Customer Reviews Hoka Challenger 7 GORE-TEX®

I love these shoes, but am disappointed that the sole is navy, not black as expected. Still deciding whether I will keep them.

I ordered these in October of 2023. I wanted to give them a fair trial before posting a review. I used them daily, 2-5 miles a day, on trails/walks/runs for 60 days or so. In that time, I did note they are truly waterproof. I could go out in the rain and my feet would be dry after walking on trails, so in that aspect I give 5 starts, but the comfort and design, it's 2 stars. I have never in my life ever experienced plantar fasciitis with any shoe, I've used Brooks , on cloud, etc. even my casual shoes like converse or hey dudes, that are essentially flat, have never caused me problems. But these HOKAs right here have caused the worst pain in my left foot, so bad that after trying them for 60 days I stopped wearing them as much and switched back to my Brooks. At first I didn't think it was these HOKAs but as soon as I'd switch into a different shoe, I'd have immediate relief. I don't know if I just got a bad pair but they truly hurt and the weird thing is that it's only the left foot, not the right foot so I think something in the production went wrong with the left shoe. I've throughly investigated the shoes to see if there was something caught inside the pad but without literally cutting it apart I wouldn't be able to tell. So I feel like I should give others a heads up, you might get a bad pair and if you do, you'll be in a lot of pain and won't be able to use these shoes. I'm out of the 60 day return window so I cannot return them but this will be my first and last HOKA pair due to the amount of pain and strain this pair caused on my feet where no other shoe has ever caused this type of issue.

I did expect more cushion on the in sole if the shoe. Especially since these are being sold for planters fasciitis . I had to buy an insole with additional cushion support. Undecided if I would recommend these for planters fasciitis .

I bought these even though I didn't need them because I was excited. They were offering red shoes finally. Turns out they're orange. Very disappointed.

I have a narrow heel with a high instep and wide ball of foot. These were cupping my heel perfectly, but very tight and put a lot of pressure across the middle and ball of my foot, almost felt like they were folding my foot in half. Not a good fit for me!

I loved my hoka Clifton 7s, and needed a waterproof shoe for hiking and trail running. I love my Clifton's because they have amazing plush support, but needed something sturdier for running. I knew these would be less plus, but I don't think there's any arch support for those long walks and my foot doesn't feel like it has a good cushion on the heel. I really want to love these shoes because the base is finally not white so I can get them plenty dirty without having to wash them all the time. I love to backpack and hike. This was my third pair of hokas but now I'm dissatisfied.

Third pair purchased of this size and model. First time experiencing pain in right forefoot. Also doesn't feel as cushiony.

Toe box not as comfortable as other style. Feels tighter Corn on top of my toe irratated

I really wanted to give these a 4 rating, they are cute and bright just wish they had more support in the bottom of the shoe. I'm usually on my feet 6-8 hours a day standing on a concrete floor. By the end of the day my feet still hurt and are achy. I also have plantar fasciitis & was hoping these would resolve the issue. Also size up I got them in a 8.5, usually wear an 8.

I had to take insert my permanent,hard arch supports.

Though this shoe says max cushioning. It doesn't have this. I have plantar fascitis and it made it worse. The shoe fit too tight. Might have to use a bigger size and maybe a wide too. If it doesn't have it in this style, I will try in another style.

I really like the shoe as far as cushioning goes. It has made a great difference on my joints in general. There is, however, an uncomfortable portion that crosses over the top of the foot near the toes that I am not a fan of.

I bought these mainly for the colors! Really pretty sneakers that can go with pretty much anything. The shoe looks a lot bigger in person. I wear a 9.5 so already starting with a large foot so I try to buy sneakers that don't make my feet look like canoes. The toe area is a bit too roomy so my feet move around when I'm at the gym walking or running on the treadmill.

Probably wouldn't buy this model of Hoka shoes again. Not near as comfortable as the Hoka Clifton I own. Challenger 7 start hurting my feet at about hour 6. My Clifton's I go 10-12 hours in regularly and never hurts. In description it says good for all day wear but not really.

On April 25, 2023 I ordered CHALLENGER 7 GTX in beautiful orange color. Color and waterproof feature was my main reason why I order this sneakers. I was so excited when they came! Next day I wore them for my daily 5 Mike run/hike and was even more happier to prove that my new sneakers were as advertised waterproof. Unfortunately, excitement only lasted a little over 3 months before they became NOT waterproof and started falling apart. GORE-TEX Fabric ripped on outside and foam on the inside of the shoes popped out. I was disappointed, but decided that I will give this brand another chance and at the beginning of August ordered another pair like this in the same color. Color again played the trick. I had no idea that HOKA provides year warranty and discarded my sneakers. So as I said, sweet and sour experience. Hopefully my new pair will do better.

They are comfortable but not as comfortable if you have to stand for a long period of time and with excessive walking.