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  1. Shoes
  2. Hoka Challenger 8 vs Mizuno Wave Daichi 9

Hoka Challenger 8 vs Mizuno Wave Daichi 9

Hoka Challenger 8

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95
Mizuno Wave Daichi 9

Mizuno Wave Daichi 9

€150

Quick verdict

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95

The better pick if you want:

  • A higher overall score (93 vs 72)
  • A lighter option (31 g less)
  • More cushioning (44 vs 34 mm heel stack)

Mizuno Wave Daichi 9

€150

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

CushioningLightness

Mizuno Wave Daichi 9· leads in none

Tied

GripAffordability
  • Cushioning

    44 mmTop 1%
    34 mm
  • Lightness

    275 gTop 31%
    306 g
  • Grip

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

    7 mm
    6.5 mm
  • Affordability

    $150Top 38%
    $150Top 38%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Hoka Challenger 8 vs Mizuno Wave Daichi 9

Best value in this comparison
Feature
Hoka Challenger 8€149.95Mizuno Wave Daichi 9€150

Essentials

€149.95
€150
July 2025
2025
275 g
306 g

Overview

Trail & Road Running Shoe
Trail Running Shoe
Mixed terrain: road, gravel, light trail
Moderate to rugged trails
Road-to-trail running, everyday training, light hiking
Trail running and long-distance off-road runs

Cushioning

7 mm
6.5 mm
44 mm
34 mm
37 mm
27.5 mm
Compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) foam for lightweight, plush cushioning
Mizuno ENERZY foam with Wave foam structure for cushioning & stability
High stack cushioning for long runs and varied surfaces
—

Grip & protection

Durabrasion rubber with 4 mm multi-directional lugs
Vibram Megagrip rubber with traction 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
—
Plush collar and comfortable heel, traditional laces
—
Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Hoka Challenger 8 vs Mizuno Wave Daichi 9 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
Mizuno Wave Daichi 956

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
Mizuno Wave Daichi 966
  • Cushioning29/40
  • Lightness12/35
  • Smooth roll25/25

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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Mizuno Wave Daichi 9

Have you used the Mizuno Wave Daichi 9 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

Mizuno Wave Daichi 9

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Hoka Challenger 8 and Mizuno Wave Daichi 9 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Hoka Challenger 8
Mizuno Wave Daichi 9

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 Mizuno Wave Daichi 9 and our AI will answer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Hoka Challenger 8 vs Mizuno Wave Daichi 9?

For value comparison: The Hoka Challenger 8 ($150) provides premium features compared to the Mizuno Wave Daichi 9 ($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 Mizuno Wave Daichi 9?

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 Mizuno Wave Daichi 9 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Hoka, Mizuno and more.

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