%20skewX(-12)%22%20fill%3D%22none%22%20stroke%3D%22%23000000%22%20stroke-width%3D%228.5%22%20stroke-linecap%3D%22square%22%20stroke-linejoin%3D%22round%22%3E%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M27%2059%20L37%2083%20L47%2059%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M77%2055%20L63.5%2055%20Q60%2055%2060%2058.5%20L60%2063.5%20Q60%2067%2063.5%2067%20L73.5%2067%20Q77%2067%2077%2070.5%20L77%2075.5%20Q77%2079%2073.5%2079%20L59%2079%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%3C%2Fg%3E%0A%20%20%20%20%3C%2Fmask%3E%0A%20%20%3C%2Fdefs%3E%0A%20%20%3Cg%20clip-path%3D%22url(%23tile)%22%3E%0A%20%20%20%20%3Crect%20width%3D%22100%22%20height%3D%22100%22%20fill%3D%22none%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%20%20%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M-34%20104%20L16%2055%20L50%2025%20L70%2047%20L81%2043%20L90%2043%20L140%20104%20Z%22%20fill%3D%22%23ffffff%22%20stroke%3D%22%23ffffff%22%20stroke-width%3D%228%22%20stroke-linejoin%3D%22round%22%20mask%3D%22url(%23vs)%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3C%2Fg%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E%0A){kind=small}
Hoka Challenger 8
€149.95
The better pick if you want:
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
€159.95
The better pick if you want:
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
New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9· leads in 1
Tied
Cushioning
Lightness
Grip
Drophigher isn't better or worse
Affordability
Compare features between Hoka Challenger 8 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9
How Hoka Challenger 8 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 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 ground | Average | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoka Challenger 8 | 55 | ||||||
| New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 | 60 |
Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.
A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.
Help the community by answering
Help the community by answering
Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.
See the differences between Hoka Challenger 8 and New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 in a side-by-side slider comparison.
Answers based on product data and key differences.
Can't find what you're looking for? Ask anything about Hoka Challenger 8 vs New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 and our AI will answer.
For value comparison: The Hoka Challenger 8 ($150) offers better affordability compared to the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 ($160). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.
Both came out in 2025.
Closest in price, with what each one does better.
Salomon
Better than Hoka Challenger 8 at:
Compare Hoka Challenger 8 or New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Hoka, New Balance and more.
