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  1. Shoes
  2. Hoka Challenger 8 vs Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Hoka Challenger 8 vs Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Hoka Challenger 8

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95
Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

$140

Quick verdict

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95

The better pick if you want:

  • A higher overall score (93 vs 72)
  • A lighter option (25 g less)
  • More cushioning (44 vs 37 mm heel stack)
  • A lower drop (7 vs 9.5 mm)
  • Deeper lugs for grip (4 vs 3.5 mm)

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

$140

The better pick if you want:

  • To spend $10 less
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 3

CushioningLightnessGrip

Nike Pegasus Trail 5· leads in 1

Affordability
  • Cushioning

    44 mmTop 1%
    37 mmTop 29%
  • Lightness

    275 gTop 31%
    300 g
  • Grip

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

    7 mm
    9.5 mm
  • Affordability

    $150Top 38%
    $140Top 26%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Hoka Challenger 8 vs Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Best value in this comparison
Feature
Hoka Challenger 8€149.95Nike Pegasus Trail 5$140

Essentials

€149.95
$140
July 2025
2024
275 g
300 g

Overview

Trail & Road Running Shoe
Trail Running Shoe
Mixed terrain: road, gravel, light trail
road to less technical trails
Road-to-trail running, everyday training, light hiking
Trail running, hiking, mixed surface runs

Cushioning

7 mm
9.5 mm
44 mm
37 mm
37 mm
27.5 mm
Compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) foam for lightweight, plush cushioning
ReactX foam midsole for responsive cushioning
High stack cushioning for long runs and varied surfaces
Responsive cushioning and breathable upper

Grip & protection

Durabrasion rubber with 4 mm multi-directional lugs
Nike Trail All Terrain Compound (ATC) rubber for enhanced grip and abrasion resistance
Reinforced toe cap for abrasion resistance
Durable mesh upper and secure midfoot wrap
Multi-directional 4 mm lugs for grip on both road and trail
ATC rubber outsole optimized for wet and varied terrain

Upper & fit

100% recycled rPET engineered mesh for breathability
Engineered mesh with open zones for breathability and abrasion resistance
Plush collar and comfortable heel, traditional laces
Traditional lacing with Flywire midfoot support
Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Hoka Challenger 8 vs Nike Pegasus Trail 5 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
Nike Pegasus Trail 547

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
Nike Pegasus Trail 573
  • Cushioning35/40
  • Lightness13/35
  • Smooth roll25/25

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

Hoka Challenger 8

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Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Have you used the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 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

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Hoka Challenger 8 and Nike Pegasus Trail 5 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Hoka Challenger 8
Nike Pegasus Trail 5

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 Nike Pegasus Trail 5 and our AI will answer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Hoka Challenger 8 vs Nike Pegasus Trail 5?

For value comparison: The Hoka Challenger 8 ($150) provides premium features compared to the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 ($140). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Which is newer, the Hoka Challenger 8 or the Nike Pegasus Trail 5?

The Hoka Challenger 8 is newer: it came out in July 2025, and the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 in 2024.

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 Nike Pegasus Trail 5 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Hoka, Nike and more.

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