HOKA Challenger 8 Road To Trail Running Shoes Review

If there’s one shoe that’s quietly earned its stripes in the hybrid running world, it’s the HOKA Challenger. Now in its eighth iteration, the Challenger 8 brings just enough refinement to make you take notice, without straying too far from the formula that made it a favorite of mine for daily runs, hikes, and dog walks alike.

It’s not trying to be a mountain slayer like the Speedgoat or Mafate Speed series. Instead, this one’s built for those of us who switch between roads, mellow trails, gravel paths, and park loops, and want one shoe that handles all of it with ease.

After testing it on my usual mix of paved stretches, dusty singletrack, and everything in between, I can confidently say: the Challenger 8 is the best-fitting HOKA trail shoe I’ve worn to date.

Key specs

• Price: $155 at REI.com and DSG
• Weight: 9.5oz / 269g (Men’s US 9)
• Drop: 7mm
• Upper: 100% rPET engineered mesh with 3D toe cap and plush heel collar
• Midsole: Compression-molded EVA
• Outsole: Durabrasion rubber with updated 4mm multi-directional lugs
• Extras: Reflective details, extended heel tab, improved last, wide fit available

Fit & feel: HOKA gets it right

The Challenger 8 delivers a truly dialed-in fit.

It’s plush, supportive, and more natural-feeling than any previous version. True to size, with a secure lockdown through the midfoot and just the right amount of room up front, especially compared to the more snug Speedgoat.

The plush heel collar and sculpted heel counter add to the comfort, making this a shoe you’ll enjoy pulling on, whether it’s for a run or a walk to the coffee shop.

If you’ve struggled with HOKA trail shoes feeling a bit off in the past, might finally be the answer.

There’s also a wide version available for those who need the extra space.

Trail performance

The Challenger 8 still brings that signature soft-but-stable feel HOKA’s known for.

The midsole is smooth and forgiving, but never mushy; a tough combo to pull off, especially for a road-to-trail hybrid.

One of the biggest changes for me, apart from the perfect fit, is the redesigned outsole.

Those 4mm chevron lugs now bite better on loose dirt and inclines, giving the Challenger a bit more trail cred. It’s still not Vibram-level grippy, but for dry and moderate terrain, the Durabrasion rubber holds up surprisingly well.

On roads, it rolls beautifully. On trails, it holds its own. It’s not made for aggressive descents or sloppy mud, but that’s not its job, they are road to trail running shoes.

What makes it even more versatile this time around is how light and stable it feels

Even with a touch more foam, it doesn’t lose its nimbleness, and for me, that’s what keeps this shoe in rotation for just about everything.

The do-it-all daily trail running shoe

If you’re the type of runner who leaves the house without knowing exactly where your route will take you, the Challenger 8 is the perfect co-pilot. From concrete to crushed gravel, forest loops to trailheads, it adapts on the fly.

I’ve worn mine for mixed terrain recovery runs, light hikes with the family, and even the odd strength session when I couldn’t be bothered to change shoes.

The comfort, grip, and easy-going nature just make it… easy to keep reaching for them.

They’re not flashy, but they’re dependable, and in a world that lies somewhere between trail running, road running and hiking, that counts for a lot.

Final thoughts

HOKA didn’t reinvent the wheel here, and thankfully so, the Challenger 8 improves where it matters: better grip, better fit, and the same soft, stable ride we’ve come to expect.

Would I love to see a Vibram Megagrip version in the future? Absolutely. But keeping this model accessible at $155 makes sense. It’s HOKA’s most approachable, versatile trail option, and it wears that badge well.

If you want one shoe that can handle the mix of your everyday life, commuting on foot, trail runs after work, weekend hikes; the Challenger 8 is unbeatable right now.