HOKA Speedgoat vs Challenger Side By Side

HOKA Challenger Vs Speedgoat How To Choose

How to choose between two of the very best shoes for trail running and hiking – HOKA Challenger vs Speedgoat. We have extensive experience with both, and this guide sets out to explain key differences as of Summer 2023. With a ~30mm stack height in the heel, pillowy midsole cushion, a rainbow’s worth of colorways, grippy outsoles, and breathable mesh uppers, both the HOKA Speedgoat 5 (pictured in teal) and HOKA Challenger 7 (pictured in orange/red) are head-turning shoes with similarly excellent performance and nuanced differences.

The Quick Answer

Neither shoe is strictly better, but for a quick and simple answer, we give the following shortcut:

  • HOKA Challenger 7 is lighter weight, faster, more breathable, has tongue cushion, and performs better on maintained trails and man-made surfaces (Shop Now) (Read Full Review)
  • HOKA Speedgoat 5 is more durable, has a grippier outsole, no tongue cushion, and performs better on steep, rugged, and loose terrain (Shop Now) (Read Full Review)

You make Adventure Alan & Co possible. When purchasing through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. Here’s why you can trust us. Now back to HOKA Speedgoat vs Challenger.

This guide should help you choose between HOKA Speedgoat vs HOKA Challenger, and know what to expect from each pair of shoes. And while you’re shopping for trail runners, we highly encourage you to check out our complete guide to the best trail running shoes of the year.

HOKA Challenger 7 vs Speedgoat 5 Comparison Table

Speedgoat 5 Challenger 7
Price $155 $145
Weight, Pair, M’s 20.6 oz 17.8 oz
Weight, Pair, W’s 17.0 oz 14.6 oz
Rock Plate No No
Midsole CM EVA Foam CM EVA Foam
Outsole Vibram Megagrip Durabrasion Rubber
Lug Depth 5mm 4mm
Stack Height, M’s 33/29/4 31/26/4
Stack Height, W’s 31/27/4 29/24/4
Tongue Thin & Flat Lightly Cushioned
Toe Rand Yes No
Mesh Uppers Double Layer Jacquard Engineered Mesh
Comparatively Better Traction Better Breathabilty
Comparatively Better Durabilty Lighter Weight

close up on toe for hoka speedgoat vs challenger

How to Choose? Ask The Following Questions

Choosing between HOKA Speedgoat vs Challenger, is a matter of knowing which performance traits you prioritize and what types of terrain you’ll be on.

What Type of Terrain Will You Be On?

Do you run or hike mostly on flat or moderately steep trails, gravel roads, urban/suburban parks, or manmade surfaces? If so, choose the HOKA Challenger 7 for optimal performance! Does your typical adventure have prolonged steep sections, loose surfaces, off-trail travel, mud, snow, or all of the above? If so, choose the HOKA Speedgoat 5!

What Do You Value in a Mesh Upper?

Is your region humid, warm, and do you expect your feet to frequently get wet? Are you prone to blisters? If so, we recommend the Challenger 7 because its mesh upper has better breathability and dries faster. Do you expect your feet to constantly be brushing against rocks, roots, brush, and other abrasive surfaces? In that case, choose the HOKA Speedgoat 5, which sacrifices a bit of breathability for increased durability and protection.

How Important Is Speed?

Do you care about setting a new PR? The HOKA Challenger 7 is a faster shoe, given that it is 15.7% lighter and has a slightly more aggressive rocker.

HOKA Speedgoat 5 vs Challenger 7 – Comparing Outsole Tread

Tread Comparison for HOKA Speedgoat vs Challenger

As you you can see, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 (top/pink) has a more aggressive tread, which is better suited to handling steep, loose, rugged, and technical terrain. The 5mm lugs span the entire length of the outsole in a chevron pattern for maximum traction. The HOKA Challenger 7 (bottom/blue) has a less aggressive 4mm tread, and even includes an untreaded section in the midfoot. This sacrifices some grip to increase energy efficiency on level surfaces.

We’ll note that the aggressive tread on the HOKA Speedgoat 5 has sharper edges that wear down faster than the boxier shaped tread of the HOKA Challenger 7.

HOKA Challenger vs Speedgoat – Comparing Heels

Comparing HOKA Heels
Close up on heel cup

The HOKA Speedgoat 5 (teal) and HOKA Challenger 7 (orange/red) have a very similar heel with a ~30mm stack height, and an extended heel tab for easy on/off. We find the heel cup to hold the foot nicely without rubbing the Achilles. Both shoes are designed with very similar heel cups which are comfortable and well-made. The Challenger 7’s heel cup is ever-so-slightly cushier.

Also the HOKA Challenger 7 has a taller heel, though only by a few milimeters. This is due in part to the slightly more aggressive rear rocker as well as an even taller extended heel tab.

HOKA Challenger 7 vs Speedgoat 5 – Comparing Uppers

comparing mesh uppers
close up on hoka speedgoat 5
close up on hoka challenger 7

While both shoes have breathable mesh uppers, notice how much more open and airy the top of the HOKA Challenger 7 (orange/red) is compared to the Speedgoat 5 (teal). The tightly woven Jacquard material of the Speedgoat comprises 90% of its surface area. The Challenger, on the other hand, has a much more open, airy, and breathable mesh.

Note the toe box on the Challenger 7 is structured mesh, whereas the Speedgoat 5 has a toe rand to protect against bumps and scrapes. You can see also how the Speedgoat has a flat thin tongue which creates a super accurate and secure fit. Whereas the Challenger has a cushioned tongue to disperse pressure from the laces. Both shoes have identical laces made with recycled polyester. We really like these laces, they never come untied.

The combination of the tightly woven Jacquard mesh and toe rand gives the Speedgoat’s upper superior durability compared to the Challenger 7 which has a lighter, airier, and more breathable upper. It’s always a give and take, neither is strictly better.

HOKA Speedgoat Vs Challenger – Comparing Interior Side

hoka speedgoat vs challenger interior side

The interior sides of the HOKA Speedgoat 5 (teal) and HOKA Challenger 7 (orange/red) are nearly identical. Both have mesh immediately above the foam midsole. The Challenger 7’s midsole runs slightly taller on the interior side than HOKA Speedgoat 7. In our experience, neither shoe has had durability issues on the interior sides, and both are comfortable along the arch.

The Rise of HOKA

In the past few years, HOKA has drastically increased in popularity among trail runners and hikers alike — presenting a serious challenge to competitors like Altra, Saucony, Brooks, Salomon, and La Sportiva. Users love HOKA’s increased comfort and protection against the rocky, rooty ground, upper and outsole durability that comes in above other trail running models, and a moderate drop that works for nearly everyone’s foot strike.

There are a lot of models to choose from with HOKA, but for trail purposes, we primarily recommend deciding between HOKA Speedgoat 5 vs HOKA Challenger 7. Knowing how to choose between these two can be difficult, especially given how similar they look at first glance. However, there are some key differences (including pros and cons) between the two models, and neither one is strictly better than the other.

side heel of hoka speedgoat vs challenger

Conclusion To Choosing Between HOKA Speedgoat vs Challenger

If we had to sum it up in just a few sentences? The HOKA Speedgoat 5 and Challenger 7 are both excellent shoes for trail running and hiking. They are comfortable out of the box and have a universally appealing fit with a semi-wide toe box and 4mm heel-forefoot drop. The signature HOKA cushioning adds comfort on the trail.

  • Choose the Challenger 7 (Shop Now) for a faster, lighter weight, more breathable shoe that prefers moderate trails and man-made surfaces.
  • Choose the Speedgoat 5 (Shop Now) for maximum traction and increased upper durability in a shoe that prefers steep, rugged, and loose terrain.

It’s important to note that neither shoe is strictly better than the other. The best pick for your upcoming run or hike might not be the same as the next person’s, and/or might be different from trip to trip. Honestly, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get a pair of each and alternate between them as needed, deciding on a trip-by-trip basis.

We hope this guide helped you choose between two great shoes, HOKA Challenger vs Speedgoat, currently in their 7th and 5th edition respectively. Shop more options in our guide to the best trail running shoes of the year. And if you have any questions about how to decide between them, please drop us a line in the comments! Happy running and happy hiking!

14 replies
    • Jaeger Shaw
      Jaeger Shaw says:

      If I had to guess, Challenger seems a bit wider, but not by much. Both shoes are available in a wide fit version.

      Reply
  1. Gerard Slyne
    Gerard Slyne says:

    Hi, so are the challenger a better option on asphalt roads? I have speedgoats but they seemed to wear down quickly on this surface
    Ger

    Reply
    • Jaeger Shaw
      Jaeger Shaw says:

      Hi Gerard,

      Between the Challenger and the Speedgoat, the Challenger would be far superior on asphalt. The flat section under midfoot would hndle the hard pavement, offering superior energy return and reducing abrasion on the lugs and improving the lifespan of its traction. That said, we would recommend the Challenger for transitional running that covers equal parts trail and asphalt or majority trail. If you want a road runner for majority asphalt, choose the HOKA Clifton.

      Reply
      • Ger Slyne
        Ger Slyne says:

        Many thanks for your reply Jaeger, I have just purchased a pair of each but haven’t walked in them yet. I am doing the full Camino Frances in three weeks time so having read your excellent reviews which shoe should I wear on this 800km hike?

        Regards
        Ger

        Reply
        • Jaeger Shaw
          Jaeger Shaw says:

          Sounds like an incredible adventure! Given the what I assume is going to be plenty of road walking, I would definitely recommend the Challenger for this purpose. The non-lugged surface under the mid foot will be more efficient.

  2. Rich
    Rich says:

    Great review- I’m on my third pair of speedgoat 4 and love them. I’ve gotten 500+ miles out of my previous two versions with a combo of hiking, trail running and backpacking and I have found they work great on the most muddy, loose gravely, technically challenging terrain.
    I do want to point out that the speedgoat 4 comes in wide sizes and that is a game changer.
    I’m about 25miles I to my first pair of Challenger atr 6 and love them for all the reasons mentioned (including being offered in wide sizes).
    If your adventures include walking on paved surfaces for more than say 10min, I’d recommend the Challenger as it will have a smoother ride than the speedgoat on pavement

    Reply
  3. Seb
    Seb says:

    Agree with the article. I really enjoy my Challengers on well kept trails/non technical terrain, but once the going gets tough they don’t give me what I need. Also, a super benefit of the Challengers is that they work perfectly on paved surfaces.

    Reply
  4. Joseph Seago
    Joseph Seago says:

    I have owned the Challenger ART 5 for a year and a half. I am sure they are about the same as the Challenger ART 6. They are my first pair of trail runners. I 100 percent agree with Alan’s review of them. They are great shoes, very comfortable, light weight, dry’s quickly, and supportive. At the time it was Hoka’s only trail running in wide. My two biggest complaints are: the tongue moves to the side every time I wear them and traction. The tongue moving to the side is more annoying than anything else so I just deal with it. As far as traction is concerned, my feet have slipped more than once while waling in wet or mud conditions. i have also fallen down due to foot sliding on step downhill or on lose rocks. I backpack around Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi. I am a very slow hiker and watch very carefully where I am stepping. I have Osteoarthritis in my right knee. I don’t even have a ACL anymore. For those reasons I plan on purchasing the Speedgoat 5 for my next trail runner.

    Reply
    • Alan Dixon
      Alan Dixon says:

      Thanks for all the good info Joseph. And FWIW a tongue sliding sideways is a peeve of mine as well. Fortunately, the ATR 6 has a gusseted tongue that keeps it from sliding sideways. Wishing you a great new year of hiking. Warmest, -alan

      Reply
  5. Craig Barber
    Craig Barber says:

    Love My Hokas!
    I have the Challenger ATR 5 .
    Honestly they took a bit of getting used when I first purchased them.
    Probably because I had not ever had a shoe with so much cushion.
    Once I figured them out I have to say , Hoka makes the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. So comfortable, I ended up buying a pair of the Hoka kaha hiking boots.
    I chose the Kaha over several other brands . Simply because I like the idea of being able to hike all day ,whether on trail or cross country, over rough terrain ,and at the end of the day my feet and ankles do not feel completely spent.
    One of other things I really like about my Hokas is, they were designed to be fast walking.
    They are so light and nimble – you can hardly feel the weight on your feet.

    My only complaint with the Kaha is the lacing system. However – I think I may have found a solution to a simple problem.
    I ended up changing the round laces to traditional flat hiking boot laces.
    Much better !
    I am not a big fan of round laces.
    I find they slip too much and create pressure points over the top of my feet.

    I may have to look into a new pair of Speed goats the next time round…

    Reply

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