Customer Reviews Hoka Challenger ATR 5

I purchased a half size smaller than my current 7.5 Cliftons because I found that after about 2 months of wearing the Cliftons (switching on and off with 2 other pairs), that the shoe no longer felt snug and, in fact, feels rather sloppy. Which is OK on the treadmill as long as I am not doing inclines. These shoes feel much smaller than the half-size I went down. My toes go numb. I had to return.

I have several pairs of Hokas I truly love. These were just not as comfortable as I thought they would be. I did not return because I have worn them hoping they will grow on me. I have bad knees and my other Hokas are amazing!

Honestly I was expecting a little more but not what I hoped for

Not the same as the Challengers I have worn for 4-5 years. Not as sturdy as previous pairs. Seem to be cheaply made

These shoes are very light, and seem well built. I am having some heel pain with them and will buy an insert to try to take care of that. I love to walk & need to be pain free.

I took the show finder quiz, but I ended up with trail shoes instead of gym shoes. They feel great on my feet with the exception of hurting my boney ankles as they hit at the wrong spot. I am still deciding whether to keep them or not.

I heard good things about this show, but it has been no better than other shoes.

I have a long narrow foot so love the padding, and the slightly upturned toe, but the Challenger 5 has a wider last than the Challenger 4 did, and so is not as comfortable a shoe for a person with narrow feet. Granted, the soles of the Challenger 4s did fall apart before their expiration date, and the 5s seem to have that glitch corrected. Would love it if the shoes could come in black with a decent color for the sole and laces. I'll admit it I'm still mourning the loss of my Challenger 4s with their good fit (with proper lacing) for a narrow foot, and their groovy colors.

Overall these are great shoes, but I have several foot and toe problems. Not quite as much room and cushioning for my toes.

The sole is thinner than I thought it would be. I've owned shoes from this company before and as much as I wanted to love this pair I was left feeling just.... meh.

this shoe is stable, I can feel the arch support for sure. Not slot of cushion but if you don't need that... this shoe is good.

I returned the challenger and purchased the Bondi 7. The challenger size 7 was an inch too long. The shoe was nice but the Bondi is GREAT. Size 7 Bondi is Perfect. I absolutely love this running shoe. Bondi 7 gets 5 stars

I switched to Hokas several years ago because I have nerve impingement on my feet and spinal stenosis. Running had become nearly impossible until I tried my first Hokas. I'm a loyal Hoka fan, but within 2 miles of running with this model, everything hurt again. I will not be purchasing this style in the future. They are lovely if you don't have my issues. But they aren't for me. Oh, I also always order a half size smaller.

Unfortunately for this shoe, its not very comfortable. I have an arch and the shoes seem to be hurting my hips by the end of the day my hips and legs hurt. Thinking I made need a 11.5 not a 12

Hokas are all good. So, when I review these it is more in relation to the other 2 Hokas I have tried (and maybe some Brooks I really liked). These fit well and are very functional. There are a few things I don't love about them. The fabric inside is a little bit rough and scratchy, so I need thicker socks to counter that. After about 15 wears, the writing on the insoles have worn off and the soles are showing wear. This seems to be Hoka's primary shortcoming in general, and I hope they are working on it. The ride is average. I can't quite put my finger on what it is that I don't like. They are stable and solid, but don't add any spring to my step like my Hupana Ems do. I do like these better than the Gaviotas, though, which felt great when I put them on but I couldn't feel the ground in. Also, something about the mesh on top of my black shoes seems to show dirt more than my black Hupanas. I don't know that I will buy these again, may try another style next time, but these are ok for now.

The colour options are great. Overall, they are okay. I have a medium width foot, yet I had to adjust the laces three times on my first run, as the shoes are too wide. The front upper is a little bunched because of how I have to tie them. I typically wear Altras, which have a larger toe box, but the rest of the shoe fits my feet quite properly. Also, it takes about a mile of running before my right foot stops aching. Not sure why. They'll do, as I needed a less aggressive trail runner that allowed for road to trail transition, and too much of a hassle to return.

Narrower than older models and unimpressive traction on smooth/dusty rocks.

These shoes are not as stable as I'd hope they'd be. I will have to buy another pair to replace them but they work for now.