Running Shoes HQ
HOKA Challenger 8
trailHOKA

Challenger 8

Built at the intersection of road and trail, the Challenger 8 delivers all the smooth cushioning and confidence-inspiring traction you'll need to tackle a variety of terrain.

$155MSRP
View at HOKA
Comparable specifications
Use these measurements to compare shoes on equal terms.
Terrain
trail
Use
trail
Also good for
Door to trail, recovery runs
Cushion
high
Firmness
balanced
Stability
neutral
Weight
275g
Drop
8mm
Stack
not published
Lug
4mm
Midsole
CMEVA (compression molded EVA)
Outsole
Trail Traction rubber
Upper
100% RPET engineered mesh
Widths
standard
Release
2025
Door to trailSmooth trailDaily trainingRoadGravelRecovery runsWide feet
Our read
Ride

Soft, balanced cushioning on a stable HOKA platform with an 8mm drop, tuned for smooth rides that carry over from pavement to trail.

Fit

Standard width only with a moderately roomy HOKA fit; runners with wider feet may find it snug.

Best for

Runners who mix road and light-to-moderate trail and want plush daily-training cushioning.

Avoid if

You need aggressive grip and rock protection for technical, rocky, or muddy terrain.

Sources
What informed our read. We link out rather than reproduce others’ reviews.