident the 3D screen printed toe-cap would be fully protective if I actually stubbed my toe.
Runners should be sure to get a sufficiently snug fit in the Challenger 8, as that may help with stability. My Challengers were on the roomy side, and a half-size smaller could’ve made a difference in comfort on uneven downhills.
Comfort and Flexibility
One of my favorite things about the Challenger 8 is how light it feels for a trail shoe. I never felt like my feet were slowing me down. In fact, my pace was on average about 30 seconds faster this month—and while that could have been due to a variety of factors, I like to think the shoes played a part.
The Challenger 8s were also perfect for summer running. I took them on a mid-morning 90-minute long run through Griffith Park, and wasn’t bogged down by sweaty feet—a far cry from many of my summer trail running experiences. HOKA’s 100% rRPET engineered mesh truly let my feet breathe, even amidst the clouds of dust I was kicking up on trail. I can’t speak to the shoe’s ability to keep runners dry in rain or other elements, but they make a great dry season running shoe.
Perhaps even better, the shoes needed no breaking in. There was no sensation of needing to mold the shoe to my foot on each run. It felt like we’d known each other our whole lives from the moment we first met.
Appearance
While it may seem silly to some to some, Erickson says many runners consider how a shoe looks when making a purchase. “There’s an aesthetic component that I don’t want to discount,” he explains, pointing out that all-terrain shoes often get used outside of runs. Whether you’re looking for a shoe that can take you to the run-club brewery gathering, or something you can wear on vacation walks through the European countryside, the Challenger 8 doesn’t disappoint. I usually prefer a more neutral colorway that can pair with a variety of running outfits and hats, but I tested a hot pink model that I found myself appreciating. The color helped me stand out at dusk—making me feel safer as I darted among the coyotes and oncoming traffic. Reflective details also assisted with safety. Whichever color you choose, the new Challenger 8 designs all include stylish accents—including two-toned minimal mesh uppers— making each theme both sophisticated and refreshing.
The Challenger Legacy
According to Erickson, while the HOKA Speedgoat line has been very notable in the trail-running shoe space, the Challenger 7 has been a very popular model at REI. I got to witness some of this consumer excitement firsthand. On one of my door-to-trail runs in the Challenger 8, I was waiting at a busy intersection on Sunset Avenue, when a voice shouted out: “Are those the new HOKA Challengers?” A group of cyclists also pausing for the light to change were apparently eagerly anticipating the latest model. “It looks great,” one of them commented, and I felt myself run my last mile home with a little more pep in my step. Erickson said he expects further success from the Challenger 8, and from what I’ve seen, athletes are already buzzing.
Bottom Line
The latest HOKA Challenger delivers a smooth-cushioned ride through a variety of terrains. It’s the ideal shoe for runners who jog to their trails, and its bounce and lightness might make it a good shoe for someone first transitioning into trail running from road running. The deeper lugs on this new model ensure you won’t skid down dirt paths, but also won’t weigh you down on your way there. Despite being heavier than your average road-runner, it’s light and breathable enough to keep you cool during summer runs. The July 1 release makes it perfect for your hot weather adventures and summer travels. Ideal for a city-dweller and country mouse alike, the Challenger 8 is truly a shoe for all terrains.