Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I got these for Christmas last year, and this Christmas I'm getting a new pair. I opted not to upgrade to the new version because these worked so well, why change.

I do a lot of 3-12 mile hike / trail runs, lots of elevation change, rocky trails, steep incline/declines, etc. and these things have been a beast. Plenty of cushioning, extremely comfortable and really really lightweight.

A this point the sides on mine have starting splitting (just adding extra ventilation :) and the bottom sole looks like they've been through a grinder, but they still don't slip and really are just great. I'm a bit hesitant to switch over to my new ones, but these things are really thrashed.

The bottom line for me; I'm on my feet a lot, they take a lot of punishment, I need every bit of protection and support possible, so Hoka all the way for me!

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I recently ran a 100k race in the Pacific Northwest. The trail was highly technical consisting of jagged rocks and really steep climbs and equally steep downhill sections. Two days before the race I purchased the ATR's and hadn't run in them yet. I chose to try them out on this race. It was the best equipment decision I made! The shoes performed flawlessly. I never felt the rocks underneath my feet, yet the shoe had the right amount response. After 30 miles I normally begin to get a blister on my left foot in the arch just behind my big toe. I never developed that with these shoes, and my feet felt pretty good considering what I had run. Additionally, I was slightly skeptical about the tread pattern, (they didn't look much different then my Clifton tread) but those fears were quickly put to rest.
Breathability was outstanding. I have run ultra marathons in other shoes and have had to change them out half-way through. Not with the ATR's. They stayed comfortable and dry throughout the race.
If you are a long distance runner and do a lot of trail running, this shoe is incredible. You won't regret purchasing this shoe.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

The absolute best trail training and racing shoe for all conditions, from gnarly terrain to road. Comfortable while giving good feel of the ground. Great traction on difficult technical downhills. This is a durable shoe which I use on extreme conditions for 6-10 hr runs and beyond. It is the culmination of Hoka's development and excellent on call counts.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I'm a pretty average, recreational trail runner. I have a normal office job and I have a family. I try to plan in a few hours per week to run, but life gets in the way a lot, and that's fine with me. I put that out there for readers to know where I'm coming from: I'm not a fanatic runner whose closet is full of various brands of shoes. So if you're a serious, competitive runner, my review might not be very helpful for you.

I have been running in Altra Superior 2.0s for about a year. They're great shoes. I found their fit to be a little tight, however, and over time I thought additional cushioning might help me go a little further on my long runs. That's how I came across Hokas.

Even a strictly recreational runner like me can immediately notice the cushioning in the Challenger ATRs. It took me like four steps into my inaugural run before I said to myself, oh my these are really cushioned. I have heard that some users dislike feeling disconnected from the ground due to the added stack height and cushioning of Hokas. This didn't bother me, despite having been pretty intimate with the trail during my year with the Altra Superiors. I could still feel what was going on beneath my feet with Hokas, but the odd sharp rock uncomfortably poking my feet was a thing of the past.

Another con I've heard with respect to the Hokas is instability. This also has not been a problem for me. I run up and down rocky, rooty, technical hills and I haven't felt any closer to rolling an ankle in the Hokas than I have in any other shoe. If anything, I find the Hokas come up higher on my ankle than the Superiors, so perhaps that provides additional support. I really don't know. All I know is I'm probably just as likely to roll an ankle in the Hokas as anything else.

The Hokas outperform my Superiors in terms of breathability and quickness to dry. I live in a hot, humid, tropical environment. My feet are never not wet when I run. Mud and water is the norm, but not as normal is extremely sweaty feet. The Superiors never felt hot and uncomfortable, but the Challengers are an improvement on the Superiors from my perspective. I recently ran a trail marathon in Costa Rica -- we crossed a few rivers and had ankle deep mud for significant portions of the race. The Challengers noticeably kept the mud out, as well as other debris for that matter. When I slopped into a bog of mud, the mud did not seep through. Obviously, the river water did seep through, but the water stopped sloshing in my Challengers after about 5-10 minutes of running. I finished the race with hot spots but no blisters, which is saying something for a six-hour race in 90-100% humidity in which my feet were never completely dry.

The traction is also a slight improvement on the Superiors. I had no issues with the Superiors' traction -- it was very good. The Challengers, however, feel a bit more substantial underneath. The grab just a little better and, more importantly, they offer a bit more psychological confidence due to the sheer size and number and depth of those lugs underneath.

My only complaint is that I really did like Altra's wider toebox, and the Challengers are noticeably narrower. The narrowness is not a dealbreaker for me, however, because the Challengers fit better than the Superiors overall (apart from the toebox), and the increased height of the show on my ankles, plus the performance in water and mud, plus the amazing cushioning, make the Challengers a bit better for me personally. For younger runners who don't need the extra cushioning, then I'm sure there are better shoes out there. But I will be sticking with the Hokas for awhile.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I ordered these shoes as a replacement for a pair of Huaka, which had a defect whereby overlays had started peeling off after a mere 100 miles of mild use.

There is no doubt the Challenger ATR is a great shoe, in the same line as the Clifton, but that new pair of shoes has a smaller cosmetic defect.

See the attached pictures for the worst paint job ever! ;)

So, the shoes are great, but HOKA needs to slow down a bit, tighten QC and not spoil the great market opportunity they currently have.

Sure, time-to-market is important in business. But, if you achieve it at the cost of product quality, you risk to spoil the opportunity entirely.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

Love the shoe except the insole will not stay put. It backs up from toes and works up behind heel.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

These are most comfortable trail runners I have had but they fell apart after my first trail run. terrain was very technical but still one run?

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I bought a challenger ATR and have about <150 miles on them since. I use them on both trails and roads (hybrid). However, I have noticed that I've been having shin pains. Originally thought it wasn't the shoes but turned out to be the shoes being "old". In essence I'm spending nearly $1 a mile with these shoes. IF you are like me and put on 40-50 miles a week, these shoes aren't really suitable for it. This is my second Hoka that has failed in relatively short mileage !

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I really like this shoe a lot. Finally Hoka is using a roomy toe box (I have the Stinson ATR and they are too narrow in toe box), narrow heal and in a lightweight shoe. I don't find the cushioning quite as plush as the Stinson ATR, but I will gladly give that up for the improvements mentioned above.

I have two complaints: It runs a little wide through the main body of the shoe. There is very little room between the laces (I have a C width foot). My second issue is the tongue is about 2-4mm's too short. I just did a 24 miler in the mountains of Oregon and came home with a blister on the front of my ankle from where the laces rubbed due to the tongue being too short. This to me is shoe 101: The tongue is there to protect the foot from the laces. If it isn't doing that, this is a fail in my book.

I also appreciate the departure from the speed laces that don't go all the way to the top hole. Either do them to the top hole or give us good old laces that we tie.

4 starrs. Good job Hoka designers. Fix the tongue and make the shoe slightly narrower in the main body (NOT the toe box) and it will be 5 stars.

The only thing I don't know yet is how well it will hold up. Time will tell.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I use my Hoka Challenger ATR's predominantly for trail running, but they are also great on the roads. In fact, I plan to use them for some upcoming 5k's races. These shoes, like the Hoka Clifton, are the perfect balance of lightweight and cushioning. I have heard that the Challenger ATR 2 and Clifton 2 are both heavier than the originals, which is disappointing, but presumably Hoka was trying to address durability and that generally adds weight to shoes. I hope they make the 3rd iteration of the Challenger and Clifton more like the originals. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Just come out with new colors!

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I work in a very busy Diagnostic Imaging department and am on my feet all day. These are a god-send. At the end of the day my feet don't hurt at all. Like walking on pillows. Took two days to break it using the "thick" inserts that are included. They look good to.
I saw our in-department triathlete with a pair and tried them on his recommendation. Forget the "minimalist" nonsense. Very light.
I have yet to see how well they hold up, but so far so good. Will see how they hold out to gym use.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I use it for my daily walk as well as at least twice a week golf rounds.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

As comfortable as Cliftons

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

The insert was very soft and rolled up. I took an insert out of an old pair of Hokas and it works great. Love these shoes. Hoka has come a long way in the 4 years I have been wearing them.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I don't run but I do a lot of walking and standing on concrete. Hoka shoes have really saved my feet. I really like this shoe for the styling with dark sole that looks good for casual wear.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

So far, very comfortable to run in. The most comfort I've had in years. No aches and pains after run. Impressed at this time.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

Surgery resident that spends a great deal of time on my feet every day. These have been great for such a purpose.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I do like these shoes overall! I must modify a bit and use an insert/orthotic as I have a moderate over-pronation issue and these shoes are not really geared toward stability in seems for the over-pronator. That being said, I do enjoy running 3-4 miles at a time in them as they are very cushiony ( is that a word)?! This is my second pair and I've noticed that they do wear out fairly quickly thereby offering even less support to offset the ankle roll that my feet do. I've used on trails and road and enjoy running short distances in them. I am interested in other Hoka shoes which may be better geared for moderate over-pronators and can offer a bit more stability. The price point on the Challenger ATR is more affordable for me though. I have a 5k race coming up and will probably wear these.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

This is the third model of Hoka trail shoes I have owned and the results are the same. 5 starts for cushioning, but below average quality. The soles wear out quickly or just fall apart. My wife and I both have a pair of the Challenger ATR's and have experienced different quality issues. Both shoes showed abnormal wear within 30 miles of hiking which is typical of all the Hoka shoes I've owned. Within 100 miles, one sole started to come apart. On one shoe, the tongue pulled apart. Another issue is the sides of the shoes cracked and split open. I'd like to say this was unusual, but it's happened to all the Hoka shoes I've owned.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

Great shoe for PT

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

Bigger toe box

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I ordered one half size up as I usually do for nike, asics, and saucony and the fit was nearly the same as the aforementioned shoes, maybe slightly shorter. Definitely the half size up is the way to go for me. I wear the Clifton on the road and love them, these feel like a Clifton except my foot feels a little shallower in the shoe, not enough to be a deal breaker though. I ordered the same size as my Cliftons, so if you wear Hoka Clifton get the same size. I have ran several trail runs in them over the last few weeks, but nothing extremely harsh or technical, traction and performance are great on the more tame trails I have run. I will take them out on more extreme trails in a few weeks. If you like Hoka's I think you will like these, especially if you are a Clifton fan.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I have one pair of challenger ATR that fit great, but the second pair are narrow and the heel is decided higher than the first pair. Not sure I'll buy Hoka again as I can't seem to depned on consistency in the products.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

This is my 4th different HOKA Trail Shoe, I have the Stinson, the Mafate Speed, the Speedgoat and now the Challenger ATR, which is either my favorite or tied with the Speedgoat in fit, comfort and performance.

My only issue with the ATR is that I get some tongue slippage to the outside on longer runs, even though I have laces well secured. Perhaps a slight amount of cushion on the upper tongue would alleviate that. Otherwise, love everything else about the shoe. It even works on Asphalt well, as I had to run the last mile of my first 11 mile Trail Run in them, on the road.

Even with so much padding and support, you still have good ground feel and control. You can mow over anything without fear of hurting your foot. The next day, even if you hit the run hard with lots of miles, your legs don't feel beat up and trashed like they often will with non-HOKA shoes with limited support. I'm sold, yet again! Signed, a reformed minimalist.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

none excellent

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

Hoka shoes are fantastic; there are the best running shoe I've ever purchased. Until I have a bad experience with Hoka running shoes, I'm making Hoka the only running /workout shoe I will ever purchase. The only thing I would improve about the Hoka is the product descriptions. The shoes are so similar, its difficult to choose from the various lineup.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I feel like I use more big muscles...less stress on calves Achilles tendon and ankles in general...

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

Love Hokas. Run trails. Never excited about the tread patterns however, Challenger finally provides "grippy" soles. Thanks Hoka!

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

Long distance hiking. Previous Hokas had more cushioning and wider. Got a 1/2 size larger for more width. We'll see how they protect me foot after 500 miles of continuous hiking.

Comments about Mens Hoka One One Challenger ATR Trail Running Shoe:

I will start off by saying that I have been a HOKA fan for a couple of years. I have primarily used the Stinson (Tarmac or Lite) for my last 3 ultras. I love the shoe and didn't think there was another HOKA shoe that would work for me. I won a pair of shoes from the #LetsGoHoka promotion and based on a recommendation from a friend (and HOKA athlete) chose the Challenger as I wanted another pair of trail specific shoes. I picked the shoes with a little hesitation as I am 6'1" and around 190lbs and was concerned about the lightness of the shoe. I took it out for 8 mile gravel run with some steep climbs/decents and must say that I am SHOCKED at how awesome this shoe is. The grip on the climbs are wonderful and you feel like you can bomb downhill with wreckless abandon :) My one concern is going to be the durability of the RMAT material that is in the arch. We'll have to wait and see, but the blown rubber on the forefoot and heel feel like they are going to last really well on the trails.