Hoka Challenger 8 GTX Review

Hoka is well-known for its highly cushioned footwear, and the Challenger 8 GTX proved to be a very comfortable hiking shoe during a 10-day trip in Italy. I was also impressed with its stability, traction, waterproofing, and versatility while traveling and sightseeing. What's more, it's proven to be more durable than previous versions of the shoe. While it kept up well on established trails and cobblestone streets, it's not my shoe of choice for technical hiking. The rubber outsole isn't the grippiest I've tested, and the generous midsole can feel tippy on some uneven terrain. The waterproof membrane isn't the most breathable or quick-drying either. If you're looking for a waterproof shoe to take on technical terrain, see our article on the best waterproof hiking shoes. We also have several non-waterproof hiking shoes featured in our best hiking shoe guide.
 

Table of Contents

• Comfort and Stability: Is the Challenger as Cushy as other Hokas?
• Technical Performance: What Kind of Hiking Does the Challenger Do Best?
• Fit and Versatility: From Trail to Town
• Real-World Durability: Does the Soft Midsole Hold Up?
• Waterproof or Non-Waterproof: Which Challenger Should You Choose?
• What We Like/What We Don't
• Comparison Table
• The Competition

Comfort and Stability: Is the Challenger as Cushy as other Hokas?

Comfort

Those who love a springy, highly cushioned shoe will find the Hoka Challenger 8 GTX sufficiently lively underfoot. In fact, I believe it's more comfortable than previous versions in the series. The latest 8 features the brand's iconic thick midsole made from cushy EVA, offering great energy return that keeps momentum up on the trail. The upper is also flexible and moves naturally with my feet through varied terrain. There's a decent amount of cushion on the tongue and collar, which helped stabilize and protect my ankles on high mileage days. And at the end of the day, I wasn't desperate to pull them off, which is a testament to their comfort.

I did notice some rubbing near my inner ankle, however. It was subtle enough that I didn't notice until my flight home, but it's worth noting that Hoka changed the heel tab design, which I think caused the issue. It wasn't a dealbreaker, and didn't result in any blistering. And I think the issue will subside as I spend more time in the shoe and break in the heel.

Stability and Support

The Challenger 8 strikes a nice balance of support and cushion, making it a great all-around shoe for most trail hiking. In most cases, shoes with tall stack heights (the amount of material between the ground and the foot) sacrifice stability for comfort. Thick midsoles can feel tippy and insecure on uneven terrain, especially for hikers accustomed to shorter stack heights. That said, I never felt unstable while hiking in Italy, even on rugged trails or bumpy cobblestone roads. Despite the tall midsole and low collar, I never once rolled my ankle (a chronic issue for me) or came away with fatigued feet after wearing the Challengers all day. The lacing system provided ample support, creating a secure fit without any pressure points on the top of the foot. My high arches also felt well-supported throughout the day, preventing my feet from fatiguing or collapsing. 
 

Technical Performance: What Kind of Hiking Does the Challenger Do Best?

Traction

While the Challenger 8 GTX wouldn't be my first choice for technical hikes, it easily gripped onto most of the terrain I encountered in Italy, including polished cobblestone, rocky trails, and mud. To be fair, it doesn't have the locked-in feel offered by Vibram outsoles (the Challenger is equipped with an in-house rubber), but I was surprised by how well it handled most terrain. I was especially impressed by its grip in dirt and mud, making it a great choice for soft, forested trails in wetter climates. I also had no issue hiking on slick ocean rocks and the occasional low-grade scramble. For more technical scrambles, I'd opt for an approach shoe or a grippier outsole.
 

Weight

The Challenger is neither a lightweight hiking shoe nor a hefty one; it lands squarely mid-pack for its category. Ultralight hikers may want something lighter, such as the Saucony Peregrine 16 GTX (1 lb. 2.2 oz.). But so long as you aren't ounce-counting, the Challenger 8 GTX is worth its weight. My pair of women's size 10 shoes weighs 1 pound 3.2 ounces on my scale, though Hoka claims the average weight is closer to a pound and 2 ounces. Regardless, on foot, they felt lightweight and springy. 
 

Protection

When hiking on established trails, the Challenger 8 provided ample protection against rocks and roots. Despite lacking a rock plate in the midsole, the generous EVA cushioning offers ample separation between my foot and the ground. It absorbed impact from most sharp rocks, aside from a few especially narrow rocks, which I could just feel through the sole (with no pain, however). The rubber toe cap also prevented any toe injuries from kicking rocks or roots when hiking. For a hiking shoe/trail runner hybrid, the Challenger is well-equipped to keep your feet protected on the trail.
 

Waterproofing

So long as you're not crossing water deeper than the collar's height, the Challenger 8 GTX provides reliable waterproofing. Equipped with the gold standard in waterproof membranes (Gore-Tex Invisible Fit), the Challenger kept my feet dry while hiking Italy's shorelines and navigating the wet cobblestone streets. I appreciate how unobtrusive the waterproof membrane feels, too. It doesn't add much weight to the shoe, nor does it make the upper feel stiff. The gussetted tongue also helped keep water and debris from sneaking in through the top of the shoe. 
 

That said, the Challengers will only protect your feet during low-water crossings. Bodies of water deeper than about three inches will overtake the top of the shoe. You'll also want to be mindful of splashes; a few waves got my socks wet on the coast. It's worth noting that waterproof hiking shoes take longer to dry than non-waterproof hiking shoes due to the non-porous uppers and protective membrane. It's not a downside specific to the Challenger, but you'll need to give them some time to dry once you get them wet (it took mine 12 hours to completely dry out after getting wet). But for dewy hikes, muddy trails, and light rain, the Challenger 8 GTX provides ample protection.
 

Breathability

Though waterproof shoes are usually less breathable than non-waterproof shoes, the Challenger 8 GTX didn't feel clammy or too hot during testing. The mild spring temperatures in Italy ranged from 50 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, so I didn't get a chance to test them in blistering conditions, but they still offered plenty of breathability for the strenuous hikes I took them on. I also wore them exclusively with a lightweight, moisture-wicking hiking sock, which helped keep my feet dry. I wouldn't wear a heavy wool or cotton sock with this shoe. And if you know your feet are prone to overheating, opting for the non-waterproof version is a better choice.
 

Fit and Versatility: From Trail to Town

Fit

I sized up my Challengers by half a size and found the fit to be ideal. But I don't think sizing up is necessary for everyone; I chose to do so because one of my feet is larger than the other one. Even after sizing up, the shoe felt secure and comfortable. The lacing system kept my heel in place, so I didn't need to use a runner's knot, which I typically use when wearing running shoes. I experience no slippage at any point, even on steep sections of downhill trail. And when casually walking the streets in town, I loosened the laces for extra comfort, and still felt like the shoes were stable.
 

Versatility

I found the Challenger 8 to be a very versatile shoe for traveling, specifically. Not only did it prove to be an excellent trail shoe in Italy, but it was also comfortable for sightseeing and flying. Loosening the laces makes them easy to slip on and off at security, and the low weight won't overload a carry-on. That said, the shoes do have a technical look, and they weren't my first choice for nice dinners or for pairing with classy outfits. It comes down to your aesthetic and intentions, but I got a lot of use out of the Challengers on my trip. 
 

Real-World Durability: Does the Soft Midsole Hold Up?

Aside from light stuffing and scratches on the midsole EVA, the Challengers held up well to daily use in Italy. I've worn several iterations of this shoe over the years, and have had mixed results with the long-term durability. I wore through the upper on the last version, but the 8 features a rubber reinforcement at the big toe that prevents this issue. The rest of the shoe shows little to no wear from the miles I hiked in Italy: The outsole still has plenty of life, the upper is wear-free, and the midsole maintains a springy feel. The EVA in the midsole is likely to pack out over time, but this isn't a major concern of mine, and I think I'll be able to get plenty of miles out of them before I need to replace them.
 

Waterproof or Non-Waterproof: Which Challenger Should You Choose?

For those hiking in milder temps on muddy trails with occasional low creek crossings, the waterproof version of the Challenger 8 is a great shoe. However, there are many benefits to opting for the non-waterproof version, including greater breathability, faster drying times, lighter weight, and lower cost. The non-waterproof version is available in both men's and women's fits; it costs $10 less and weighs about an ounce less than the waterproof version. It's worth noting that neither the waterproof nor the non-waterproof Challenger 8 comes in a high-top boot. But both are offered in wide versions for those with high-volume feet. 
 

What We Like

• More comfortable and springy than previous versions; short break-in period despite 10 days of continuous wear
• Offers great stability and support despite the tall midsole and low collar
• Grippy rubber outsole is confidence-inspiring on a range of trail terrain
• The rubber toe cap and thick midsole provide plenty of protection against sharp rocks
• Reliable waterproofing in shallow water crossings and muddy trails
• Proved very versatile when traveling in Italy; great for sightseeing and flying
• The whole shoe has held up well to consistent use; a reinforced upper is more durable than the previous version

What We Don’t

• Like all waterproof shoes, it runs warmer and isn't as breathable as a non-waterproof shoe
• The low collar provides only about 3 inches of protection in water
• Minor irritation at the ankle after 10 days of consecutive wear
• Not the best shoe for technical terrain; a gripper outsole and less cushy midsole are preferred
   

Comparison Table

The Competition

The Challenger 8 GTX proved to be a great hiking shoe in Italy, but there are plenty of other options to choose from. Within Hoka's line, the Speedgoat 6 GTX is a better choice for those who want a stable, reliable hiking shoe. The Speedgoat is built more like a traditional hiking shoe than the Challenger, thanks to its Vibram outsole and lower heel-to-toe drop. The Speedgoat's Vibram is grippier than the Challenger's in-house rubber, which provides more confidence on challenging terrain. The 5 millimeter drop provides a more planted feel and greater stability than the Challenger's 8 millimeter drop. That said, the Speedgoat doesn't have a rock plate, nor does it offer the super-stable feel we look for in a technical shoe. It's also pricier than the Challenger. It's also worth noting that the Speedgoat 6 comes in a mid-height version, which offers more ankle stability and protection in deeper water (like the Challenger, the Speedgoat features a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane). 

If you're looking for a more grounded shoe for dedicated hiking and the occasional scramble, Salomon's X Ultra 5 GTX is a compelling alternative. The Ultra 5's midsole is far from as cushioned as the Challenger's, which sacrifices underfoot cushion (in fact, we swapped the insole for a cushier one) but provides a stable and grounded stride. Salomon's Contragrip outsole is also among the best in-house rubbers we've tested, and we've had no issue pushing the X Ultra into some more technical terrain. That said, the X Ultra is pricier and heavier than the Challenger. For a lightweight option, we like Saucony's Peregrine 16 GTX. This shoe features a grippy Vibram outsole and a stiffer feel than the Challenger. It won't be as comfortable underfoot, but the Peregrine is a better option for those looking for precision on alpine trails. It comes at a high price, however. Those who prioritize comfort and stick to established trails will likely find the Challenger a better all-around shoe.