Customer Reviews Hoka Challenger ATR 5 GTX

I use the the Challengers primarily for trail running with road to trail transitions. My first Hoka trail shoe coming from several years of Altra Superiors. I wanted more cushioning , durability and ability to cover road miles to and from trails. The Hokas have been awesome. Just over 150 miles on them covering all kinds of northern New England terrain. Technical single track , rocks, roots, fire roads and occasional gravel roads and paved. Awesome on everything. Great traction. Fit true to size for me. also use Currex insoles . Can run for hours in comfort. At 150 miles they still feel fresh. My Altras would always feel like they were "blowing out " by 150 miles.

I previously commented on width issues even after switching to wide widths and still experiencing tightness. After playing with laces I discovered that if I do not engage the very top loop holes the tightness issues were resolved. Good to remember these loop holes are optional. No issues and wide width working well for me so far. The cushioning for a trail shoe are exceptional even with stock inserts. If you have a foot pushing the border of "wide width", do go wide on this shoe.

Great cushion and stability running trails and comfort as a walking shoe

I run approximately 40 miles a week outside all winter whether it's -20 or 20 and snowing. The Gortex provides excellent waterproofing and adds to warmth and wind protection when running in subzero temps. Love the extra cushioning as I get older. Great shoe.

3rd pair, been very happy with all three.

The Challenger shoes have gone through several revisions now, and they remain my favorites due to their sheer versatility. You can take these things pretty much anywhere: the road, on trails, over rocks, in the mud. My backpacking through South America took me to the Argentine Patagonia which I was honestly unprepared for equipment-wise, but these shoes held up great hiking through the mountains and even miles in fairly deep snow. Take them on a run that traverses different terrains, or just wear them for comfort day-to-day as a lot of people do with Hokas. The treads allow you to handle off-road stuff while not being too obtrusive to detract from good performance on the streets. Thankfully these shoes feel as comfortable as the series 3 version I used to wear. The goretex adds a little thickness and maybe a little weight but nothing too noticeable--worth it for the warmth and waterproofing IMO. These might not be the kinds of shoes you wear on race day if you're really trying to maximize lightness but for all other purposes and especially for just recreational running and hiking they're great all-around shoes.

I selected true to width and true to size, however, size 12 is usually too small and 12.5 is sometimes a bit big(depending on brand). These fit perfectly. Please let me know when you make a light grey or white Gore-Tex, will buy them immediately.

Best hiking shoes I ever owned!

I owned the regular ATR5s and the only downside was living in the PNW we get a lot of rain. So, I bought the Gortex version and they are exactly what I expected. Fit and feel great and keep the feet dry on wet days. On a side note when I wear either pair my back pain is greatly reduced.

Durability and comfort are second to none!! Amazing Amazing shoe!!!

Extremely versatile shoe. Preforms very well in the tropical Fiji climate and diverse terrain like gravel roads, grass and mud, and not forgetting sand.

Excellent all around on road and trail. I picked these because the toebox is slightly larger than other models. Nice balance of cushion and stability and they seem very durable so far. They're a little toasty in warmer weather but have kept my feet dry. The shoelaces are the weak link here but not enough to ding a star. I've replaced with 54" reflective rounds. Even though these feel a touch narrow I highly recommend and would buy again!

Great fit, I'm on my feet all day and I really feel the difference if I don't wear my Hoka's

As a FedEx Courier so far love these and would for sure get another pair in the future.

My second pair. Probably 1000 miles on the first and they are still comfortable and in good shape. Love the toe box and cushion. Great for trail and road walking.

It is a great product.

After reading some of the reviews I was a little concerned about the reports of the shoes being rigid. I did not experience this. They went on, fit like a glove, were very comfortable and a pleasure to wear. I have a bunion on my left foot which can be irritated by any shoe I wear if I don't move for a while, that is the same here, but it is not the shoes fault. Once I walk a few steps, it goes away. These remind me of the fit and feeling of the MBT shoes. I would consider these to be a light to middleweight trail walking or running shoe. For serious hiking or trail running, I would probably go with my boots, unfortunately they are not as light and comfortable. I would have no problem recommending these two others.

I use this she primarily for when I play Disc Golf and it is great to know that I can walk through tall wet grass, weeds, mud or small water crossings and count on my feet staying dry and feeling good. The traction is good and I have no worries about slipping or loosing my footing! Definitely will buy them again!

Wore these on a couple hikes up leconte, and several other trails in the smokey mountains.. Absolutely great on the rough terrain and so comfortable. Feet felt great after each hike 100% satisfied..