Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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Versatile performers for those looking to run on the road and the trail, the HOKA Challenger ATR 3 trail-running shoes excel in the mountains, on pavement and everywhere in between.
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View the HOKA Challenger Product LineView all HOKA Men's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
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Trail-Running Shoe Type | Light-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 5 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Synthetic |
Lining | Foam/Lycra |
Midsole | EVA |
Outsole | Rubber |
Rock Plate | No |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 3 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14 Wide | 15 | 15 Wide | |
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U.S. Men's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.6 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14 Wide | 15 | 15 Wide |
UK | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 13.5 | 14.5 | 14.5 |
EU | 37.3 | 38 | 38.6 | 39.3 | 40 | 40.6 | 41.3 | 42 | 42.6 | 43.3 | 44 | 44.6 | 45.3 | 46 | 46.6 | 47.3 | 48 | 48.6 | 49.3 | 49.3 | 50.6 | 50.6 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.06 | 9.2 | 9.4 | 9.56 | 9.7 | 9.875 | 10.1 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.5 | 10.7 | 10.9 | 11.1 | 11.2 | 11.375 | 11.6 | 11.7 | 11.9 | 12 | 12 | 12.4 | 12.4 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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I really liked almost everything about this shoe. It has good traction for trail running, good cushion, and good protection from trail obstacles. The Bondi 4 and Clifton 2 were very narrow in the toe box, but this version seems just right - not too narrow and not too wide. I'm pleased with everything about the shoe except that it puts pressure on the top of my big toes. I even tried going up a full size, but it still put too much pressure on my toes. Ultimately I went with the Bondi 5 instead, but sacrificing the traction on the trail that the Challenger ATR 3 has.
I have a narrow foot, high arch => Men's size 11 was an excellent fit. No hot spots, good heal lock down...overall very comfortable shoe. Unfortunately, after about 100 miles of trail running, the shoe developed holes in the upper (outside where the toe flexes), and the rubber lugs were peeling up from the foam mid sole. Very disappointed in the durability of this shoe. C'mon, these shoes should last at least 300 miles before this kind of wear develops. Anyway, REI stood behind the product and let me return them. Since the shoes were so comfortable, I would buy the shoes again if I knew they would hold up for 300+ miles. . .
On my second time wearing these trail runners (first time was a combination hike and run, second was just a hike), I kept feeling a sharp pain at the base of my left toe. I removed my shoe a couple of times thinking a rock had gotten in there but couldn't find anything. When I got home, I pulled the insole out and felt a bump in the footbed. Flipped the shoe over and saw what looked like a rock in the tread. When I pulled it out with a pair of scissors, it turned out to be a stick that punctured the entire thick sole, the footbed and actually a portion of the insole. See image attached. These shoes felt awesome the first time - they offer a ton of cushion - bit I can't trail run in a shoe with a sole that can be punctured so easily. Will be returning them.
Since I got these about 2 months ago, I've logged about 320 miles in them and they are officially my favorite trail shoe I've tried! At first I thought the cushion wouldn't be responsive enough for my taste but it actually feels pretty good once you get used to it. If you've never run in shoes this cushioned, then at first it will feel like you're running with pillows on your feet. After a few runs you get used to it though. I was delightfully surprised at how light these things were too. When I saw the pictures online they look so heavy. As with ALL of my running shoes, these don't last that long. the grip starts to wear out after about 300-350 miles. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase. Excuse me while I go order another pair!
Size 13 in ATR3 is narrower, shorter, with a tighter toebox (forward of the metatarsals; width at the metatarsals *is* wider than ATR1), and heavier than size 12.5 in the ATR1. There is much less toe-splay room: My big toe does splay out, and rubs painfully against the upper, making this shoe unusable. I suspect light-supinator runners with big toes that tuck into the other toes can make the ATR3 work for them, but this shoe is a disaster for me. I can't recommend it.
First pair of hola hook's and have had these 1 week so far and love them. Super lightweight and the cushion compared to traditional running shoes is amazing. Can tackle anything on the trails and they feel good on the road as well. So far so good and seem like they will hold up.
If you are OK with Orange 7 Black, then this shoe if a contender for an overall workout shoe. I am not a runner, but this shoe is well-cushioned for my personal training sessions. Trainer recommended NB Minimus, but after trying them on, I knew it wouldn't work for me (three left foot neuroma surgeries--all failed). That was like walking barefoot. Assistant at REI lead me to these ORANGE/BLK puppies! They work well, but I suspect will be a bit hot in summer to wear all day. I picked up a more breathable pair of NB 630v5's for the spring/summer months. The Hoka ONE ONE is a good shoe, but you gotta like ORANGE/BLK and a chunkier (not boat anchor) look. Won't be wearing these with my Express Photographer's suit, unless I can find a tangerine dress shirt. Lol
These are great shoes on hard pack trails or non-technical single track. They also work great on the road - so versatility is a great benefit. Once you get on any quasi technical terrain, especially descents, I found the squish and fit to not work well. Just did not feel balanced or fluid. Possibly more personal, but I had knee pain after running in these exclusively. Which went away immediately when I switched back to other brand. A really good choice for someone that likes to mix road and trail in the same run.
I recently purchased the Hoka One One, Challenger ATR 3's. As in two weeks ago. some lugs are already peeled half away from the upper inside portion of the heel in the right shoe. Pulling gently to see the condition of the remaining lugs on both shoes it feels other lug portions aren't too far behind. I have 32 miles in the shoes at this point. I REALLY love them, and didn't expect the durability of a tank, but feel this is bit early in the game for wear of this nature. Am I being whiny or what? My last shoes did not do this.
If I could rate at 0 stars I would. Owned for 2 1/2 weeks. Every point where the shoe bends is ripping. Thought I’d treat myself and buy a more expensive shoe thinking they would be nicer. I was wrong. Absolute garbage. Don’t waste your time or money