Customer Reviews Hoka Challenger 7 GORE-TEX®

This is the second pair of Challenges 7 GTX I purchased (first pair was about 2 years ago). Not as comfortable and plush feeling as the first pair. I found out it is noticeable that the new pair is narrower (about 1/4 inch) and the material around is just a bit less support feeling. Not sure why HOKA wants to change (reduce) the quality when you had a successful product before.

After I wore them walking gently around the house for an hour or so my little toes got sore. So I had to return these shoes and purchase the Bondi SR instead. Other than that they seem like a nicely made, quality wet wearher shoe for people with a narrow foot.

I bought my first HOKA CHALLENGER 7 GTX on 28-APR-2023, first elated due to fit and now disappointed due to durability. I have shoes for about 5 months, with light use (2 weeks heavy use). The shoe fits well and it's one of the most comfortable hiking shoe I ever got. Lots of walking in my 2 weeks Europe trip and I was comfortable all along. Third months onwards, the shoe has started to wear out near the ankles soft cushion. Cushions on both sides are wearing off and creating worn spots. I use shoe horn all the time. That is not the durability I was expecting from HOKA shoes, especially at the price point. I whish I could post pictures of the shoes, how quickly (in less than 5 months) they started to look old and worn out. I am disappointed with the durability.

I had these for a few months and they were comfortable but where the shoe creases when taking a step it started to rub holes in the mesh. I've sent them in for a return but waiting for approval. I'm a delivery driver so I put them to the test I average 12k steps a day. I'm trying the Kaha 2 low to see if the leather holds up better.

Too tight in toe box area. I felt it pushing my bunion in, and every step felt painful. I tried the regular challenger 7 in 12 and they fit perfect. But the GTX version for some reason is a tighter fit.

This shoe feels identical to the speed goat. I expected more cushioning.

I really wanted to love these shoes and was excited about the waterproof aspect but they fall short. Within a month I already had small tears/holes in the top of my shoe. The material doesn't seem very durable and the holes completely make the waterproofing pointless.

I just used these to train for climb on Mt Rainier. I used these shoes on the lower mountain below the snow line (rocks and trail). I really love these shoes and they're my second pair of this model. I compared to On Cloud, Brooks, and Altas and these fit my feet the best. My biggest complaint is that the sole is terribly soft and not durable at all. The mid sole is flaking apart already after 2 weeks of road training and 3 days in the mountains. Other brands have much more durable components. These shoes just don't last long enough for the price in my opinion. I would have worn Altra Timp4s if they were compatible with my heel.

First pair I returned. The issue is the lugs are glued on the soles. A second pair was sent. I used them to officiate lacrosse. They held up okay.

My husband wears a size 12, but it was not comfortable for him in the length. It felt too short. We exchanged for a 12.5 and it felt no different. We decided to just return, but intend to purchase a different style.

I have had multiple Hoka shoes. The Clifton, Bondy, and the TR6 all 9.5 R. Super comfortable with no complaints. Now that I ordered and have been wearing the TR7 I can't say the same. I have to exchange multiple times. The size and comfort do not seem accurate and having to settle for size 10R was hard for me to understand why. Love the shoe and the style but yhe comfort and size are not up to par.

I returned the shoe. I didn't like how it felt on my foot nor the styling. It felt too big for my foot even with an after market insole. Not a good looking shoe on your foot either, in my opinion. Plus shame on HOKA for pricing shoes this high with a cheap, flimsy insole.

Pros: great quality waterproofing works cons: uncomfortable pain at the sole of my feet

I guess that is what makes it a running shoe. I prefer a little more heel.

Shoes have a great sole and traction and they are waterproof. However, if you have flat feet or a low arch, they aren't comfortable at all. After working all day, they kill my feet.

Please make these in wide and/or extra wide. Want to be able to wear these and order a couple of pairs.

Please make these in a wide version and I will be a fan. I have the non GTX and I love the shoe, but I need a waterproof shoe for mountain hiking.

Awesome shoe, but too narrow!! Please make the gtx in wide! The normal version comes in wide, but why would people with wide feet not want the waterproof version??

First the shoe is too narrow for my foot. Secondly it doesn't feel Plush, like it states in the description. It felt really stiff and hard. I'm am exchanging them for Stinson 6 , which I have .. I tried to wear them , but they hurt my feet. On a positive note they do feel light. Can't speak to the waterproofing, which is the main reason I bought. I love Hokas and have many pairs for different activities. These might work for someone else , but for hiking I'll just stick with the Stinson6.

Wish they came in a wide

Love Hoka and will continue to buy them exclusively. So far only disappointment is the new gtx 7. I have sent them back and will get the speedgoat 5 instead. The gtx were great the first coue days then the bend on top became painful on my toes. Left shoe only.

There have been no wide GTX models from Hoka for almost three years now. I have a pair of the last Challengers to have GTX, and they are almost dead now. The new models are way too narrow for someone with wider feet and/or high arches. I have tried sizing up a half a full size, but D width Hokas are just too narrow. All men's shoes should be available in wide. Other reviews and many, many runners I have met agree. Please make this otherwise great shoe available in wide. Thanks!

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