HOKA Challenger ATR

Following its line of maximalist footwear, Hoka One One launches its Hoka One One Challenger ATR running shoes, which thanks to its denser midsole, offer a smooth ride on uneven surfaces, with a high level of cushioning, light weight and excellent grip.

These shoes maintain a very similar style in construction to the Clifton, an edition of Hoka One One that won the preference of many users. However, this new shoe has been endowed with some optimizations that promise to improve the runner's performance regardless of the demands to which the shoe is subjected.

Optimized design

At first glance the Challenger ATR seems to maintain the same design features as other editions of Hoka One One, mainly the Clifton, however, it is noteworthy that for this version, the company has used a thicker material in the upper, which while adding a bit more weight to the shoe, still keeps it light enough to the foot to promote ease of movement, but adding durability to the shoe overall.

The mesh placed on the upper retains its breathability and comfort characteristics that not only keep the foot cool, but also protected no matter what conditions the run takes place in.

The shoe is quite roomy, so runners with a wider foot can feel really comfortable with the fit of the Hoka One One Challenger ATR; there is enough room for the toes and a reinforcement has been placed in the area that keeps this section of the foot secure on uneven terrain. Runners with a narrower foot may need half a size smaller than usual.

Firmer midsole

For the midsole construction, the company has replaced the CMEVA foam used in most of its shoes, and opted to go back to traditional EVA foam, which has given this shoe a firmer and more durable construction, but without losing the softness that characterizes maximalist footwear.

This midsole is a perfect compromise between cushioning and flexibility. The shoe will be able to provide a more responsive ride over uneven terrain without restricting the natural movement of the foot, while still providing an extremely soft feel.

flexible and durable outsole

A shoe that offers such good responsiveness on uneven terrain needs an outsole that provides optimal grip, durability and flexibility; this is achieved thanks to the rubber that the company has chosen for the soles of the Hoka One One Challenger ATR.

An exposed EVA foam can be found in the center of the outsole, which has a higher density than the one used in the midsole, to ensure durability. The rest of the outsole is made of rubber with 4-millimeter lugs that extend across the entire surface. The pattern chosen for the lugs is aggressive, which can be noticed in the grip the shoes have regardless of the terrain conditions.

This edition of Hoka One One running shoes offer a smooth and efficient experience on uneven terrain, while retaining the structure and responsiveness that the most demanding runners demand.