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  1. Shoes
  2. Hoka Challenger 8 vs Hoka Mafate 5

Hoka Challenger 8 vs Hoka Mafate 5

Hoka Challenger 8

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95
Hoka Mafate 5

Hoka Mafate 5

€179.95

Quick verdict

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95

The better pick if you want:

  • A higher overall score (93 vs 90)
  • To spend $40 less
  • A lighter option (40 g less)

Hoka Mafate 5

€179.95

The better pick if you want:

No clear advantage on the specs we track.

SpecsReview10Alternatives5

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

Hoka Challenger 8· leads in 2

LightnessAffordability

Hoka Mafate 5· leads in 1

Grip

Tied

Cushioning
  • Cushioning

    44 mmTop 1%
    44 mmTop 1%
  • Lightness

    275 gTop 31%
    315 g
  • Grip

    4 mmTop 50%
    5 mmTop 13%
  • Drophigher isn't better or worse

    7 mm
    8 mm
  • Affordability

    $150Top 38%
    $190

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Hoka Challenger 8 vs Hoka Mafate 5

Best value in this comparison
Feature
Hoka Challenger 8€149.95Hoka Mafate 5€179.95

Essentials

€149.95
€179.95
July 2025
August 2025
275 g
315 g

Overview

Trail & Road Running Shoe
Trail Running Shoe
Mixed terrain: road, gravel, light trail
rugged mountain terrain, technical and mixed trails
Road-to-trail running, everyday training, light hiking
Ultra distances, long mountain outings, all-day trail running

Cushioning

7 mm
8 mm
44 mm
44 mm
37 mm
36 mm
Compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) foam for lightweight, plush cushioning
Dual-density midsole with supercritical EVA top layer over firmer compression-molded EVA
High stack cushioning for long runs and varied surfaces
Maximum cushioning for long hours on feet

Grip & protection

Durabrasion rubber with 4 mm multi-directional lugs
Vibram® Megagrip with 5 mm Traction Lug
Reinforced toe cap for abrasion resistance
Reinforced toe cap and high stack underfoot protection
Multi-directional 4 mm lugs for grip on both road and trail
5 mm multidirectional lugs in Vibram Megagrip rubber

Upper & fit

100% recycled rPET engineered mesh for breathability
Knit upper with heat-sealed TPU reinforcement on the toebox
—
Removable cushioned sockliner
Plush collar and comfortable heel, traditional laces
Traditional lacing, neutral support, roomier fit than usual for Hoka
Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Hoka Challenger 8 vs Hoka Mafate 5 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 groundAverage
Hoka Challenger 855
Hoka Mafate 563

FlatPacked, runnable trail

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

Hoka Challenger 885
  • Cushioning40/40
  • Lightness20/35
  • Smooth roll25/25
Hoka Mafate 566
  • Cushioning40/40
  • Lightness9/35
  • Smooth roll17/25

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

Hoka Challenger 8

Have you used the Hoka Challenger 8 before?

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Hoka Mafate 5

Have you used the Hoka Mafate 5 before?

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Video Reviews

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

See all 10 video reviews

Hoka Challenger 8

Hoka Mafate 5

Visual Comparison

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

Hoka Challenger 8
Hoka Mafate 5

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

Ask your own question

Can't find what you're looking for? Ask anything about Hoka Challenger 8 vs Hoka Mafate 5 and our AI will answer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Hoka Challenger 8 vs Hoka Mafate 5?

For value comparison: The Hoka Challenger 8 ($150) offers better affordability compared to the Hoka Mafate 5 ($190). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Which is newer, the Hoka Challenger 8 or the Hoka Mafate 5?

The Hoka Mafate 5 is newer: it came out in August 2025, and the Hoka Challenger 8 in July 2025.

Looking for alternatives to Hoka Challenger 8?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives
1Salomon Ultra Glide 4
Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Salomon

$150Score 90−3
Compare with Hoka Challenger 8
2Kiprun Kipsummit Max
Kiprun Kipsummit Max

Kiprun

$150Score 86−7
Compare with Hoka Challenger 8
3Salomon Genesis
Salomon Genesis

Salomon

$150Score 85−8

Better than Hoka Challenger 8 at:

  • Deeper lugs for grip (4.5 vs 4 mm)
Compare with Hoka Challenger 8

Popular Comparisons

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

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Salomon S/Lab Genesis 2
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