On Cloudsurfer Trail 2 vs HOKA Challenger 8

Cloudsurfer Trail 2 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 road comfort with grip for gravel and easy trails? Get the Cloudsurfer Trail 2.

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

Get the Cloudsurfer Trail 2 if

• You like a firmer, more stable feel
• You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit

Get the Challenger 8 if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You want more foam underfoot (8mm more at the heel)
• Long runs are your thing
• You need a roomier fit

On the run

Cloudsurfer Trail 2: The road-to-light-trail On. Dependable on road, gravel and easy trails, and great for heel strikers. The midsole is firm with little bounce.

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

Cloudsurfer Trail 2. True to size with a high-quality upper. It doubles as a rugged sneaker.

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 Cloudsurfer Trail 2 · Shop the Challenger 8 · Compare other running shoes