Brooks Ghost Trail vs Hoka Challenger 8

Brooks Ghost Trail

€150

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95

Quick verdict

Brooks Ghost Trail

€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 76)
A lighter option (17 g less)
More cushioning (44 vs 40 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

Brooks Ghost Trail· leads in none

Hoka Challenger 8· leads in 3

CushioningLightnessGrip

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
40 mmTop 9%
44 mmTop 1%
Lightness
292 g
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 Brooks Ghost Trail vs Hoka Challenger 8

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (15)

Essentials

€150

€149.95

2025

July 2025

292 g

275 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

Trail & Road Running Shoe

Road, gravel paths, light trail

Mixed terrain: road, gravel, light trail

Road-to-trail running, daily training, light trail use

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

Cushioning

8 mm

7 mm

40 mm

44 mm

32 mm

37 mm

Nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning for soft, smooth transitions

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

Soft, high-stack cushioning for daily training comfort

High stack cushioning for long runs and varied surfaces

Grip & protection

TrailTack Green rubber with 3 mm lugs for wet and dry traction

Durabrasion rubber with 4 mm multi-directional lugs

3D-printed toe cap and mudguard

Reinforced toe cap for abrasion resistance

Low-profile 3 mm lugs for road-to-trail versatility

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

Upper & fit

Soft, breathable air mesh with protective overlays

100% recycled rPET engineered mesh for breathability

Traditional laces, neutral fit with secure heel lockdown

Plush collar and comfortable heel, traditional laces

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Brooks Ghost Trail 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 Ghost Trail							46
Hoka Challenger 8							55

FlatPacked, runnable trail

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

Brooks Ghost Trail81

Cushioning40/40
Lightness16/35
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 Ghost Trail

Hoka Challenger 8

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Brooks Ghost Trail 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 Ghost Trail vs Hoka Challenger 8?

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

Both came out in 2025.

Looking for alternatives to Brooks Ghost Trail?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Salomon

$150Score 90+14

Better than Brooks Ghost Trail at:

A higher overall score (90 vs 76)
A lighter option (17 g less)
A lower drop (6 vs 8 mm)

Compare with Brooks Ghost Trail

Kiprun Kipsummit Max

Kiprun

$150Score 86+10

Better than Brooks Ghost Trail at:

A higher overall score (86 vs 76)
A lighter option (6 g less)
A lower drop (6 vs 8 mm)

Compare with Brooks Ghost Trail

Salomon Genesis

Salomon

$150Score 85+9

Better than Brooks Ghost Trail at:

A higher overall score (85 vs 76)
A lighter option (17 g less)
Deeper lugs for grip (4.5 vs 3 mm)

Compare with Brooks Ghost Trail

Popular Comparisons

Compare Brooks Ghost Trail 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 Ghost Trail· leads in none

Hoka Challenger 8· leads in 3

CushioningLightnessGrip

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
40 mmTop 9%
44 mmTop 1%
Lightness
292 g
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

Brooks Ghost Trail

Hoka Challenger 8

Brooks Ghost Trail vs Hoka Challenger 8

Brooks Ghost Trail

Hoka Challenger 8

Quick verdict

Spec profile