{"id":200893,"date":"2025-10-07T10:24:11","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T17:24:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=200893"},"modified":"2025-10-07T10:25:55","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T17:25:55","slug":"first-look-hoka-challenger-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/run\/first-look-hoka-challenger-8","title":{"rendered":"First Look: HOKA Challenger 8 Trail-Running Shoes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Maybe you live close enough to your trail-running route that you can jog there directly from your door. Maybe you\u2019re about to travel, and only want to bring one pair of shoes for road and trail runs at your destination. Maybe you\u2019re just looking to simplify your running gear collection\u2014and you need a pair of shoes that can very nearly do it all. The HOKA Challenger 8 (women’s<\/a> and men’s<\/a>) was built to meet these needs at \u201cthe intersection of road and trail,\u201d combining the cushioning you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Runner<\/strong><\/td>Fi Lowenstein<\/td><\/tr>
Years running<\/strong><\/td>4<\/td><\/tr>
Average miles per week<\/strong><\/td>15<\/td><\/tr>
Preferred distance<\/strong><\/td>4-6 miles<\/td><\/tr>
Preferred terrain<\/strong><\/td>Trail<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m lucky enough to live in a part of Los Angeles that\u2019s surrounded by some of LA\u2019s 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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Challenger  is primarily a trail shoe, so at first I was disappointed I didn\u2019t have the opportunity to test this new version outside of the city. It would\u2019ve 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<\/a> (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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s buyer for trail-running shoes, describes the 8 as \u201ca thoughtful improvement\u201d over the 7, rather than a \u201cdrastic change, so\u201d Challenger 7 devotees are likely to enjoy this update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding an All-Terrain Trail-Running Shoe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Erickson says that all-terrain trail-running shoes serve a wide variety of purposes, but generally speaking are meant to \u201csupport people that are getting out on a variety of surfaces.\u201d As compared to rugged-trail, running shoes which tend to be heavier and more supportive, resembling hiking shoes, \u201cdoor-to-trail\u201d or all-terrain shoes are meant to be truly versatile\u2014taking 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. \u201cAnd, you\u2019re not going to have problems running on the pavement to get to those trails,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n