HOKA Stinson 8 vs Challenger 8

Stinson 8 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 maximum protection and stability on easy trails? Get the Stinson 8.

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

Get the Stinson 8 if

You need a roomier fit
You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
You prefer a lower drop (5mm vs 8mm)

Get the Challenger 8 if

Long runs are your thing
You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot
You want the lighter shoe, by about 1.6 oz
You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 5mm)

On the run

Stinson 8: The tank-like max-cushion cruiser. Huge, protective and very stable, with a progressive rocker. Great on gravel and easy trails, but the EVA foam feels muted and it’s very heavy.

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

	Stinson 8	Challenger 8
Price	$180	$155
Stack height (heel / forefoot)	Not listed by HOKA	42 / 34mm*
Drop	5mm	8mm
Weight, men’s	11.3 oz	9.7 oz
Weight, women’s	9.6 oz	8.7 oz
Support	Neutral	Neutral
Plate	None	None
Widths	Standard	Standard, Wide
Built for	Trails, Walking & all-day wear, Easy days	Trails, Easy days, Long runs, Walking & all-day wear
Expected life	400–500 miles	400–500 miles

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

Stinson 8. True to size and surprisingly roomy for a HOKA. 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.