HOKA is one of the most popular names in sportswear today. From their esteemed road running shoes to top-tier racing shoes, HOKA is nearly everywhere in the running and gym world.
But what many people may not know is that HOKA was actually founded exclusively as a trail running brand. Back in 2009, two friends and avid trail runners in the French Alps set out to make a comfortable, high-cushion trail shoe that lets you fly down mountains.
And while HOKA road shoes have become incredibly popular today, the brand stays true to its roots with a wide variety of fast, cushioned, and comfortable trail running shoes.
The Speedgoat and Challenger are two of the most popular trail shoes released by HOKA. And while both are great options for those who prefer to take their running and walking off-road, there are a couple key differences to consider when you’re debating which HOKA trail shoe is right for you.
Here’s a rundown of all the key differences and similarities between the two shoes to help you decide which model is the perfect companion for your next offroad adventure.
HOKA Speedgoat vs Challenger: A Quick Summary
Both the Speedgoat and Challenger, now on their 7th and 8th iteration respectively, date back to 2015.
The Speedgoat, named after renowned ultrarunner Karl Meltzer’s nickname, was launched as a cushioned, technical trail shoe meant for tough, rocky, and hilly terrain. Despite lots of cushioning, the extensive grip, outsole, and lightweight design make this a sturdy and rugged shoe for any type of terrain.
Also released in 2015, the Challenger is another top choice for runners who like to take their running to the trails. While the shoe is technically a trail shoe, the less aggressive tread and lightweight construction makes this a fantastic choice for all-terrain runs that incorporate both roads and trails.
Just taking a quick look at these shoes, the biggest difference is the terrain they’re meant to handle. The more rugged and durable speedgoat can handle the toughest mountain terrain, while the lighter and more adaptable Challenger can easily carry over from roads to gravel and lighter, flatter trails.
Now that you have a better understanding of where each shoe performs best, let’s take a closer look at the specs and features that define these two running shoe models.
HOKA Speedgoat vs Challenger: Midsole Cushioning
HOKA is most well-known for their maximalist, high-cushion running shoes, so it likely won’t come as a surprise that both the Speedgoat 7 and Challenger 8 feature a high stack height and plush, cushioned underfoot feel.
The men’s Speedgoat 7 features 37 mm of cushioning under the heel and 33 mm under the forefoot, while the women’s has 36 mm under the heel and 32 mm under the forefoot. This high stack height adds plenty of comfort and shock absorption throughout long runs, and even helps protect your feet from rocks and other rough terrain.
The Challenger 8 has an even higher stack height, coming in at 42/34 mm for men’s shoes and 39/32 mm for women’s shoes. With this whopping stack height, the midsole offers plenty of cushioning and impact absorption, whether you’re on the road or trail.
Both midsoles are made up of a lightweight and balanced compression-molded EVA foam, giving you plenty of plushness while maintaining some responsiveness for extra stability on trails.
HOKA Speedgoat vs Challenger: Outsole and Traction
Traction is a key factor to consider when it comes to choosing trail shoes. When you’re covering loose, rocky, or technical terrains on trail runs, you want an outsole that can keep you feeling safe, sturdy, and confident, no matter what you throw at it.
If you’re looking for unmatched traction and grip for tough terrain, the Speedgoat 7 could be the shoe for you. The Vibram Megagrip outsole will keep you stable through every stride, while the 5 mm traction lugs and refined lug orientation effectively grip the ground for fantastic traction on uneven or slippery terrain.
The Challenger doesn’t shine quite as much when it comes to traction and grip on uneven terrain. But for anyone looking for adaptability and versatility on all kinds of terrain, the Challenger is a great option.
Inspired by gravel tires, the 4 mm lugs are smaller and more tightly spaced than those in the Speedgoat, offering better adaptability to all types of terrains. So while the Challenger may not be designed for the most technical terrain out there, it’s a great all-terrain shoe for those who like to switch it up on runs and go from road to trail.
And while the Challenger lacks the grippy Vibram outsole found in the Speedgoat, the versatile durabrasion rubber outsole adds some traction and durability, no matter where your run takes you.
HOKA Speedgoat vs Challenger: Upper
Whether you’re tackling a trail ultra or heading out for a quick trail run, you’ll want a shoe that feels secure and breathable for extra comfort in any weather.
Fortunately, the upper of both of these shoes can help keep you comfortable and feeling secure with each step.
The Speedgoat 7 features a light and breathable woven textile upper. This upper is designed to hug your foot, keeping it secure and locked in place as you maneuver through tough trails.
The dual-sided gusseted tongue helps reduce movement even more, keeping everything locked down and preventing dirt and debris from getting in the shoe. The toe bumper offers even more protection, preventing any wear or damage from rocks or rugged terrain.
While the Speedgoat’s upper is crafted to provide a snug and secure fit, the Challenger’s upper is all about comfort. The engineered mesh upper is soft and breathable, and offers a roomier fit to accommodate for more foot shapes and sizes. The heel and tongue also feature some extra padding for immediate step-in comfort.
HOKA Speedgoat vs Challenger: Overall Design
There are a few elements that HOKA incorporates into nearly all of their running shoes, and their top trail shoes are no exception. Both the Speedgoat and Challenger feature lots of cushioning underfoot, a slight rocker design, and some inherently stable elements such as a wide base and Active Foot Frame.
The Challenger 8 features more cushioning than the Speedgoat 7, along with a higher drop. While the Challenger has a 7-8 mm offset from heel-to-toe, the Speedgoat 7 has a natural 5 mm heel-to-toe drop. Paired with a rocker design, stable geometry, and low-profile construction, this gives the Speedgoat a more natural, grounded feel compared to the more cushioned Challenger.
The newest Speedgoat iteration also features a new gaiter integration system, so you can enjoy extra protection from rocks and debris throughout your runs and hikes.
Who Should Consider Each Shoe?
HOKA has a huge range of beloved and reputable trail shoes, so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices. That’s why at Marathon Sports, we’re here to give you a rundown of who should consider trying each shoe.
Avid trail runners – anyone who tends to do all or most of their runs off road – will likely enjoy all the extra grip and durability the Speedgoat 7 has to offer. This shoe is designed specifically for tough terrain, and the aggressive lugs, grippy Vibram outsole, and protective cushioning will keep you feeling stable and comfortable as you tackle the toughest mountains and trails.
On the other hand, if you often combine your trail running with some sidewalks, dirt paths, gravel roads, or any less technical terrain, you may benefit more from an all-terrain shoe such as the Challenger 8. These shoes have small lugs to keep you stable on trails, but a less aggressive outsole design and more plush underfoot feel for extra comfort when you take to the roads.
When it comes down to it, both the Challenger and Speedgoat have so much to offer. When you’re deciding between the two, be sure to consider the terrain you run on, how often you go on technical trails, and your own individual preferences when it comes to fit and cushioning.
Try Out the Speedgoat and Challenger at Marathon Sports
Everyone may have heard of the name HOKA, but it’s impossible to know if HOKA shoes – particularly their trail shoes – are right for you until you try them out for yourself.
Fortunately, at Marathon Sports, we have the Challenger, Speedgoat, and some of the other top trail shoes on the market. Stop in today to compare your options and get some expert advice through the Right Fit Process to help decide which shoe works best for you.
With the right shoe, you’ll be ready to fly down mountains, race towards finish lines, and just get outside and run in comfort. And whether that perfect shoe is the Speedgoat, Challenger, or something completely different, you’ll feel ready and more prepared to reach all your running goals.
