Hoka Challenger 8 Review

The Challenger 8 continues Hoka's road-to-trail design but shifts further toward cushioning, introducing noticeable tradeoffs in stability and weight. Compared to the Challenger 7, the platform is taller and softer, which is immediately apparent once running. Our measured 38 mm heel stack and 8 mm drop promote a rolling stride, but they also raise the center of mass and reduce ground connection.

The rocker geometry remains prominent and works well at slower paces, particularly on recovery runs. However, when combined with the higher stack and softer foam, the shoe feels less controlled than other versions on uneven terrain. While Hoka classifies this model as neutral, our testing suggests the Challenger 8 is best viewed as a comfort-first road-to-trail shoe with limited versatility.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is the strongest attribute of the Challenger 8, earning one of the highest scores in our testing. The step-in feel is plush and immediately accommodating, making it well-suited for recovery runs and easy mileage. It feels as though it helps carry you through the stride when legs are fatigued.

The upper is soft and irritation-free, with no hot spots or blistering during testing. The fit is true to size and accommodates foot swelling on longer runs. Compared to the Challenger 7, the upper feels slightly more substantial, but this does not meaningfully improve control. Comfort is driven primarily by cushioning rather than structure, which becomes more noticeable as pace increases.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

Stability

Stability is a clear weakness of the Challenger 8 and a small regression from the Challenger 7. Despite a wide platform, the combination of a 38 mm heel stack, 8 mm drop, soft foam, and rocker geometry results in a ride that feels less planted. We experienced edge collapse on cambered trails and reduced confidence when descending or changing direction.

While the Challenger 7 already favored softness, it felt more predictable underfoot. The Challenger 8 amplifies this softness without adding structural support to compensate. Stability is acceptable on flat roads and gravel, but once terrain becomes uneven, the shoe feels imprecise and disconnected.

Traction

The 3.5 mm lugs provide adequate grip on dry dirt, gravel, and pavement, where transitions feel smooth and predictable. On wet or technical terrain, however, traction is limited by shallow lug depth and minimal rubber coverage.

The higher stack height further reduces confidence by limiting ground feel. Even when grip is available, it is harder to sense engagement on off-camber sections and descents. Traction is serviceable for road-to-trail use but does little to offset the shoe's stability shortcomings.

Foot Protection

Foot protection is a relative strength of the Challenger 8 and slightly improved over the Challenger 7 due to increased stack height.The Challenger 8 has no rock plate, so protection relies on the large cushion height. In our experience this was effective at protecting from sharp debris.

The toe cap provides adequate protection without feeling bulky, and the upper does a good job keeping debris out. This protection comes at the cost of sensitivity and contributes to the shoe's bulk, reinforcing its preference for smoother surfaces.

Weight

Weight is a notable drawback of the Challenger 8. Our measured weight of 10.17 ounces per shoe (US men's size 10.5). The added mass is noticeable during acceleration and on rolling terrain, where the shoe feels slower and less responsive. While still lighter than many max-cushion trail shoes, the Challenger 8 no longer feels especially light within the road-to-trail category. The weight increase does not translate into improved stability or traction, making it one of the model's biggest compromises.

Should You Buy the Hoka Challenger 8?

The Challenger 8 is best suited for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning for easy runs on roads, gravel paths, and smooth trails. Compared to the Challenger 7, it offers more cushioning and protection but sacrifices stability and agility. For runners who frequently encounter uneven terrain or value precision, there are more capable options.

What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?

If you want better stability and traction for mixed or technical terrain, we recommend the Hoka Speedgoat 6, which offers deeper lugs and a more controlled platform. For a lighter, more agile Hoka, the Hoka Torrent 4 is a stronger performer. Runners focused primarily on road and gravel may also be better served by a dedicated road-to-trail hybrid or road shoe.