Hoka Challenger 8 Review: 6 Pros and 3 Issues

Hoka Challenger 8 is made for runners who want comfort and smooth performance on both roads and light trails. It has soft cushioning and enough traction for most surfaces, making it a great daily trainer. 

But is it all good or does it have some problems that can frustrate you?

We tested it across different routes to see how it performs, and you’ll learn all about our experience in this Hoka Challenger 8 review. We are also comparing it to the Challenger 7. Stick around.

Key Takeaways

• The Hoka Challenger 8 works well on both road and light trails.

• It has more cushioning and an 8 mm drop for added comfort.

• The fit is roomier in the forefoot and more secure in the heel.

• It is light enough to feel fast yet cushioned enough for long runs.

• The outsole grips well on packed dirt, gravel, and wet pavement.

• The breathable mesh keeps feet cool but lets in some dust.

• It is ideal if you want one shoe to handle most runs.

Hoka Challenger 8 Review: Our Honest Opinion

The Hoka Challenger 8 is a running shoe that works on both roads and trails. It gives you soft cushioning with enough bounce to keep your stride lively. The taller stack height means more comfort for longer runs (without making you feel unstable). The fit is roomier, and the grip works well on light trails and roads.

Here’s the Hoka Challenger 8 review table:

If you’re new to the brand, this will help you understand what makes HOKA shoes special. And If you’re wondering what all the hype is about, here are 11 reasons HOKA shoes are so popular.

Cushioning and Stack Height

The Hoka Challenger 8 has a soft and springy feel that works for both slow and fast runs. The heel stack is around 42 millimeters and the forefoot is 34 millimeters, giving you an 8 millimeter drop. This is more than the Challenger 7, which means you get more cushioning underfoot. The extra height makes long runs easier on your legs (while still keeping the ride stable).

When we tried it for the first time, we noticed the comfort right away. You can feel the foam absorbing impact without losing energy. On dirt trails, the ride felt smooth, and on roads, it stayed just as comfortable.

We tested it on a 14-mile loop with both trail and pavement. By the end, our legs felt fresher than expected.

Fit and Upper Design

The fit of the Challenger 8 feels more open. You have extra room in the forefoot, and the shape works well across the top of your foot. Even with the added space, your foot stays locked in so you can run confidently.

The top of the shoe is made with a light and breathable mesh that lets air flow through. It is built from fully recycled material, which makes it kinder to the environment. Around the ankle the collar feels soft against your skin, and the heel keeps your foot steady. You can put them on and go for a run right away.

Traction and Outsole

The outsole of the Challenger 8 has 4 millimeter lugs arranged in a pattern that grips well on a variety of surfaces. It works smoothly on pavement and packed dirt, which makes it ideal for mixed terrain runs. The traction is steady on light trails and does not slow you down when you move back onto the road.

We ran on damp gravel and felt sure-footed the whole time. Small stones came loose easily, so nothing got stuck underfoot. On packed dirt, the lugs gave enough grip to keep us stable in turns

Versatility and Use Cases

The Challenger 8 is a running shoe you can use almost anywhere. It feels good on gravel paths, small forest trails, and city streets. It is not the best for steep mountain climbs, but it works really well for everyday runs and rolling paths.

We used it for runs in the city during the week and on trails at the weekend. It felt comfortable on both. You can leave your house, run on the road, and move straight onto a trail without stopping to change shoes. 

Weight and Ride Feel

The Hoka Challenger 8 weighs about 9.7 to 10 ounces for men, which is roughly 275 to 285 grams. For a shoe with this much cushioning, that is impressively light. You get the comfort of a soft, thick midsole without the heavy feel that often comes with cushioned shoes.

From the first run, the lightness was obvious. Each step felt easy to lift, and running never felt like extra work. On long runs the shoes helped reduce fatigue, while on short runs they felt quick and springy. It was easy to change pace, and the shoe never slowed us down.

We tested them on both roads and rolling trails, and they stayed smooth on both. One runner even used them for two 10-mile runs on back-to-back days and said they never felt heavy. If you want cushioning that feels soft but still keeps you moving fast, the Challenger 8 is a great balance.

Protection and Durability

The Challenger 8 does not come with a rock plate, but the thick cushioning does a good job of protecting your feet from trail hazards. The foam softens the impact of rocks and roots, while the rubber toe cap shields the front of your foot from sticks and debris. This gives you confidence to run without worrying about every small obstacle on the path.

We noticed this most on gravel and uneven dirt trails. On very rough trails you still need to be careful, but for light and moderate terrain the protection is more than enough.

Durability has also improved compared to older versions. The updated mesh resists scuffs and tearing.

What is the Hoka Challenger 8 good for?

Hoka Challenger 8 is good for:

The Hoka Challenger 8 is best for you if you want one shoe that can handle both roads and light trails. You can start your run on the pavement and keep going without changing shoes. Plus, you will notice the comfort immediately. The cushioning comes from a high stack height of 42 millimeters in the heel and 34 millimeters in the forefoot.

The grip works best on packed dirt and wet pavement. The outsole uses 4 millimeter lugs in a pattern that gives you stability. It is not for steep or muddy trails, but it handles everyday routes with ease.

Not sure if Hoka is right for you? Try one of these HOKA-like shoes that offer similar comfort.

What are the Weaknesses of the Hoka Challenger 8?

The Hoka Challenger 8 does not have enough grip for muddy or highly technical trails. The high stack height makes it harder to feel the ground, so you are less connected to the surface. The breathable mesh can also let dust and small debris into the shoe on dry runs.

Limited Traction on Technical Terrain

The Challenger 8 grips well on firm trails, gravel, and roads, but it can struggle when the ground gets more challenging. The outsole has 4 millimeter lugs with more grooves than before, yet the softer rubber does not bite deeply into slick or loose surfaces. If you run often on muddy paths, you may notice it slipping.

If your routes are mostly predictable and dry, you will not find this a problem. But for more demanding trails, you may want a model with more aggressive traction.

Reduced Ground Feel and Feedback

The high stack height of the Challenger 8 gives you a plush and protective ride. On smooth paths, this is a good thing. It keeps your legs fresh and your steps light. But on tricky ground, you might feel less in control because you cannot sense every change in the terrain. Some runners prefer that close connection to the trail for better balance and reaction time.

Upper Allows Dust Ingress

The mesh upper on the Challenger 8 is very breathable. It keeps your feet cool and dries quickly after rain or puddles. But on one hot summer run through a dusty park, we noticed a bit of grit inside the shoe by the end. It was not uncomfortable, but it was there. If you run often in dusty places, you might use gaiters or socks that block debris.

Hoka Challenger 8 Reviews

The Hoka Challenger 8 is getting strong feedback from runners who like mixing road and trail in the same run. You will hear a lot about its comfort and how easily it moves between surfaces.

Michael, who runs in Colorado, told us that he has worn the Challenger series since the fifth model and believes the 8 is the most comfortable yet. He said the cushioning feels softer but still has bounce.

Samantha from Oregon said the fit is finally right for her. She has more space for her toes, and the mesh upper keeps her feet cool without causing any rubbing. She mentioned that a little dust gets in on dry days, but she prefers that to having a hot, closed-off shoe.

Most runners agree that the Challenger 8 is great for daily training. You get the protection and the flexibility to run almost anywhere.

Hoka Challenger 8 Release Date

The Hoka Challenger 8 was released in early 2024. It replaced the Challenger 7, which came out in 2023. This update brought more cushioning and a smoother ride from road to trail.

The heel now has 42 millimeters of cushioning, and the forefoot has 34 millimeters, giving you an 8 millimeter drop. The outsole was redesigned with extra grooves between the lugs so it feels more flexible and stable.

Is Hoka Made by Nike?

Hoka is not made by Nike. The brand, officially called Hoka One One, started in France in 2009. It was created by two trail runners, Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, who wanted a shoe that could run downhill faster. Hoka is now owned by Deckers Outdoor Corporation, the same company that owns UGG, Teva, and Sanuk.

Nike is a separate company and has nothing to do with Hoka’s design or production. Hoka has built its own identity around comfort and long-distance performance.

It might surprise you, but Hoka shoes like the Challenger 8 aren’t made in the USA. Learn where Hoka shoes are made.

Hoka Challenger 8 vs Challenger 7

The Hoka Challenger 8 is softer and feels more comfortable in the forefoot compared to the Challenger 7. The outsole also feels smoother when you switch between road and trail. Here’s the full Hoka Challenger 8 vs Challenger 7 comparison table:

Final Words

In this Hoka Challenger 8 review, we discussed that this shoe is a great choice if you want one shoe that works almost anywhere. It is light, comfortable, and easy to run in, whether you are on the road, gravel, or gentle trails. It is not made for steep or rocky mountains, but for everyday running it does the job really well.

If you are looking for a single pair of shoes you can trust on most runs, the Challenger 8 is a reliable option.