Hoka ATR Challenger 7 vs. Speedgoat 5 | Best Trail Running Shoes

[@kenkretz6392]

Thanks for the info. It's been a while since I watched this. I love the challengers and hesitated on getting a pair of speedgoats. Finally did and I am actually enjoying them a lot. They give me a little extra grip and confidence on rough trails but I still enjoy the challengers for trails that are a little less technical.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I used the Speedgoats for a race this year - a 6 hour looped trail event and they worked really well overall though still not a massive fan of that minimal tongue! I haven't used the ATR as much though definitely will in the summer as they're really comfortable overall

[@kenkretz6392]

Strangely enough I like the minimal tongue so far. @@timeonfeet

[@jboisvert77]

I own the ATR5 and looking forward to upgrade to the ATR7 so good review. Regarding the Speedgooat 5 versus the 4, I absolutely agree with your analysis. I just acquired the Speedgoat 5 and I was quite surprised that it was less cushioned than the 4.

[@timeonfeet]

Glad you found it useful. Definitely, I really like the cushioning on the 4 so wish there was a shoe with the upper of the 5 and the sole of the 4!

[@timeonfeet]

@@stevenvanlancker8877 I'd probably go for the two pairs of the shoes I know I like. So the ATR 6 if you get on with them. If it ain't broke and all that...!

[@xavierabramowitz7655]

I ran a 76 km trail with the challenger 4 , I had big issues, blisters on both small toes. It didn’t go well at all. I have ran 3 60 to 75 races in the speedgoat 3,4 and 5 and had no problem at all. I have stopped running in the challenger for that reason even if they are good shoes. I have not tried any versions after 4 though. I only use one pair of trail shoes at a time and therefore my choice goes for the speedgoat

[@timeonfeet]

I haven't used previous versions of the ATR myself but found the 7's pretty good though haven't done anything beyond 15 miles in them. My go to shoe at the moment is the North Face Vectiv Enduris 2

[@MihaiGoRunning]

Great review, Ben! Thanks for sharing, I'm also a great fan on Hoka's on both trail and flat! On trail I'm now on Speedgoat 5 too!

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Mihai! I wish there was a hybrid shoe of the sole of the Speedgoat 4 with the upper of the Speedgoat 5 as I really liked the cushioning of the 4. Here's hoping the new model goes in that direction 😊

[@bensmith6633]

Thanks for the review Ben. I don’t have either but have SG4 and ATR6. Both rubbish in the mud but decent apart from that. As per your comments I use ATR more in Summer and SG in winter. Ps I’ve found all my shoes pretty slippy on icy fresh tarmac….the path down to waterhall was a nightmare whatever shoes I had on…

[@timeonfeet]

Cheers Ben. I've found the SG4 OK in a bit of mud but any serious mud or boggy stuff they can't really handle it. I've just repaired my SG4's as the upper went but hoping my handy work will get me some more miles out of them as they're at about 500 at the mo and the sole is still good. The ice thing I'd agree but with a bit of frost usually my SG4's are fine

[@cristiandamianfuentealba2206]

Que te parece la amortiguacion de la SG4 vs la ATR6?? Cual es mejor? O son iguales? Gracias

[@BenNotley]

So glad that you have made this video Ben! I was thinking about getting a pair of the ATRs to have in back up for a potential shoe change at the 50 mile point in the NDW. Thanks for sharing your thoughts buddy! 😎🤘

[@timeonfeet]

Hope it's useful for helping make the decision Ben. I might have the ATRs for a backup shoe to change to for the SDW but also looking at whether to go with road shoes or not. Comfort top priority for sure!

[@BenNotley]

@@timeonfeet yeah mate totally agree. I could be tempted to go with a pair of Clifton's. 🤔

[@timeonfeet]

@@BenNotley I've heard they're really good. Never tried them myself but hoping to this Thursday as Flapjack Jon is doing a Hoka try out session at my local run shop.

[@BenNotley]

@@timeonfeet I look forward to hearing how you get on with them when you try them mate. Make sure you say hello to Flapjack Jon for me mate! 😂👍

[@timeonfeet]

@@BenNotley will let you know Ben and will take along a Flapjack from you 😉

[@dougiedoesstuff]

Interesting review. Never considered the ATR since I am a total SG fanboy and have been since SG2. As far as Ultras go, I would never choose anything else other than Speedgoats. This is mainly because I have never had any problems with blisters in the long races in them (for transparency, I got blisters off my first pair of SG5s until I broke them in which none of the previous models had need of) having done a 71 mile of 100 mile DNF in SG4s, and 2 50 + mile events in SG5s. I totally agree that SG5s are not as bouncy or comfy as SG4s although the do feel noticeably lighter (because the are!). Keep up the good work. Cheers

[@timeonfeet]

I wish there was a shoe which was the sole of the SG4 with the upper of the SG5 (plus a little bit more cushion on the tongue). I'm keeping my fingers crossed that's pretty much what the SG6 will be!

[@ChloeHamard]

Very thorough review, which I'm sure many trail runners will find useful! Even though I mainly do road running, I always find it interesting to hear runners's opinions and comparisons on all kinds of shoes/gear. Sounds like the Speedgoat have good durability, 300 miles is pretty good, hopefully you'll clock at least as many miles in the other ones!

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Chloe. I tend to want to get as many miles as possible put of shoes so I'm hoping I can push these far! I've got a pair of trail shoes with 700 miles in them at the moment but always looking for a pair to break that record 😅

[@Dee.K.Mikaelson]

My speed goat s never last more than 100/150 miles before they become too worn down , lugs and foam .

[@DevRunner]

Great advice here Ben! It really helped me to get to know these shoes as alternates to the Torrent! Keep pushing!

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Paul! I've never tried the Torrents myself but have a couple of friends who really like running in them

[@ludwingadrian]

I have the challenger 7's and love them. A bit hesitant to take them on technical trails. Would you recommend i take them to the hardergrat trail in Switzerland?

[@timeonfeet]

I haven't really used the challenger 7's enough to know what they'd be like. But I imagine they're probably not best for technical terrain as they're more of a road to trail shoe

[@trailsagerunning]

Fantastic comparison Ben. I have been running in the Speedgoats for a while and just got the new Torrents. I had not considered the ATR but they seem good for dry conditions and mix terrain. I must say, I'm not a fan of the new elf ear heel tab design.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks so much. I'm exactly the same with the exaggerated heel, just seems a bit unnecessary! Cool to see you've created a new channel specifically for running 👍

[@trailsagerunning]

@@timeonfeet Thanks Ben

[@OlgasBritishFells]

I've never had Hoka. I might need something cushioning, always helpful. Good review, Ben. I am terrible with shoes, that's why probably I get injured.

[@timeonfeet]

I'm the same Olga, I tend to go for shoes with a decent bit of cushioning. Much more forgiving on the muscles and joints!

[@OlgasBritishFells]

@@timeonfeet the only thing is the trail shoes are no good for fells, fell shoes have deeper studs. I won't be able to relax without a decent grip.

[@timeonfeet]

@@OlgasBritishFells what shoes do you use for fell running Olga?

[@CameronMulder]

I have the ATR7 and I like them but have found the shoes to be a bit narrow and wish it was like a quarter size bigger. I did initially find them a bit firm but they broke in overtime and now give a satisfying cushion while running. Overall they have been great on both trail and road so I am happy with them, just wish they fit me a little better.

[@timeonfeet]

Did you go for the wide option on the 7? I've always found Hoka pretty narrow so only get the wide option now. I'm looking forward to trying the ATR 7 out for longer distances as I haven't yet seen how comfy they feel over lots of miles

[@CameronMulder]

@@timeonfeet I didn't get the wide as my partner who has wider feet also picked up a pair and was fine with the normal size. As much as I like Hoka, I do find it harder to dial in the right size as compared to other brands I have tried.

[@SimonHart7777]

Have you found the exposed EVA foam part has showed signs of wearing away quickly? I'm only on run no. 3 and it's showing signs of wearing away at the edges on both shoes already. I want to love these as I'm mostly a light trail runner and love the comfort but I don't want to change them every 250k etc.!

[@timeonfeet]

Hi Simon. I've only done a few runs in them so currently at 30 miles and the EVA looks ok but it hasn't really been tested too much. With all the rain we've had on the south coast I haven't been taking them out as they'll probably be better for more summery trails!

[@SimonHart7777]

@@timeonfeet look forward to hearing in time. It happened more severely with the Rincon 2 & 3 which made me switch to the Brooks Hyperion Tempo (happy with those and on my second pair, used for all speed work and road races).

[@timeonfeet]

@@SimonHart7777 I haven't tried either of those but heard good things about the Brooks. I've got some Brooks trail shoes, the Calderas which are a really solid work horse

[@maxkuhn7024]

Excelente review! In your opinion, what is the most comfortable between them?

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Max. I'd probably say the ATR 7 overall because of the upper and the tongue that's more plush than the Speedgoats. Underfoot I would say there's not a massive difference between them in terms of comfort

[@ironmantooltime]

I've got speedgoat 3 and atr 6. I don't like using the speedgoats on the road as it wears the lugs out! I also think the vibram megagrip is excellent in wet mud but maybe not very thick mud, but then you might want spikes? Running an ultra that turned wet they felt like they stuck to the mud it was incredibly reassuring. ATRs are my go to mixed shoe, I've had loads and they're often on discount. Will need to size up my next pair. Torn between another pair of 6 or the 7s. I heard the 7s were appreciably lighter and bouncier but that 300g weight doesn't seem so?

[@timeonfeet]

The ATR 7's definitely feel lighter and I'd say they're light for a trail shoe and for the level of protection they give. I just ran in them the other day though and I'd say they allow for smooth transitions but definitely feel as bouncy as other trail shoes, foam is a bit dead

[@ironmantooltime]

@@timeonfeet cheers zinal were on offer so I'm trying those 😎

[@mthuthuzelimsobantu5546]

Agree with the debri-funneling action of the now fashionable heel design cant wait till it's time moves on.

[@timeonfeet]

Definitely, seems very gimmicky, no running benefit to it I can feel

[@TishBorkowski]

Does one have a larger toe box than the other? or are the toe boxes pretty similar? Thanks! very useufl!

[@timeonfeet]

They're both pretty similar though I have wide fit in both rather than regular fit

[@a1naruth]

I wonder why the challengers are marketed as ATR shoes. For asphalt a softer, more squishy ride is needed than on trail, where you want more stability and protection. When I tried both shoes, Speedgoats were the squishy and bouncy ones, while Challengers felt quite stiff. Surprisingly I got the same feeling with Clifton (soft) and Bondi (stiff). Is it just me or it really is the other way round it's supposed to be?

[@timeonfeet]

It's an odd one. I'm still not getting on with the ATR foam that well. They're a nice and light shoe but foam is just a bit dull so I tend not to run anything over an hour in them

[@pnojazz]

Great review! Thank you!

[@timeonfeet]

No probs, glad you found it useful!

[@martinsauer5311]

Got the Challenger 7 gore-tex today and they felt very comfortable and good in the store But I had to go up in size to really feel good with some space Normally I wear US 12 with other shoes but here it’s US 12.5

[@timeonfeet]

I've found that's often the case with Hoka, they do seem to come up quite small so half a size up and wide fit is what I tend to go for. Hope you enjoy them 👍

[@ash3dTripleA6192]

How then does the speedgoat deal with frosty roads then? Was it better than the ATR?

[@timeonfeet]

Much better. They don't slip on frosty roads at all for me but overall are less at home on the roads in comparison to the ATRs

[@CotswoldTrailRunner]

Thanks for this great review Ben. As you know I've been a huge SG4 fan for years now and reluctant to upgrade to the 5's due to the changes they made. However, I will have to at some point. The ATRs seem to have less grip and therefore more of a summer/dry trail shoe. My SG4's can handle most wet and muddy conditions (within reason) but for extreme conditions I use my Evo Jawz with a 9mm lug. Only downside is not much cushioning. It's a barebones 'cross country' shoe. How do you think the SG5's compare to the SG4's? Same amount of cushioning? That's my main concern. Thanks for this great review.

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Francois. The cushioning on the SG5 is much duller and more firm than the SG4 unfortunately. The rocker is pretty smooth but I would be hesitant about using them for more than 50k with the lower level of cushioning. I much prefer the upper though, more breathable and more forgiving on longer runs!

[@formulaic78]

@@timeonfeet I'm just a walker but was looking for some waterproof shoes. Tried the speedgoat in the store and found them rock hard. Then tried the clifton 9 and it was like a cloud. Unfortunately the clifton gtx seems to be sold out everywhere.

[@Dee.K.Mikaelson]

Fab Video. Thanks 👍 very informative

[@timeonfeet]

Cheers, glad you found it useful 👍

[@Dee.K.Mikaelson]

I'm just wondering whether to try the Hoka MAFATE origin shoe....? I never wore the first version.. always had the stinson Evo at that time. But I'm looking for a long distance cushion shoe right now.. Have you tried the recent come back MAFATE origin?

[@timeonfeet]

@@Dee.K.Mikaelson I've never tried either of those mainly because they don't have a wide fit option so don't have experience with them

[@bev9708]

Now that is an extremely useful comparison, thanks so much Ben. Would any shoe be able to grip on a frosty road though??? Hmm dunno about that as frost is worse than snow for slip! Last year I was tossing up for a long time between the SG4 and the ATR6 and finally went with the ATR6 since my trails here are pretty easy and I always have to run on the roads to get there. Personally I find I definitely prefer much more cush though so my go-to is the NB More Trail V2. Actually I JUST now got back from a very hilly 25km in those, well, hilly for me anyway ... and that's thanks to you Ben, you've really motivated me to tackle hills a lot more, that's for sure!!

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Bev. I've got other shoes that seem to deal much better with frost, both road and trail, the ATR 7 was slipping a bit of the road even with just a little bit of water but as a summer trail shoe I think they'd be great. Good to hear the hill training is going well! Carla has just got a pair of the ATR 6's in the sale so will be interesting to see how she finds them

[@bev9708]

@@timeonfeet I thought of Carla today at around km 22, in pain, knowing yet another "big" climb was still to come, and how Carla managed a trail marathon under 4h45!!! Gosh!!! That spurred me on... She's a strong lady!! At this stage I don't know how I could ever possibly manage a hilly trail marathon actually... that 25km took me 2h45 and I'm sore!! Oh well... gotta keep training training training!!!

[@timeonfeet]

@@bev9708 ah thanks Bev 😀 I'm sure you could do one. It's all just about getting that consistency in and being used to being out there for a while. Nice job on the run today, good times getting the hills in!

[@bev9708]

@@timeonfeet Thanks so much for the encouragement Ben and pls tell Carla Hi from me and how she’s been inspiring me too!!

[@timeonfeet]

@@bev9708 Thanks Bev. Will definitely pass that on to Carla 🙏 Much appreciated

[@willfurlong110]

Running the Brighton half next weekend Ben?

[@timeonfeet]

Hi Will. No, all trail races for me for the next 3 races. Running a Sussex Trail Runners group run this Sunday. Are you running it?

[@willfurlong110]

@@timeonfeet good luck with the upcoming trail races! Will be nice with the weather improving I bet. Yep ran it, was awesome, Brighton PB for me too. Chuffed. Pretty heavy legs today but not too bad considering

[@timeonfeet]

@@willfurlong110 Ah nice one, congrats on the PB! Sounded like there were a lot of Phoenix runners and supporters out on the day. Hope recovery goes well this week

[@fiveinitaly]

Amazing video friend ! Big like

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks 😀

[@marlinweekley51]

They way the strings are laced through the upper two holes your not able to tie a runner’s knot. True?

[@timeonfeet]

Yes but you can switch it up to get a runner's knot on them if you like

[@matthieugrosclaude2512]

Thanks a lot for this. I have the goat5 and found them to be a hard on the body after 50k where feet and ankle start to hurt. I am thus thinking about what shoes to use for next 50k (endurance life Sussex which I think you did). I was wondering if the ATR7 would go well there ? Another question would be if you know how the Mafate speed 4 compare with goat5 And the ATR7 ? Thanks

[@timeonfeet]

I've never tried the Mafate speed myself but heard lots of good things. Yes I did the Endurance Life last year and am doing the marathon with them this year. The ATR would probably be good if it's very dry but might be a bit slippy on the rocks. It's a lovely route that course, nice mix of terrain

[@JCho35]

I will walk 100 km at a time on paved and dirt roads. Which of these two shoes do you recommend? It's walking, not running.

[@timeonfeet]

I've never walked this far in them so it's difficult to know but the Speedgoat has softer cushioning

[@JCho35]

I'm still considering a shoe model for the 100km walking event, but I couldn't decide from a brief try at the shop. Thanks for your reply!!@@timeonfeet

[@timeonfeet]

@@JCho35 no problem, hope you manage to find one that works for you

[@jonathanwilliams2713]

Very good review, I am looking for a kind of all rounder trail running shoe for some upcoming races on slightly different tracks. Which will have mud, road/paths, light trail, some lose stones etc and even maybe forest. Would you recommend the SG for these or have you come across any other better trail shoes which I should consider? (as u mentioned wet mud these are not good in which is common in the English summer!

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks Jonathan. The Speedgoats are a good all rounder, just the minimal tongue I've got an issue with but I know for others that isn't an issue so it depends on your preferences. I've got on really well with the North Face Vectiv Enduris 2's over the last couple of years and done a 100 miler, 50 miler and solo 75 miler in them. They're great for all round comfort I find. But definitely try on any shoes if you can as it can depend on foot shape and how it feels to you

[@radoslavstoev4550]

I don't get why Hoka leaves so much exposed foam on the bottom of most of their shoes. This seriously impacts durability. My Speedgoats look like shit after one summer of running/hiking. I'll still probably buy Hoka, because they are very comfortable, I just wish they are a little tougher.

[@timeonfeet]

I know the feeling. Just took my ATR 7s out today and although a good summer trail shoe there's definitely too much exposed foam for wet road and slippery trails

[@markg99]

I'm going to use the sg5 for my 50k in May. Hopefully it's not too boggy 🤞

[@timeonfeet]

Will keep my fingers crossed for you Mark. How have you found them in the mud so far?

[@markg99]

@@timeonfeet cheers Ben. They're fine up to a point but the lugs aren't deep enough for anything moderately sloppy. Just have to be a bit careful. I'm used to Altras, which are like ice skates in mud so I've had worse lol.

[@timeonfeet]

@@markg99 I've found the SG5 is generally good with the kind of mud we have around here. It's always swings and roundabouts with shoes I find. They always have some drawbacks!

[@miaobinhuang2315]

Hi are these shoes suitable for wide feet, I noticed sometime ago you were having Asics Gel Venture 8 which is suitable for wide feet I assume you having wide feet as well but for speedgoat seems like is not suitable for wide feet as what website stated so i'm confused if you are having wide feet yet you can fit into speedgoat..

[@timeonfeet]

I've got both of these shoes in wide fit and they're good for wide feet. The regular versions are pretty narrow

[@miaobinhuang2315]

@@timeonfeet Hey thanks for the prompt reply, I didnt know ther are 2 versions for wide and regular feet. Is there a way to tell or from the model ref that what I' ordering online is for wide feet can you share your input.

[@timeonfeet]

@@miaobinhuang2315 if you search the model and then wide fit then it will state whether or not the version you're looking at is wide. Like 'Hoka Atr challenger Wide' would bring up the wide version online

[@miaobinhuang2315]

@@timeonfeet Thank you do take good care of health.

[@timeonfeet]

@@miaobinhuang2315 thank you, you too

[@Josh_Elliott]

If not one of these two, then what shoe would you run 100K or 100 miler in?

[@timeonfeet]

The Speedgoat 5 has grown on me over time and I have since making this video used them for a 100K mountain race and I would use them again for 100m or 100 miler but you just have to be really careful with how tight the laces are to avoid them biting across the top of the foot. The North Face Vectiv Enduris II is the shoe I've used for another 100k and a 100 mile that were really comfortable. Not a speedy shoe but no blisters, hot spots and I could forget they were on my feet

[@Josh_Elliott]

@@timeonfeet thanks for the response. Good stuff! I’ve never worn a north face shoe, but may have to experiment now

[@mr.mr.3301]

Why are their no stability trail shoes?

[@timeonfeet]

Shoe companies don't make them as the surface your running on is often unstable which means stability shoes wouldn't necessarily make a difference. I think that's their reasoning anyway!

[@seanwise7464]

I was a huge SG fan at version 2, version 5 just didn’t have the same magic at all, hate the tongue, fit is not as good, and midsole feels dead and clunky. Challenger 7 surprised me in a great way, good lockdown, comfortable and feels nimble yet just right amount of cushion and return. Now much prefer these over SG 5 for pretty much anything, I have used them for same things as SG and not noticing any real negatives as far as traction or distance. When things get really nasty and muddy the mafate 4 comes out - no need for Speedgoat anymore, really.

[@timeonfeet]

It's a shame as I like a couple of things about the Speedgoat 5 over the 4, more breathable upper and lighter but yes the sole really isn't good. I'm thinking of using the ATR 7 for my next 50 mile race but haven't yet tried it on runs over about 14 miles so want to give the sole a bit more of a test over longer runs

[@seanwise7464]

Yes, I have not taken them over 20 miles at once so I’m not sure about them as an ultra shoe, depending on the runner they may start lacking some midsole protection once the miles get serious

[@timeonfeet]

@@seanwise7464 I think my ideal would be the sole of the Speedgoat 4 with the upper of the ATR 7! But will have to give the 7's a go over ultra distance and see, they just don't feel quite as cushioned as the SG4

[@nhacvangchannel4479]

Good sharing my friend 🌺

[@timeonfeet]

Thanks 👍

[@Northernerdownsouth]

I feel like the Mafate 4 is the best all rounder

[@timeonfeet]

I've never tried them but unfortunately they don't seem to do a wide fit so they'd probably be too narrow for me

[@jsacodes916]

The Speedgoat 4 is great! Really disappointing what I’ve been hearing about the more recent version.

[@timeonfeet]

I've loved the Speedgoat 5, it's grown on me more and more and I don't find the minimal tongue as much of an issue now. 6 doesn't sound great with the midsole but haven't yet had a chance to try it

[@Bibs123]

Hoka has lost that awesome cushioning. I'm moving to Topo.

[@timeonfeet]

I've heard the cushioning on the new Speedgoat 6 is a bit dull and doesn't have much energy return too