Hoka One One Challenger 8 Introduction

The HOKA Challenger 8 follows a long line of the popular model that is a great introduction for newbie trail runners, or those who seeking out mild to moderate trails.

It is priced fairly in its class, a good shoe that makes for an excellent daily trainer or a good partner on long weekend runs. For those looking for shoes that can handle technical or gnarly terrain — or conversely carbon-plated boosters for high speeds — look elsewhere.

Hoka One One Challenger 8 Impressions

HOKA increased the stack height from the previous version. The men’s is 8mm (42 mm, 34 mm); and the women’s is 7mm (39 mm, 32 mm).

Another change was returning to the weight of the sixth iteration. The new Challenger 8s are 9.7 ounces compared with 8.9 in the previous version and 9.6 for the Challenger 6s.

But those changes did not alter my perception of the newest version of HOKA Challengers.

HOKA knows the Challengers place among options for trail running shoes. They are ideal for daily training runs, moderate terrain and races where cushioning is critical. I’ve worn previous versions of the Challengers during 100-mile races, where the cushioning serves my feet well as the miles pile up.

But even for midweek excursions on the trails, the Challengers deliver. They aren’t intended for speedwork or gnarly terrain. Instead they are a reliable, comfortable choice that will suit the needs of a range of trail runners.

Hoka One One Challenger 8 Protection

I would not recommend the Challengers for rocky or rooty terrain. They are perfectly fine for up to moderate terrain.

During my 50-plus miles of testing, I did not encounter issues with protection, though I ran on mild to moderate dirt and grassy trails. If you seek out trails are more challenging, there are better options for protecting your feet.

Hoka One One Challenger 8 Durability

HOKA has emphasized longevity in the Challenger 8’s. I regularly get more than 400 miles out of Challengers, often hitting 600, while some other trail shoes begin to falter around the 200-mile mark.

How does HOKA do this? Their Durabrasion rubber outsole is instrumental as well as strategic placement of high-wear rubber compounds in heel strike and toe-off zones, which add to the shoe’s durability.

I am also impressed with the 3D-printed toe cap. I’ve certainly kicked numerous rocks, roots and other trail hazards but the shoes don’t reflect any wear and tear. Another trademark in HOKA shoes is the quality of the seams. I have not detected issues with the seams in previous models, and don’t anticipate an issue with the new Challengers.

Hoka One One Challenger 8 Responsiveness & speed

One thing the Challenger 8 model does not offer is the responsiveness and speed found in carbon-plated shoes, of course. Those are designed for a different type of training run or race, and come with a significant price tag. It’s like comparing a sports car to reliable sedan. Both have their place but are not comparable in key areas.

Instead, the 8s provide a different kind of responsiveness that is ideal for daily training. The shoe grants the runner a smooth feel that encourages consistent pacing rather than hyper bursts of acceleration.

HOKA’s Meta-Rocker technology creates heel-to-toe transition that suits the Challengers well.

Hoka One One Challenger 8 Comfort and fit

The Challenger 8 retains the comfort found in its predecessors through thoughtful design rather than extreme cushioning. Look no further than the midsole for the reason why.

The compression-molded EVA midsole offers absorption throughout long training sessions. I’ve even worn them on the second of back-to-back training days and was impressed by the shoe’s comfort as my feet still felt fresh and responded well.

The roomy toe box helps prevent hotspots during long runs. The padded collar and tongue eliminate pressure points that can develop while on long adventures. As with previous models, the 8s feel comfortable basically from the first run.

Hoka One One Challenger 8 Conclusions

Durability. Comfort. Reliability.

Those are among the ways I would describe the HOKA Challenger 8s, the latest in a model that delivers those assets and so many others.

The Challenger 8’s durability is particularly noteworthy in the midsole. Its EVA compound maintains cushioning for the shoe’s duration. I would expect these to replicate the longevity of other Challengers, lasting 500 or more miles of mixed terrain training.

When it comes to comfort, slipping on a pair of Challengers feels like a warm embrace from a trail friend.

They are a steady, reliable trail shoe for those seeking out a daily trainer, introduction to HOKA footwear or for supportive cushioning when your feet require it during a long race or back to back training runs.