Hoka Challenger 7 vs. Speedgoat 5: Which One? (Comparison)
Published on: 09/20/2023
The Hoka Challenger and Speedgoat are two flagship models in the Hoka One One trail running series. However, they play different roles.
Even with 2 mm less stack (31 mm height in the heel compared to 33 mm for the Speedgoat), the Challenger is more comfortable overall. It offers a slightly softer, lighter platform (8.9 oz/252 g vs. 10.2 oz/290 g for the Speedgoat men’s version). The heel-to-toe drop is low on both shoes: 5 mm for the Challenger 7 and 4 mm for the Speedgoat 5.
However, the Speedgoat is clearly the sharper tool for your trail missions. It’s a tough, grippy shoe to tackle the most technical trails. Thus, one of the most notable differences is the outsole. The Challenger uses generic rubber with 4 mm lugs. The Speedgoat, on the other hand, features the very best available today: Vibram MegaGrip with 5 mm lugs.
Both shoes are comfortable over long or ultra distances. But the Challenger is more at home on easy to moderate trails. It’s also a good option for recovery sessions.
Hoka Challenger or Speedgoat: Which One Is Best for You?
The answer depends, above all, on your objectives. If you’re looking for a daily trainer for comfortable training sessions on moderate surfaces, the Challenger is the right choice.
However, if you’re looking for THE advanced trail running shoe that can do it all (training and competition on all terrains), then we recommend the Hoka Speedgoat 5.
Side-By-Side Comparison Table
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9  |
9.6  |
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|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Description | The Hoka Challenger ATR 6 is a good shoe for long, comfortable trail runs. | The Hoka Speedgoat 5 keeps its crown as the most effective trail running shoe, capable of handling everything from daily training to the toughest ultrarunning races. |
|
9.5
9
9
9
8.5
9
9
|
9.5
10
9.5
9.5
9.5
9.5
9.5
| |
| Facts | ||
| Terrain | Trail | Trail |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Heel stack height | 29 mm | 33 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 24 mm | 29 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5 mm | 4 mm |
| Lugs | 4 mm | 5 mm |
| Weight (men) | 279 g | 290 g |
| Weight (women) | 245 g | 240 g |
| Features | Available in GTX | Available in GTX, Vegan, Rocker |
| Athletes | Karl Meltzer | |
| Release year | 2020 | 2022 |
| Technologies | ||
| Outsole | Full Ground Contact Trail Outsole | Vibram MegaGrip |
| Midsole | CMEVA, Early Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry | CMEVA, Meta-Rocker Geometry |
| Upper | Dual-layer engineered mesh, textured TPU toe-cap, internal heel counter | Engineered mesh |
| Cushioning | ||
| Cushioning | Soft | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Low | High |
| Use | ||
| Distance | Mid, Long | Mid, Long, Ultramarathon |
| Speed | Slow, Moderate | Slow, Moderate, Fast |
| Workouts | Daily running, Recovery | Daily running |
