Brooks Cascadia 19 vs Hoka Challenger 8

Brooks Cascadia 19

€150

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95

Quick verdict

Brooks Cascadia 19

€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 73)
A lighter option (26 g less)
More cushioning (44 vs 34 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 Cascadia 19· leads in none

Hoka Challenger 8· leads in 2

CushioningLightness

Tied

GripAffordability

Cushioning
34 mm
44 mmTop 1%
Lightness
301 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 Cascadia 19 vs Hoka Challenger 8

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (15)

Essentials

€150

€149.95

2025

July 2025

301 g

275 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

Trail & Road Running Shoe

Technical trails, rocky terrain, uneven surfaces

Mixed terrain: road, gravel, light trail

Technical trail running, mountain running, long trail sessions

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

Cushioning

6 mm

7 mm

34 mm

44 mm

28 mm

37 mm

DNA LOFT v3 cushioning with adaptive stability system

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

Protective cushioning with stable, controlled ride

High stack cushioning for long runs and varied surfaces

Grip & protection

TrailTack Green rubber outsole with high-traction lugs

Durabrasion rubber with 4 mm multi-directional lugs

Ballistic Rock Shield and reinforced toe cap

Reinforced toe cap for abrasion resistance

Aggressive multi-directional lugs for technical grip

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

Upper & fit

Durable engineered mesh with reinforced overlays

100% recycled rPET engineered mesh for breathability

Traditional laces, neutral fit with adaptable stability platform

Plush collar and comfortable heel, traditional laces

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Brooks Cascadia 19 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 Cascadia 19							54
Hoka Challenger 8							55

FlatPacked, runnable trail

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

Brooks Cascadia 1967

Cushioning29/40
Lightness13/35
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 Cascadia 19

Hoka Challenger 8

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Brooks Cascadia 19 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 Cascadia 19 vs Hoka Challenger 8?

For value comparison: The Brooks Cascadia 19 ($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 Cascadia 19 or the Hoka Challenger 8?

Both came out in 2025.

Looking for alternatives to Brooks Cascadia 19?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Salomon

$150Score 90+17

Better than Brooks Cascadia 19 at:

A higher overall score (90 vs 73)
A lighter option (26 g less)
More cushioning (39 vs 34 mm heel stack)

Compare with Brooks Cascadia 19

Kiprun Kipsummit Max

Kiprun

$150Score 86+13

Better than Brooks Cascadia 19 at:

A higher overall score (86 vs 73)
A lighter option (15 g less)
More cushioning (39 vs 34 mm heel stack)

Compare with Brooks Cascadia 19

Salomon Genesis

Salomon

$150Score 85+12

Better than Brooks Cascadia 19 at:

A higher overall score (85 vs 73)
A lighter option (26 g less)
Deeper lugs for grip (4.5 vs 4 mm)

Compare with Brooks Cascadia 19

Popular Comparisons

Compare Brooks Cascadia 19 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 Cascadia 19· leads in none

Hoka Challenger 8· leads in 2

CushioningLightness

Tied

GripAffordability

Cushioning
34 mm
44 mmTop 1%
Lightness
301 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 Cascadia 19

Hoka Challenger 8

Brooks Cascadia 19 vs Hoka Challenger 8

Brooks Cascadia 19

Hoka Challenger 8

Quick verdict

Spec profile