Brooks Caldera 8 vs Hoka Challenger 8

Brooks Caldera 8

€150

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95

Quick verdict

Brooks Caldera 8

€150

The better pick if you want:

No clear advantage on the specs we track.

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (93 vs 78)
A lighter option (37 g less)
More cushioning (44 vs 38.5 mm heel stack)

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

Brooks Caldera 8· leads in none

Hoka Challenger 8· leads in 2

CushioningLightness

Tied

GripAffordability

Cushioning
39 mmTop 17%
44 mmTop 1%
Lightness
312 g
275 gTop 31%
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
7 mm
Affordability
$150Top 38%
$150Top 38%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Brooks Caldera 8 vs Hoka Challenger 8

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (15)

Essentials

€150

€149.95

2025

July 2025

312 g

275 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

Trail & Road Running Shoe

rugged trails, mountainous terrain, dirt paths

Mixed terrain: road, gravel, light trail

Technical trail running, long distance trail runs, mountain races

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

Cushioning

6 mm

7 mm

38.5 mm

44 mm

32.5 mm

37 mm

DNA Loft v2 cushioning for plush but responsive ride

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

Plush, responsive cushioning for long runs

High stack cushioning for long runs and varied surfaces

Grip & protection

TrailTack Green Rubber with high-traction lugs

Durabrasion rubber with 4 mm multi-directional lugs

Ballistic Rock Shield underfoot for rock and debris protection

Reinforced toe cap for abrasion resistance

Aggressive lugs for technical grip on varied surfaces

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

Upper & fit

Breathable engineered mesh with reinforced overlays

100% recycled rPET engineered mesh for breathability

—

Plush collar and comfortable heel, traditional laces

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Brooks Caldera 8 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
Brooks Caldera 8							53
Hoka Challenger 8							55

FlatPacked, runnable trail

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

Brooks Caldera 872

Cushioning37/40
Lightness10/35
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

Brooks Caldera 8

Hoka Challenger 8

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Brooks Caldera 8 and Hoka Challenger 8 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

Ask your own question

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Brooks Caldera 8 vs Hoka Challenger 8?

For value comparison: The Brooks Caldera 8 ($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 Brooks Caldera 8 or the Hoka Challenger 8?

Both came out in 2025.

Looking for alternatives to Brooks Caldera 8?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Salomon

$150Score 90+12

Better than Brooks Caldera 8 at:

A higher overall score (90 vs 78)
A lighter option (37 g less)

Compare with Brooks Caldera 8

Kiprun Kipsummit Max

Kiprun

$150Score 86+8

Better than Brooks Caldera 8 at:

A higher overall score (86 vs 78)
A lighter option (26 g less)

Compare with Brooks Caldera 8

Salomon Genesis

Salomon

$150Score 85+7

Better than Brooks Caldera 8 at:

A higher overall score (85 vs 78)
A lighter option (37 g less)
Deeper lugs for grip (4.5 vs 4 mm)

Compare with Brooks Caldera 8

Popular Comparisons

Compare Brooks Caldera 8 or Hoka Challenger 8 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Brooks, 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

Brooks Caldera 8· leads in none

Hoka Challenger 8· leads in 2

CushioningLightness

Tied

GripAffordability

Cushioning
39 mmTop 17%
44 mmTop 1%
Lightness
312 g
275 gTop 31%
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
7 mm
Affordability
$150Top 38%
$150Top 38%

Pick a ground

Average

Brooks Caldera 8

Hoka Challenger 8

Brooks Caldera 8 vs Hoka Challenger 8

Brooks Caldera 8

Hoka Challenger 8

Quick verdict

Spec profile