The Hoka One One Challenger 6 is the first version of the Hoka Challenger I’ve run in. I’ve heard nothing but great things about it, but it wasn’t until moving to the west coast I needed a more substantial trail shoe. I tried on previous versions, but there was no need to run in it because I wasn’t running on the terrain.
The Hoka One One Challenger 6 has been completely updated with a better and updated fit.
I recently started running trails in the Hoka One One Torrent 2. The Hoka One One Challenger 6 compliments the Torrent 2 as a more cushioned, less responsive shoe. If you are looking for something with more cushion to it, consider the Hoka Challenger. If you are looking for something more race-oriented, consider the Torrent 2. Both are great shoes and made for different purposes.
Hoka One One Challenger 6 Quick Stats:
Weight: 8.1 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 5 mm
Hoka One One Challenger 6 Fit:
The Hoka One One Challenger 6 upper is redesigned with a new outsole and small changes to the midsole. The shoe’s look has also been updated to be more streamlined, like bulky, and a more modern look for the running world.
Hoka now uses the Unifi REPREVE recycled yarn in some of its trail shoes. What is Unifi REPREVE recycled yarn?
It’s created from post-consumer waste plastic. Brands using consumer waste to repurpose shoes are awesome. When you hear about this, you wonder, how breathable will this shoe actually be? Will the quality be good? Will it perform well? If I never told you it was made from post-consumer plastic, you would never know. It’s a high-quality material, and the upper of the Hoka One One Challenger 6 is breathable and lightweight. I’ve run through mud and dirt trails and have not had any issues with it airing out. I hope we see more brands use post-consumer waste and recycled materials in the future.
Something of note is that Hoka One One Challenger 6 is one of the few Hoka shoes with a more plush tongue, which I prefer. Sometimes the thinner, sharp tongue from Hoka cut my ankles.
Finally, the Hoka One One Challenger 6 fits true to size. In previous versions, many people thought the Hoka Challenger fit too wide and sloppy (who wants to fall on the trails), but Hoka has dialed in the Hoka One One Challenger 6 to have a much more secure fit without being tight. I usually wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide, and the size 10.5 fits well.
In all, I am impressed with the Hoka One One Challenger 6 fit and even more impressed with the use of post-consumer plastic.
Hoka One One Challenger 6 Ride:
Since I am new to running in the Hoka Challenger, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve walked around in previous versions of the Hoka Challenger but never logged any miles. If you’ve run in previous models of the Hoka Challenger, the ride is similar to previous versions. According to the Hoka, the Challenger is an adaptable, all-terrain shoe. It’s designed to perform light on the trail but also adapt to the street. Hoka wants the Challenger to be the “jack of all trades shoe.”
The Hoka Challenger is plush and cushioned but still responsive enough to run on the trails. It uses the “Late Stage Meta-Rocker” to give it a premium feel in the toe-off.
I find the Hoka One One Challenger 6 to be a great shoe for the gravel trails or trails running on dirt and maybe some climbing. If I was running in Philadelphia, this might be my shoe for the Wissahickon Trails, and now I use it for “Open Space Parks” on the West Coast. For me personally, I prefer the Hoka Torrent 2 for steeper and more rocky trails, but I do like the Challenger for softer trails or long runs on trails. If you prefer more cushion, the Hoka One One Challenger 6 is a great option.
Finally, traction is one of the best out there. You won’t find yourself sliding around on rocky or muddy terrain. It would be the first trail shoe I would gravitate towards in inclement weather. I also prefer the Hoka One One Challenger 6 on runs to get some trails and some roads. It has more cushion to take a few miles on the road.
Hoka One One Challenger 6 Conclusion:
I think the Hoka One One Challenger 6 is one of the best multipurpose trail shoes. It’s great if you prefer more cushion and run smoother trails, roads, trails, or even an ultra marathon. If you are looking for a “jack of all trades” trail shoe, the Hoka One One Challenger 6 is a good option.
Current Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs Saloman Sonic 3 Balance, Brooks Glycerin 18, Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka Bondi 7, Asics GlideRide.
Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Saucony Kinvara 11, NB Beacon v3
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, New Balance FuelCell Rebel,
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka One One Challenger 6, Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 10, New Balance Hierro v5
Races: Asics MetaRacer, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the Hoka Challenger?
What is your favorite trail shoe?