Customer Reviews Hoka Challenger ATR 5

I bought these because I wanted something to handle the rails-to-trails and paved greenways that I run on frequently, and maybe a little single-track action for the squirrelly days. These fit the bill! Length is spot-on across the board on Hoka, in my opinion. The Challenger ATR 5s feel great on my high instep, high arch foot with plenty of room at the toe box too. The arch support is incredible and hits in the exact right spot. The cushion is great: comfortable with good rebound. The tread gave me good confidence running on some looser sections without being so bulky and knobby that pavement feels awkward. The upper is nice and breathable without feeling unsupportive and flimsy. I also need to praise Hoka for their lacing. Their magical combo of lace choice and upper construction makes it so easy to get a snug fit without having to wrestle to tie and maintain tension at the same time.

I have been wearing Altras exclusively for 5 years for running, walking, hiking, backpacking, and the gym, but revisited Hokas because of their dreamy cushioning. I had done of the original Hoka Cliftons, Arahis, and Ultra Tor hiking boots. While I liked them, I was not in love with any of them only due to fit. I couldn't get a perfect fit in an 8 or 8.5. Since it has been several years, I decided to give the Challengers a try. I purchased them in an 8 Wide, since previous experience and reviews told me they ran narrow. I have a slightly wide forefoot, average midfoot, and narrow heel. I went with an 8 because I know Hokas run true to size, if not a bit long, when it comes to length. The shoes felt perfect when I first put them on, but they felt a bit tight in the forefoot after several hours. This was quite a surprise since I don't wear a wide in any other shoe that I own. So, I only wear these shoes for a few hours at a time. It may seem like I've overrated these shoes considering that even the wide feels a bit narrow, but they truly are perfect otherwise. They provide great cushion, support, breathability, and traction. They are also Hoka's best looking shoe in my opinion. I do recommend purchasing these shoes in your normal size, but definitely order a wide if you have even a slightly wide foot.

I'm flat footed and have tried some many different types of shoes. I stand all day at work on concrete and walk close to 10 miles a day. Then I purchased some Hokas and I have never looked back. I can't say enough about how amazing these shoes are. I now have all my coworkers wearing them!!!!

This is my second pair. I had a pair in purple but sadly they no longer have that color in regular size 9. It's a good running shoes. Feels like on the cloud but still a lot of stability.

I have neuromas, torn plantar fascia, and high arches, with a wide forefoot. The fit of these Hokas was awesome and I literally danced down the trail! No pain, even after elevation changes of 5000 ft and 10+ miles & some 8-hour days. However, after less than 70 miles total (20 mile training hike, then a 50 mile backpacking trip (5 days) in the northern Sierra granite, the shoe is tearing apart. The front toe guard and rear heal solid tread is separating away from shoe. ALSO, the cushion part of the sole is almost totally torn off. So disappointing. I need to complete a 25-day backpacking trip soon and I thought I'd found THE SHOE to make the journey totally pleasant. I'm hoping for successful warranty claim. I guess if someone doesn't need durability, and is hiking on packed dirt only, these might last.