All-round Road to Trail
These are my most versatile running shoes. I will start my run on the road, end up on trail, and back again. They’re grippy enough for trail (although I’d use Speedgoat for more technical terrain), but still comfy on road (running on road with Speedgoat is not great). I ran about 100k in total on them, and really love the flexibility of these shoes - I can decide on the go whether I want to grab a bit of trail or not. Also good for wet road conditions, and already used them with light snow as well. Longest run with these shoes was 18k and zero discomfort.Not sure I’d use them for racing, maybe a less technical trail race could be fine. For road races I’d use dedicated road shoes.I have narrow feet and my normal size 9 is good. These shoes are roomy for me, I’d ... MoreThese are my most versatile running shoes. I will start my run on the road, end up on trail, and back again. They’re grippy enough for trail (although I’d use Speedgoat for more technical terrain), but still comfy on road (running on road with Speedgoat is not great). I ran about 100k in total on them, and really love the flexibility of these shoes - I can decide on the go whether I want to grab a bit of trail or not. Also good for wet road conditions, and already used them with light snow as well. Longest run with these shoes was 18k and zero discomfort.Not sure I’d use them for racing, maybe a less technical trail race could be fine. For road races I’d use dedicated road shoes.I have narrow feet and my normal size 9 is good. These shoes are roomy for me, I’d love more narrow, but that says more about my feet than the shoe. I just tighten them!... Show more
Anouk B.
originally posted on altitude-sports.com
An Excellent Purchase!
I purchased these Hokas to travel to Austria.I wore them every day for loads of walking around Vienna and Salzburg. I also did a 7 mile hike around a lake and rocky uphill hike on a mountain. The trail runners were supportive, light, kept my feet pretty cool and the soles provided great traction. Overall they were exactly what I needed. They washed very well on a gentle cycle when I returned home.... Show more
Leanne
originally posted on llbean.com
bad pair and poor customer service in REI San Die
My 3rd pair. My boyfriend bought them for me on May 4 2024 for my birthday. Didn’t last even 100 miles on local trails and I hardly hiked in July because it was way too hot. We took them into our local REI where we both have been members for over 20 years, but they refuse to refund our money for a bad product which was very disappointing since we rarely return anything. The Manager (hiss name is Romeo ) wasn’t helpful at all. We were told that there nothing they can do about a bad product and I just want others to know about that in case if they are headed REI for a new pair of Hoka. It’s a risk. You can try Nordstrom Rack for less … Will be less damaging for the wallet.... Show more
HikingInSanDiego
originally posted on REI
Discomfort & poor quality
I am always one to read reviews, but rarely one to write a review unless something is really notable. When I tried these shoes on for the first time in store, I thought they felt great & I was stoked to try my first Hokas. The overall comfort diminished rather fast after only a couple of wears. For reference, they had moderate use from August to November (running 2-4 miles x 2-4 times a week), minimal use from Nov. through February (occasional walks, seldom runs d/t weather), and moderate use March to April (more walks than runs). The shoe lets in an exceptional and annoying amount of dirt. I do not have wide feet, but the shape and/or material rubs the medial side of my great toe to the point of discomfort and a new callus. The soles have just gradually fallen ... MoreI am always one to read reviews, but rarely one to write a review unless something is really notable. When I tried these shoes on for the first time in store, I thought they felt great & I was stoked to try my first Hokas. The overall comfort diminished rather fast after only a couple of wears. For reference, they had moderate use from August to November (running 2-4 miles x 2-4 times a week), minimal use from Nov. through February (occasional walks, seldom runs d/t weather), and moderate use March to April (more walks than runs). The shoe lets in an exceptional and annoying amount of dirt. I do not have wide feet, but the shape and/or material rubs the medial side of my great toe to the point of discomfort and a new callus. The soles have just gradually fallen apart. The quality is a disappointment for the reputation that Hoka carries.... Show more
SlowRunner
originally posted on REI
Great shoe, but lacks technical lugs
I really like this shoe overall - I've tried on probably 5-6 other types of Hokas, and all of them the insole hit my arch in a weird spot making them uncomfortable (despite not having wide feet..) These don't do that and they feel like you are walking on clouds. However, I don't think that the treads are quite burly enough for any more than moderate hiking. The whole center of the shoe isn't treads, its just foam, so that provides no grip whatsoever. I was slipping and sliding on a hike where the last mile was up a streambed. That said, they are comfortable and so I'll probably purchase again, just wish I could find that holy grail of a trail hoka that wasn't uncomfortable under the arch (had that issue with speedgoat, stinson, arahi, anacapa)... Show more
abinla
originally posted on REI
Holabird's rocks
I'm going to stick with the bondi eight. I wore the ATR's to work 2 days on concrete floors. My legs hurt , my back hurt and so did my feet. They sit in my closet not being worn. If you are reading this review I'm sure they will be loved by others. I've had double knee replacements over the last 2 yrs.I own 6 pairs of Hokas and love them all except the ATR. I won't try any other models. I waisted $. Holabird's service is wonderful.... Show more
Leslie W.
originally posted on holabirdsports.com
insane comfortable
I’ve been resisting the HOKA craze because I think they are maybe not the best looking shoe. But I tried these on and instantly got it. I am not having the same durability issues as some of the other posts. I had these on a very rocky trail near Flatirons and had no issues whatsoever. They are much more grippy than I first realized and that took a bit to get used to. I struggle with plantar fasciitis but these didn’t aggravate that at all. Over all, I still think they look weird but they feel too good to care... Show more
cosher
originally posted on REI
Lots of changes to Challenger 7
This is my eighth pair of Hoka Challengers. They usually provide the most cushion, support and traction for trails and everyday use. I have been able to adjust to the changes Hoka makes with each iteration of shoe and this one has the most changes over previous ones. Mainly that they run LONG. I usually wear a size 8 but had to downsize to a 7.5. There is heel slippage I haven't experienced before. The loop to help pull on the shoe is now a cushy solid pad. Not as easy to pinch than to put finger in loop and pull on. The small rubber covering around the toe is gone. My feet now get wet from walking on wet grass. The sole is new and it provides decent traction but for some reason it catches more on the ground or around the house. I'll keep these for trails and not ... MoreThis is my eighth pair of Hoka Challengers. They usually provide the most cushion, support and traction for trails and everyday use. I have been able to adjust to the changes Hoka makes with each iteration of shoe and this one has the most changes over previous ones. Mainly that they run LONG. I usually wear a size 8 but had to downsize to a 7.5. There is heel slippage I haven't experienced before. The loop to help pull on the shoe is now a cushy solid pad. Not as easy to pinch than to put finger in loop and pull on. The small rubber covering around the toe is gone. My feet now get wet from walking on wet grass. The sole is new and it provides decent traction but for some reason it catches more on the ground or around the house. I'll keep these for trails and not around town. I plan on looking into new shoe options as HOKA makes too many changes to each new version.... Show more
PNW trail walker
originally posted on REI
new fav trail running shoe
I bought this pair recently and have put about 60 miles on them and love them! I have been having Achilles issues and picked these over other models and brands for the swan-like heel counter to alleviate Achilles pressure. The heel counter has been great and my runs have felt better in these as compared to my other shoes. I picked these over the speedgoats because they seemed a little less rigid while still having plenty of cushion.I wear a women’s 10 in altra and topo and women’s 10 fits me well in these.With the 60 miles through slush and mud season, I have not noticed any issues with wear/quality.... Show more
jbreezy1
originally posted on REI
Too narrow and uncomfortable
Felt cheap and uncomfortable. I was hoping for more support while standing at home at my work computer and when walking around our hardwood floors as my plantar surface is starting to hurt. These made me feel lifted, but I had pain within ten minutes of wearing inside. It made the side of my foot hurt a lot. They are narrow and I’ve never worn a narrow shoe in my life. The tongue tag of the shoe is too big and it rubbed on the front of the foot. On one side my heel lifted out/up slightly when walking. This was first time trying this brand. My cheap saucony shoes from DSW are more supportive and feel better made for the money. The only thing I liked was the color. When I have time to shop in store I may try a different style of the brand but not sure if that would ... MoreFelt cheap and uncomfortable. I was hoping for more support while standing at home at my work computer and when walking around our hardwood floors as my plantar surface is starting to hurt. These made me feel lifted, but I had pain within ten minutes of wearing inside. It made the side of my foot hurt a lot. They are narrow and I’ve never worn a narrow shoe in my life. The tongue tag of the shoe is too big and it rubbed on the front of the foot. On one side my heel lifted out/up slightly when walking. This was first time trying this brand. My cheap saucony shoes from DSW are more supportive and feel better made for the money. The only thing I liked was the color. When I have time to shop in store I may try a different style of the brand but not sure if that would tell me how they would feel once home. I find most stuff that used to be well mad; these days is not, no matter what you pay. Don’t waste time on this one.... Show more
Kenya
originally posted on REI