Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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Run straight from dry, rocky summers to soggy, cold winters in the men's HOKA Challenger ATR 6 GTX trail-running shoes. They offer GORE-TEX® waterproofing and a smooth ride on any trail.
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View the HOKA Challenger Product LineView all HOKA Men's Trail-Running Shoes| Best Use | Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Trail-Running Shoe Type | Light-Trail |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 5 |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Upper | Water-resistant mesh |
| Midsole | EVA/CMEVA foam |
| Outsole | Rubber |
| Rock Plate | No |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 5.8 oz. |
| Gender | Men's |
| Type of Waterproofing | GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membrane |
| 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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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These sneakers were my first experience with Hoka after hearing great things from a few people. First impression was a very good one however I'm definitely disappointed with their durability. I use these mainly for house sneakers and everyday wear. I'm frequently outdoors and the Gore-Tex appealed to me because who doesn't love dry feet!? It's been about 4 months now and I definitely was not hard on these sneakers but the rubber on the sole is separating from the foam. I will send these back to Hoka and hope they honor their warranty. I plan to give them a second chance because the sneakers really are very comfortable and work well for me otherwise.
Wore for a 18mi moderate hike and the shoes were trashed. The black part of the sole delaminated, about two 1in diameter chunks off the right shoes and one the same size from the left. That said, the shoes were extremely comfortable and really really wished they could have worked. Thank you REI for great customer service, I was able to return and get something else. Even if this wasn’t something that should be your issue (Hoka Customer service was not what it should be).
I am trying to replace my size 10 Speedgoats with another Hoka waterproof trail shoe as the Speedgoats were amazing. I tried the regular (non-waterproof) size 10 ATR 6 in the store and they fit fine so ordered the GTX. They arrived today and the right shoe doesn't fit at all. It feels like Hoka has gone to a narrower foot bed and maybe raised it, either way the height inside the shoe isn't adequate and the bottom joint of my big toe feels like it's in a vice. Disappointed. I hate it when companies mess with things that aren't broken!
I want to try Fairbanks, AK winter with this particular shoes. So far into the 2021-22 winter I am doing OK. It gives toughness and sure grip on icy stretches. In sheer comfort it is not comparable to Bondi or Clifton, which I also own, but these are not outdoor winter shoes. I am a dedicated walker for which I rely of Clifton 7, now about to buy the 8. Before I came to Hoka shoes I never had this kind of satisfaction. While Clifton is preferrable for walking indoor in winter the ATR Challenger is the way to go on snow and ice. You would see me carry one pair in a day bag when I am out of the house. I have recommended the ATR Challenger to others. Edmund Maran, PhD
This was my first pair of Hokas and stacked runners in general. I wear 10’s in Solomon, Merrell and Topo, and found another great fit with these. So far I’ve put 25 miles on these and find them very comfy and supportive. Couldn’t be happier with the ability to dial in the fit without a custom insole. I really enjoyed running fairly even or well-beaten paths, but found they take some getting use to when covering rocky or heavily rooted trail. You lose some feel and responsiveness with the thick midsole, which delays adjustments your feet make to varying terrain. You definitely don’t feel as connected to uneven ground, kind of like having play in the steering wheel. I think that’s the trade off with Hoka, or at least the adjustment you have to make in your running style. Overall I love them, but will leave them behind for more technical ground.
Second pair of Challengers. Both bought from REI. First set had insoles slipping off backward. Called Hoka, and their customer service rep told me to take them back to REI as they have a better return policy. Regrettably I took them back,and they returned without issue. They ordered me another pair,and right away the same issue. Procrastinated,and called HOKA to have them tell me the warranty had expired (my bad). But same issue back to back ? No way. I have been running for most of my life.I really doubt I am using these shoes incorrectly (laugh out loud). If they can keep the insoles in the shoe,it would admittedly be a good shoe. But for now, I will never own another pair of Hoka's again.
This is my go-to shoe on damp days. I work outside and can wear these all day, in the city or on the coast. On my days off these easily handle 5+ mile walks.
This shoes are awesome! A couple of my friends were wearing their hangar standing on the floor all day working on Super Cubs. So, I asked as my flat feet were not doing well while standing with them and shooting photos and video. So once the local REI had my size I bought them, and its like having new feet and no angle and leg fatigue. And the no slip on water and ice feature is a bonus.
I am a huge Hoka fan and own 13 pairs and was looking for a good waterproof pair besides the black ones. Got these and they fit a little tighter than the others but after a little hiking, they were fine. Playing golf one day, I thought I had a rock stuck in my tread but the sole came off in a huge chunk. returned and got a full refund.
Very comfortable, cushioned, versatile. Find it suitable for my use where I go on some paved roads to get to my trail. It's convenient in that I don't hv to worry about switching shoes even if I hv to go to a supermarket after my trail, paved road walk. Has water protection too.