Hoka Challenger 7 vs Speedgoat 5: Which is the Better Running Shoe?

Hoka Challenger 7 vs Speedgoat 5: Two of the most popular options for trail runners and hikers alike are the Hoka Challenger 7 and the Speedgoat 5.

Both shoes boast impressive credentials, with the Challenger 7 renowned for its cushioning and comfort and the Speedgoat 5 celebrated for its agility and responsiveness.

In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll explore the key similarities and differences between the Hoka Challenger 7 and the Speedgoat 5, covering everything from fit and feel to traction and support.

Hoka Challenger 7 vs Speedgoat 5: A Quick Overview

Hoka Challenger 7:

• Maximum cushioning: The Challenger 7 features a generous 32mm heel stack height and 28mm forefoot stack height for unparalleled comfort and shock absorption.
• Soft and smooth ride: The midsole is designed to provide a smooth heel-to-toe transition, making for a comfortable and efficient stride.
• Breathable and lightweight: The Challenger 7 features a lightweight and breathable upper, making it ideal for warm weather and high-intensity activities.
• Moderate support: The Challenger 7 offers moderate support and stability, making it suitable for runners with neutral to mild overpronation.

Speedgoat 5:

• Agile and responsive: The Speedgoat 5 features a more responsive midsole and a lower heel-to-toe drop, making it ideal for faster-paced trail running and more technical terrain.
• Grippy and aggressive: The Speedgoat 5 boasts an aggressive outsole with deep lugs, providing exceptional traction and grip on a variety of trail surfaces.
• Secure and comfortable fit: The Speedgoat 5 features a comfortable and secure fit, with a breathable upper and a comfortable toe box.
• Supportive and stable: The Speedgoat 5 offers more substantial support and stability than the Challenger 7, making it suitable for runners with mild to moderate overpronation.

Trail Tussle: Key Differences Between Hoka Challenger 7 and Speedgoat 5

Cushioning And Ride

The most notable differences between the Hoka Challenger 7 and Speedgoat 5 lie in their cushioning and ride.

The Challenger 7 boasts a softer and more cushioned ride, with a more substantial heel-to-toe drop of 4mm, making it ideal for runners seeking a comfortable, relaxed stride.

In contrast, the Speedgoat 5 features a firmer and more responsive ride, with a lower heel-to-toe drop of 2mm, making it better suited for runners who crave a more agile and efficient stride.

Support And Stability

Another key difference between the two shoes lies in their support and stability. The Challenger 7 offers moderate support and stability, making it suitable for neutral to mild overpronation runners.

On the other hand, the Speedgoat 5 provides more substantial support and stability, making it a better fit for runners with mild to moderate overpronation.

Additionally, the two shoes differ significantly in terms of weight and responsiveness. The Challenger 7 is heavier and less responsive, weighing 10.6 oz for a man’s size 9, while the Speedgoat 5 is lighter and more responsive, weighing 9.4 oz for a man’s size 9.

Traction and Grip

The outsole of the two shoes also tells a different story. The Challenger 7 features a less aggressive outsole with smaller lugs, making it better suited for smoother trails and more casual trail running.

In contrast, the Speedgoat 5 boasts a more aggressive outsole with deeper lugs, making it ideal for technical and aggressive trail running. Finally, the upper and fit of the two shoes differ as well.

The Challenger 7 features a softer, more breathable upper with a more relaxed fit, making it suitable for runners with wider feet. The Speedgoat 5, on the other hand, has a more substantial, more supportive upper with a more secure fit, making it better suited for runners with narrower feet.

Cushioning Conundrum: How Hoka Challenger 7 and Speedgoat 5 Stack Up

Cushioning and Ride

• Hoka Challenger 7:
  • Softer and more cushioned midsole for a comfortable and relaxed ride
  • 32mm heel stack height and 28mm forefoot stack height for maximum cushioning
  • More substantial heel-to-toe drop (4mm) for a more comfortable stride
  • Suitable for runners who prioritize comfort and cushioning
• Speedgoat 5:
  • Firmer and more responsive midsole for a more agile and efficient ride
  • 27mm heel stack height and 23mm forefoot stack height for a more responsive feel
  • Lower heel-to-toe drop (2mm) for a more natural stride
  • Suitable for runners who prioritize responsiveness and agility

Cushioning Comparison

• Hoka Challenger 7: More cushioned and softer ride, with a greater emphasis on comfort and shock absorption
• Speedgoat 5: Less cushioned and firmer ride, with a greater emphasis on responsiveness and agility

Ride Characteristics

• Hoka Challenger 7: More relaxed and comfortable ride, with a greater sense of protection and comfort
• Speedgoat 5: More agile and responsive ride, with a greater sense of connection to the trail

Fit and Feel: A Side-by-Side Comparison of Hoka Challenger 7 and Speedgoat 5

Upper Material

• Hoka Challenger 7: Breathable and lightweight mesh upper with a soft, comfortable feel
• Speedgoat 5: More substantial and supportive upper with a snugger, more secure fit

Fit

• Hoka Challenger 7: More relaxed fit with a roomier toe box and a comfortable, accommodating feel
• Speedgoat 5: More snug fit with a narrower toe box and a more secure, locked-in feel

Heel and Collar

• Hoka Challenger 7: Softer, more cushioned heel collar with a comfortable, padded feel
• Speedgoat 5: More substantial, more supportive heel collar with a snugger, more secure fit

Tongue and Lacing

• Hoka Challenger 7: Softer, more comfortable tongue with a more relaxed lacing system
• Speedgoat 5: More substantial, more supportive tongue with a more secure, customizable lacing system

Overall Feel

• Hoka Challenger 7: Softer, more comfortable, and more relaxed feel with a greater emphasis on comfort and cushioning
• Speedgoat 5: More substantial, more supportive, and more responsive feel with a greater emphasis on agility and responsiveness

Traction and Grip: Which Trail Shoe Reigns Supreme?

Traction and Grip Comparison

• Hoka Challenger 7:
  • Moderately aggressive outsole with 4mm lugs
  • Vibram Megagrip compound for reliable grip on dry trails
  • Decent grip on smooth surfaces, but may struggle on extremely slippery surfaces
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Aggressively lugged outsole with 5mm lugs
  • Vibram XS Trek compound for superior grip on both dry and wet surfaces
  • Unmatched grip on rough, rocky, and slippery trails

Key Takeaway

• The Speedgoat 5’s more aggressive outsole and specialized rubber compound make it the better choice for runners who frequently tackle technical, rough, or slippery trails.
• The Challenger 7 still offers reliable grip on smoother trails, making it a great option for runners who prioritize comfort and flexibility.

The Verdict on Weight and Responsiveness: Hoka Challenger 7 vs Speedgoat 5

Weight Comparison

• Hoka Challenger 7:
  • Men’s size 9: 10.6 oz (299g)
  • Women’s size 7: 9.2 oz (260g)
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Men’s size 9: 11.2 oz (317g)
  • Women’s size 7: 9.9 oz (280g)

Responsiveness Comparison

• Hoka Challenger 7:
  • Softer and more cushioned midsole for a more comfortable ride
  • Less responsive and springy feel due to increased cushioning
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Firmer and more responsive midsole for a more agile feel
  • More springy and energetic ride due to its more responsive design

Key Takeaway

• The Challenger 7 is the lighter and more cushioned option, making it ideal for runners who prioritize comfort and long-distance running.
• The Speedgoat 5 is slightly heavier but more responsive, making it better suited for runners who need a more agile and springy feel for shorter, faster runs.

Breathability and Drainage: How Hoka Challenger 7 and Speedgoat 5 Keep Your Feet Fresh

Breathability Comparison

• Hoka Challenger 7:
  • Engineered mesh upper with strategic ventilation zones
  • Lightweight and breathable materials for optimal airflow
  • Moderate breathability, suitable for moderate to warm weather conditions
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Lightweight and breathable mesh upper with increased ventilation
  • More extensive use of breathable materials for improved airflow
  • Excellent breathability, suitable for warm to hot weather conditions

Drainage Comparison

• Hoka Challenger 7:
  • Moderate drainage capabilities, suitable for moderate trail conditions
  • Some water retention in the midsole and forefoot
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Excellent drainage capabilities, suitable for wet and muddy trail conditions
  • Quick-drying materials and design features to minimize water retention

Key Takeaway

• The Speedgoat 5 is the clear winner in terms of breathability and drainage, making it an excellent choice for runners who frequently encounter wet and muddy trails.
• The Challenger 7 still offers decent breathability and drainage, but may not be the best option for extremely wet or muddy conditions.

Support and Stability: A Head-to-Head Comparison of Hoka Challenger 7 and Speedgoat 5

Support Comparison

• Hoka Challenger 7:
  • Moderate support features, suitable for runners with neutral to mild overpronation
  • Softer and more cushioned midsole provides a comfortable ride
  • Less supportive than the Speedgoat 5, but still offers a stable platform
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • More substantial support features, suitable for runners with moderate to severe overpronation
  • Firmer and more responsive midsole provides a more stable ride
  • Excellent support and stability for runners who need a little more guidance

Stability Comparison

• Hoka Challenger 7:
  • Moderate stability features, suitable for runners who need a balance of comfort and support
  • Softer midsole and more relaxed fit provide a comfortable ride
  • Less stable than the Speedgoat 5, but still offers a smooth ride
• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Excellent stability features, suitable for runners who need a more secure ride
  • Firmer midsole and more snug fit provide a more stable platform
  • Ideal for runners who need a little more control and support

Key Takeaway

• The Speedgoat 5 is the clear winner in terms of support and stability, making it an excellent choice for runners who need a little more guidance and control.
• The Challenger 7 still offers a comfortable and stable ride, but may not be the best option for runners who need more substantial support features.

The Final Showdown: Which Trail Shoe is Right for You – Hoka Challenger 7 or Speedgoat 5?

Choose the Hoka Challenger 7 if

• You prioritize comfort and cushioning for long, easy trail runs
• You’re a neutral runner or have mild overpronation
• You prefer a more relaxed fit and a softer, more cushioned ride
• You’re looking for a great all-around trail shoe for everyday training

Choose the Hoka Speedgoat 5 if

• You need a more aggressive, responsive ride for faster trail runs
• You’re a runner with moderate to severe overpronation
• You prefer a more snug fit and a firmer, more supportive midsole
• You’re looking for a shoe that can handle technical, rough, or slippery trails

Ultimately, the decision comes down to

• Your personal running style and preferences
• The type of trails you’ll be running on most often
• Your foot shape, size, and pronation needs

FAQs

Q: Which shoe is better for beginners?
A: The Hoka Challenger 7 is a great option for beginners, as it offers a more comfortable and cushioned ride, making it easier to transition to trail running.

Q: Can I wear these shoes for road running?
A: While both shoes are designed for trail running, the Hoka Challenger 7 can be worn for road running due to its more cushioned and comfortable ride. However, the Speedgoat 5 is more suited for trail running due to its aggressive tread pattern and firmer midsole.

Q: How do I choose between the two shoes?
A: Consider your running style, the type of trails you’ll be running on, and your personal preferences. If you prioritize comfort and cushioning, the Challenger 7 may be the better choice. If you need a more responsive and supportive ride for faster trail runs, the Speedgoat 5 may be the better option.

Q: Are these shoes waterproof?
A: While neither shoe is fully waterproof, the Speedgoat 5 has better drainage capabilities and is more suitable for wet and muddy trails.

Q: Can I wear these shoes for hiking or backpacking?
A: While both shoes are designed for running, they can be worn for hiking or backpacking due to their comfortable and supportive designs. However, keep in mind that they may not provide the same level of ankle support as hiking boots.

Q: How long do these shoes last?
A: The lifespan of the shoes depends on various factors, including your running frequency, terrain, and personal running style. On average, trail running shoes can last anywhere from 300 to 500 miles, depending on the conditions.