Brooks Ghost Trail vs HOKA Challenger 8

Ghost Trail or Challenger 8? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want the familiar Ghost ride for gravel and mixed surfaces? Get the Ghost Trail.

Want one shoe for roads, gravel and easy trails? Get the Challenger 8.

Get the Ghost Trail if

• You like a firmer, more stable feel

Get the Challenger 8 if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You want more foam underfoot (5.5mm more at the heel)
• Long runs are your thing
• You need a roomier fit

On the run

Ghost Trail: The Ghost for gravel. The familiar Ghost ride with dependable, winter-ready grip for gravel, dirt paths and the road in between. Stable for heel strikers and flexible enough for walking and hiking.

Challenger 8: The road-to-trail all-rounder. Well cushioned and stable, with grippy redesigned lugs for gravel, dirt paths and the road in between. Flexible for a max-stack trail shoe, though the foam isn’t very bouncy.

Specs side by side

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Ghost Trail. Runs slightly long, so you may want a half size down. Comfortable step-in feel, but the toebox is tapered. Wide available.

Challenger 8. True to size and roomier than the Challenger 7, with a secure heel. Wide available.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the Ghost Trail · Shop the Challenger 8 · Compare other running shoes