I am a Hoka Challenger person and buy 2 to 3 pairs a year. I wear them for work in which I walk a few miles a day, and for walking my dogs a couple miles a day. I like Challengers because they are a bit more responsive than some of the plusher Hokas. I got these for the rainy season, and they fit me so much better than the non GTX Challenger 7s. I wear a size 9 in Challengers, Clifton 9s, Graviotta, and various hoka hiking boots. The regular Challenger 7's are a bit too big, and sizing down, a bit too small. I have an Egyptian shape foot (big toe the longest) so that does affect how some shoes fit me, seems like a lot are made for the Roman foot. These have proven to be water proof so far, I wish they came in some other colors, I had to get black, but a subdued blue ... MoreI am a Hoka Challenger person and buy 2 to 3 pairs a year. I wear them for work in which I walk a few miles a day, and for walking my dogs a couple miles a day. I like Challengers because they are a bit more responsive than some of the plusher Hokas. I got these for the rainy season, and they fit me so much better than the non GTX Challenger 7s. I wear a size 9 in Challengers, Clifton 9s, Graviotta, and various hoka hiking boots. The regular Challenger 7's are a bit too big, and sizing down, a bit too small. I have an Egyptian shape foot (big toe the longest) so that does affect how some shoes fit me, seems like a lot are made for the Roman foot. These have proven to be water proof so far, I wish they came in some other colors, I had to get black, but a subdued blue or purple would be great.

I've had somewhere between 8-12 pairs of Hokas over the years (including trail runners, water shoes, and hikers) and this pair definitely has the worst fit of all of them. On me, the shoe runs small. My toes hit the end and don't do that in any of my others. I have the GTX version, so I wonder if that is a result of the waterproofing? The arch also seems a bit low or off in a way I can't put my finger on. That being said, I bought these shoes with GTX mostly to walk our property with my dog and not worry about my shoe soaking through from wet grass. These hold up great for that! I have decided to not use them for any other outdoorsy purpose because of the fit. I'm still giving them 3 stars because the GTX is great and the shoe is durable. I'd try them again maybe a ... MoreI've had somewhere between 8-12 pairs of Hokas over the years (including trail runners, water shoes, and hikers) and this pair definitely has the worst fit of all of them. On me, the shoe runs small. My toes hit the end and don't do that in any of my others. I have the GTX version, so I wonder if that is a result of the waterproofing? The arch also seems a bit low or off in a way I can't put my finger on. That being said, I bought these shoes with GTX mostly to walk our property with my dog and not worry about my shoe soaking through from wet grass. These hold up great for that! I have decided to not use them for any other outdoorsy purpose because of the fit. I'm still giving them 3 stars because the GTX is great and the shoe is durable. I'd try them again maybe a half size bigger to see if that helps.

After trying a few different models, and returning them, I am keeping the Challenger 7 GTX. I am a big fan of the Arahi 6, no longer available. The Challengers are more stiff, with some trail treads on the soles. The colors are bright and I like them, the cushioning is good for my feet (I have arthritis and a flat arch), and they fit true to size. The toe box is roomier than I expected. I do about 75% of my walking on sidewalks or paved trails, with 25% in the woods on non paved trails. So far, so good. The shoes feel stable and supportive. I'm keeping an eye on the quality of these shoes, as some reviews mentioned the poor workmanship and "cheapness" of the shoes. Again, great shoes for hybrid walkers.