With a wider forefoot and more durable upper, the Hoka One One Challenger ATR 4 are a huge improvement over the Challenger ATR 3. It is a great hybrid trail running shoe.
Background
While I was a fan of the Challenger ATR 3 (the previous model of the Challenger ATR), I would not recommend them. When I first got Challenger ATR 3, the forefoot was too narrow. They were not comfortable to run anything longer than a marathon. After about 80 miles running in them, the sides split and blew out. For me, the blowouts actually improved the shoe. They became incredibly comfortable to run in and I could easily take them on longer distances. Unfortunately, more parts of the shoe split and the blowouts became bigger. This lead to a lot of pebbles, sand, and debris getting inside the shoe. When the Challenger ATR 4 came out, I was very skeptical.
Testing
I have run about 150 miles in the Hoka Challenger ATR 4, including the last 102 miles of a 202 mile race I ran. None of the trails I have taken them on have been technical; they have mainly consisted of fire roads, sandy paths, crushed rock, and concrete. I have run in them in a variety of weather conditions including cold, hot, wet, and rain.
Results
- Pros
- Comfort: Challenger ATR 4 is a comfortable shoe. While the forefoot is not as wide as other shoes on the market, it felt just right to me. They are roomier than the Challenger ATR 3.
- Cushion: When it comes to Hoka shoes, I am looking for a well cushioned shoe. The Challenger ATR 4 are exactly that, well cushioned. They have a good rebound and don’t feel as soft as the Hoka Speedgoat 2.
- Improved Uppers: The uppers on the Challenger ATR 4 are a huge improvement over the previous model. The upper appears to be a single piece of material, eliminating the seams where my ATR 3s split. The material also feels more durable, lighter, and is significantly more breathable. In the rain and wet, they drain extremely well.
- Cons
- Not for Technical Trails: Much like the ATR 3s, I would not recommend taking these on technical trails. The Challenger ATR 4 is a hybrid trail shoe. They are good for fire roads, crushed rock trails, and roads (in limited quantity). The lugs are not very aggressive and the height of the soles may feel unstable on technical trails.
Final Thoughts
I had real mixed feelings on the Hoka Challenger ATR 3. There were things I loved, but they always felt like they were one run away from falling apart. The Challenger ATR 4 is a huge improvement over the ATR 3. They are my go-to shoe for hybrid trails and runs – perfect for running from my front door to a crushed rock trail.
If you live in the Austin, TX area, the Challenger ATR 4 is fantastic for Town Lake and Brushy Creek trails.