HOKA Challenger ATR 7 GTX are super versatile trail running shoes that adapt well to all surfaces! Thanks to the geometry of the midsole and the sole construction, you can use them on the road, on trails, and on mixed paths. Compared to previous versions, it is lighter, offers a greater sole height, and features new materials on the upper, midsole, and sole. The upper is made of a mesh with recycled yarn, durable and breathable, equipped with a reinforcement on the toe that improves support and protection. The tongue with a bellows increases comfort, and the lacing system allows you to find the perfect adjustment for your foot. The sole is designed to provide excellent traction, and the zoned construction enhances both grip and weight. The 4 mm Durabrasion rubber outsole ensures traction and durability on all types of terrain. The molded EVA foam midsole offers great stability and absorbs impacts from uneven ground. Completing the shoe is a Gore-Tex upper that makes the footwear completely waterproof.
HOKA Challenger ATR 7 GTX are super versatile trail running shoes that adapt well to all surfaces! Thanks to the geometry of the midsole and the sole construction, you can use them on the road, on trails, and on mixed paths. Compared to previous versions, it is lighter, offers a greater sole height, and features new materials on the upper, midsole, and sole. The upper is made of a mesh with recycled yarn, durable and breathable, equipped with a reinforcement on the toe that improves support and protection. The tongue with a bellows increases comfort, and the lacing system allows you to find the perfect adjustment for your foot. The sole is designed to provide excellent traction, and the zoned construction enhances both grip and weight. The 4 mm Durabrasion rubber outsole ensures traction and durability on all types of terrain. The molded EVA foam midsole offers great stability and absorbs impacts from uneven ground. Completing the shoe is a Gore-Tex upper that makes the footwear completely waterproof.
HOKA Challenger ATR 7 GTX are super versatile trail running shoes that adapt well to all surfaces! Thanks to the geometry of the midsole and the sole construction, you can use them on the road, on trails, and on mixed paths. Compared to previous versions, it is lighter, offers a greater sole height, and features new materials on the upper, midsole, and sole. The upper is made of a mesh with recycled yarn, durable and breathable, equipped with a reinforcement on the toe that improves support and protection. The tongue with a bellows increases comfort, and the lacing system allows you to find the perfect adjustment for your foot. The sole is designed to provide excellent traction, and the zoned construction enhances both grip and weight. The 4 mm Durabrasion rubber outsole ensures traction and durability on all types of terrain. The molded EVA foam midsole offers great stability and absorbs impacts from uneven ground. Completing the shoe is a Gore-Tex upper that makes the footwear completely waterproof.
HOKA Challenger ATR 7 GTX are super versatile trail running shoes that adapt well to all surfaces! Thanks to the geometry of the midsole and the sole construction, you can use them on the road, on trails, and on mixed paths. Compared to previous versions, it is lighter, offers a greater sole height, and features new materials on the upper, midsole, and sole. The upper is made of a mesh with recycled yarn, durable and breathable, equipped with a reinforcement on the toe that improves support and protection. The tongue with a bellows increases comfort, and the lacing system allows you to find the perfect adjustment for your foot. The sole is designed to provide excellent traction, and the zoned construction enhances both grip and weight. The 4 mm Durabrasion rubber outsole ensures traction and durability on all types of terrain. The molded EVA foam midsole offers great stability and absorbs impacts from uneven ground. Completing the shoe is a Gore-Tex upper that makes the footwear completely waterproof.
Last updated at 04/22/2026 09:37:21
Hoka Challenger ATR 7 GTX Black / Black Mens 14 / Standard (D Width)
Free delivery
originally posted on hoka.com
First time Hoka buyer of this model in Men's and one for Woman's for my girlfriend. I've worn New Balance for 20+ years and my GF has worn Brooks for 10+ years. We decided to try this model on to see what the hype was all about. Initially, we loved them instantly! I occasionally wear them to work in a medical setting and my GF wore it daily while bartending. We both liked the fit, color we chose, being Goretex and being comfortable. After 10 months, my Challenger 7 GTX started to tear on top of the shoe, in the crease where I flex my toes. Her's started to do the same in 5 months plus her treaded soles started to come apart!! We haven't even worn them in a rugged trail. It's upsetting because we hoped it would last longer. I reached out to Customer support and we ... MoreFirst time Hoka buyer of this model in Men's and one for Woman's for my girlfriend. I've worn New Balance for 20+ years and my GF has worn Brooks for 10+ years. We decided to try this model on to see what the hype was all about. Initially, we loved them instantly! I occasionally wear them to work in a medical setting and my GF wore it daily while bartending. We both liked the fit, color we chose, being Goretex and being comfortable. After 10 months, my Challenger 7 GTX started to tear on top of the shoe, in the crease where I flex my toes. Her's started to do the same in 5 months plus her treaded soles started to come apart!! We haven't even worn them in a rugged trail. It's upsetting because we hoped it would last longer. I reached out to Customer support and we are returning them for a refund and and exchange for my GF. Crossing our fingers that her exchange of the same shoe will be a better experience. The did not have mine in stock anymore. This review would not allow me to post any photos I took to show you how they aren't holding up as they should. I really liked the pair I had too.
originally posted on hoka.com
Pulled these out of the box and they looked so good I thought it would be a good idea to do the Mailbox Peak hike in Washington. Mailbox Peak is a 4,000 vertical hike in just over 2 miles. The sign on the trailhead says the average time round trip for the hike is 8 hours. The trail was relatively dry with some areas of mud, roots, and rocks. The shoes were great in all conditions and the only part of my body that wasn't in pain was my feet when I reached the summit after about 2.5 hours. I can usually fly on the down hike so figured I would be back at the van in an hour. Almost immediately my knees, hips, thighs, and calves were on fire. It was the longest down hike ever. Visions of me having to call my wife on the walkie talkie to have her call SAR kept flashing ... MorePulled these out of the box and they looked so good I thought it would be a good idea to do the Mailbox Peak hike in Washington. Mailbox Peak is a 4,000 vertical hike in just over 2 miles. The sign on the trailhead says the average time round trip for the hike is 8 hours. The trail was relatively dry with some areas of mud, roots, and rocks. The shoes were great in all conditions and the only part of my body that wasn't in pain was my feet when I reached the summit after about 2.5 hours. I can usually fly on the down hike so figured I would be back at the van in an hour. Almost immediately my knees, hips, thighs, and calves were on fire. It was the longest down hike ever. Visions of me having to call my wife on the walkie talkie to have her call SAR kept flashing through my head. I finally made it to the parking lot after about 3 hours of agony and as I write this review 5 days later I struggle to stand up I'm so sore. The one part of my body that didn't hurt and don't hurt today were my feet. I did get some small rocks in my shoes on the way down but the thought of bending over to take my shoes off was far worse than just dealing with the pebbles. Sorry for the long winded review just wanted to give some perspective. I would strongly recommend the shoes.
originally posted on REI
Challenger was the first HOKA model I had about 5-6 pairs back wearing them exclusively for work, so I went with them this go. I pay another $60 every pair of shoes for superfeet insoles instead of using HOKA's so-so stock insole. Pushing over $220 + tax for my work kicks - I'm extremely careful with the shoes, fully unlacing them and keeping them dry/clean. First wore these to work June 1st and noticed mid-September the lining was starting to come apart/wearing through at the back interior of the shoe. About 2-3 weeks more and the side of the shoes started showing odd failure splits at a similar spot. Sure, I'm on my feet or walking my entire 25-30 hour a week work shift, but every HOKA model before this stayed solid for at least 6 months before I could tell ... MoreChallenger was the first HOKA model I had about 5-6 pairs back wearing them exclusively for work, so I went with them this go. I pay another $60 every pair of shoes for superfeet insoles instead of using HOKA's so-so stock insole. Pushing over $220 + tax for my work kicks - I'm extremely careful with the shoes, fully unlacing them and keeping them dry/clean. First wore these to work June 1st and noticed mid-September the lining was starting to come apart/wearing through at the back interior of the shoe. About 2-3 weeks more and the side of the shoes started showing odd failure splits at a similar spot. Sure, I'm on my feet or walking my entire 25-30 hour a week work shift, but every HOKA model before this stayed solid for at least 6 months before I could tell support/sole-wise - time to replace. Also used to get another few months casual use from the old ones before they became work/lawn mowing shoes. Now they won't even make it as long 6 months? No thanks HOKA. Returned them to REI and switched to Keen Targhee III, which are a way more solid feeling shoe. I've been wearing these a week + now at work, up and down stairs, over all kinds of terrain, though water with dry feet and more comfortable than HOKA. They're put together so well - should at least get to 6 months out of them. I also get tired of the HOKA models always being redesigned. I just want the ones that worked well for me last time. I've HOKA'd my last HOKA.
Hoka Challenger ATR 7 GTX Black / Black Mens 14 / Standard (D Width)
Free delivery
First time Hoka buyer of this model in Men's and one for Woman's for my girlfriend. I've worn New Balance for 20+ years and my GF has worn Brooks for 10+ years. We decided to try this model on to see what the hype was all about. Initially, we loved them instantly! I occasionally wear them to work in a medical setting and my GF wore it daily while bartending. We both liked the fit, color we chose, being Goretex and being comfortable. After 10 months, my Challenger 7 GTX started to tear on top of the shoe, in the crease where I flex my toes. Her's started to do the same in 5 months plus her treaded soles started to come apart!! We haven't even worn them in a rugged trail. It's upsetting because we hoped it would last longer. I reached out to Customer support and we ... MoreFirst time Hoka buyer of this model in Men's and one for Woman's for my girlfriend. I've worn New Balance for 20+ years and my GF has worn Brooks for 10+ years. We decided to try this model on to see what the hype was all about. Initially, we loved them instantly! I occasionally wear them to work in a medical setting and my GF wore it daily while bartending. We both liked the fit, color we chose, being Goretex and being comfortable. After 10 months, my Challenger 7 GTX started to tear on top of the shoe, in the crease where I flex my toes. Her's started to do the same in 5 months plus her treaded soles started to come apart!! We haven't even worn them in a rugged trail. It's upsetting because we hoped it would last longer. I reached out to Customer support and we are returning them for a refund and and exchange for my GF. Crossing our fingers that her exchange of the same shoe will be a better experience. The did not have mine in stock anymore. This review would not allow me to post any photos I took to show you how they aren't holding up as they should. I really liked the pair I had too.
Pulled these out of the box and they looked so good I thought it would be a good idea to do the Mailbox Peak hike in Washington. Mailbox Peak is a 4,000 vertical hike in just over 2 miles. The sign on the trailhead says the average time round trip for the hike is 8 hours. The trail was relatively dry with some areas of mud, roots, and rocks. The shoes were great in all conditions and the only part of my body that wasn't in pain was my feet when I reached the summit after about 2.5 hours. I can usually fly on the down hike so figured I would be back at the van in an hour. Almost immediately my knees, hips, thighs, and calves were on fire. It was the longest down hike ever. Visions of me having to call my wife on the walkie talkie to have her call SAR kept flashing ... MorePulled these out of the box and they looked so good I thought it would be a good idea to do the Mailbox Peak hike in Washington. Mailbox Peak is a 4,000 vertical hike in just over 2 miles. The sign on the trailhead says the average time round trip for the hike is 8 hours. The trail was relatively dry with some areas of mud, roots, and rocks. The shoes were great in all conditions and the only part of my body that wasn't in pain was my feet when I reached the summit after about 2.5 hours. I can usually fly on the down hike so figured I would be back at the van in an hour. Almost immediately my knees, hips, thighs, and calves were on fire. It was the longest down hike ever. Visions of me having to call my wife on the walkie talkie to have her call SAR kept flashing through my head. I finally made it to the parking lot after about 3 hours of agony and as I write this review 5 days later I struggle to stand up I'm so sore. The one part of my body that didn't hurt and don't hurt today were my feet. I did get some small rocks in my shoes on the way down but the thought of bending over to take my shoes off was far worse than just dealing with the pebbles. Sorry for the long winded review just wanted to give some perspective. I would strongly recommend the shoes.
Challenger was the first HOKA model I had about 5-6 pairs back wearing them exclusively for work, so I went with them this go. I pay another $60 every pair of shoes for superfeet insoles instead of using HOKA's so-so stock insole. Pushing over $220 + tax for my work kicks - I'm extremely careful with the shoes, fully unlacing them and keeping them dry/clean. First wore these to work June 1st and noticed mid-September the lining was starting to come apart/wearing through at the back interior of the shoe. About 2-3 weeks more and the side of the shoes started showing odd failure splits at a similar spot. Sure, I'm on my feet or walking my entire 25-30 hour a week work shift, but every HOKA model before this stayed solid for at least 6 months before I could tell ... MoreChallenger was the first HOKA model I had about 5-6 pairs back wearing them exclusively for work, so I went with them this go. I pay another $60 every pair of shoes for superfeet insoles instead of using HOKA's so-so stock insole. Pushing over $220 + tax for my work kicks - I'm extremely careful with the shoes, fully unlacing them and keeping them dry/clean. First wore these to work June 1st and noticed mid-September the lining was starting to come apart/wearing through at the back interior of the shoe. About 2-3 weeks more and the side of the shoes started showing odd failure splits at a similar spot. Sure, I'm on my feet or walking my entire 25-30 hour a week work shift, but every HOKA model before this stayed solid for at least 6 months before I could tell support/sole-wise - time to replace. Also used to get another few months casual use from the old ones before they became work/lawn mowing shoes. Now they won't even make it as long 6 months? No thanks HOKA. Returned them to REI and switched to Keen Targhee III, which are a way more solid feeling shoe. I've been wearing these a week + now at work, up and down stairs, over all kinds of terrain, though water with dry feet and more comfortable than HOKA. They're put together so well - should at least get to 6 months out of them. I also get tired of the HOKA models always being redesigned. I just want the ones that worked well for me last time. I've HOKA'd my last HOKA.
I have been a loyal Hoka Challenger user having owned over 8 pairs. I was looking for a water resistant option for a trip and bought these, This has turned out to be the worst Hokas I have owned. As a 62YO male who walks 8-10 miles per week. the lining inside has worn so bad it looks like I've run 2 marathons in them. I was hesitant about the rear "tongue" around heel letting sand, etc. in to the shoe and my fears were realized. Compared to the normal cut-out that for years was on the Challenger ATR's, this new design is terrible. You can see by the pics how bad these have worn in less than 4 mos.. Perhaps more time should have been spent by product management looking for improved materials. Big miss on this model.
To start, I've converted from another major brand and now my go to are a pair of Clifton's. Then I use the Challenger 7 for trail, which feel just like the Clifton but perfectly designed for the trail. Looking ahead at the wet forecast for a race I immediately decided to invest in a pair of Challenger 7 GTX. I especially was drawn to the awesome new color and got a ton of compliments on the race. Ok here it goes. I soon learned the GoreTex was good at keeping the splash of water out of the shoe but as rain ran down my legs the water was trapped inside my shoes. That wasn't the worst part, as I would have endured the same wet feet in my other pair of Challenger 7's. So after about 8 miles into a 31 mile race I realized these were not the same Challenger 7 with GTX ... MoreTo start, I've converted from another major brand and now my go to are a pair of Clifton's. Then I use the Challenger 7 for trail, which feel just like the Clifton but perfectly designed for the trail. Looking ahead at the wet forecast for a race I immediately decided to invest in a pair of Challenger 7 GTX. I especially was drawn to the awesome new color and got a ton of compliments on the race. Ok here it goes. I soon learned the GoreTex was good at keeping the splash of water out of the shoe but as rain ran down my legs the water was trapped inside my shoes. That wasn't the worst part, as I would have endured the same wet feet in my other pair of Challenger 7's. So after about 8 miles into a 31 mile race I realized these were not the same Challenger 7 with GTX added. I had lower back pain for the duration of the race, as I later realized the GTX version are much more "plush." These would be great for a short/light recovery run/hike on the trail, but not good for a distance race. Haste makes waste and that's why you don't use anything new on race day!
I have a earlier version of the challenger. The sole is composed of two different materials with different densities. Yellow, hard and blue, a softer less dense material. I do three miles a day on dirt roads in Arizona. Lots of rocks. The soles, the blue parts, will last less than one year. The real problem is the Arizona fauna. I felt a sharp pain in my foot and discovered sharp spines had penetrated the soles of the shoe. This has occurred too many times. Some are easy to remove with a needle nose pliers, those in the toe, not so much.If you planning on using Hokas in the desert, check the density of the soles.Too bad. they were comfortable and had the traction needed for dirt roads in the desert foothills.
I bought these in February as a replacement for Arcteryx Norvan LD3. I was initially hyped on the Gore Tex and the running profile. I travel a bit for work and figured I could run in them or hike in them, and walk the dog in the rain in them. While they’re definitely waterproof, the soles don’t hold up to pavement and are not great for hiking either.I’ve worn the soles out in 3 months of mostly just walking 2-3 miles per day. I’ve attempted to run in them twice on rainy days and they invariably leave me with sore feet.Additionally, they’re the least stable of all all hiking shoes I’ve owned, and very similar to hiking in tennis shoes.The real killer though is the material inside. The material where your Achilles tendon interfaces with the shoe was blown out in ... MoreI bought these in February as a replacement for Arcteryx Norvan LD3. I was initially hyped on the Gore Tex and the running profile. I travel a bit for work and figured I could run in them or hike in them, and walk the dog in the rain in them. While they’re definitely waterproof, the soles don’t hold up to pavement and are not great for hiking either.I’ve worn the soles out in 3 months of mostly just walking 2-3 miles per day. I’ve attempted to run in them twice on rainy days and they invariably leave me with sore feet.Additionally, they’re the least stable of all all hiking shoes I’ve owned, and very similar to hiking in tennis shoes.The real killer though is the material inside. The material where your Achilles tendon interfaces with the shoe was blown out in literal weeks after purchasing. To be fair, I slip all my shoes on and off like a child, but I haven’t had this happen with a nice pair of technical shoes ever. Just really poor design putting a high friction material there. It doesn’t happen with any of my other hokas.I never write reviews, and if it wasn’t for the fact that I’d have to haggle with the REI employee over it I would return these to REI. They’re truly disappointing. That being said, I’m going to try to get my hands on a pair of their vibram soled trail runners, keeping an eye on the issues I’ve seen with these.Hokas are usually great, but these ones shouldn’t even be sold.
I have a long history w/Hoka (15+ pairs) since their original inception. I have been experiencing significant pain from an injury to my hip for well over a year, with surgery coming next month. The only shoes I could wear prior to getting the Challenger 7 GTX, without experiencing even more pain, was my Bondi 8's. Even my HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX (which are designated plush) kill my hip. Tried the new Challenger and boom...they work awesome, every bit as comfortable and plush as the Bondi 8! Tighter fit but one should expect that in a shoe designed for trail running.I have about 30+ days of daily wear on these. They seem well constructed, although like all Hoka's, the soles wear quickly. I would not hesitate to buy another pair and may in a different color when available.
Bought these from the HOKA website so I couldn't try them on first. I used the shoe finder tool and the "which size fits me" tool and it came up with the Challenger ATR 7 GoreTex shoe in size 12, based on the fact that I wear a 12 in Adidas shoes.I like just about everything about the shoe except I'm surprised by how tight the toe box is. I don't have wide feet and I haven't experienced this type of tight fit in any athletic shoe before. And the right shoe is the tighter of the two - my left foot is slightly bigger so I would have expected that shoe to be the tighter fitting shoe.The shoes do seem to be loosening up a bit, or conforming to my feet. I think they may ultimately be okay, but I'm disappointed to have to break in a shoe like this.If I had it to do ... MoreBought these from the HOKA website so I couldn't try them on first. I used the shoe finder tool and the "which size fits me" tool and it came up with the Challenger ATR 7 GoreTex shoe in size 12, based on the fact that I wear a 12 in Adidas shoes.I like just about everything about the shoe except I'm surprised by how tight the toe box is. I don't have wide feet and I haven't experienced this type of tight fit in any athletic shoe before. And the right shoe is the tighter of the two - my left foot is slightly bigger so I would have expected that shoe to be the tighter fitting shoe.The shoes do seem to be loosening up a bit, or conforming to my feet. I think they may ultimately be okay, but I'm disappointed to have to break in a shoe like this.If I had it to do over again I'd probably buy a half size larger b
Im a field guy and as such I find myself walking through and working a lot in the rain. The Winter of '22/23 had historical rain and snow fall for much of California. These shoes were the best purchase I could have made. The water resistant Gortex is a game changer versus wearing regular sneakers during rain events. It's not 100% water proof but it provides enough protection to keep my feet and socks dry walking through puddles and standing out in the rain for a bit. The best part about these shoes, which I haven't seen others mention, is that the Tongue (top part of shoe flush against the laces), is stationary, so I can slide into and out of the shoes without having to bend over and hold the tongue each time! Im constantly taking my shoes off and on and being able ... MoreIm a field guy and as such I find myself walking through and working a lot in the rain. The Winter of '22/23 had historical rain and snow fall for much of California. These shoes were the best purchase I could have made. The water resistant Gortex is a game changer versus wearing regular sneakers during rain events. It's not 100% water proof but it provides enough protection to keep my feet and socks dry walking through puddles and standing out in the rain for a bit. The best part about these shoes, which I haven't seen others mention, is that the Tongue (top part of shoe flush against the laces), is stationary, so I can slide into and out of the shoes without having to bend over and hold the tongue each time! Im constantly taking my shoes off and on and being able to just slide my feet in and still maintain a tight seal is such a huge flex. I've taken them to Mammoth and these shoes have good grip on snow, ice not so much, but again which sneaker does. The waterproofing though is clutch for using them around Ski Towns. The Heel Drop took me a few days to get used to as I've mostly worn flat shoes. The shoe, at least for me, runs slightly narrow, but nothing I couldn't get used to. A wide version would be nice. Here's to Hoka not discontinuing this line because they found themselves a lifetime customer!
