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HOKA Challenger 8 vs HOKA Challenger 7

HOKA

Challenger 8

  • Weight 287 g
  • Drop 8 mm
  • Stack 42 mm

USD 155

HOKA

Challenger 7

  • Weight 252 g
  • Drop 5 mm
  • Stack 31 mm

USD 145

Which one for which runner?

What sets each model apart, from the published specs. Neither is better in absolute terms.

  • HOKA Challenger 8

    • Latest version (2025)
    • 3 mm higher drop
    • 11 mm more under the heel

  • HOKA Challenger 7

    • Previous version (2023)
    • 35 g lighter
    • 3 mm lower drop
    • 11 mm less under the heel

Side by side

  • HOKA Challenger 7 is 35 g lighter
  • HOKA Challenger 7 has a 3 mm lower drop
  • HOKA Challenger 8 has 11 mm more heel stack

Profiles

  • HOKA Challenger 8
  • HOKA Challenger 7
ComfortResponsivenessStabilityDurabilityGripVersatility
  • Challenger 8 — Comfort: 4/5
  • Challenger 8 — Responsiveness: 3/5
  • Challenger 8 — Stability: 3/5
  • Challenger 8 — Durability: 3/5
  • Challenger 8 — Grip: 3/5
  • Challenger 8 — Versatility: 4/5
  • Challenger 7 — Comfort: 4/5
  • Challenger 7 — Responsiveness: 3/5
  • Challenger 7 — Stability: 3/5
  • Challenger 7 — Durability: 3/5
  • Challenger 7 — Grip: 3/5
  • Challenger 7 — Versatility: 4/5
CriterionHOKA Challenger 8HOKA Challenger 7
Price
Catalogue price USD 155 USD 145
Best price found Not specified Not specified
Specifications
Weight 287 g 252 g
Drop 8 mm 5 mm
Heel stack 42 mm 31 mm
Forefoot stack 34 mm 26 mm
Midsole foam compression-molded EVA CMEVA
Plate Not specified Not specified
Support Not specified Not specified
Ratings
Overall 3.73 out of 5 3.45 out of 5
Cushioning 4 out of 5 4 out of 5
Stability 3 out of 5 3 out of 5
Comfort 4 out of 5 4 out of 5
Responsiveness 3 out of 5 3 out of 5
Durability 3 out of 5 3 out of 5
Grip 3 out of 5 3 out of 5
Versatility 4 out of 5 4 out of 5
Best for
Terrain Trail Trail
Role Training Training
Versions Men's Men's
Uses Trail running, Daily training Trail running, Daily training
Runner level Not specified Not specified
Paces Not specified Not specified

Related pages

Compare

Men · Women · Unisex

By terrain

By characteristic

Retailer prices

HOKA Challenger 8

No retailer price available for this shoe yet.

Recommended retail priceUSD 155

HOKA Challenger 7

No retailer price available for this shoe yet.

Recommended retail priceUSD 145

Alternatives to these two models

Derived from terrain, category, use, cushioning, stability, drop, weight and price.

  • Saucony Ride TR3, side view

    Saucony

    Ride TR3

    • Weight 283 g
    • Drop 8 mm
    • Stack 37 mm

    USD 150

    • Close to HOKA Challenger 8: same terrain, same category, same role

    Compare with HOKA Challenger 8

  • Mizuno Neo Lumina, side view

    Mizuno

    Neo Lumina

    • Weight 290 g
    • Drop 6 mm
    • Stack 32 mm
    • Close to HOKA Challenger 8: same terrain, same category, same role
    • Close to HOKA Challenger 8: same terrain, same category, same role
    • Close to HOKA Challenger 8: same terrain, same category, same role