Hoka - Challenger 7

The Hoka Challenger is a really good door-to-trail shoe.

The foam on the zegama 2 is more comfortable for me for long efforts than the challenger. My feet get sore in the challengers a lot faster than the zegama.

I swear by the hoka challenger. I know some folks who only do trails prefer the speedgoats. I’d say go to a shoe store and get fitted up and see what you like.

I had to return my ATR Challenger 7s the other day after 2 months (250ish km) because the glue holding the grippy bits on was failing. I got another pair to see if I was just unlucky, but we’ll see… they’re so comfy but I’m not sold on the longevity/quality.

Hoka challengers or adidas terrex for dry days, Salomon quest 4 gore tex for wet/muddy/snowy days

I have tried ASICS Gel Nimbus TR and Hoka Challenger. ASICS is way more comfy esp on the road, but has slightly worse grip on the trails. Challenger looks much better imo, so I like using it as a travel do-it-all shoe, but for road to trail runs I’d pick the ASICS every time.

I went back to hoka, using the challenger 7 atm. To be honest all my issues went away when I really pulled the laces apart and wore them super loose 

Thanks for your perspective. My boots are Merrells and my trail shoes are Hoka Challengers. I just did Baldy in the Challengers so I’m sure they’d be comfortable enough for Catalina. Just wondering mostly if the additional backpacking weight would necessitate sturdier footwear.

First, there is nothing that wrong with using road shoes on trails. 25 years ago there was no such thing as trail running shoes and people did fine. If you do want specific shoes and like Hoka then: Hoka Challenger if they are smooth trails or mixed road trails. Hoka Torrents if they are rougher trails.