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  1. Shoes
  2. Hoka Challenger 8 vs Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Hoka Challenger 8 vs Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Hoka Challenger 8

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95
Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

€149.95

Quick verdict

Hoka Challenger 8

€149.95

The better pick if you want:

  • A higher overall score (93 vs 90)
  • More cushioning (44 vs 39 mm heel stack)

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

€149.95

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 1

Cushioning

Salomon Ultra Glide 4· leads in none

Tied

LightnessGripAffordability
  • Cushioning

    44 mmTop 1%
    39 mmTop 13%
  • Lightness

    275 gTop 31%
    275 gTop 31%
  • Grip

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

    7 mm
    6 mm
  • Affordability

    $150Top 38%
    $150Top 38%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Hoka Challenger 8 vs Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Best value in this comparison
Feature
Hoka Challenger 8€149.95Salomon Ultra Glide 4€149.95

Essentials

€149.95
€149.95
July 2025
2026
275 g
275 g

Overview

Trail & Road Running Shoe
Trail Running Shoe
Mixed terrain: road, gravel, light trail
Mixed trails and long distances
Road-to-trail running, everyday training, light hiking
Long-distance trail running and ultras

Cushioning

7 mm
6 mm
44 mm
39 mm
37 mm
33 mm
Compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) foam for lightweight, plush cushioning
optiFOAM cushioning with relieveSPHERE geometry
High stack cushioning for long runs and varied surfaces
Maximum cushioning for endurance trail runs

Grip & protection

Durabrasion rubber with 4 mm multi-directional lugs
All Terrain Contagrip® rubber with ~4 mm lugs
Reinforced toe cap for abrasion resistance
High foot protection for long runs
Multi-directional 4 mm lugs for grip on both road and trail
All Terrain Contagrip® for grip on mixed trails

Upper & fit

100% recycled rPET engineered mesh for breathability
Engineered mesh with integrated reinforcements
—
OrthoLite® 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 Ultra Glide 4 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 Ultra Glide 456

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 Ultra Glide 483
  • Cushioning38/40
  • Lightness20/35
  • 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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Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Have you used the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 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

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Hoka Challenger 8 and Salomon Ultra Glide 4 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Hoka Challenger 8
Salomon Ultra Glide 4

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 Salomon Ultra Glide 4 and our AI will answer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Hoka Challenger 8 vs Salomon Ultra Glide 4?

For value comparison: The Hoka Challenger 8 ($150) provides premium features compared to the Salomon Ultra Glide 4 ($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 Ultra Glide 4?

The Salomon Ultra Glide 4 is newer: it came out in 2026, and the Hoka Challenger 8 in July 2025.

Looking for alternatives to Hoka Challenger 8?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives
1Kiprun Kipsummit Max
Kiprun Kipsummit Max

Kiprun

$150Score 86−7
Compare with Hoka Challenger 8
2Salomon 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
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 Ultra Glide 4 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Hoka, Salomon and more.

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Salomon S/Lab Genesis 2
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