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.
Imported.
View the HOKA Challenger Product LineView all HOKA Women'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) | 7.2 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 39 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 31.8 |
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. 0.16 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | |
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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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Love these shoes right out of the box. They are comfortable, cushioned and very breathable. They are not as heavy as I expected. I am wearing them for mixed trail use (gravel, rocks, dirt) and am very pleased.
This are immediately one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I've ever worn. I was looking for a more technical trail shoe, which I don't think these will be. But they are so good that I am going to keep them and will be a dream to wear on moderate trails or the gym. I'm not kidding, these are some of the best shoes I've ever put on my feet. Nice wide toe box for your feet to breathe and swell. Padding in all the right places. Nice moderate traction. Light. Don't buy them if you don't want to fall in love.
Once again Hoka has come through with a great shoe! I have completely worn out 2 other pairs! The first pair took me 500 miles across Spain and the most recent pair took me on miles of trails in Bend Oregon. What I love about the Challenger is the wide toe bead and excellent arch support. The shoe fits and walks like a dream. I have never had a single blister!
These trail shoes are great for trail running. I have used these on rocky and uneven trails, on gravel trails, and on packed dirt trails. I usually average about 40 miles per week and most of these miles are on trails. These shoes are light, responsive, and feel stable. Be aware that these run 1/2 size big. I usually take a 6.5 in my Hoka road running shoes, but in these (and other Hoka trail shoes) I take a 6.
Returning. I love the color and initial comfort, but they have zero support. On the trail the sole flexes so much, I have a serious bone bruise in my arch from rocks. I think on a Smooth trail these would be fine, but over rocks…hard no. My foot is killing me. Leaned a big lesson here that a rock plate is a must on mountain terrain.
Very comfortable lights easy to walk good material. I love it. I can work 5 mile without any feet pain.
So much buzz about Hoka but I find them to be just another shoe. In fact, they feel a bit like walking on a bag of marshmellows. Took getting used to. Not impressed.
Switched to the Hoka Challenge because I hadn't been happy with my Hoka Anacapa repurchase. The challenge is super comfy and supports my high arches really well. looking forward to see how they fare on hikes.
So glad I opted for these light trail runners for long days on the trail. They were stable and comfy, even on my bunioned feet. They handled small streams like a champ, drying quickly. Cute too!
I’m a big fan of Hoka shoes. I have wide feet and Hokas are often available in wide widths. The fit is consistent making them easy to order to avoid a trip to the store. These fit right out of the box and I went right outside on a walk without a break in period of wearing them around inside the house first.