Customer Reviews Hoka Challenger Low GORE-TEX®

Great quality shoe, I liked the “roll” effect of the footbed. Nice to have the shoe look like a hiker instead of a bright sneaker and great to have it be waterproof. Sadly the wide side was not wide enough for me

I was hoping this would help me out at times when a sneaker was just too obviously casual, but something about this shoe just didn't fit correctly. Toes a little narrow, but my heel slipped a bit. Alas. Normally I am a huge fan of Hokas, but I guess i will stick to my tried and true faves.

I have a pair of non waterproof Hoka One One which I love. I needed a waterproof shoe and decided to try these. Not as comfortable as the non waterproof pair. The laces are a challenge to tighten or loosen which makes it a pain to get the shoe on and off.

I have tried four different styles of Hoka shoes to date. These were my least favorite. I like the leather and the gusseted tongue to keep debris out, but the insole is very hard and the shoe is stiff. The arch support hit my foot in exactly the wrong place. I couldn't even wear these around the house. I am going to try the Kaha Low instead. I tried a pair of the higher Kaha and they just wouldn't fit my heel and ankle. Too sloppy no matter how I laced them. But the foot bed was incredibly comfortable with much more padding than the Challenger. I have also tried the Stinson but didn't like the rocking sole effect. I know some people like that but it just didn't work for me.

I have a wide ball and toes and a high instep. This shoe was almost perfect! The problem with it for me was the the heel was also too side which meant that it slipped up and down on my heel as I walked. With no way to lace it tighter to help, it was a recipe for blisters for me. I have a narrow heel. Hate to sent them back. They are so handsome! but I know my foot.

I bought these because my previous pair of Hokas finally wore out after 3 years of constant wear. I have bad arthritis in my big toe and Hokas have been the only shoe that I can walk in without pain. I’ve had these new Hokas for about a month and they have been great with hiking in snow/slush and are waterproof. They are not nearly as supportive as my other Hoka running shoes but are still a great option for a waterproof shoe.

After much dithering I finally bought a pair of these to try. The price discouraged me for a long time, I don't think I've ever paid this much for a pair of sneakers before. I decided to spring for these so I'd have something to wear in the rainy winter. Mesh sneakers are all very well and good, but sometimes you just need a solid shoe top. They're comfortable and supportive. The width is good (I require a wide, need a shoe with a wide forefoot and a heel that's not too narrow). Still haven't had the chance to go for a walk in the rain, but otherwise so far, so good. The color (Major Brown Heather) is kind of odd. It's a good neutral, but honestly I'm not sure how to describe the color. It looks sort of greenish brown, maybe? I wouldn't have picked this shade, but I didn't want the one with vivid pops of color. If they come out with this same shoe in black or grey I'll probably get another pair. I'd been wearing Ryka Devotion XT's for years, but I think these are more what I've been wanting for my walks. I had considered getting some duck boots, but since I have a history of plantar fasciitis, I went with something more supportive.

Having a gore-tex show in the Pacific NW is essential. These shoes keep your feet dry and a almost as comfortable as Hoka sneakers. I wish they were a bit more padded and flexible. Putting the shoe on is a bit of a struggle as they are stiff. I would preferred a bit more padding in the foot bed, too.

Originally I ordered the same shoe in an size 8 wide. It was way too big. So, I exchanged them for a 7 l/2 wide and unfortunately my heel is slipping. I really wanted these shoes, because my doctor suggested I buy them because I have a problem with my achilles tendon. So, perhaps I will call Zappos and talk to someone and look at the other Hoka shoes which might work on my foot.

I normally wear a size 8, ended up after exchange with size 7.5, but could have worn a 7 in this shoe. They are also wide - if you have a narrow foot they are probably not for you. The laces we're very thin and flat and difficult to cinch up and loosen - I replaced them with rounded laces. They are actually waterproof, good traction, and though wide, I do appreciate the extra toe room - for thicker socks.

Shoe fits well with my orthotic

Loose fit and not as comfortable as most other shoes like this that I've owned. However, the waterproofing continued to work all year (I wore them every other day in dewey grass, walking an average of 2.5 miles)! Actual waterproof shoes are a rarity.

These fit but as one review said " they feel like walking in pillows" I found they felt like Sketchers. Not my idea of a hiking shoe.

Runs big- so disappointed! Returned.

It is a very nice shoe, but just not cushioned enough for me.

For supposedly being a wide fit I had difficult getting my feet in them even though I ordered a 1/2 size bigger. General appearance to me looked like a cheap pair of shoes bought at a dollar store.