Hoka Challenger 7 – 252 km Review
Quick Overview
- Distance Tested: 252 km
- Terrain: Road & Trail
- Shoe Type: Neutral / Hybrid
- Weight (Men’s): 252 g Weight (Women’s): 218g
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5 mm
- RRP: £130
First Impressions
Out of the box, the Hoka Challenger 7 looks the part. The colourway gives the shoe a sleek appearance, making the sole look less chunky than other Hoka models. The extended heel allows for a smooth, effortless slip-in, and there’s a small toe guard under the mesh lining to protect against stubbed toes on the trails — very handy when tree roots like to “jump out” at you.
Fit & Comfort
The Challenger 7 fits like most Hokas: slightly smaller than other brands. I typically wear a UK 9 in most shoes, but a UK 9.5 in Hokas fits me perfectly. The fit is secure, even on narrow feet, without excess loose mesh. Wide-footed runners should consider the wide-fit version.
As with other Hokas, there’s excellent arch support, keeping your step springy over long distances.
Performance on Terrain
As a hybrid road/trail shoe, the Challenger 7 has 4 mm lugs — enough traction for trails without compromising road feel. The compression-moulded EVA midsole provides a smooth ride on hard pavement while still returning energy on trails.
I’ve logged over 250 km in these shoes, including two races this year:
- Isle of Wight 50 km Ultra (Ultra Challenge) — route changes added more road than expected, but the shoes handled both surfaces brilliantly.
- Serpent Trail 75 km — mostly trial running, with a couple of climbs, and small road sections.
The mesh upper is both durable and breathable, surviving brambles and branches with zero damage.
Cushioning & Ride Feel
The Hoka rocker system shines in the Challenger 7, providing an effortless heel-to-toe transition. The cushioning is well-balanced:
- Uphill: maintains energy return for a strong toe push-off
- Downhill: eases each stride for smooth, controlled landings
- Flats: ready for pace changes with minimal effort
In-store, I explain it sits between the Clifton 9 and Speedgoat 6 — softer than the Speedgoat, firmer than the Clifton — which for me is near perfect for hybrid terrain.
Pros
- Compression-moulded EVA midsole balances comfort, energy return, and versatility for road/trail
- Durable mesh upper with toe guard protects against brush and branches
- Durabrasion rubber outsole holds up well on both road and trail
Cons
- Laces could be slightly longer for a runner’s knot
- Tongue could rise a touch higher for some preferences
- On very technical or wet terrain, a more aggressive sole might be needed
Value for Money
At £130, the Challenger 7 is excellent value. It performs equally well on pavement and trail, offering a versatile, durable hybrid shoe for the price.
Final Thoughts
The Hoka Challenger 7 is a fantastic shoe — perfect for runners who mix road and trail. While no shoe is 100% perfect, this comes very close for hybrid use. I’m excited to see how the Challenger 8 evolves and will update this review once I hit 400 km to confirm long-term durability and performance.
Fun Fact
The Hoka Challenger is named to reflect its “challenger” attitude — designed to confidently take on both road and trail surfaces.
