Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Tackle roads, gravel and trails in these HOKA running shoes. They have smooth cushioning and confidence-inspiring traction. This update has even more foam underfoot and an improved fit.
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Imported.
View the HOKA Challenger Product LineView all HOKA Men's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
---|---|
Trail-Running Shoe Type | Light-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 8 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 42 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 34 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | 88% textile/12% synthetic |
Lining | 100% polyester |
Midsole | Compression-molded EVA |
Outsole | 80% rubber/20% EVA |
Rock Plate | No |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 4.24 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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 bought these for a 300 mile section hike of the Colorado Trail. I usually hike in Altras, but wanted the extra support for some plantar fasciitis that I was dealing with. These shoes are very comfortable and also have a much wider toe box than most Hokas. However, the tread started to become unglued on both shoes after about 75 miles. I managed to eke out another 25 miles on them to get to a town and had my wife mail me a different pair of shoes. The strip of tread down the center of the shoe was the first to come undone. The pieces around the perimeter of the sole did not become completely detatched, but were beginning peel off by the time I replaced the shoes at around 100 miles.
I made a terrible mistake. I booked a multi day hiking trip. I decided I’d leave my trusted Oboz Bridgers in favor of something lighter. I Bought a pair of trail runners off ad on instagram. Flew across country and by the time I arrived in the city we’d leave from my feet were already hurting. Frantic, I searched for solutions. Luckily I found an REI location and was able to get some alternatives, it was 8:30 pm on a Monday, the staff at the San Francisco location helped me to find something in my size, in stock that would work. They had a couple of choices… as soon as I slipped on the Challenger it felt like “butter”. The shoe chooses the hiker, Harry… great immediate fit… and the cushion, I usually snarl at was perfect. They’re ugly..but I’m not going to Milan in them. Thanks SF Rei for bailing me out of a week of pain and blisters.
These shoes don't cause achilles tendonitis the way some popular trail shoes do. The contact on the rear of the shoe is soft and has no edge to press against the tendon. The entire shoe is more cushioned that most. A lot of people will like that but it does seem to aggravate my Morton's neuroma. I am trying various insoles to fix that problem. I expect that these shoes will be perfect for me after I get them dialed in for my uses.
I was surprised by the comfort and fit. With an extra wide foot I have previously been unable to find Hoka Shoes that fit until now. Easy to walk in for hikes and walking trails. The comfort is like riding in a 1960 Lincoln Continental Town Car!
I have significant knee and ankle arthritis and bought these shoes to relieve the aches of walking and hiking on roads and trails. During 10 miles of walking over 2 days on paved and dirt roads last weekend, the shoes really cushioned the impact of walking and I was not achy immediately after or the next day.