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  1. Shoes
  2. Hoka Challenger 8 vs INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

Hoka Challenger 8 vs INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

Hoka Challenger 8

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95
INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

$150

Quick verdict

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95

The better pick if you want:

  • A higher overall score (93 vs 85)
  • More cushioning (44 vs 11 mm heel stack)

INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

$150

The better pick if you want:

  • A lighter option (9 g less)
  • A lower drop (4 vs 7 mm)
  • Deeper lugs for grip (8 vs 4 mm)
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 1

Cushioning

INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2· leads in 2

LightnessGrip

Tied

Affordability
  • Cushioning

    44 mmTop 1%
    11 mm
  • Lightness

    275 gTop 31%
    266 gTop 22%
  • Grip

    4 mmTop 50%
    8 mmTop 1%
  • Drophigher isn't better or worse

    7 mm
    4 mm
  • Affordability

    $150Top 38%
    $150Top 38%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Hoka Challenger 8 vs INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

Best value in this comparison
Feature
Hoka Challenger 8€149.95INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2$150

Essentials

€149.95
$150
July 2025
October 2025
275 g
266 g

Overview

Trail & Road Running Shoe
Trail Running Shoe
Mixed terrain: road, gravel, light trail
Muddy & soft technical trails
Road-to-trail running, everyday training, light hiking
Faster paced trail training and short technical races in muddy conditions

Cushioning

7 mm
4 mm
44 mm
11 mm
37 mm
7 mm
Compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) foam for lightweight, plush cushioning
POWERFLOW PRO lightweight responsive foam
High stack cushioning for long runs and varied surfaces
—

Grip & protection

Durabrasion rubber with 4 mm multi-directional lugs
STICKYGRIP™ rubber with aggressive 8mm lugs
Reinforced toe cap for abrasion resistance
—
Multi-directional 4 mm lugs for grip on both road and trail
—

Upper & fit

100% recycled rPET engineered mesh for breathability
—
—
6 mm BOOMERANG footbed
Plush collar and comfortable heel, traditional laces
—
Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Hoka Challenger 8 vs INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2 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
INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V271

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
INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V243
  • Cushioning20/40
  • Lightness23/35
  • Smooth roll0/25

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

Hoka Challenger 8

Have you used the Hoka Challenger 8 before?

Help the community by answering

INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

Have you used the INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2 before?

Help the community by answering

Video Reviews

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

See all 10 video reviews

Hoka Challenger 8

INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Hoka Challenger 8 and INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Hoka Challenger 8
INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

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: Hoka Challenger 8 vs INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2?

For value comparison: The Hoka Challenger 8 ($150) provides premium features compared to the INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2 ($150). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Which is newer, the Hoka Challenger 8 or the INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2?

The INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2 is newer: it came out in October 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 INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Hoka, INOV-8 and more.

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