Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Rain or shine, street or summit, the women's HOKA Challenger 7 GTX trail-running shoes offer a plush feel, superb traction and enhanced protection, and this new version is updated from the ground up.
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Imported.
View the HOKA Challenger Product LineView all HOKA Women's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
---|---|
Trail-Running Shoe Type | Light-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 4 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 29 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 25 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Upper | Engineered mesh |
Midsole | CMEVA |
Outsole | Durabrasion rubber |
Rock Plate | No |
Weight (Pair) | 1 pound |
Gender | Women's |
Type of Waterproofing | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Women's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 |
UK | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 |
EU | 36 | 36.6 | 37.3 | 38 | 38.6 | 39.3 | 40 | 40.6 | 41.3 | 42 | 42.6 | 43.3 | 44 | 44.6 | 45.3 |
Foot Length (in.) | 8.7 | 8.8 | 9 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.3 | 10.5 | 10.7 | 10.8 | 11 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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Bought them in May 2023 - completely worn out. No tread left on the bottom and inside fabric all torn. I was very surprised they did not hold up. Although they were comfortable I expect them to last more than a year at this price. I also bought these because of the Gortex but not waterproof at all, first time it rained my feet were soaked.
I work in events and asked all my friends in the medical field what they suggest since I am on my feet 8-10 hours during peak season. I wear bombas socks and don’t do anything physically intense other than just walk or jog from place to place during an event. I purchased these in August 9th and by mid December they have a hole in the back. These shoes actually helped my tired feet and the first type that didn’t hurt my toes either. However they are both showing serious signs of wear on the back inside heel and it hasn’t even been a full season. My APL’s made my feet feel like trash but at least they didn’t wear out this quickly. Can’t have it all I guess.
Have had other Hokas and bought these because I loved the colors. I was so happy that the comfort of these was as great as my Bondi’s
I wore these right out of the box! Very comfortable. I try to walk and/or trail hike several times a week and they are close to perfect. The only things that I would change are the narrower toe box and the big loop at back of heel. The loop got caught on a chair rung and almost tripped me! I plan on buying a pair of Speedgoat GTX for the winter! I would recommend to friends.
I’m a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica in a rainy, mountainous community and these shoes are my holy grail. I’ve worn them almost every day in heavy rains and winds and my feet have never gotten wet. I walk A LOT and the roads can be slippery and steep but I have never slipped while wearing these shoes. They’re incredibly comfortable and I can be on my feet for hours with no pain. I also have a weak ankle and these shoes have done a good job of supporting it. I also have wider feet and these fit true to size as opposed to other brands that run quite narrow. The one negative I’ve noticed is that around the heel some of the fabric split and started to peel back only a few months into owning them, but it’s a small visual thing and to me it doesn’t impact the functionality of the shoe. I would buy another pair if I wasn’t on a volunteer stipend, and have recommended them to numerous other volunteers and friends!
I just purchased my 5th pair of Hoka. I started with the Bondi, but was afraid of tripping over the wider sole on the inside of the foot. I now use two different styles, the Arahi and the Challenger. I have severe arthritis in my metatarsals, both feet. A little Frankincense oil and a pair of Hoka's and I am pain free now for almost 7 weeks. I normally wear a 10 but found the 9.5 works well. My foot surgeon recommended them and I have not looked back in months. REI gives full refunds up to 1 year, you have nothing to lose. Try them.
Love the comfort of hoka, but the tread just doesn’t last. I’ve gone 200 miles in these and the tread is completely flat
I bought these for hiking the Great Glen Way in Scotland with 16 relatives. My feet were the happiest by the end of the trail. I had very minimal need to prevent blisters with patches and tape. Super comfy. Everyone’s feet are different but I would recommend these.
Having enjoyed Hokas before, I took these shoes right out of the box and wore them all over Portugal. These shoes proved themselves on wildly erratic surfaces, lots of stairs, and some hiking trails. No blisters, no strains, no turned ankles. They are BIG shoes, so they are obviously better to wear than pack. Love them!
I purchased these with the intention of use for hiking and backpacking. I've been able to use these on several 6+ mile hikes and backpacking trips, and have been so happy with the amount of cushion but also stability in these shoes. The sole is wide enough for some extra traction, but not too big or heavy that they feel cumbersome. The heel shape is perfect to prevent rubbing and I only had one small blister on one of my feet after 16+ miles over 2 days with a 30+ lb pack on, and I likely hadn't tightened the laces enough the first time. They are waterproof (walked through several streams) and easy to wash, I only wish these came in a higher ankle for deeper water! Background: avid runner with narrow feet and high arches. I spend a lot of time on my feet for work and for exercise.