Brooks Ghost Trail vs Hoka Challenger 8

Brooks Ghost Trail

Brooks Ghost Trail

$150
Hoka Challenger 8

Hoka Challenger 8

$150

Quick verdict

Brooks Ghost Trail

$150

The better pick if you want:

No clear advantage on the specs we track.

Hoka Challenger 8

$150

The better pick if you want:

  • 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 150 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 10%
    44 mmTop 1%
  • Lightness

    292 g
    275 gTop 33%
  • Grip

    3 mm
    4 mmTop 49%
  • Drophigher isn't better or worse

    8 mm
    7 mm
  • Affordability

    $150Top 35%
    $150Top 35%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Brooks Ghost Trail vs Hoka Challenger 8

Best value in this comparison

Essentials

150 $
150 $
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
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Brooks Ghost Trail

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Hoka Challenger 8

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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.

Brooks Ghost Trail
Hoka Challenger 8

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

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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.

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