Hoka Challenger 7

Review Score
89%
๐Ÿ… Highly Rated
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Hoka Challenger 7: Review

โ€œA versatile, maximalist running shoe for road and trail running.โ€

Overview


The Hoka Challenger 7 is a versatile trail running shoe designed to tackle a variety of off-road terrains with comfort and performance in mind. It features Hoka's signature cushioning technology, providing a plush and cushioned ride while still maintaining responsiveness on the trails. The shoe is equipped with a durable outsole that offers excellent traction and durability, making it suitable for various trail conditions.

Overall, the Hoka Challenger 7 is a reliable choice for trail runners looking for a comfortable and cushioned shoe that can handle a wide range of trail conditions. It strikes a balance between protection, comfort, and performance, making it suitable for both experienced trail runners and those new to off-road running.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 89%. This puts it in the highest rated 20% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 30% of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Hoka Challenger 7


The Hoka Challenger 7 is a reliable running shoe that delivers on its promises. It offers a comfortable and secure fit, thanks to its narrow toe box and breathable mesh upper. The shoe's maximalist design provides ample cushioning, making it ideal for long-distance running. It performs well on both road and trail terrains, although it may not be the best choice for technical trails. Overall, the Hoka Challenger 7 offers great value for its price, making it a solid choice for both new and experienced runners.

Updates to Hoka Challenger 7


The Hoka Challenger 7 is an update to the previous model in the Hoka Challenger line. It maintains the same cushioning and comfort that the brand is known for, but is lighter than the previous versions. The shoe also features new construction, materials, and colors.

Comparable Shoes


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Compared to the HokaChallenger 6 ATR, the Hoka Challenger 7 is lighter while maintaining the same cushioning and comfort. However, the Challenger 7 features a narrower toe box, which may not be suitable for runners with wider feet.

Special versions of Hoka Challenger 7


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The Hoka is a special version of the Hoka Challenger 7. It offers the same features as the standard model, but with the addition of a Gore-Tex upper for enhanced water resistance. This makes it a great choice for running in wet and rainy conditions.

6 Hoka Challenger 7 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Versatile running shoe for both road and trail terrains
Maximalist cushioning for excellent comfort and shock absorption
Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool and dry

3 Cons

May not perform well on technical trails
May not provide enough support for runners with severe overpronation
Narrow toe box may not be suitable for runners with wider feet

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Hoka Challenger 7 is made of a breathable mesh material. This ensures that your feet stay cool and dry during your runs. The shoe also features a narrow toe box, providing a snug and secure fit.

Midsole

The midsole of the Hoka Challenger 7 is designed with maximalist cushioning. This provides excellent shock absorption and comfort, making the shoe ideal for long-distance running and marathons.

Outsole

The outsole of the Hoka Challenger 7 provides good grip on both road and trail terrains. However, it may not perform as well on technical trails with lots of rocks and roots.

Size/fit

The Hoka Challenger 7 fits true to size. It features a narrow toe box, which provides a secure fit. However, runners with wider feet may find it a bit tight.

Comfort

With its maximalist cushioning and breathable mesh upper, the Hoka Challenger 7 provides excellent comfort. It's a great choice for long runs and marathons.

Cushioning

The Hoka Challenger 7 features maximalist cushioning, providing excellent shock absorption and comfort. This makes it ideal for long-distance running.

Breathability

Thanks to its mesh upper, the Hoka Challenger 7 offers excellent breathability. This ensures that your feet stay cool and dry during your runs.

Stability

The Hoka Challenger 7 offers neutral support, making it suitable for runners with neutral pronation. However, it may not provide enough support for runners with severe overpronation.

Durability

The Hoka Challenger 7 is a durable running shoe. It can withstand the wear and tear of long-distance running on both road and trail terrains.

Grip

The outsole of the Hoka Challenger 7 provides good grip on both road and trail terrains. However, it may not perform as well on technical trails with lots of rocks and roots.

Who should buy the Hoka Challenger 7?


The Hoka Challenger 7 is a great choice for runners who are looking for a versatile running shoe that can handle both road and trail terrains. It's also ideal for runners who prefer a shoe with maximalist cushioning and a narrow toe box. The shoe is suitable for long-distance running, making it a good choice for marathon and ultra marathon runners.

Who should not buy the Hoka Challenger 7?


The Hoka Challenger 7 may not be the best choice for runners who primarily run on technical trails with lots of rocks and roots. It may also not provide enough support for runners with severe overpronation. Runners with wider feet may find the narrow toe box a bit tight.

Hoka Challenger 7: What's it good for?


The Hoka Challenger 7 is good for long-distance running on both road and trail terrains. It's also ideal for marathon and ultra marathon runners. The shoe's maximalist cushioning provides excellent comfort and shock absorption, making it a great choice for long runs.

4 Hoka Challenger 7 FAQs


Is the Hoka Challenger 7 suitable for trail running?

Yes, the Hoka Challenger 7 is suitable for trail running. However, it may not perform as well on technical trails with lots of rocks and roots.

Does the Hoka Challenger 7 offer neutral support?

Yes, the Hoka Challenger 7 offers neutral support. It's suitable for runners with neutral pronation.

What type of cushioning does the Hoka Challenger 7 have?

The Hoka Challenger 7 features maximalist cushioning. This provides excellent shock absorption and comfort, making it ideal for long-distance running.

Is the Hoka Challenger 7 vegan friendly?

Yes, the Hoka Challenger 7 is a vegan friendly running shoe.

Hoka Challenger 7 alternatives

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Hoka Challenger 7
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similarity
Similarity
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Very similar
released
Released
Dec 2022
Dec 2023Jun 2022Jun 2021Jul 2023Jun 2022
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Expert Review Score
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Weight
Weight
M: 252 g
W: 218 g
M: 264 g
W: 224 g
303 g
281 g
M: 286 g
W: 249 g
298 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
26 mm
29 mm
27 mm
20 mm
30 mm
21 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
6 mm
9 mm
8 mm
Heel
Heel
31 mm
29 mm
27 mm
26 mm
38 mm
29 mm
Terrain
Terrain
Trail
TrailTrailMudTrailTrailTrail
Usages
Usages
RacingSpeed training
RacingSpeed trainingDaily runningRacingSpeed trainingRacingRacingSpeed trainingRacingSpeed training
Brand
Brand
Hoka
AltraAltraDynafitNikeNew Balance
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Low dropZero dropLow dropZero drop
ComfortableMaximalist
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Breathable
Breathable
Techs
Techs
Vibram
VibramVibramNew Balance Fresh FoamVibram
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
Sustainable
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Hoka Challenger 7: what the experts say (4 reviews)

Hoka Challenger 7: 6 Expert video reviews

Hoka Challenger 7: 1 Manufacturer video

Hoka Challenger 7 characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Model
7
Released
Dec 2022
Measurements
Weight
M: 252 g
W: 218 g
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
Heel
31 mm
Forefoot
26 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. Heโ€™s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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