Hoka Challenger 7 GTX

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Hoka Challenger 7 GTX: Review

“A trail running shoe designed for all conditions with exceptional protection and high cushioning.”

Overview


The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX is a trail running shoe designed to tackle all conditions, even the most challenging winter terrains. This shoe is part of the esteemed Hoka Challenger family, known for its exceptional protection and performance.

Key Features:

  • Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane: Provides excellent protection against water and other external elements without compromising flexibility or comfort.
  • High Cushioning: Ensures a soft and dynamic stride, making it ideal for long-distance runs.
  • Durabrasion Rubber outsole: Offers maximum protection, grip, and durability, even on slippery surfaces.

The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize comfort and protection for trail running, especially in wet and slippery conditions. Its high cushioning and Gore-Tex technology offer a safe and comfortable running experience.

According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the most expensive 10% of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX


The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX is a trail running shoe that excels in all conditions. Its Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane ensures excellent protection against water and other external elements, making it a reliable choice for runners who often face challenging weather conditions. The shoe's high cushioning provides a soft and dynamic stride, making it suitable for long-distance runs. The Durabrasion Rubber outsole offers maximum protection, grip, and durability, even on slippery surfaces. The shoe is also made from recycled materials, making it a sustainable choice for eco-conscious runners. In our experience, we've found that the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX offers a perfect balance of comfort, protection, and sustainability, making it a top choice for trail runners.

Hoka Challenger 7 GTX: Base model


The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX is a special version of the Hoka Challenger 7. While the original model is known for its high cushioning and dynamic stride, the GTX version adds a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane for added protection against water and other external elements. This makes the GTX version a more versatile and reliable choice for trail running in challenging weather conditions.

Comparable Shoes




Compared to the Hoka Challenger 6 ATR GTX, the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX offers improved protection and comfort, thanks to its Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane. However, both models offer high cushioning and excellent grip, making them suitable for trail running in challenging conditions.



The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX offers several improvements over the Hoka Challenger 5 ATR GTX, including a more comfortable fit and a more durable outsole. However, both models feature a Gore-Tex membrane for excellent protection against water and other external elements.



While the Hoka Challenger 4 ATR is a reliable choice for trail running, the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX offers improved protection and comfort, thanks to its Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane. The GTX version also features a more durable outsole and a more comfortable fit.

6 Hoka Challenger 7 GTX Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Excellent protection against water and other external elements, thanks to its Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane.
High cushioning provides a soft and dynamic stride, making it ideal for long-distance runs.
Durabrasion Rubber outsole offers maximum protection, grip, and durability.
Made from recycled materials, making it a sustainable choice for eco-conscious runners.

2 Cons

Features a narrow toe box, which may not be comfortable for runners who prefer a wide toe box.
Not a minimalist shoe, which may not be suitable for runners who prefer a minimalist design.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX features a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane, providing excellent protection against water and other external elements. This ensures that your feet stay dry and comfortable, even in wet and challenging conditions. The upper is also made from mesh and synthetic materials, offering good breathability and durability.

Midsole

The midsole of the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX is made from compression-molded EVA, providing high cushioning for a soft and dynamic stride. This makes the shoe ideal for long-distance runs, offering comfort and support throughout your run.

Outsole

The outsole of the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX is made from Durabrasion Rubber, offering maximum protection, grip, and durability. This ensures that you have a stable and secure footing, even on slippery and challenging surfaces.

Size/fit

The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX offers a comfortable fit, with a narrow toe box that provides a secure and snug fit. The shoe is also orthotic friendly, allowing for custom insoles.

Comfort

With its high cushioning and Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane, the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX offers exceptional comfort. The shoe provides a soft and dynamic stride, ensuring comfort throughout your run, even on long distances.

Cushioning

The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX features high cushioning, thanks to its compression-molded EVA midsole. This provides a soft and dynamic stride, making the shoe ideal for long-distance runs.

Breathability

The upper of the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX is made from mesh and synthetic materials, offering good breathability. This ensures that your feet stay cool and comfortable, even during intense runs.

Stability

The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX offers excellent stability, thanks to its Durabrasion Rubber outsole. This provides a stable and secure footing, even on slippery and challenging surfaces.

Durability

With its Durabrasion Rubber outsole and synthetic upper, the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX is a highly durable shoe. It is designed to withstand the challenges of trail running, ensuring that it can last for many runs to come.

Grip

The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX features a Durabrasion Rubber outsole, offering excellent grip. This ensures that you have a secure footing, even on slippery and challenging surfaces.

Flex

The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX offers good flexibility, thanks to its Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane. This ensures that the shoe can flex with your foot, providing a comfortable and natural stride.

Who should buy the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX?


The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX is an ideal choice for runners who often face challenging weather conditions and need a shoe that offers excellent protection and comfort. It's also a great choice for those who prioritize sustainability, as the shoe is made from recycled materials. With its high cushioning and excellent grip, it's perfect for long-distance runs on trails and winter terrains.

Who should not buy the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX?


The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX may not be the best choice for runners who prefer a shoe with a wide toe box, as it features a narrow toe box. It's also not ideal for those who prefer a minimalist shoe, as it is a maximalist shoe with high cushioning.

Hoka Challenger 7 GTX: What's it good for?


The Hoka Challenger 7 GTX is good for trail running, especially in challenging weather conditions. Its Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane offers excellent protection against water and other external elements, ensuring that your feet stay dry and comfortable. The shoe's high cushioning provides a soft and dynamic stride, making it ideal for long-distance runs.

4 Hoka Challenger 7 GTX FAQs


Is the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX waterproof?

Yes, the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX features a Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane, which provides excellent protection against water and other external elements. This ensures that your feet stay dry and comfortable, even in wet and challenging conditions.

Is the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX suitable for long-distance runs?

Yes, the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX is suitable for long-distance runs. Its high cushioning provides a soft and dynamic stride, ensuring comfort throughout your run.

What is the difference between the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX and the Hoka Challenger 7?

The main difference between the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX and the Hoka Challenger 7 is the Gore-Tex Invisible Fit membrane in the GTX version. This provides added protection against water and other external elements, making the GTX version a more versatile and reliable choice for trail running in challenging weather conditions.

Is the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX eco-friendly?

Yes, the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX is made from recycled materials, making it a sustainable choice for eco-conscious runners.

Hoka Challenger 7 GTX alternatives



Hoka Challenger 7 GTX
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Hoka Challenger 7 GTX
bestDealShow prices
priceBand
Price band
similarity
Similarity
Very similar
released
Released
Feb 2023
Feb 2023Oct 2023Sep 2022
Weight
Weight
M: 255 g
W: 198 g
M: 269 g
W: 221 g
329 g
M: 272 g
W: 235 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
M: 26 mm
W: 24 mm
22 mm
22 mm
21 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
10 mm
8 mm
Heel
Heel
M: 31 mm
W: 29 mm
22 mm
32 mm
29 mm
Terrain
Terrain
Snow/iceTrail
Snow/iceTrailMudSnow/iceTrailSnow/iceTrailSnow/iceTrailMudSnow/iceTrail
Usages
Usages
Racing
Daily running
Brand
Brand
Hoka
Inov-8SalomonPUMAHokaNew Balance
Pronation Type
Pronation Type
Neutral pronationNeutral pronation
Strike Type
Strike Type
Heel strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike
Arch Type
Arch Type
High archHigh arch
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Maximalist
Low drop
Low dropMaximalist
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Breathable
Breathable
Techs
Techs
Gore-Tex
Gore-TexOrthoLitePUMA NITROGore-TexVibramGore-TexNew Balance Fresh FoamVibram
Waterproofings
Waterproofings
Water repellentWaterproof
WaterproofWater repellentWaterproofWater repellentWaterproof
Cuts
Cuts
Mid cut
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
Vegan Ⓥ
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Hoka Challenger 7 GTX characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainSnow/ice (+59)Trail (+533)
BrandHoka (+107)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Strike TypeHeel strike (+1097)
Shoe TypeMaximalist (+428)
FitNarrow toe box (+222)
FeaturesOrthotic friendly (+456)Removable insole (+439)
MaterialsMesh (+942)
TechsGore-Tex (+106)
WaterproofingsWater repellent (+60)Waterproof (+121)
Environmental CharacteristicsSustainable (+175)
ColorwaysBlack, Golden Yellow / Avocado, Multi, Ocean Mist / Deep Lagoon, Outer Space / Dark Citron, Trellis / Balsam Green, Vibrant Orange / Pink Yarrow
Specificationsvs Average
Model
7 GTX
Released
Feb 2023
Measurements
Weight
M: 255 g
W: 198 g
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
Heel
M: 31 mm
W: 29 mm
Forefoot
M: 26 mm
W: 24 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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