Asics Novablast 5 TR vs Hoka Challenger 8

Asics Novablast 5 TR

$150

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95

Quick verdict

Asics Novablast 5 TR

$150

The better pick if you want:

A lighter option (5 g less)

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (93 vs 83)
More cushioning (44 vs 41 mm heel stack)
Deeper lugs for grip (4 vs 3 mm)

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Asics Novablast 5 TR· leads in none

Hoka Challenger 8· leads in 2

CushioningGrip

Tied

LightnessAffordability

Cushioning
41 mmTop 7%
44 mmTop 1%
Lightness
270 gTop 27%
275 gTop 31%
Grip
3 mm
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
8 mm
7 mm
Affordability
$150Top 38%
$150Top 38%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Asics Novablast 5 TR vs Hoka Challenger 8

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (15)

Essentials

$150

€149.95

2025

July 2025

270 g

275 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

Trail & Road Running Shoe

Light trails, gravel paths and mixed road-to-trail surfaces

Mixed terrain: road, gravel, light trail

Daily trail running, door-to-trail sessions and mixed terrain running

Road-to-trail running, everyday training, light hiking

Cushioning

8 mm

7 mm

41 mm

44 mm

33 mm

37 mm

FF BLAST PLUS cushioning for responsive bounce and energy return

Compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) foam for lightweight, plush cushioning

—

High stack cushioning for long runs and varied surfaces

Grip & protection

Trail-specific rubber outsole for improved grip on off-road surfaces

Durabrasion rubber with 4 mm multi-directional lugs

—

Reinforced toe cap for abrasion resistance

—

Multi-directional 4 mm lugs for grip on both road and trail

Upper & fit

—

100% recycled rPET engineered mesh for breathability

—

Plush collar and comfortable heel, traditional laces

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Asics Novablast 5 TR vs Hoka Challenger 8 should behave on each kind of ground, estimated from lug depth, stack height, weight and outsole rubber. Pick a ground to see what decides it.

Pick a ground							Average
Asics Novablast 5 TR							46
Hoka Challenger 8							55

FlatPacked, runnable trail

Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.

Asics Novablast 5 TR87

Cushioning40/40
Lightness22/35
Smooth roll25/25

Hoka Challenger 885

Cushioning40/40
Lightness20/35
Smooth roll25/25

A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.

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Video Reviews

Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.

See all 10 video reviews

Asics Novablast 5 TR

Hoka Challenger 8

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Asics Novablast 5 TR and Hoka Challenger 8 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Asics Novablast 5 TR vs Hoka Challenger 8?

For value comparison: The Asics Novablast 5 TR ($150) provides premium features compared to the Hoka Challenger 8 ($150). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Which is newer, the Asics Novablast 5 TR or the Hoka Challenger 8?

Both came out in 2025.

Looking for alternatives to Asics Novablast 5 TR?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Salomon

$150Score 90+7

Better than Asics Novablast 5 TR at:

A higher overall score (90 vs 83)
A lower drop (6 vs 8 mm)

Compare with Asics Novablast 5 TR

Kiprun Kipsummit Max

Kiprun

$150Score 86+3

Better than Asics Novablast 5 TR at:

A higher overall score (86 vs 83)
A lower drop (6 vs 8 mm)
Deeper lugs for grip (4 vs 3 mm)

Compare with Asics Novablast 5 TR

Salomon Genesis

Salomon

$150Score 85+2

Better than Asics Novablast 5 TR at:

Deeper lugs for grip (4.5 vs 3 mm)

Compare with Asics Novablast 5 TR

Popular Comparisons

Compare Asics Novablast 5 TR or Hoka Challenger 8 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Asics, Hoka and more.

Shoes

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Asics Novablast 5 TR· leads in none

Hoka Challenger 8· leads in 2

CushioningGrip

Tied

LightnessAffordability

Cushioning
41 mmTop 7%
44 mmTop 1%
Lightness
270 gTop 27%
275 gTop 31%
Grip
3 mm
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
8 mm
7 mm
Affordability
$150Top 38%
$150Top 38%

Pick a ground

Average

Asics Novablast 5 TR

Hoka Challenger 8

Asics Novablast 5 TR vs Hoka Challenger 8

Asics Novablast 5 TR

Hoka Challenger 8

Quick verdict

Spec profile