Hoka Challenger 8
Kiprun Kipclimb Max
Quick verdict
Hoka Challenger 8
€149.95
The better pick if you want:
- A higher overall score (93 vs 78)
- More video reviews to check (5 vs 3)
- A lighter option (40 g less)
- More cushioning (44 vs 34 mm heel stack)
Kiprun Kipclimb Max
£149.99
The better pick if you want:
- A lower drop (4 vs 7 mm)
- Deeper lugs for grip (5 vs 4 mm)
Spec profile
Each axis ranks against the 173 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
Kiprun Kipclimb Max· leads in 2
Cushioning
44 mmTop 1%34 mmLightness
275 gTop 31%315 gGrip
4 mmTop 50%5 mmTop 13%Drophigher isn't better or worse
7 mm4 mmAffordability
$150Top 38%$150Top 32%
Technical Specifications
Compare features between Hoka Challenger 8 vs Kiprun Kipclimb Max
Essentials
Overview
Cushioning
Grip & protection
Upper & fit
On the terrain
How Hoka Challenger 8 vs Kiprun Kipclimb Max 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 | ||||||
| Kiprun Kipclimb Max | 58 |
FlatPacked, runnable trail
Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.
- Cushioning40/40
- Lightness20/35
- Smooth roll25/25
- Cushioning29/40
- Lightness9/35
- Smooth roll17/25
A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.
Have you used the Hoka Challenger 8 before?
Help the community by answering
Have you used the Kiprun Kipclimb Max before?
Help the community by answering
Video Reviews
Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.
Hoka Challenger 8
Kiprun Kipclimb Max
Visual Comparison
See the differences between Hoka Challenger 8 and Kiprun Kipclimb Max in a side-by-side slider comparison.
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 Kiprun Kipclimb Max and our AI will answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which offers better value: Hoka Challenger 8 vs Kiprun Kipclimb Max?
For value comparison: The Hoka Challenger 8 ($150) provides premium features compared to the Kiprun Kipclimb Max ($149.99). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.
Which is newer, the Hoka Challenger 8 or the Kiprun Kipclimb Max?
The Kiprun Kipclimb Max 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.
Salomon
Better than Hoka Challenger 8 at:
- Deeper lugs for grip (4.5 vs 4 mm)
