TrailRunningCompare
  • Discount Codes
  • Brands
  • Shops
  • Races
  • Trail runners
  • Training
  • Software
Shoes
Socks
Watch
Vest
Poles
Sunglasses
Action Camera
Heart Rate Monitor
Headphones
Headlamp
Nutrition
TrailRunningCompare

Everything for trail runners in one place: compare shoes and gear, plan your races, train with Strava and turn your runs into Instagram stories.

Category
  • Shoes
  • Socks
  • Watch
  • Vest
  • Poles
  • Sunglasses
  • Action Camera
  • Heart Rate Monitor
  • Headphones
  • Headlamp
  • Nutrition
Popular Comparison
  • Hoka Tecton X 4 VS Brooks Cascadia Elite
  • Hoka Speedgoat 7 VS Nike ACG Zegama Trail
  • Salomon S/Lab Genesis 2 VS La Sportiva Prodigio 2
  • Garmin Fenix 9 Pro VS Garmin Fenix 8
  • Garmin Forerunner 970 VS Coros Pace Pro
Company
  • About
  • How we score
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
Explore
  • Features
  • Guides
  • Competitions
For Business
  • Business login

© 2026 TrailRunningCompare. All Rights Reserved.
  1. Shoes
  2. Hoka Challenger 8 vs La Sportiva Lycan 2

Hoka Challenger 8 vs La Sportiva Lycan 2

Hoka Challenger 8

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95
La Sportiva Lycan 2

La Sportiva Lycan 2

$150

Quick verdict

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95

The better pick if you want:

  • A higher overall score (93 vs 79)
  • A lighter option (30 g less)
  • More cushioning (44 vs 32 mm heel stack)

La Sportiva Lycan 2

$150

The better pick if you want:

  • Deeper lugs for grip (6.5 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 2

CushioningLightness

La Sportiva Lycan 2· leads in 1

Grip

Tied

Affordability
  • Cushioning

    44 mmTop 1%
    32 mm
  • Lightness

    275 gTop 31%
    305 g
  • Grip

    4 mmTop 50%
    6.5 mmTop 2%
  • Drophigher isn't better or worse

    7 mm
    7 mm
  • Affordability

    $150Top 38%
    $150Top 38%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Hoka Challenger 8 vs La Sportiva Lycan 2

Best value in this comparison
Feature
Hoka Challenger 8€149.95La Sportiva Lycan 2$150

Essentials

€149.95
$150
July 2025
2020
275 g
305 g

Overview

Trail & Road Running Shoe
Trail Running Shoe
Mixed terrain: road, gravel, light trail
medium trails, varied off‑road terrain
Road-to-trail running, everyday training, light hiking
Medium‑distance trail runs, training sessions, skyraces

Cushioning

7 mm
7 mm
44 mm
32 mm
37 mm
25 mm
Compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) foam for lightweight, plush cushioning
Injected EVA with shock‑absorbing properties
High stack cushioning for long runs and varied surfaces
Wide internal volume and cushioning for comfort on longer runs

Grip & protection

Durabrasion rubber with 4 mm multi-directional lugs
FriXion® Blue compound with Impact Brake System™
Reinforced toe cap for abrasion resistance
Abrasion‑resistant lining and reinforced toe cap
Multi-directional 4 mm lugs for grip on both road and trail
FriXion® Blue outsole lugs with Impact Brake System™

Upper & fit

100% recycled rPET engineered mesh for breathability
Breathable mesh with microfiber abrasion‑resistant reinforcements and protective TPU toe cap
—
Ortholite® Mountain Running ergonomic 4 mm
Plush collar and comfortable heel, traditional laces
Traditional lace closure
Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Hoka Challenger 8 vs La Sportiva Lycan 2 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
La Sportiva Lycan 271

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
La Sportiva Lycan 241
  • Cushioning25/40
  • Lightness12/35
  • Smooth roll4/25

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

La Sportiva Lycan 2

Have you used the La Sportiva Lycan 2 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

La Sportiva Lycan 2

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Hoka Challenger 8 and La Sportiva Lycan 2 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Hoka Challenger 8
La Sportiva Lycan 2

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 La Sportiva Lycan 2 and our AI will answer.

Enter to send · Shift+Enter for a new line
Try asking:

Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Hoka Challenger 8 vs La Sportiva Lycan 2?

For value comparison: The Hoka Challenger 8 ($150) provides premium features compared to the La Sportiva Lycan 2 ($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 La Sportiva Lycan 2?

The Hoka Challenger 8 is newer: it came out in July 2025, and the La Sportiva Lycan 2 in 2020.

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 La Sportiva Lycan 2 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Hoka, La Sportiva and more.

Hoka Speedgoat 7
Mount to Coast M1
VS
Shoes

Hoka Speedgoat 7

3 – 0

Mount to Coast M1

Compare now →
Mount to Coast M1
Salomon Genesis 2
VS
Shoes

Mount to Coast M1

2 – 1

Salomon Genesis 2

Compare now →
Hoka Tecton X 4
Brooks Cascadia Elite
VS
Shoes

Hoka Tecton X 4

2 – 1

Brooks Cascadia Elite

Compare now →
Hoka Speedgoat 7
Hoka Speedgoat 6
VS
Shoes

Hoka Speedgoat 7

1 – 2

Hoka Speedgoat 6

Compare now →
Salomon S/Lab Genesis 2
Salomon Genesis 2
VS
Shoes

Salomon S/Lab Genesis 2

2 – 2

Salomon Genesis 2

Compare now →