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  1. Shoes
  2. Hoka Challenger 8 vs Salomon Genesis

Hoka Challenger 8 vs Salomon Genesis

Hoka Challenger 8

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95
Salomon Genesis

Salomon Genesis

€150

Quick verdict

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95

The better pick if you want:

  • A higher overall score (93 vs 85)
  • More cushioning (44 vs 33 mm heel stack)

Salomon Genesis

€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 1

Cushioning

Salomon Genesis· leads in 1

Grip

Tied

LightnessAffordability
  • Cushioning

    44 mmTop 1%
    33 mm
  • Lightness

    275 gTop 31%
    275 gTop 31%
  • Grip

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

    7 mm
    8 mm
  • Affordability

    $150Top 38%
    $150Top 38%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Hoka Challenger 8 vs Salomon Genesis

Best value in this comparison
Feature
Hoka Challenger 8€149.95Salomon Genesis€150

Essentials

€149.95
€150
July 2025
2024
275 g
275 g

Overview

Trail & Road Running Shoe
Trail Running Shoe
Mixed terrain: road, gravel, light trail
Technical, mixed terrain and rocky paths
Road-to-trail running, everyday training, light hiking
Technical trail running and everyday mountain training

Cushioning

7 mm
8 mm
44 mm
33 mm
37 mm
25 mm
Compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) foam for lightweight, plush cushioning
Energy Foam cushioning with Active Chassis™ support
High stack cushioning for long runs and varied surfaces
Moderate cushioning with dynamic support

Grip & protection

Durabrasion rubber with 4 mm multi-directional lugs
All Terrain Contagrip® rubber with 4.5 mm lugs
Reinforced toe cap for abrasion resistance
High foot protection for rocks and obstacles
Multi-directional 4 mm lugs for grip on both road and trail
All Terrain Contagrip® lugs for grip on mixed and rocky ground

Upper & fit

100% recycled rPET engineered mesh for breathability
Matryx® durable textile with breathability and abrasion resistance
—
Standard trail sockliner
Plush collar and comfortable heel, traditional laces
Quicklace™ lacing, neutral support, regular width
Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Hoka Challenger 8 vs Salomon Genesis 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
Salomon Genesis60

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
Salomon Genesis68
  • Cushioning27/40
  • Lightness20/35
  • Smooth roll21/25

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

Hoka Challenger 8

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Salomon Genesis

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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

Salomon Genesis

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Hoka Challenger 8 and Salomon Genesis in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Hoka Challenger 8
Salomon Genesis

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

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Can't find what you're looking for? Ask anything about Hoka Challenger 8 vs Salomon Genesis and our AI will answer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Hoka Challenger 8 vs Salomon Genesis?

For value comparison: The Hoka Challenger 8 ($150) provides premium features compared to the Salomon Genesis ($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 Salomon Genesis?

The Hoka Challenger 8 is newer: it came out in July 2025, and the Salomon Genesis 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
3INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2
INOV-8 Mudtalon Speed V2

INOV-8

$150Score 85−8

Better than Hoka Challenger 8 at:

  • A lighter option (9 g less)
  • A lower drop (4 vs 7 mm)
  • Deeper lugs for grip (8 vs 4 mm)
Compare with Hoka Challenger 8

Popular Comparisons

Compare Hoka Challenger 8 or Salomon Genesis with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Hoka, Salomon and more.

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