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UOG TOP PICK: An upgraded all-terrain running shoe that excels for both runners and hikers on mountainsides or the road, these rugged trail runners incorporate a GORE-TEX membrane to help keep your feet dry and a thick midsole to keep you comfortable mile after mile, a top trail running pick.
Hoka says:
Rain or shine. Street to summit.
Built at the intersection of road and trail, the Challenger 7 GTX has been completely reimagined from the ground up. Combining a simplified mesh upper with a soft new foam, we’ve increased the stack height for a plusher feel and added GORE-TEX INVISIBLE FIT with recycled content product technology for enhanced protection in inclement weather. Inspired by gravel tires, we’ve cued up smaller, tightly spaced lugs in center and larger, more aggressive lugs at the perimeter designed for improved traction on uneven terrain.
Our Verdict
“Road tested and trail approved” I can attests to this, having used these on a mammoth 100-mile trek that had a variety of terrain, including a lot of road walking; these robust trail runners offer a stout amount of cushioning, and grip, thanks to the foam midsole, which is brilliant at absorbing impacts, and 5mm lugs that give good traction on a wide variety of surfaces.
These work well not just on various surfaces but in a variety of weather. They grip well on mud; snow melt, ascending and descending. The gusset tongue ( a tongue attached to the shoe, not just the base of the tongue) helps keep detritus and prevents water from getting into the shoe. The toe box is reinforced; the shoe offers much more protection, especially from underfoot.
The upper of the shoe has been improved (from the Challenger 6’s), the lacing is more secure, and my foot doesn’t slip out of the heel box as often (also, they look much better).
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
Upper
- Engineered mesh
- GORE-TEX Invisible Fit with 70% recycled polyester face fabric
- Laces with 70% recycled nylon and 30% recycled polyester (excluding aglet)
Midsole
- CMEVA
Outsole
- 4mm lugs
- Durabrasion Rubber
Specifications
- Weight per UK6 shoe: 216g
- Heel to toe drop: 5mm
- Heel: mm
- Forefoot: mm
- Best for: All Terrain Running, Trail Running
- Stability: Neutral
- Cushion: Plush
