Hoka Challenger 7 Trail Shoe Review. Maybe Boring Isn't a Bad Thing!

[@francoisgdt8087]

Hi ! great review i’m interested in these, have a question regarding the fit. It seems that it breaks-in as you first thought these were too small… so for someone like me between two sizes would you recommend to take the smaller one ? the 10.5 seems tight, but the 11 maybe too long/wide for me… if they breaks-in this should be good isn’t it ?

[@ConversationalPace]

Are there any shoes you've worn in the past or are currently wearing that work well for you? If so, what size are those? I've tried quite a few shoes, so being able to compare could help. Also, would you say you have a wide or narrow foot? Mine's a little on the narrow side, but if it were a bit wider, I'd consider the half size up

[@francoisgdt8087]

@@ConversationalPace thanks for the feedback. I've always worn 10.5 whatever the brand is (saucony ride, nike pegasus, salomon aero glide...). And I have narrow feet ! just my left one is a tad longer which is a problem, in some shoes my right foot is perfect but my left is at the edge :D... I think I should go with 10.5 in these too, don't you think so ?

[@michaeldodd9260]

I love the new Challenger 7. I have a 20k loop with pavement from my door for 2k, then 5k dirt road climbing into a boulder and rock mountain climb for 3k and then back down. These shoes are perfect for me.

[@ConversationalPace]

Sounds like a totally ideal loop for the Challenger!

[@matthewvanleeuwen9086]

I am a big fan of simplicity, so I do all of my running in the Challenger 6, but I also don’t run super technical trails very often. I would love to see how the Clifton 9 holds up on trail as most of my running is done on the roads and that might be a better option for me in the future. Also, don’t forget when talking about fit that Hoka offers wide sizing in some of their shoes including the Challenger. Keep making the awesome content!

[@ConversationalPace]

Thanks for watching! I agree, I love how Hoka has very much kept the Challenger in the lane of simplicity regarding door to trail. If you don't need additional lug depth and want a little more squish, the Clifton can definitely hold its own on mild to moderate trails. It'll take a slight hit in durability with more exposed midsole than the Challenger. For me though, I'm willing to take that tradeoff with how much I enjoy running in the Clifton. -Brett

[@matthewvanleeuwen9086]

@@ConversationalPace Thanks for the response and information. I’ll definitely have to try on the new Cliftons next time I’m at the running store.

[@reedbreuer9947]

PLEASE DO THE CLIFTON 9 TRAIL TEST

[@ConversationalPace]

We're on it!! Stay tuned

[@gabrielalcocer8051]

I’m torn between Challenger or Coudultra 2, thoughts?

[@ConversationalPace]

Challenger is going to be more cushioned and have more rocker to it. The Cloudultra is firmer, and more flexible in the forefoot. The Challenger will be smoother on roads and mellow trail, whereas the Cloudultra will handle more technical trail better. Hope this helps!

[@johnwardlaw6204]

I wonder how much it would cost to resole a Clifton with Vibram. I’ve seen people do that and maybe it would make it the most optimal in the Hoka lineup. I have the Challenger 6 GTX and it’s pretty GOAT when it comes to forcing myself out the door when it’s raining (like today).

[@ConversationalPace]

A Clifton with a vibram outsole would be such a fascinating shoe. Does immediately remind me of the evo speedgoat, with the soft midsole, lightweight upper and great grip. I had always dreamt of an evo speedgoat with just a road outsole on it 😅

[@ludovicpiejos4379]

I am honestly disappointed with the v6 that I got for training and racing for a 50k last year. I really liked the review on the mafate s4 and this is probably what I will be looking for next. I will still use the Challenger for daily training on trail but It is not super exciting.

[@ConversationalPace]

I now see the Mafate as the more rugged sibling to the Challenger. They have more in common than the Speedgoat and Challenger, in my opinion. I agree, the challenger checks all the boxes for training, but is just a bit boring. Nice to have a reliable shoe like that in the lineup though! Thanks for watching and sharing your input!

[@LifeInTheLongRun]

Vacation shoe 😁👌🇵🇭

[@ConversationalPace]

It's all you need for a trip!