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Hoka’s All-Day Trail Shoe Gets an All-Season Upgrade for Winter’s Worst

The trail version of Hoka’s fan-favorite road runner dresses up for slush and snow.

Black and gray Hoka running shoe with orange tread on the sole against a blue gradient background.Hoka
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By Jack Seemer

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Hoka may be the king of cushion. However, its current crop of trail runners trend light, nimble and low to the ground.

In that light, the Hoka Challenger lives up to its name.

Released last summer, the eighth installment in that series is a rugged Clifton in everything but name, boasting a thick bed of EVA cushion for newbies and trail veterans, alike.

Navy blue HOKA running shoe with white thick sole and mesh upper.
The longstanding Challenger assumed the unofficial title of “Clifton for the trails” after last year’s update (pictured).
Hoka

Now, half a year later, the easy-wearing shoe receives an all-weather upgrade in the form of a Gore-Tex membrane that willingly welcomes slush and puddles underfoot.

Gray and black Hoka running shoe with orange sole and large logo on the side.
The Clifton 8 GTX is an all-weather version of last year’s model.
Hoka
Gray and black Gore-Tex running shoe with orange tread and black laces.
It features a Gore-Tex liner to shield against slush and snow.
Hoka

Like the base model, the Challenger 8 GTX features a 3D-printed toe cap to shield against trail debris, while the multi-directional 4mm lugs cater to both dirt and pavement.

Pair of gray Hoka running shoes with light blue accents and yellow logo viewed from above.
A 3D-printed toecap protects against rocks and trail debris.
Hoka
Black and gray Hoka trail running shoe with bright orange tread sole, shown from a low rear angle.
The multi-directional lugs are optimized for both trail and pavement.
Hoka

As for the drop, it matches the Clifton 10 at 8mm for a smooth transition, no matter the terrain.

Pair of gray and beige trail running shoes with black rugged soles, viewed from the back.
Like the Clifton 10, the Challenger 8 GTX features an 8mm heel-to-toe drop.
Hoka

Availability and pricing

Available soon from Hoka’s official website, the Challenger 8 GTX comes in a trio of launch colorways at launch.

It costs $165, a $10 increase from the Challenger 8 of 2025.

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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