HOKA Challenger 8 vs HOKA Challenger 8 GTX

HOKA Challenger 8 vs HOKA Challenger 8 GTX, side by side on equal terms. Differences are emphasised; matching specs are dimmed.

Specification	HOKA Challenger 8	HOKA Challenger 8 GTX
MSRP	$155	$165
Weight	275g	314.7g
Drop	8mm	8mm
Stack (heel/forefoot)	—	—
Lug depth	4mm	4mm
Surface	Hybrid	Hybrid
Primary use	Daily	Daily
Cushion	High	High
Firmness	Balanced	Balanced
Stability	Neutral	Neutral
Plate	None	None
Waterproof	No	Yes
Midsole	CMEVA (compression molded EVA)	CMEVA (compression molded EVA)
Outsole	Trail Traction rubber	Trail Traction
Width availability	Standard	Standard
Best for	Runners who mix road and light-to-moderate trail and want plush daily-training cushioning.	Runners who want a versatile door-to-trail cushioned shoe with weather protection for wet or muddy conditions.
Avoid if	You need aggressive grip and rock protection for technical, rocky, or muddy terrain.	You need light weight, ground feel, or grip on steep, technical, or rocky terrain.
Lowest offer	—	—

Which should you pick?

head-to-head · opinion

The HOKA Challenger 8 and Challenger 8 GTX are the same cushioned hybrid trainer, so the choice comes down to weather protection versus weight. Pick the GTX ($165) if you regularly run in wet or muddy conditions and want the waterproof upper, and accept the roughly 40 g penalty (314.7 g vs 275 g). Go with the standard Challenger 8 ($155) if you run mostly in dry conditions and would rather have the lighter, cheaper shoe.