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  1. Shoes
  2. Hoka Challenger 8 vs LOWA Amplux 2

Hoka Challenger 8 vs LOWA Amplux 2

Hoka Challenger 8

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95
LOWA Amplux 2

LOWA Amplux 2

€150

Quick verdict

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95

The better pick if you want:

  • A higher overall score (93 vs 71)
  • A lighter option (20 g less)
  • More cushioning (44 vs 24.5 mm heel stack)

LOWA Amplux 2

€150

The better pick if you want:

  • Deeper lugs for grip (4.5 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

LOWA Amplux 2· leads in 1

Grip

Tied

Affordability
  • Cushioning

    44 mmTop 1%
    25 mm
  • Lightness

    275 gTop 31%
    295 g
  • Grip

    4 mmTop 50%
    4.5 mmTop 25%
  • Drophigher isn't better or worse

    7 mm
    6 mm
  • Affordability

    $150Top 38%
    $150Top 38%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Hoka Challenger 8 vs LOWA Amplux 2

Best value in this comparison
Feature
Hoka Challenger 8€149.95LOWA Amplux 2€150

Essentials

€149.95
€150
July 2025
2025
275 g
295 g

Overview

Trail & Road Running Shoe
Trail Running Shoe
Mixed terrain: road, gravel, light trail
Technical trails and varied off-road surfaces
Road-to-trail running, everyday training, light hiking
Daily trail running, training and varied off-road runs

Cushioning

7 mm
6 mm
44 mm
24.5 mm
37 mm
18.5 mm
Compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) foam for lightweight, plush cushioning
LOWA® DYNAEVA® dual-density EVA
High stack cushioning for long runs and varied surfaces
—

Grip & protection

Durabrasion rubber with 4 mm multi-directional lugs
LOWA® TRAC® outsole
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
—
Plush collar and comfortable heel, traditional laces
—
Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Hoka Challenger 8 vs LOWA Amplux 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
LOWA Amplux 256

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
LOWA Amplux 256
  • Cushioning20/40
  • Lightness15/35
  • Smooth roll21/25

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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LOWA Amplux 2

Have you used the LOWA Amplux 2 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

LOWA Amplux 2

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Hoka Challenger 8 and LOWA Amplux 2 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Hoka Challenger 8
LOWA Amplux 2

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 LOWA Amplux 2?

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

Both came out in 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 LOWA Amplux 2 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Hoka, LOWA and more.

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